JACKSON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a rural Kansas house fire. Just after 2:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house fire in the 8000 block of 254th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

  The Holton, Netawaka and Soldier Fire Departments and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. 

The residence appeared to be a total loss. No injuries were reported. The Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the investigation as to the cause of the fire.

JACKSON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a rural Kansas house fire. Just after 2:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house fire in the 8000 block of 254th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The Holton, Netawaka and Soldier Fire Departments and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. The residence appeared to be a total loss. No injuries were reported. The Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the investigation as to the cause of the fire.

Sheriff: Rural Kansas home destroyed in fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden’s former business partner insisted in testimony to Congress Monday that President Joe Biden was never directly involved in their financial dealings, though Hunter would often put his famous father on speakerphone to impress clients and business associates.

The Republican-led House Oversight Committee conducted a more than-five hour interview with Devon Archer as part of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-whistleblowers-oversight-joe-biden-1db3aadcdf7f544c16df681a25853827" target="_blank">expanding congressional inquiry</a>&nbsp;into the Biden family businesses as the GOP explores a potential impeachment inquiry into the president.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers inside the closed-door interview said Archer testified that over the span of 10 years, Hunter Biden put his father on the phone around 20 times while in the company of associates but “never once spoke about any business dealings.”

New York Rep. Dan Goldman, who was representing Democrats inside the room, told reporters after the interview that Archer testified that Hunter sold the “illusion of access” to his father by taking credit for things his father did as vice president that he had no part in.

But Rep. Andy Biggs, a Republican member of the Oversight Committee, came out of the interview saying that testimony implicated the president directly. “I think we should do an impeachment inquiry,” the Arizona lawmaker told reporters.

Biggs, reading from his notes, said Archer testified that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-europe-business-c49555d51eb243e09a42f7577fc5937f" target="_blank">Ukrainian gas company “Burisma</a>&nbsp;would have gone out of business sooner if the Biden brand had not been invoked. People would be intimidated to legally mess with Burisma because of the Biden family brand.”

Focusing on that idea, Rep. James Comer, the GOP chairman of the Oversight Committee, said in a statement late Monday that “Joe Biden was ‘the brand’ that his son sold around the world to enrich the Biden family.”

“We are aware that all sides are claiming victory following Mr. Archer’s voluntary interview today,” Archer’s attorney, Matthew Schwartz, said in a statement. “But all Devon Archer did was exactly what we said he would: Show up and answer the questions put to him honestly and completely.”

He added, “Mr. Archer shared the truth with the committee, and we will leave to them and others to decide what to do with it.”

The White House saw the testimony as a falling short of House Republicans promise to deliver “bombshell evidence.”

“It appears that the House Republicans’ own much-hyped witness today testified that he never heard of President Biden discussing business with his son or his son’s associates, or doing anything wrong,” Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement.

Archer, who served with Hunter Biden on the board of Burisma, has long been seen by Republicans as a key witness in their search to directly connect the president to his son’s various international business transactions.

Comer had issued a subpoena to Archer in June, saying he “played a significant role in the Biden family’s business deals abroad, including but not limited to China, Russia, and Ukraine.” He said Archer’s testimony would be critical to the committee’s investigation.

Republicans have focused much attention on an unverified tip to the FBI that alleged a bribery scheme involving Joe Biden when he was vice president. The claim, which first emerged in 2019, was that Biden pressured Ukraine to fire its top prosecutor in order to stop an investigation into Burisma, the oil-and-gas company where Hunter Biden was on the board.

Democrats on the committee, including Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking minority member, have reiterated that the Justice Department investigated the Burisma claim when Donald Trump was president and closed the matter after eight months, finding “insufficient evidence” that it was true. Democrats have also highlighted&nbsp;<a href="https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/VPanswersJuly7th2019.pdf" target="_blank">the transcript of an interview</a>&nbsp;with Mykola Zlochevsky, Burisma’s co-founder, in which he denied having any contact with Joe Biden while Hunter Biden worked for the company.

“Mr. Zlochevsky’s statements are just one of the many that have debunked the corruption allegations,” Raskin said.

On top of his relationship with Hunter Biden, who is currently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-congress-republicans-investigation-ad80b195c8c0f48241740881cf9b9bce" target="_blank">facing federal tax charges</a>, Archer has his own legal troubles stemming from a 2018 felony conviction for his role in a conspiracy to defraud a Native American tribe. That conviction was overturned later that year, but the court of appeals in New York reinstated it in 2020. His sentencing in the case has been repeatedly delayed by appeals.

Archer’s appearance before lawmakers had been scheduled and canceled several times since June. Republicans suggested it was about to be delayed again after the Justice Department over the weekend asked a judge to schedule a date for Archer to surrender to prison and begin serving out his one-year sentence in the unrelated fraud case.

Republicans — led by Comer — criticized that delay, calling it an effort by the Justice Department to intimidate a witness. But the Justice Department in a follow-up memo to the court noted Archer’s surrender was not imminent and asked a judge to ensure that he testified to Congress before reporting to prison.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden’s former business partner insisted in testimony to Congress Monday that President Joe Biden was never directly involved in their financial dealings, though Hunter would often put his famous father on speakerphone to impress clients and business associates.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From Sunday, President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the beach. <a href="https://t.co/2RNK2fuTxJ">pic.twitter.com/2RNK2fuTxJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1686032175836086272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Republican-led House Oversight Committee conducted a more than-five hour interview with Devon Archer as part of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-whistleblowers-oversight-joe-biden-1db3aadcdf7f544c16df681a25853827" target="_blank">expanding congressional inquiry</a>&nbsp;into the Biden family businesses as the GOP explores a potential impeachment inquiry into the president.Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers inside the closed-door interview said Archer testified that over the span of 10 years, Hunter Biden put his father on the phone around 20 times while in the company of associates but “never once spoke about any business dealings.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepDanGoldman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepDanGoldman</a>: &quot;There still is no connection of any of Hunter Biden&#39;s business dealings with President Biden...Hunter may have put his father on the phone with any number of different people. They never once spoke about any business dealings...It was all casual conversation.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/uzCKa8gPYM">pic.twitter.com/uzCKa8gPYM</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1686090564587106304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>New York Rep. Dan Goldman, who was representing Democrats inside the room, told reporters after the interview that Archer testified that Hunter sold the “illusion of access” to his father by taking credit for things his father did as vice president that he had no part in.But Rep. Andy Biggs, a Republican member of the Oversight Committee, came out of the interview saying that testimony implicated the president directly. “I think we should do an impeachment inquiry,” the Arizona lawmaker told reporters.Biggs, reading from his notes, said Archer testified that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-europe-business-c49555d51eb243e09a42f7577fc5937f" target="_blank">Ukrainian gas company “Burisma</a>&nbsp;would have gone out of business sooner if the Biden brand had not been invoked. People would be intimidated to legally mess with Burisma because of the Biden family brand.”Focusing on that idea, Rep. James Comer, the GOP chairman of the Oversight Committee, said in a statement late Monday that “Joe Biden was ‘the brand’ that his son sold around the world to enrich the Biden family.”“We are aware that all sides are claiming victory following Mr. Archer’s voluntary interview today,” Archer’s attorney, Matthew Schwartz, said in a statement. “But all Devon Archer did was exactly what we said he would: Show up and answer the questions put to him honestly and completely.”He added, “Mr. Archer shared the truth with the committee, and we will leave to them and others to decide what to do with it.”The White House saw the testimony as a falling short of House Republicans promise to deliver “bombshell evidence.”“It appears that the House Republicans’ own much-hyped witness today testified that he never heard of President Biden discussing business with his son or his son’s associates, or doing anything wrong,” Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement.Archer, who served with Hunter Biden on the board of Burisma, has long been seen by Republicans as a key witness in their search to directly connect the president to his son’s various international business transactions.Comer had issued a subpoena to Archer in June, saying he “played a significant role in the Biden family’s business deals abroad, including but not limited to China, Russia, and Ukraine.” He said Archer’s testimony would be critical to the committee’s investigation.ADVERTISEMENTRepublicans have focused much attention on an unverified tip to the FBI that alleged a bribery scheme involving Joe Biden when he was vice president. The claim, which first emerged in 2019, was that Biden pressured Ukraine to fire its top prosecutor in order to stop an investigation into Burisma, the oil-and-gas company where Hunter Biden was on the board.Democrats on the committee, including Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking minority member, have reiterated that the Justice Department investigated the Burisma claim when Donald Trump was president and closed the matter after eight months, finding “insufficient evidence” that it was true. Democrats have also highlighted&nbsp;<a href="https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/VPanswersJuly7th2019.pdf" target="_blank">the transcript of an interview</a>&nbsp;with Mykola Zlochevsky, Burisma’s co-founder, in which he denied having any contact with Joe Biden while Hunter Biden worked for the company.“Mr. Zlochevsky’s statements are just one of the many that have debunked the corruption allegations,” Raskin said.On top of his relationship with Hunter Biden, who is currently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-congress-republicans-investigation-ad80b195c8c0f48241740881cf9b9bce" target="_blank">facing federal tax charges</a>, Archer has his own legal troubles stemming from a 2018 felony conviction for his role in a conspiracy to defraud a Native American tribe. That conviction was overturned later that year, but the court of appeals in New York reinstated it in 2020. His sentencing in the case has been repeatedly delayed by appeals.Archer’s appearance before lawmakers had been scheduled and canceled several times since June. Republicans suggested it was about to be delayed again after the Justice Department over the weekend asked a judge to schedule a date for Archer to surrender to prison and begin serving out his one-year sentence in the unrelated fraud case.Republicans — led by Comer — criticized that delay, calling it an effort by the Justice Department to intimidate a witness. But the Justice Department in a follow-up memo to the court noted Archer’s surrender was not imminent and asked a judge to ensure that he testified to Congress before reporting to prison.

