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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police release video of Kilmar Abrego Garcia traffic stop in 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas couple dead after motorcycle, pickup crash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police discover cockfighting operation at Kansas home

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

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

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

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

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

Boy hospitalized after incident at hotel pool in Kansas

KANSAS CITY —Kansas City, Missouri police&nbsp; investigating a deadly officer involved shooting near Kansas City International Airport have identified the man who died as 36-year-old Dustin J. Johnson, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Early Thursday,&nbsp; Riverside, Missouri Police Officers were dispatched on a reported Domestic Violence Aggravated Assault that occurred in the parking lot of the Argosy Casino.

 An adult male victim was located and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on scene at that location. Riverside dispatch quickly broadcasted the description of the suspect vehicle and person of interest to responding officers. 

A Riverside police officer located the described suspect, later identified as Johnson and vehicle as he was fleeing the scene. Due to the nature of the call, a vehicle pursuit was initiated, to stop an armed and dangerous individual. 

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department became notified of an outside agency vehicle pursuit traveling through the city and assisted by deploying stop sticks, a tire deflation device, in the area of I-29 and Cookingham around 6:40a.m.

The suspect vehicle’s tires struck the tire deflation device disabling the vehicle. The driver subsequently pulled over and stopped the vehicle at I-29 and I-435. 

Multiple agencies, to include the Riverside Police Department and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, began giving verbal commands for the suspect to exit the vehicle and peacefully surrender. 

After approximately thirty minutes of negotiations, Johnson exited the driver’s seat of the vehicle armed with a handgun. He pointed the firearm in the direction of the officers, at which time two Riverside Police Officers and one Platte County Deputy discharged their duty weapons, striking Johnson.

Officers on scene provided emergency medical care to Johnson until EMS responded and transported him to an area hospital for treatment. Johnson was declared deceased a short time later at the hospital. 

A handgun was recovered from the scene where Johnson had been shot. No officers were injured during this incident.&nbsp; Police have not released the name

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Police Department is investigating an Officer Involved Shooting involving multiple outside agencies that occurred early Thursday near Interstate 29 and Interstate 435, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez .&nbsp; Few details are available. Northbound Interstate 29 was closed at Cookingham during the investigation.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746109656574.png" alt="-Image KC Scout camer" />
 <figcaption>-Image KC Scout camer</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Kansas City, Missouri police&nbsp; investigating a deadly officer involved shooting near Kansas City International Airport have identified the man who died as 36-year-old Dustin J. Johnson, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Early Thursday,&nbsp; Riverside, Missouri Police Officers were dispatched on a reported Domestic Violence Aggravated Assault that occurred in the parking lot of the Argosy Casino. An adult male victim was located and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on scene at that location. Riverside dispatch quickly broadcasted the description of the suspect vehicle and person of interest to responding officers. A Riverside police officer located the described suspect, later identified as Johnson and vehicle as he was fleeing the scene. Due to the nature of the call, a vehicle pursuit was initiated, to stop an armed and dangerous individual. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department became notified of an outside agency vehicle pursuit traveling through the city and assisted by deploying stop sticks, a tire deflation device, in the area of I-29 and Cookingham around 6:40a.m.The suspect vehicle’s tires struck the tire deflation device disabling the vehicle. The driver subsequently pulled over and stopped the vehicle at I-29 and I-435. Multiple agencies, to include the Riverside Police Department and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, began giving verbal commands for the suspect to exit the vehicle and peacefully surrender. After approximately thirty minutes of negotiations, Johnson exited the driver’s seat of the vehicle armed with a handgun. He pointed the firearm in the direction of the officers, at which time two Riverside Police Officers and one Platte County Deputy discharged their duty weapons, striking Johnson.Officers on scene provided emergency medical care to Johnson until EMS responded and transported him to an area hospital for treatment. Johnson was declared deceased a short time later at the hospital. A handgun was recovered from the scene where Johnson had been shot. No officers were injured during this incident.&nbsp; Police have not released the name----------------KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Police Department is investigating an Officer Involved Shooting involving multiple outside agencies that occurred early Thursday near Interstate 29 and Interstate 435, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez .&nbsp; Few details are available. Northbound Interstate 29 was closed at Cookingham during the investigation.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Police ID KC area casino shooting suspect killed by officers

The legal fees for the defense of the City of Salina in a federal lawsuit with the Cozy Inn has now gone above $633,000. Rosemary Mai with the Salina Group “The Granny Brigade” tells the Salina Post, they received an update from the City Manager's Office Friday that legal fees paid are now $633,335.77 . 