Business partner to Congress: Hunter Biden sold ‘illusion of access’ to his father

KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City woman to 20 years in prison after she was convicted for severely beating two children while the children were in her care in a Kansas City home, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

In March, a Jackson County jury convicted 41-year-old&nbsp; Nancy Russell of four Class B felonies of Domestic Assault 1st Degree and four counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

According to court records, in October 2017, police in Kansas City were alerted by Arkansas police of possible child abuse. A family member had come forward to say that one of the children had been abused at a home in Kansas City in the area of 53rd and Hardesty.

 The child was reportedly walking with a limp and had gashes on the head. Forensic interviews in Arkansas disclosed the defendant struck the child with a cord and metal pipe.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678322605798.png" alt="Russell-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Russell-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City woman to 20 years in prison after she was convicted for severely beating two children while the children were in her care in a Kansas City home, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.In March, a Jackson County jury convicted 41-year-old&nbsp; Nancy Russell of four Class B felonies of Domestic Assault 1st Degree and four counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;According to court records, in October 2017, police in Kansas City were alerted by Arkansas police of possible child abuse. A family member had come forward to say that one of the children had been abused at a home in Kansas City in the area of 53rd and Hardesty. The child was reportedly walking with a limp and had gashes on the head. Forensic interviews in Arkansas disclosed the defendant struck the child with a cord and metal pipe.&nbsp;

Kansas City woman sentenced for beating child with a metal pipe 

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas are alerting parents to a dangerous game with possible unintended consequences.

According to police in Abilene and Salina, for several years now, local high school students have been engaging in a hide and seek style game referred to as "Fugitive."

The "Fugitive" game is played after dark and requires one group of players to reach a pre-determined location before being located by another group of players. 

Individuals playing "Fugitive" commonly run down alleyways and through privately owned property as a means of reaching the pre-determined location.

It has been brought to our attention that activities related to "Fugitive" have now escalated to violence, to include organized fighting. These fights have already resulted in injuries and will likely result in criminal charges for involved parties. 

Police&nbsp; encouraged parents to speak with your kids about the potential dangers involved in participating in the "Fugitive" game.

 While participating may appear harmless, the game can have unintended consequences.For further information one can do an internet search for the "Fugitive" game, and parents can learn additional facts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690830914962.png" alt="Individuals playing "Fugitive" commonly run down alleyways and through privately owned property as a means of reaching the pre-determined location.-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Individuals playing "Fugitive" commonly run down alleyways and through privately owned property as a means of reaching the pre-determined location.-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas are alerting parents to a dangerous game with possible unintended consequences.According to police in Abilene and Salina, for several years now, local high school students have been engaging in a hide and seek style game referred to as "Fugitive."The "Fugitive" game is played after dark and requires one group of players to reach a pre-determined location before being located by another group of players. Individuals playing "Fugitive" commonly run down alleyways and through privately owned property as a means of reaching the pre-determined location.It has been brought to our attention that activities related to "Fugitive" have now escalated to violence, to include organized fighting. These fights have already resulted in injuries and will likely result in criminal charges for involved parties. Police&nbsp; encouraged parents to speak with your kids about the potential dangers involved in participating in the "Fugitive" game. While participating may appear harmless, the game can have unintended consequences.For further information one can do an internet search for the "Fugitive" game, and parents can learn additional facts.

Police in Kansas alert parents to dangers of "Fugitive" game

KANSAS CITY Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said Monday that the state will proceed with this week's planned execution of a man who abducted and killed a 6-year-old girl nearly two decades ago, though the man's attorneys are still pressing claims he is mentally incompetent.

Johnny Johnson, 45, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection Tuesday evening for the July 26, 2022, fatal beating of Casey Williamson in her St. Louis County hometown of Valley Park.

Johnson's attorneys have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the execution. They also asked that Parson grant clemency — reducing Johnson's sentence to life in prison — while asserting that Johnson's mental illness has left him incapable of understanding the connection between his actions and his execution.

Parson denied the clemency request. He noted that a variety of courts — including the original trial judge and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/execution-schizophrenia-missouri-johnson-a86269e6868acc0618ac1bb73ff794a6">8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;just days ago — have thus far rejected Johnson's incompetency claims.

“Johnny Johnson’s crime is one of the most horrific murders that has come across my desk,” Parson said in a statement. “Casey was an innocent young girl who bravely fought Johnson until he took her life."

Parson, a former sheriff, said he received “countless letters in the last few weeks seeking justice for Casey” and hopes that carrying out the execution “may provide some closure for Casey's loved ones.”

In a clemency petition, Johnson's attorneys said that Casey's father, Ernie Williamson, opposes the death penalty.

But other relatives urged the governor to let the execution go forward.

Casey's great aunt, Della Steele, sent a message to Parson emphasizing that Johnson could have turned back at any point but instead chose to abduct, assault and kill Casey and then literally covered up his crime. The grief from Casey's death led to destructive events in the lives of other family members, she wrote in the message, which she shared with The Associated Press.

“Please stand strong beside Casey,” Steele wrote. “Remove this threat from our presence. Send the message that it is not okay to terrorize and murder a child.”

Casey's mother had been best friends in childhood with Johnson's older sister and had even helped babysit him. When Johnson showed up at a barbecue, Casey's family let him sleep on a couch in the same house where they were spending the night.

In the morning, however, Johnson lured the girl out of the home to an abandoned glass factory, even carrying her on his shoulders on the walk. When he tried to sexually assault her, Casey screamed and tried to break free, according to court documents. He killed her with a brick and a large rock, then washed off in the nearby Meramec River. Johnson confessed to the crimes that same day.

After a search involving first responders and volunteers, Casey’s body was found in a pit not too far from her home, buried beneath rocks and debris.

At Johnson’s trial, defense lawyers presented testimony showing that he had stopped taking his schizophrenia medication and was acting strangely in the days before the slaying.

Johnson would be the fourth person executed this year in Missouri, and the 16th nationally.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690408112630.png" alt="Johnson-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said Monday that the state will proceed with this week's planned execution of a man who abducted and killed a 6-year-old girl nearly two decades ago, though the man's attorneys are still pressing claims he is mentally incompetent.Johnny Johnson, 45, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection Tuesday evening for the July 26, 2022, fatal beating of Casey Williamson in her St. Louis County hometown of Valley Park.Johnson's attorneys have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the execution. They also asked that Parson grant clemency — reducing Johnson's sentence to life in prison — while asserting that Johnson's mental illness has left him incapable of understanding the connection between his actions and his execution.Parson denied the clemency request. He noted that a variety of courts — including the original trial judge and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/execution-schizophrenia-missouri-johnson-a86269e6868acc0618ac1bb73ff794a6">8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;just days ago — have thus far rejected Johnson's incompetency claims.“Johnny Johnson’s crime is one of the most horrific murders that has come across my desk,” Parson said in a statement. “Casey was an innocent young girl who bravely fought Johnson until he took her life."Parson, a former sheriff, said he received “countless letters in the last few weeks seeking justice for Casey” and hopes that carrying out the execution “may provide some closure for Casey's loved ones.”In a clemency petition, Johnson's attorneys said that Casey's father, Ernie Williamson, opposes the death penalty.But other relatives urged the governor to let the execution go forward.Casey's great aunt, Della Steele, sent a message to Parson emphasizing that Johnson could have turned back at any point but instead chose to abduct, assault and kill Casey and then literally covered up his crime. The grief from Casey's death led to destructive events in the lives of other family members, she wrote in the message, which she shared with The Associated Press.“Please stand strong beside Casey,” Steele wrote. “Remove this threat from our presence. Send the message that it is not okay to terrorize and murder a child.”Casey's mother had been best friends in childhood with Johnson's older sister and had even helped babysit him. When Johnson showed up at a barbecue, Casey's family let him sleep on a couch in the same house where they were spending the night.In the morning, however, Johnson lured the girl out of the home to an abandoned glass factory, even carrying her on his shoulders on the walk. When he tried to sexually assault her, Casey screamed and tried to break free, according to court documents. He killed her with a brick and a large rock, then washed off in the nearby Meramec River. Johnson confessed to the crimes that same day.After a search involving first responders and volunteers, Casey’s body was found in a pit not too far from her home, buried beneath rocks and debris.At Johnson’s trial, defense lawyers presented testimony showing that he had stopped taking his schizophrenia medication and was acting strangely in the days before the slaying.Johnson would be the fourth person executed this year in Missouri, and the 16th nationally.

Gov. rejects mercy plea from man to be executed for killing 6-year-old 

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Troubled trucking company Yellow Corp. is shutting down and filing for bankruptcy, the Teamsters said Monday.

An official backruptcy filing is expected any day for Yellow, after years of financial struggles and growing debt. Its impending liquidation marks a significant shift for the U.S. transportation industry and shippers nationwide.

“Today’s news is unfortunate but not surprising. Yellow has historically proven that it could not manage itself despite billions of dollars in worker concessions and hundreds of millions in bailout funding from the federal government. This is a sad day for workers and the American freight industry,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien.

The company's collapse arrives just three years after Yellow, formerly known as YRC Worldwide, Inc., received $700 million in pandemic-era loans from the federal government. But the company was in financial trouble long before that — with industry analysts pointing to poor management and strategic decisions dating back decades.

Former Yellow customers and shippers will face higher prices as they take their business to competitors, including FedEx or ABF Freight, experts say — noting that Yellow historically offered the cheapest price points in the industry.

Yellow is one of the nation’s largest less-than-truckload carriers. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company had 30,000 employees across the country as of earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690827382488.jpeg" alt="Yellow Corp. trucks are seen at a YRC Freight terminal Friday, July 28, 2023, in Kansas City. After years of financial struggles, Yellow is reportedly preparing for bankruptcy and seeing customers leave in large numbers — heightening risk for future liquidation. While no official decision has been announced by the company, the prospect of bankruptcy has renewed attention around Yellow's ongoing negotiations with unionized workers, a $700 million pandemic-era loan from the government and other bills the trucker has racked up over time. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Yellow Corp. trucks are seen at a YRC Freight terminal Friday, July 28, 2023, in Kansas City. After years of financial struggles, Yellow is reportedly preparing for bankruptcy and seeing customers leave in large numbers — heightening risk for future liquidation. While no official decision has been announced by the company, the prospect of bankruptcy has renewed attention around Yellow's ongoing negotiations with unionized workers, a $700 million pandemic-era loan from the government and other bills the trucker has racked up over time. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —Troubled trucking company Yellow Corp. is shutting down and filing for bankruptcy, the Teamsters said Monday.An official backruptcy filing is expected any day for Yellow, after years of financial struggles and growing debt. Its impending liquidation marks a significant shift for the U.S. transportation industry and shippers nationwide.“Today’s news is unfortunate but not surprising. Yellow has historically proven that it could not manage itself despite billions of dollars in worker concessions and hundreds of millions in bailout funding from the federal government. This is a sad day for workers and the American freight industry,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien.The company's collapse arrives just three years after Yellow, formerly known as YRC Worldwide, Inc., received $700 million in pandemic-era loans from the federal government. But the company was in financial trouble long before that — with industry analysts pointing to poor management and strategic decisions dating back decades.Former Yellow customers and shippers will face higher prices as they take their business to competitors, including FedEx or ABF Freight, experts say — noting that Yellow historically offered the cheapest price points in the industry.Yellow is one of the nation’s largest less-than-truckload carriers. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company had 30,000 employees across the country as of earlier this year.

U.S. trucking giant shuts down putting 30,000 out of work

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The nation's top health official implored states to do more to keep lower-income residents enrolled in Medicaid, as the Biden administration released figures Friday confirming that many who had health coverage during the coronavirus pandemic are now losing it.

Though a decline in Medicaid coverage was expected, health officials are raising concerns about the large numbers of people being dropped from the rolls for failing to return forms or follow procedures.

In 18 states that began a post-pandemic review of their Medicaid rolls in April, health coverage was continued for about 1 million recipients and terminated for 715,000. Of those dropped, 4 in 5 were for procedural reasons, according to newly released data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter Friday to all governors encouraging them to bolster efforts to retain people on Medicaid. He particularly encouraged them to use electronic information from other federal programs, such as food stamps, to automatically confirm people's eligibility for Medicaid. That would avert the need to mail and return documents.

“I am deeply concerned about high rates of procedural terminations due to ‘red tape’ and other paperwork issues,” Becerra told governors.

During the pandemic, states were prohibited from ending people’s Medicaid coverage. As a result, Medicaid enrollment swelled by nearly one-third, from 71 million people in February 2020 to 93 million in February 2023. The prohibition on trimming rolls ended in April, and states now have resumed annual eligibility redeterminations that had been required before the pandemic.

The new federal data captures only the first month of state Medicaid reviews from states that acted the most expeditiously. Since then, additional states also have submitted reports on those renewed and dropped from Medicaid in May and June.

Though the federal government hasn't released data from the most recent reports, information gathered by The Associated Press and health care advocacy groups show that about 3.7 million people already have lost Medicaid coverage. That includes about 500,000 in Texas, around 400,000 in Florida and 225,000 in California. Of those who lost coverage, 89% were for procedural reasons in California, 81% in Texas and 59% in Florida, according to the AP's data.

Many of those people may have still been eligible for Medicaid, “but they’re caught in a bureaucratic nightmare of confusing forms, notices sent to wrong addresses and other errors,” said Michelle Levander, founding director of the Center for Health Journalism at the University of Southern California,

Top CMS officials said they have worked with several states to pause Medicaid removals and improve procedures for determining eligibility.

South Carolina is one state that voluntarily slowed down. It reported renewing Medicaid coverage for about 27,000 people in May while removing 118,000. Of those dropped, 95% were for procedural reasons. In a recent report to the federal government, South Carolina said it removed no one from Medicaid in June because it extended the eligibility renewal deadline from 60 days to 90 days.

Michigan reported renewing more than 103,000 Medicaid recipients in June and removing just 12,000. It told the federal government that the state opted to delay terminations for those who failed to respond to renewal requests while instead making additional outreach attempts. As a result, the state reported more than 100,000 people whose June eligibility cases remained incomplete.

People who are dropped from Medicaid can regain coverage retroactively if they submit information within 90 days proving their eligibility. But some advocacy groups say that still poses a challenge.

“State government is not necessarily nimble,” said Keesa Smith, executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. "When individuals are being disenrolled, the biggest concern ... is that there is not a fast track to get those individuals back on the rolls.”

Arkansas officials have been at the forefront of defending Medicaid cuts. They contend that many people likely don't return forms because they no longer need Medicaid.

People are “transitioning off of Medicaid” because "they are working, making more money, and have access to health care through their employers or the federal marketplace,” Arkansas Medicaid Director Janet Mann said earlier this month. “This should be celebrated, not criticized.”

Insurance companies that run Medicaid programs for states said they are trying to reduce procedural terminations and enroll people in new plans.

The Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurer Elevance Health lost 130,000 Medicaid customers during the recently completed second quarter, as Medicaid eligibility redeterminations began. Chief Financial Officer John Gallina said earlier this month that many people lost Medicaid coverage for administrative reasons but are likely to reenroll in the near future.

Leaders of the insurer Molina Healthcare told analysts Thursday that the company lost about 93,000 Medicaid customers in the recently completed second quarter, mostly due to eligibility redeterminations. Molina officials said they are trying to switch people who no longer qualify for Medicaid to one of the individual insurance plans they sell through state-based marketplaces.