The case, which revolves around a dispute regarding artwork on the iconic 103-year-old establishment, has yet to go to trial but has involved multiple legal proceedings. 

The city’s legal team, Fairfield and Woods, P.C., a Denver-based law firm specializing in sign and mural-related cases, has been handling the matter as Pro Hac Vice counsel. 

The dispute stems from a mural commissioned by Cozy Inn owner Steve Howard in October 2023, which city officials flagged as a sign code violation. The controversy centers on whether the artwork is classified as a mural or a sign under Salina’s zoning regulations. 

The Granny Brigade first filed a Freedom of Information request with Interim Salina City Manager Jacob Wood in early March. If the case proceeds to trial, it will likely be in the fall.

The City of Salina has spent $538,791 in legal fees related to the ongoing case involving the Cozy Inn, according to Interim City Manager Jacob Wood. The case, which revolves around a dispute regarding artwork on the iconic 103-year-old establishment, has yet to go to trial but has involved multiple legal proceedings.

Wood stated that the city’s legal team, Fairfield and Woods, P.C., a Denver-based law firm specializing in sign and mural-related cases, has been handling the matter as Pro Hac Vice counsel.&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/PDF10/5d43cae9-029f-4733-a8a0-7ef4d85d91a4/531203">According to the firm’s engagement letter with the city,</a>&nbsp;attorneys Michael W. McConnell and Todd Messenger are representing Salina in the lawsuit. McConnell's billing rate is $400 per hour, while Messenger's rate is $485 per hour.&nbsp;Other attorneys or paralegals may also assist in the case at varying rates.

"There's certainly been lots of court actions," Wood said. "So most recently, we have filed a motion for summary judgment, and then they've [Cozy Inn Inc.] also filed a motion as well, and we're waiting for the court to hear that, and once the court makes a decision, they really have the option to grant all or part of that summary judgment, and depending on the result of that, then it could go to trial."

The firm's engagement letter, signed by former Salina City Manager Mike Schrage, states Fairfield and Woods, P.C. represents the City of Salina as an entity, not any individual city employees.

"In performing this work, our firm will be representing the City as an entity, rather than you or any other individual under the employment of the City," the letter reads. "This means our [law firm] duty is to the City and we must place its welfare and interests ahead of the interests of anyone employed by the City."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fc7ed532-a1ba-46b6-85c3-4ed867abb15a">Iconic restaurant, The Cozy Inn, sues Salina over right to paint a one-of-a-kind mural</a>

The dispute stems from a mural commissioned by Cozy Inn owner Steve Howard in October 2023, which city officials flagged as a sign code violation. The controversy centers on whether the artwork is classified as a mural or a sign under Salina’s zoning regulations.

Since the artwork progress has been halted, hundreds of patrons of the Cozy Inn have voiced their support of Howard, and their disapproval of the City's response.&nbsp;

Under Salina’s commercial sign regulations, businesses are allowed a specific amount of signage based on building frontage. In the C-4 commercial district, where the Cozy Inn is located, businesses are allotted three square feet of signage per linear foot of street frontage.

With a 20.8-foot frontage, the Cozy Inn is permitted approximately 63 square feet of signage. The restaurant already utilizes 52.88 square feet for existing signs, leaving just 10 square feet available. The new mural, estimated at 528 square feet, exceeds the allotted limit by nearly nine times.