Federal data for April indicates that some states did a better job than others at handling a crush of questions from people about their Medicaid coverage.

In 19 states and the District of Columbia, the average Medicaid call center wait time was one minute or less in April. But in Idaho, the average caller to the state's Medicaid help line waited 51 minutes. In Missouri, the average wait was 44 minutes, and in Florida 40 minutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681122121502.png" alt="Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter Friday to all governors encouraging them to bolster efforts to retain people on Medicaid.-file photo" />
 <figcaption>Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter Friday to all governors encouraging them to bolster efforts to retain people on Medicaid.-file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The nation's top health official implored states to do more to keep lower-income residents enrolled in Medicaid, as the Biden administration released figures Friday confirming that many who had health coverage during the coronavirus pandemic are now losing it.Though a decline in Medicaid coverage was expected, health officials are raising concerns about the large numbers of people being dropped from the rolls for failing to return forms or follow procedures.In 18 states that began a post-pandemic review of their Medicaid rolls in April, health coverage was continued for about 1 million recipients and terminated for 715,000. Of those dropped, 4 in 5 were for procedural reasons, according to newly released data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter Friday to all governors encouraging them to bolster efforts to retain people on Medicaid. He particularly encouraged them to use electronic information from other federal programs, such as food stamps, to automatically confirm people's eligibility for Medicaid. That would avert the need to mail and return documents.“I am deeply concerned about high rates of procedural terminations due to ‘red tape’ and other paperwork issues,” Becerra told governors.During the pandemic, states were prohibited from ending people’s Medicaid coverage. As a result, Medicaid enrollment swelled by nearly one-third, from 71 million people in February 2020 to 93 million in February 2023. The prohibition on trimming rolls ended in April, and states now have resumed annual eligibility redeterminations that had been required before the pandemic.The new federal data captures only the first month of state Medicaid reviews from states that acted the most expeditiously. Since then, additional states also have submitted reports on those renewed and dropped from Medicaid in May and June.Though the federal government hasn't released data from the most recent reports, information gathered by The Associated Press and health care advocacy groups show that about 3.7 million people already have lost Medicaid coverage. That includes about 500,000 in Texas, around 400,000 in Florida and 225,000 in California. Of those who lost coverage, 89% were for procedural reasons in California, 81% in Texas and 59% in Florida, according to the AP's data.Many of those people may have still been eligible for Medicaid, “but they’re caught in a bureaucratic nightmare of confusing forms, notices sent to wrong addresses and other errors,” said Michelle Levander, founding director of the Center for Health Journalism at the University of Southern California,Top CMS officials said they have worked with several states to pause Medicaid removals and improve procedures for determining eligibility.South Carolina is one state that voluntarily slowed down. It reported renewing Medicaid coverage for about 27,000 people in May while removing 118,000. Of those dropped, 95% were for procedural reasons. In a recent report to the federal government, South Carolina said it removed no one from Medicaid in June because it extended the eligibility renewal deadline from 60 days to 90 days.Michigan reported renewing more than 103,000 Medicaid recipients in June and removing just 12,000. It told the federal government that the state opted to delay terminations for those who failed to respond to renewal requests while instead making additional outreach attempts. As a result, the state reported more than 100,000 people whose June eligibility cases remained incomplete.People who are dropped from Medicaid can regain coverage retroactively if they submit information within 90 days proving their eligibility. But some advocacy groups say that still poses a challenge.“State government is not necessarily nimble,” said Keesa Smith, executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. "When individuals are being disenrolled, the biggest concern ... is that there is not a fast track to get those individuals back on the rolls.”Arkansas officials have been at the forefront of defending Medicaid cuts. They contend that many people likely don't return forms because they no longer need Medicaid.People are “transitioning off of Medicaid” because "they are working, making more money, and have access to health care through their employers or the federal marketplace,” Arkansas Medicaid Director Janet Mann said earlier this month. “This should be celebrated, not criticized.”Insurance companies that run Medicaid programs for states said they are trying to reduce procedural terminations and enroll people in new plans.The Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurer Elevance Health lost 130,000 Medicaid customers during the recently completed second quarter, as Medicaid eligibility redeterminations began. Chief Financial Officer John Gallina said earlier this month that many people lost Medicaid coverage for administrative reasons but are likely to reenroll in the near future.Leaders of the insurer Molina Healthcare told analysts Thursday that the company lost about 93,000 Medicaid customers in the recently completed second quarter, mostly due to eligibility redeterminations. Molina officials said they are trying to switch people who no longer qualify for Medicaid to one of the individual insurance plans they sell through state-based marketplaces.Federal data for April indicates that some states did a better job than others at handling a crush of questions from people about their Medicaid coverage.In 19 states and the District of Columbia, the average Medicaid call center wait time was one minute or less in April. But in Idaho, the average caller to the state's Medicaid help line waited 51 minutes. In Missouri, the average wait was 44 minutes, and in Florida 40 minutes.

Simple paperwork problems drive surge in people losing Medicaid coverage

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paul Reubens, the actor and comedian whose character Pee-wee Herman became a cultural phenomenon through films and TV shows, has died.

Reubens died Sunday night after a six-year struggle with cancer that he did not make public, his publicist said in a statement.

“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens said in a statement released with the announcement of his death. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”

The character with his too-tight gray suit, white chunky loafers and red bow tie was best known for the film “Pee-wee's Big Adventure” and the TV series “Pee-wee's Playhouse.”

Herman created Pee-wee when he was part of the Los Angeles improv group The Groundlings in the late 1970s. The live “Pee-wee Herman Show” debuted at a Los Angeles theater in 1981 and was a success with both kids during matinees and adults at a midnight show. HBO would air the show as a special.

Reubens took Pee-wee to the big screen in 1985’s “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” The film, in which Pee-wee’s cherished bike is stolen, was said to be loosely based on Vittorio De Sica’s Italian neo-realist classic, “The Bicycle Thief.” The film, directed by Tim Burton and co-written by Phil Hartman of “Saturday Night Live,” sent Pee-wee on a nationwide escapade. The movie was a success, grossing $40 million, and continued to spawn a cult following for its oddball whimsy.

A sequel followed three years later in the less well-received “Big Top Pee-wee,” in which Pee-wee seeks to join a circus. Reubens’ character wouldn’t get another movie starring role until 2016’s Pee-wee’s Big Holiday,” for Netflix. Judd Apatow produced Pee-wee’s big-screen revival.

His television series, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” ran for five seasons, earned 22 Emmys and attracted not only children but adults to Saturday-morning TV.

Both silly and subversive and championing nonconformity, the Pee-wee universe was a trippy place, populated by things such as a talking armchair and a friendly pterodactyl. The host, who is fond of secret words and loves fruit salad so much he once married it, is prone to lines like, “I know you are, but what am I?” and “Why don’t you take a picture; it’ll last longer?” The act was a hit because it worked on multiple levels, even though Reubens insists that wasn’t the plan.

“It’s for kids,” Reubens told The Associated Press in 2010. “People have tried to get me for years to go, ‘It wasn’t really for kids, right?’ Even the original show was for kids. I always censored myself to have it be kid-friendly.

“The whole thing has been just a gut feeling from the beginning," Reubens told the AP. "That’s all it ever is and I think always ever be. Much as people want me to dissect it and explain it, I can’t. One, I don’t know, and two, I don’t want to know, and three, I feel like I’ll hex myself if I know.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690827482075.jpeg" alt="Actor Paul Reubens portraying Pee-wee Herman poses for a portrait while promoting "The Pee-wee Herman Show" live stage play, Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, in Los Angeles. Reubens died Sunday night after a six-year struggle with cancer that he did not make public, his publicist said in a statement. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok, File)" />
 <figcaption>Actor Paul Reubens portraying Pee-wee Herman poses for a portrait while promoting "The Pee-wee Herman Show" live stage play, Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, in Los Angeles. Reubens died Sunday night after a six-year struggle with cancer that he did not make public, his publicist said in a statement. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paul Reubens, the actor and comedian whose character Pee-wee Herman became a cultural phenomenon through films and TV shows, has died.Reubens died Sunday night after a six-year struggle with cancer that he did not make public, his publicist said in a statement.“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens said in a statement released with the announcement of his death. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”The character with his too-tight gray suit, white chunky loafers and red bow tie was best known for the film “Pee-wee's Big Adventure” and the TV series “Pee-wee's Playhouse.”Herman created Pee-wee when he was part of the Los Angeles improv group The Groundlings in the late 1970s. The live “Pee-wee Herman Show” debuted at a Los Angeles theater in 1981 and was a success with both kids during matinees and adults at a midnight show. HBO would air the show as a special.Reubens took Pee-wee to the big screen in 1985’s “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” The film, in which Pee-wee’s cherished bike is stolen, was said to be loosely based on Vittorio De Sica’s Italian neo-realist classic, “The Bicycle Thief.” The film, directed by Tim Burton and co-written by Phil Hartman of “Saturday Night Live,” sent Pee-wee on a nationwide escapade. The movie was a success, grossing $40 million, and continued to spawn a cult following for its oddball whimsy.A sequel followed three years later in the less well-received “Big Top Pee-wee,” in which Pee-wee seeks to join a circus. Reubens’ character wouldn’t get another movie starring role until 2016’s Pee-wee’s Big Holiday,” for Netflix. Judd Apatow produced Pee-wee’s big-screen revival.His television series, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” ran for five seasons, earned 22 Emmys and attracted not only children but adults to Saturday-morning TV.Both silly and subversive and championing nonconformity, the Pee-wee universe was a trippy place, populated by things such as a talking armchair and a friendly pterodactyl. The host, who is fond of secret words and loves fruit salad so much he once married it, is prone to lines like, “I know you are, but what am I?” and “Why don’t you take a picture; it’ll last longer?” The act was a hit because it worked on multiple levels, even though Reubens insists that wasn’t the plan.“It’s for kids,” Reubens told The Associated Press in 2010. “People have tried to get me for years to go, ‘It wasn’t really for kids, right?’ Even the original show was for kids. I always censored myself to have it be kid-friendly.“The whole thing has been just a gut feeling from the beginning," Reubens told the AP. "That’s all it ever is and I think always ever be. Much as people want me to dissect it and explain it, I can’t. One, I don’t know, and two, I don’t want to know, and three, I feel like I’ll hex myself if I know.”

Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens has died

Just before 4a.m. Saturday, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at Interstate 35, near Melvern, for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells..

During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.

The driver of the vehicle, John M. Titsworth, 59, of Arizona City, Arizona, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana and No drug tax stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690751849552.png" alt="Titsworth" />
 <figcaption>Titsworth</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY –Just before 4a.m. Saturday, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at Interstate 35, near Melvern, for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells..During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.The driver of the vehicle, John M. Titsworth, 59, of Arizona City, Arizona, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana and No drug tax stamp.

Sheriff: Arizona man intended to sell meth in Kansas

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp; investigating a hit-and-run fatality accident northeast of Kansas City.

Just before 4 a.m. Sunday, deputies were dispatched to an accident in the area of NE 120th Street between A Highway and Fishing River Road, according to the Clay County Sheriff's office.

A fatality was confirmed. The victim was identified as 30-year-old John Paul R. Scheidecker. 

The Clay County Investigations and Traffic Divisions reconstructed the scene. The suspect vehicle did not stop, and investigators are asking for assistance from anyone with information on this incident. Please contact Sgt. Johnson directly at 816-407-3723.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp; investigating a hit-and-run fatality accident northeast of Kansas City.Just before 4 a.m. Sunday, deputies were dispatched to an accident in the area of NE 120th Street between A Highway and Fishing River Road, according to the Clay County Sheriff's office.A fatality was confirmed. The victim was identified as 30-year-old John Paul R. Scheidecker. The Clay County Investigations and Traffic Divisions reconstructed the scene. The suspect vehicle did not stop, and investigators are asking for assistance from anyone with information on this incident. Please contact Sgt. Johnson directly at 816-407-3723.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff: Man dies after hit-and-run near Kansas City

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating six separate homicides that occurred in Wichita last week.

Just before 6:30 a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a check welfare call in the 4800 block of N. Portwest in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Officers arrived on the scene and were informed that 80-year-old Margaret O'Neil did not answer the door for a friend, which was out of the ordinary. Officers saw through a window that she was lying on the kitchen floor and forced entry into the residence to render aid.

It appeared that she was fatally shot multiple times. Her 57-year-old son identified as Michael O’Neil of Wichita, was found inside the residence with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Just before a.m.&nbsp; 4a.m. Thursday, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Gupilan.

EMS and fire arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but the victims identified as  20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita died at the scene. Police arrested  19-year-old Zachary Ramirez of Maize in connection with the killing.

These were the fourth and fifth homicides in Wichita this week.

On Tuesday, a woman dropping off her child at an in-home daycare&nbsp; saw the two homicide victims through a window of a home in the 1100 Block of North Woodrow. The victims were identified as 50-year-old Vanessa Crawford and 58-year-old Donald Eckert both of Wichita.

Police arrested 62-year-old Charles Crawford in connection with the murders.&nbsp; He made a court appearance on Friday and was charged with capital murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 10p.m. Monday, July 24, police responded to a call&nbsp;in the 600 block of S. Laura in Wichita. First responders located 14-year-old Malachi Sicka of Wichita nearby with a gunshot wound in the 1100 block of E. Orme. EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he died. 

On Thursday night police reported the arrest of&nbsp;&nbsp;three juvenile male suspects on requested charges of 1st Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery and Criminal Use of a Weapon, in the homicide Two of the suspects are 17 years old and the other is 15 years old, all from Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690487693837.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation early Thursday-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation early Thursday-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating six separate homicides that occurred in Wichita last week.Just before 6:30 a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a check welfare call in the 4800 block of N. Portwest in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.Officers arrived on the scene and were informed that 80-year-old Margaret O'Neil did not answer the door for a friend, which was out of the ordinary. Officers saw through a window that she was lying on the kitchen floor and forced entry into the residence to render aid.It appeared that she was fatally shot multiple times. Her 57-year-old son identified as Michael O’Neil of Wichita, was found inside the residence with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.Just before a.m.&nbsp; 4a.m. Thursday, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Gupilan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690507120194.png" alt="Ramirez-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ramirez-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>EMS and fire arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but the victims identified as 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita died at the scene. Police arrested 19-year-old Zachary Ramirez of Maize in connection with the killing.These were the fourth and fifth homicides in Wichita this week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690336820824.png" alt="Police on the scene of the deadly killing at a home day care -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the deadly killing at a home day care -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, a woman dropping off her child at an in-home daycare&nbsp; saw the two homicide victims through a window of a home in the 1100 Block of North Woodrow. The victims were identified as 50-year-old Vanessa Crawford and 58-year-old Donald Eckert both of Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690372152213.png" alt="Crawford-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Crawford-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police arrested 62-year-old Charles Crawford in connection with the murders.&nbsp; He made a court appearance on Friday and was charged with capital murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 10p.m. Monday, July 24, police responded to a call&nbsp;in the 600 block of S. Laura in Wichita. First responders located 14-year-old Malachi Sicka of Wichita nearby with a gunshot wound in the 1100 block of E. Orme. EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he died. On Thursday night police reported the arrest of&nbsp;&nbsp;three juvenile male suspects on requested charges of 1st Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery and Criminal Use of a Weapon, in the homicide Two of the suspects are 17 years old and the other is 15 years old, all from Wichita.

Police: Deadly final week of July in Wichita

WASHINGTON –To protect Heartland Tri-State Bank depositors, Dream First Bank entered into an agreement with the FDIC to purchase and assume all deposits of Heartland Tri-State Bank. Heartland Tri-State Bank employees and customers are being welcomed to Dream First Bank during the transition this week.

Heartland Tri-State Bank of Elkhart, Kansas, was closed Friday by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver, according to a media release from the FDIC.

Heartland Tri-State has four branches including a location at 116 South Lincoln in Arlington; 601 Morton in Elkhart; 114 North Main in Attica and 212 Washington in Rolla.

The four branches will reopen as branches of Dream First Bank, National Association July 31, under normal business hours. 

Now a part of Dream First Bank, each of the former Heartland Tri-State Bank branches will continue to provide personal and business banking services to the community.&nbsp;

Dream First has locations in Syracuse, Johnson, Ulysses, Hugoton and two in Garden City.