The case, which is being heard in federal court, could either be resolved through the summary judgment ruling or proceed to trial in fall 2025, tentatively between October and November. Howard, with legal support from the Kansas Justice Institute, filed a lawsuit against the City of Salina in February 2024, arguing that the mural is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment.

The ongoing legal battle between the City of Salina and The Cozy Inn over its mural has sparked strong opinions in the community. How does this case make you feel? Do you believe the city's sign code is being fairly enforced, or do you see this as a fight for artistic expression?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699905373563.jpeg" alt="Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By Randy Picking Salina PostThe legal fees for the defense of the City of Salina in a federal lawsuit with the Cozy Inn has now gone above $633,000. Rosemary Mai with the Salina Group “The Granny Brigade” tells the Salina Post, they received an update from the City Manager's Office Friday that legal fees paid are now $633,335.77 . The case, which revolves around a dispute regarding artwork on the iconic 103-year-old establishment, has yet to go to trial but has involved multiple legal proceedings. The city’s legal team, Fairfield and Woods, P.C., a Denver-based law firm specializing in sign and mural-related cases, has been handling the matter as Pro Hac Vice counsel. The dispute stems from a mural commissioned by Cozy Inn owner Steve Howard in October 2023, which city officials flagged as a sign code violation. The controversy centers on whether the artwork is classified as a mural or a sign under Salina’s zoning regulations. The Granny Brigade first filed a Freedom of Information request with Interim Salina City Manager Jacob Wood in early March. If the case proceeds to trial, it will likely be in the fall.------------------------The City of Salina has spent $538,791 in legal fees related to the ongoing case involving the Cozy Inn, according to Interim City Manager Jacob Wood. The case, which revolves around a dispute regarding artwork on the iconic 103-year-old establishment, has yet to go to trial but has involved multiple legal proceedings.Wood stated that the city’s legal team, Fairfield and Woods, P.C., a Denver-based law firm specializing in sign and mural-related cases, has been handling the matter as Pro Hac Vice counsel.&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/PDF10/5d43cae9-029f-4733-a8a0-7ef4d85d91a4/531203">According to the firm’s engagement letter with the city,</a>&nbsp;attorneys Michael W. McConnell and Todd Messenger are representing Salina in the lawsuit. McConnell's billing rate is $400 per hour, while Messenger's rate is $485 per hour.&nbsp;Other attorneys or paralegals may also assist in the case at varying rates."There's certainly been lots of court actions," Wood said. "So most recently, we have filed a motion for summary judgment, and then they've [Cozy Inn Inc.] also filed a motion as well, and we're waiting for the court to hear that, and once the court makes a decision, they really have the option to grant all or part of that summary judgment, and depending on the result of that, then it could go to trial."The firm's engagement letter, signed by former Salina City Manager Mike Schrage, states Fairfield and Woods, P.C. represents the City of Salina as an entity, not any individual city employees."In performing this work, our firm will be representing the City as an entity, rather than you or any other individual under the employment of the City," the letter reads. "This means our [law firm] duty is to the City and we must place its welfare and interests ahead of the interests of anyone employed by the City."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fc7ed532-a1ba-46b6-85c3-4ed867abb15a">Iconic restaurant, The Cozy Inn, sues Salina over right to paint a one-of-a-kind mural</a><h2>Legal background and mural dispute</h2>The dispute stems from a mural commissioned by Cozy Inn owner Steve Howard in October 2023, which city officials flagged as a sign code violation. The controversy centers on whether the artwork is classified as a mural or a sign under Salina’s zoning regulations.Since the artwork progress has been halted, hundreds of patrons of the Cozy Inn have voiced their support of Howard, and their disapproval of the City's response.&nbsp;Under Salina’s commercial sign regulations, businesses are allowed a specific amount of signage based on building frontage. In the C-4 commercial district, where the Cozy Inn is located, businesses are allotted three square feet of signage per linear foot of street frontage.With a 20.8-foot frontage, the Cozy Inn is permitted approximately 63 square feet of signage. The restaurant already utilizes 52.88 square feet for existing signs, leaving just 10 square feet available. The new mural, estimated at 528 square feet, exceeds the allotted limit by nearly nine times.<h2>Next steps in the case</h2>The case, which is being heard in federal court, could either be resolved through the summary judgment ruling or proceed to trial in fall 2025, tentatively between October and November. Howard, with legal support from the Kansas Justice Institute, filed a lawsuit against the City of Salina in February 2024, arguing that the mural is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment.The ongoing legal battle between the City of Salina and The Cozy Inn over its mural has sparked strong opinions in the community. How does this case make you feel? Do you believe the city's sign code is being fairly enforced, or do you see this as a fight for artistic expression?

Cost of Salina’s legal fees for Cozy Inn artwork case continues to climb

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Wichita Police Department’s Exploited and Missing Children's Unit conducted a thorough investigation following a report of an alleged sexual assault and abduction involving a 14-year-old juvenile.&nbsp; After careful follow-up, it has been determined that the reported incident did not occur, according to Office Kris Gupilan.

"Police understand the concern and emotional impact reports of this nature can have on our community. The well-being of every individual, especially our youth,&nbsp;remains our highest priority. Our Victim Advocate Unit is actively working with the juvenile to provide the support and resources necessary during this time."

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an incident involving the abduction and sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. The incident occurred just before 10p.m. Monday in the area of 19th and Grove in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Detectives from the Exploited Missing Children’s Unit responded Monday night and immediately began investigating the case and continued investigating throughout Tuesday.

At this time, police are following up in the area where the incident occurred, contacting witnesses, and checking for security camera video.

The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated at an area hospital.

If you have any information on this case, we ask that you call 911, or call investigators at 316-268-4407. You can submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers online or by phone at 316-267-2111.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Wichita Police Department’s Exploited and Missing Children's Unit conducted a thorough investigation following a report of an alleged sexual assault and abduction involving a 14-year-old juvenile.&nbsp; After careful follow-up, it has been determined that the reported incident did not occur, according to Office Kris Gupilan."Police understand the concern and emotional impact reports of this nature can have on our community. The well-being of every individual, especially our youth,&nbsp;remains our highest priority. Our Victim Advocate Unit is actively working with the juvenile to provide the support and resources necessary during this time."---------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an incident involving the abduction and sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. The incident occurred just before 10p.m. Monday in the area of 19th and Grove in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.Detectives from the Exploited Missing Children’s Unit responded Monday night and immediately began investigating the case and continued investigating throughout Tuesday.At this time, police are following up in the area where the incident occurred, contacting witnesses, and checking for security camera video.The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated at an area hospital.If you have any information on this case, we ask that you call 911, or call investigators at 316-268-4407. You can submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers online or by phone at 316-267-2111.

Police: Kan. teen's abduction, sex assault did not happen

SALINE COUNTY —An assistant county attorney for Saline County is no longer in custody after his arrest for allegedly driving under the influence.

Just before just after 10a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police booked 64-year-old Vance E. White into the Saline County jail.&nbsp; He met the requirement for bond just before 2a.m. Thursday and is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

The County Attorney's office still lists White on their web site.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746215715182.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —An assistant county attorney for Saline County is no longer in custody after his arrest for allegedly driving under the influence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746103644232.png" alt="Vance Edward White photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Vance Edward White photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before just after 10a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police booked 64-year-old Vance E. White into the Saline County jail.&nbsp; He met the requirement for bond just before 2a.m. Thursday and is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.The County Attorney's office still lists White on their web site.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Assistant Saline Co. attorney no longer in jail after accused of DUI

PETTIS COUNTY—The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating a shooting that injured two Pettis County Sheriff's deputies.

Just after 6a.m. Friday, the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office was attempting to serve a search warrant relating to a narcotics investigation at a residence in the 27000 block of MO-BB Highway,. according to the Patrol.&nbsp;

While doing so, a suspect fired shots, and two deputies were struck.