“At Dream First bank, we understand this is unexpected news for Heartland Tri-State Bank customers. Most importantly, I want to confirm that the Heartland Tri-State Bank employee jobs, deposits and banking relationships are not affected by Friday's news,” said Chris Floyd, President and CEO of Dream First Bank. “Dream First staff will continue to provide exceptional customer service and be available to answer questions that employees and customers may have.”&nbsp;

Depositors of Heartland Tri-State Bank have uninterrupted access to their money by writing checks or using existing ATM or debit cards. Checks drawn on the bank will continue to be processed. Depositors of Heartland Tri-State Bank will become depositors of Dream First Bank, so customers do not need to change their banking relationship to retain their deposit insurance coverage. The four branches of Heartland Tri-State Bank located in Elkhart, Rolla, Arlington and Attica, Kansas will reopen as branches of Dream First Bank, National Association, on Monday, July 31, under normal business hours. &nbsp;

The failure to Heartland Tri-State is the fifth U.S. bank failure of 2023, following the collapse of First Republic Bank, Signature Bank, Silicon Valley Bank and Silvergate Bank. There were no bank failures the past two years.

<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2023/pr23058.html">Click here for</a> additional details from the FDIC&nbsp;&nbsp;

WASHINGTON – Heartland Tri-State Bank of Elkhart, Kansas, was closed Friday by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver, according to a media release from the FDIC.

To protect depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Dream First Bank, National Association, of Syracuse, Kansas, to assume all of the deposits of Heartland Tri-State Bank.

That bank has four branches including a location at 116 South Lincoln in Arlington; 601 Morton in Elkhart; 114 North Main in Attica and 212 Washington in Rolla.

The four branches will reopen as branches of Dream First Bank, National Association, on Monday, July 31, under normal business hours. 

Over the weekend, depositors of Heartland Tri-State Bank can access their money by writing checks or using ATM or debit cards. Checks drawn on the bank will continue to be processed. Loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual.

Depositors of Heartland Tri-State Bank will become depositors of Dream First Bank, National Association, so customers do not need to change their banking relationship in order to retain their deposit insurance coverage. Customers of Heartland Tri-State Bank should continue to use their existing branch until they receive notice from Dream First Bank, National Association, that it has completed systems changes to allow its branch offices to process their accounts as well.

As of March 31, 2023, Heartland Tri-State Bank had approximately $139 million in total assets and $130 million in total deposits. In addition to assuming all of the deposits, Dream First Bank, National Association, agreed to purchase essentially all of the failed bank’s assets.

The FDIC and Dream First Bank, National Association, are also entering into a commercial&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/resources/resolutions/bank-failures/failed-bank-list/lossshare/">shared-loss agreement</a>&nbsp;on the loans it purchased of the former Heartland Tri-State Bank. The FDIC as receiver and Dream First Bank, National Association, will share in the losses and potential recoveries on the loans covered by the shared-loss agreement, which is projected to maximize recoveries on the assets by keeping them in the private sector. The agreement is also expected to minimize disruptions for loan customers.

Customers with questions about the transaction should call the FDIC toll-free at 1-866-431-1725. The phone number will be operational this evening until 9:00 p.m. Central Time (CT); on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT; on Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m. CT; on Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT; and thereafter from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. Interested parties also can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/resources/resolutions/bank-failures/failed-bank-list/heartlandtristate.html">visit the FDIC’s website</a>.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance/deposit-insurance-fund/">Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF)</a>&nbsp;will be $54.2 million. Compared to other alternatives, Dream First Bank, National Association’s, acquisition was the least costly resolution for the DIF, an insurance fund created by Congress in 1933 and managed by the FDIC to protect the deposits at the nation’s banks.

This is the fifth U.S. bank failure of 2023, following the collapse of First Republic Bank, Signature Bank, Silicon Valley Bank and Silvergate Bank. There were no bank failures the past two years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690760535474.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON –To protect Heartland Tri-State Bank depositors, Dream First Bank entered into an agreement with the FDIC to purchase and assume all deposits of Heartland Tri-State Bank. Heartland Tri-State Bank employees and customers are being welcomed to Dream First Bank during the transition this week.Heartland Tri-State Bank of Elkhart, Kansas, was closed Friday by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver, according to a media release from the FDIC.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690597696044.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Tri-State has four branches including a location at 116 South Lincoln in Arlington; 601 Morton in Elkhart; 114 North Main in Attica and 212 Washington in Rolla.The four branches will reopen as branches of Dream First Bank, National Association July 31, under normal business hours. Now a part of Dream First Bank, each of the former Heartland Tri-State Bank branches will continue to provide personal and business banking services to the community.&nbsp;Dream First has locations in Syracuse, Johnson, Ulysses, Hugoton and two in Garden City.“At Dream First bank, we understand this is unexpected news for Heartland Tri-State Bank customers. Most importantly, I want to confirm that the Heartland Tri-State Bank employee jobs, deposits and banking relationships are not affected by Friday's news,” said Chris Floyd, President and CEO of Dream First Bank. “Dream First staff will continue to provide exceptional customer service and be available to answer questions that employees and customers may have.”&nbsp;Depositors of Heartland Tri-State Bank have uninterrupted access to their money by writing checks or using existing ATM or debit cards. Checks drawn on the bank will continue to be processed. Depositors of Heartland Tri-State Bank will become depositors of Dream First Bank, so customers do not need to change their banking relationship to retain their deposit insurance coverage. The four branches of Heartland Tri-State Bank located in Elkhart, Rolla, Arlington and Attica, Kansas will reopen as branches of Dream First Bank, National Association, on Monday, July 31, under normal business hours. &nbsp;The failure to Heartland Tri-State is the fifth U.S. bank failure of 2023, following the collapse of First Republic Bank, Signature Bank, Silicon Valley Bank and Silvergate Bank. There were no bank failures the past two years.<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2023/pr23058.html">Click here for</a> additional details from the FDIC&nbsp;&nbsp;--------------------WASHINGTON – Heartland Tri-State Bank of Elkhart, Kansas, was closed Friday by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver, according to a media release from the FDIC.To protect depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Dream First Bank, National Association, of Syracuse, Kansas, to assume all of the deposits of Heartland Tri-State Bank.That bank has four branches including a location at 116 South Lincoln in Arlington; 601 Morton in Elkhart; 114 North Main in Attica and 212 Washington in Rolla.The four branches will reopen as branches of Dream First Bank, National Association, on Monday, July 31, under normal business hours. Over the weekend, depositors of Heartland Tri-State Bank can access their money by writing checks or using ATM or debit cards. Checks drawn on the bank will continue to be processed. Loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual.Depositors of Heartland Tri-State Bank will become depositors of Dream First Bank, National Association, so customers do not need to change their banking relationship in order to retain their deposit insurance coverage. Customers of Heartland Tri-State Bank should continue to use their existing branch until they receive notice from Dream First Bank, National Association, that it has completed systems changes to allow its branch offices to process their accounts as well.As of March 31, 2023, Heartland Tri-State Bank had approximately $139 million in total assets and $130 million in total deposits. In addition to assuming all of the deposits, Dream First Bank, National Association, agreed to purchase essentially all of the failed bank’s assets.The FDIC and Dream First Bank, National Association, are also entering into a commercial&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/resources/resolutions/bank-failures/failed-bank-list/lossshare/">shared-loss agreement</a>&nbsp;on the loans it purchased of the former Heartland Tri-State Bank. The FDIC as receiver and Dream First Bank, National Association, will share in the losses and potential recoveries on the loans covered by the shared-loss agreement, which is projected to maximize recoveries on the assets by keeping them in the private sector. The agreement is also expected to minimize disruptions for loan customers.Customers with questions about the transaction should call the FDIC toll-free at 1-866-431-1725. The phone number will be operational this evening until 9:00 p.m. Central Time (CT); on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT; on Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m. CT; on Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT; and thereafter from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. Interested parties also can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/resources/resolutions/bank-failures/failed-bank-list/heartlandtristate.html">visit the FDIC’s website</a>.The FDIC estimates that the cost to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance/deposit-insurance-fund/">Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF)</a>&nbsp;will be $54.2 million. Compared to other alternatives, Dream First Bank, National Association’s, acquisition was the least costly resolution for the DIF, an insurance fund created by Congress in 1933 and managed by the FDIC to protect the deposits at the nation’s banks.This is the fifth U.S. bank failure of 2023, following the collapse of First Republic Bank, Signature Bank, Silicon Valley Bank and Silvergate Bank. There were no bank failures the past two years.

Failed Kansas bank set to reopen with new owner

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a girl to the hospital for treatment.

Just before 10p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to the report of a shooting in the area of 91st Street and Pflumm in Lenexa, according to a media release.

 The victim, later learned to be a 16-year-old girl, told dispatchers that she was in a vehicle that was continuing to drive away from the area of the shooting. 

A few moments later, officers located the vehicle with the victim at 95th Street and Interstate 35 highway. She had been shot in the face and officers began first aid treatment until paramedics arrived. 

EMS then transported her to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. During the investigation, it was learned that she was seated in the front passenger seat of a vehicle, which was being driven by another 16-year-old girl.

 A 15-year-old boy in the back seat was armed with a handgun. Both girls know they boy. As the they were were driving, the handgun was fired, striking the girl in the face. The vehicle continued to drive for a short time before pulling over. 

The boy who fired the gun exited the vehicle and fled the scene prior to officers arrival. 

  A few hours later, a parent brought the boy to the Lenexa Police Department. Police took him into custody and transported&nbsp; him to the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center. This case will be forwarded to the Johnson County District Attorneys' Office.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a girl to the hospital for treatment.Just before 10p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to the report of a shooting in the area of 91st Street and Pflumm in Lenexa, according to a media release. The victim, later learned to be a 16-year-old girl, told dispatchers that she was in a vehicle that was continuing to drive away from the area of the shooting. A few moments later, officers located the vehicle with the victim at 95th Street and Interstate 35 highway. She had been shot in the face and officers began first aid treatment until paramedics arrived. EMS then transported her to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. During the investigation, it was learned that she was seated in the front passenger seat of a vehicle, which was being driven by another 16-year-old girl. A 15-year-old boy in the back seat was armed with a handgun. Both girls know they boy. As the they were were driving, the handgun was fired, striking the girl in the face. The vehicle continued to drive for a short time before pulling over. The boy who fired the gun exited the vehicle and fled the scene prior to officers arrival. A few hours later, a parent brought the boy to the Lenexa Police Department. Police took him into custody and transported&nbsp; him to the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center. This case will be forwarded to the Johnson County District Attorneys' Office.

Boy in custody after 16-year-old Kansas girl shot in the face

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China accused the United States of turning Taiwan into an “ammunition depot” after the White House announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-military-aid-china-support-06e61a0e0ed787ea120f839ef59885fa">$345 million military aid package</a>&nbsp;for Taipei, and the self-ruled island said Sunday it tracked six Chinese navy ships in waters off its shores.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office issued a statement late Saturday opposing the military aid to Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.

“No matter how much of the ordinary people's taxpayer money the ... Taiwanese separatist forces spend, no matter how many U.S. weapons, it will not shake our resolve to solve the Taiwan problem. Or shake our firm will to realize the reunification of our motherland,” said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office.

“Their actions are turning Taiwan into a powder keg and ammunition depot, aggravating the threat of war in the Taiwan Strait," the statement said.

China’s People’s Liberation Army has increased its military maneuvers in recent years aimed at Taiwan, sending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-warplanes-military-exercises-2732de541f0154abbc92b5e91b12a611">fighter jets and warships</a>&nbsp;to circle the island.

On Sunday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said it tracked six Chinese navy ships near the island.

Taiwan's ruling administration, led by the Democratic Progressive Party, has stepped up its weapons purchases from the U.S. as part of a deterrence strategy against a Chinese invasion.

China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949, and Taiwan has never been governed by China’s ruling Communist Party.

Unlike previous military purchases, the latest batch of aid is part of a presidential authority approved by the U.S. Congress last year to draw weapons from current U.S. military stockpiles — so Taiwan will not have to wait for military production and sales.

While Taiwan has purchased $19 billion worth of weaponry, much of it has yet to be delivered to Taiwan. Washington will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-military-aid-china-support-06e61a0e0ed787ea120f839ef59885fa">send man-portable air defense systems, intelligence and surveillance capabilities</a>, firearms and missiles to Taiwan.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. on Friday announced $345 million in military aid for Taiwan, in what is the Biden administration’s first major package drawing on America’s own stockpiles to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-warplanes-military-exercises-548705bdceb0763c654cfd11f9b74dfd" target="_blank">help Taiwan counter China</a>.

The White House’s announcement said the package would include defense, education and training for the Taiwanese. Washington will send man-portable air defense systems, or MANPADS, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, firearms and missiles, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters ahead of the announcement.

U.S. lawmakers have been pressuring the Pentagon and White House to speed weapons to Taiwan. The goals are to help it counter China and to deter China from considering attacking, by providing Taipei enough weaponry that it would make the price of invasion too high.

The package is in addition to nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-taiwan-military-b7d7f4e8ee181301b0b0ceefc1dce74b" target="_blank">$19 billion in military sales</a>&nbsp;of F-16s and other major weapons systems that the U.S. has approved for Taiwan. Delivery of those weapons has been hampered by supply chain issues that started during the COVID-19 pandemic and have been exacerbated by the global defense industrial base pressures created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The difference is that this aid is part of a presidential authority approved by Congress last year to draw weapons from current U.S. military stockpiles — so Taiwan will not have to wait for military production and sales. This gets weapons delivered faster than providing funding for new weapons.

The Pentagon has used a similar authority to get billions of dollars worth of munitions to Ukraine.

Taiwan split from China in 1949 amid civil war. Chinese President Xi Jinping maintains China’s right to take over the now self-ruled island, by force if necessary. China has accused the U.S. of turning Taiwan into a “powder keg” through the billions of dollars in weapons sales it has pledged.

The U.S. maintains a “One China” policy under which it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-us-military-sales-4730400c993d2e32e85ad8cf718be583" target="_blank">does not recognize</a>&nbsp;Taiwan’s formal independence and has no formal diplomatic relations with the island in deference to Beijing. However, U.S. law requires a credible defense for Taiwan and for the U.S. to treat all threats to the island as matters of “grave concern.”

Getting stockpiles of weapons to Taiwan now, before an attack begins, is one of the lessons the U.S. has learned from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Pentagon deputy defense secretary Kathleen Hicks told The Associated Press earlier this year.

Ukraine “was more of a cold-start approach than the planned approach we have been working on for Taiwan, and we will apply those lessons,” Hicks said. Efforts to resupply Taiwan after a conflict erupted would be complicated because it is an island, she said.

China regularly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-taiwan-warships-ee3bcf774b5d979c3b36a1a3c2f6ae7d" target="_blank">sends warships and planes across the center line</a>&nbsp;in the Taiwan Strait that provides a buffer between the sides, as well as into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, in an effort to intimidate the island’s 23 million people and wear down its military capabilities.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for China’s embassy in Washington, said in a statement Friday that Beijing was “firmly opposed” to U.S. military ties with Taiwan. The U.S. should “stop selling arms to Taiwan” and “stop creating new factors that could lead to tensions in the Taiwan Strait,” Liu said.

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China accused the United States of turning Taiwan into an “ammunition depot” after the White House announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-military-aid-china-support-06e61a0e0ed787ea120f839ef59885fa">$345 million military aid package</a>&nbsp;for Taipei, and the self-ruled island said Sunday it tracked six Chinese navy ships in waters off its shores.China's Taiwan Affairs Office issued a statement late Saturday opposing the military aid to Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.“No matter how much of the ordinary people's taxpayer money the ... Taiwanese separatist forces spend, no matter how many U.S. weapons, it will not shake our resolve to solve the Taiwan problem. Or shake our firm will to realize the reunification of our motherland,” said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office.“Their actions are turning Taiwan into a powder keg and ammunition depot, aggravating the threat of war in the Taiwan Strait," the statement said.China’s People’s Liberation Army has increased its military maneuvers in recent years aimed at Taiwan, sending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-warplanes-military-exercises-2732de541f0154abbc92b5e91b12a611">fighter jets and warships</a>&nbsp;to circle the island.On Sunday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said it tracked six Chinese navy ships near the island.Taiwan's ruling administration, led by the Democratic Progressive Party, has stepped up its weapons purchases from the U.S. as part of a deterrence strategy against a Chinese invasion.China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949, and Taiwan has never been governed by China’s ruling Communist Party.Unlike previous military purchases, the latest batch of aid is part of a presidential authority approved by the U.S. Congress last year to draw weapons from current U.S. military stockpiles — so Taiwan will not have to wait for military production and sales.While Taiwan has purchased $19 billion worth of weaponry, much of it has yet to be delivered to Taiwan. Washington will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-military-aid-china-support-06e61a0e0ed787ea120f839ef59885fa">send man-portable air defense systems, intelligence and surveillance capabilities</a>, firearms and missiles to Taiwan.----------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. on Friday announced $345 million in military aid for Taiwan, in what is the Biden administration’s first major package drawing on America’s own stockpiles to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-warplanes-military-exercises-548705bdceb0763c654cfd11f9b74dfd" target="_blank">help Taiwan counter China</a>.The White House’s announcement said the package would include defense, education and training for the Taiwanese. Washington will send man-portable air defense systems, or MANPADS, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, firearms and missiles, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters ahead of the announcement.U.S. lawmakers have been pressuring the Pentagon and White House to speed weapons to Taiwan. The goals are to help it counter China and to deter China from considering attacking, by providing Taipei enough weaponry that it would make the price of invasion too high.The package is in addition to nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-taiwan-military-b7d7f4e8ee181301b0b0ceefc1dce74b" target="_blank">$19 billion in military sales</a>&nbsp;of F-16s and other major weapons systems that the U.S. has approved for Taiwan. Delivery of those weapons has been hampered by supply chain issues that started during the COVID-19 pandemic and have been exacerbated by the global defense industrial base pressures created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.The difference is that this aid is part of a presidential authority approved by Congress last year to draw weapons from current U.S. military stockpiles — so Taiwan will not have to wait for military production and sales. This gets weapons delivered faster than providing funding for new weapons.The Pentagon has used a similar authority to get billions of dollars worth of munitions to Ukraine.Taiwan split from China in 1949 amid civil war. Chinese President Xi Jinping maintains China’s right to take over the now self-ruled island, by force if necessary. China has accused the U.S. of turning Taiwan into a “powder keg” through the billions of dollars in weapons sales it has pledged.The U.S. maintains a “One China” policy under which it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-us-military-sales-4730400c993d2e32e85ad8cf718be583" target="_blank">does not recognize</a>&nbsp;Taiwan’s formal independence and has no formal diplomatic relations with the island in deference to Beijing. However, U.S. law requires a credible defense for Taiwan and for the U.S. to treat all threats to the island as matters of “grave concern.”Getting stockpiles of weapons to Taiwan now, before an attack begins, is one of the lessons the U.S. has learned from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Pentagon deputy defense secretary Kathleen Hicks told The Associated Press earlier this year.Ukraine “was more of a cold-start approach than the planned approach we have been working on for Taiwan, and we will apply those lessons,” Hicks said. Efforts to resupply Taiwan after a conflict erupted would be complicated because it is an island, she said.China regularly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-taiwan-warships-ee3bcf774b5d979c3b36a1a3c2f6ae7d" target="_blank">sends warships and planes across the center line</a>&nbsp;in the Taiwan Strait that provides a buffer between the sides, as well as into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, in an effort to intimidate the island’s 23 million people and wear down its military capabilities.Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for China’s embassy in Washington, said in a statement Friday that Beijing was “firmly opposed” to U.S. military ties with Taiwan. The U.S. should “stop selling arms to Taiwan” and “stop creating new factors that could lead to tensions in the Taiwan Strait,” Liu said.

China responds to US giving $345M in military aid to Taiwan

St. Joseph —Tragedy struck Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph. Mosaic Life Care reports a fan died during the Sunday morning practice at Missouri Western State University.

Mosaic released a written statement, “We are devastated to share that one of the Kansas City Chiefs beloved fans, Jessica Tangen of Riverside, Mo., passed away Sunday morning during practice at Chiefs Training Camp.” Mosaic provided no details.

Mosaic stated its caregivers and emergency department caregivers responded. Mosaic thanked Buchanan County EMS and Missouri Western staff for reacting swiftly to the situation.

“Jessica’s family shared that she was a lifelong Chiefs fan and loved cheering for the team. Please join us in lifting up the grieving family with your thoughts and prayers."

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph —Tragedy struck Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph. Mosaic Life Care reports a fan died during the Sunday morning practice at Missouri Western State University.Mosaic released a written statement, “We are devastated to share that one of the Kansas City Chiefs beloved fans, Jessica Tangen of Riverside, Mo., passed away Sunday morning during practice at Chiefs Training Camp.” Mosaic provided no details.Mosaic stated its caregivers and emergency department caregivers responded. Mosaic thanked Buchanan County EMS and Missouri Western staff for reacting swiftly to the situation.“Jessica’s family shared that she was a lifelong Chiefs fan and loved cheering for the team. Please join us in lifting up the grieving family with your thoughts and prayers."

Woman dies while attending the Chiefs training camp

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for making an alleged false police report that generated a large police presence.&nbsp;

Just after 4 a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a home in the 2900 block of SE Indiana Ave. in Topeka in reference what was reported as a hostage situation, according to a media release from police.

Given the nature of the call, significant police resources responded to the home.

During the course of the investigation, officers learned that there was no hostage situation at the home, and that a false police report was made.

Investigators quickly determined the swatting call originated from a nearby home in the same block on SE Indiana Avenue.

 The suspect, later identified as Veronica E. Freeby, 33 of Topeka, was taken into custody without incident, later arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Transmit/communicate false info to request emergency service; w/threat of violent activity ad aShawnee County warrant

Freeby and the involved parties are known to one another, and this is believed to have been an isolated incident. There were no injuries during this incident. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690556256910.png" alt="Freeby-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Freeby-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for making an alleged false police report that generated a large police presence.&nbsp;Just after 4 a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a home in the 2900 block of SE Indiana Ave. in Topeka in reference what was reported as a hostage situation, according to a media release from police.Given the nature of the call, significant police resources responded to the home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690556340872.png" alt="Given the nature of the call, significant police resources responded to the home.-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Given the nature of the call, significant police resources responded to the home.-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>During the course of the investigation, officers learned that there was no hostage situation at the home, and that a false police report was made.Investigators quickly determined the swatting call originated from a nearby home in the same block on SE Indiana Avenue. The suspect, later identified as Veronica E. Freeby, 33 of Topeka, was taken into custody without incident, later arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Transmit/communicate false info to request emergency service; w/threat of violent activity ad aShawnee County warrantFreeby and the involved parties are known to one another, and this is believed to have been an isolated incident. There were no injuries during this incident.

Kansas woman accused of reporting fake hostage situation

KANSAS CITY— Jonathan M. Bravo-Lopez (also known as “Jonathan Vravo,” and “Shadow”), 27, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to life in federal prison for conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. Bravo-Lopez was also sentenced to 24 months for unlawful reentry, which the court ordered to be served consecutive to the life sentences, according to the United State's Attorney.

On Dec. 16, 2022, Bravo-Lopez and co-defendant Juan D. Osorio (also known as “Spexx”), 30, also a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City were found guilty at trial of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. Osorio was also found guilty of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Bravo-Lopez was also found guilty of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported in 2016.

Osorio was sentenced on June 20, 2023, to life in federal prison without parole.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671644570715.png" alt="On April 3, 2017, the defendants met Cristian Escutia outside his residence and forced him into their vehicle, a Chrysler Pacifica, at gunpoint. photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>On April 3, 2017, the defendants met Cristian Escutia outside his residence and forced him into their vehicle, a Chrysler Pacifica, at gunpoint. photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Jonathan M. Bravo-Lopez (also known as “Jonathan Vravo,” and “Shadow”), 27, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to life in federal prison for conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. Bravo-Lopez was also sentenced to 24 months for unlawful reentry, which the court ordered to be served consecutive to the life sentences, according to the United State's Attorney.On Dec. 16, 2022, Bravo-Lopez and co-defendant Juan D. Osorio (also known as “Spexx”), 30, also a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City were found guilty at trial of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. Osorio was also found guilty of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Bravo-Lopez was also found guilty of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported in 2016.Osorio was sentenced on June 20, 2023, to life in federal prison without parole.Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Osorio and Bravo-Lopez conspired to kidnap Cristian Escutia in an attempt to rob him of money. They transported Escutia across state lines from Missouri to Kansas before fatally shooting him on April 3, 2017.Osorio and Bravo-Lopez arranged to purchase $300 of marijuana from Escutia as a ruse to lure him into their kidnapping plan. On April 3, 2017, they met Escutia outside his residence and forced him into their vehicle, a Chrysler Pacifica, at gunpoint. Co-defendant Marco A. Sosa-Perea, 27, of Kansas City, Mo., who had remained in the car, drove them away from the scene of the kidnapping. The kidnapping was captured by the video surveillance system outside a nearby residence. When they drove to the 200 block of Donovan Road in Kansas City, Kan., they forced Escutia out of the vehicle. Escutia was shot three times and left to die on the side of the road.Osorio, who is in the United States unlawfully, was in possession of an Action Arms Uzi .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol when he was arrested on April 7, 2017.Sosa-Perea was sentenced on Feb. 6, 2023, to 10 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the kidnapping conspiracy.This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Edwards and Matthew A. Moeder. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.