One deputy subsequently returned fire. The suspect was not struck, taken into custody, and transported to the Pettis County jail. Both deputies were initially transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

At this time, one deputy has been released from the hospital, while the other still remains in the care of medical professionals.&nbsp; The location of the shooting is approximately 90 minutes east of Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746212173398.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>PETTIS COUNTY—The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating a shooting that injured two Pettis County Sheriff's deputies.Just after 6a.m. Friday, the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office was attempting to serve a search warrant relating to a narcotics investigation at a residence in the 27000 block of MO-BB Highway,. according to the Patrol.&nbsp;While doing so, a suspect fired shots, and two deputies were struck.One deputy subsequently returned fire. The suspect was not struck, taken into custody, and transported to the Pettis County jail. Both deputies were initially transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.At this time, one deputy has been released from the hospital, while the other still remains in the care of medical professionals.&nbsp; The location of the shooting is approximately 90 minutes east of Kansas City.

2 Missouri sheriff's deputies shot while serving a warrant 

WASHINGTON (AP) —The head of PBS said Friday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-npr-pbs-republicans-public-broadcasting-f0e3e1acb96986732a0211833165bf84">President Donald Trump's executive order</a>&nbsp;aiming to slash public subsidies to PBS and NPR was blatantly unlawful.

Public Broadcasting Service CEO Paula Kerger said the Republican president's order “threatens our ability to serve the American public with educational programming, as we have for the past 50-plus years."

"We are currently exploring all options to allow PBS to continue to serve our member stations and all Americans,” Kerger said.

Trump signed the order late Thursday, alleging “bias” in the broadcasters’ reporting.

The order instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies to “cease Federal funding” for PBS and National Public Radio and further requires that they work to root out indirect sources of public financing for the news organizations. The White House, in a social media posting announcing the signing, said the outlets “receive millions from taxpayers to spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as 'news.'”

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funnels public funding to the two services, said that it is not a federal executive agency subject to Trump's orders. The president earlier this week said he was firing three of the five remaining CPB board members — threatening its ability to do any work — and was&nbsp;<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/29/media/corporation-for-public-broadcasting-cpb-lawsuit-trump/index.html">immediately sued</a>&nbsp;by the CPB to stop it.

The vast majority of public money for the services goes directly to its hundreds of local stations, which operate on a combination of government funding, donations and philanthropic grants. Stations in smaller markets are particularly dependent on the public money and most threatened by the cuts of the sort Trump is proposing.

Public broadcasting has been threatened frequently by Republican leaders in the past, but the local ties have largely enabled them to escape cutbacks — legislators don't want to be seen as responsible for shutting down stations in their districts. But the current threat is seen as the most serious in the system's history.

It's also the latest move by Trump and his administration to utilize federal powers to control or hamstring institutions whose actions or viewpoints he disagrees with.

Since taking office in January for a second term, Trump has ousted leaders, placed staff on administrative leave and cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to artists, libraries, museums, theaters and others, through takeovers of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-the-kennedy-center-needs-a-lot-of-work-4473d5ba41e340c9931a42b7966f5984">the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts</a>&nbsp;and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Trump has also pushed to withhold federal research and education funds from universities and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-law-firm-mueller-executive-order-5873a7876a87940bc19d0ee9f995f069">punish law firms</a>&nbsp;unless they agree to eliminate diversity programs and other measures he has found objectionable.

Just two weeks ago, the White House said it would be asking Congress to rescind funding for the CPB as part of a $9.1 billion package of cuts. That package, however, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-budget-taxes-spending-vought-4549eb165410186da001c8cdce462492">budget director Russell Vought</a>&nbsp;said would likely be the first of several, has not yet been sent to Capitol Hill.

The move against PBS and NPR comes as Trump's administration has been working to dismantle the U.S. Agency for Global Media, including Voice of America and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rem-radio-free-europe-stipe-trump-55f2525dc2061db80773449288ae2c3e">Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty</a>, which were designed to model independent news gathering globally in societies that restrict the press.

Those efforts have faced pushback from federal courts, which have ruled in some cases that the Trump administration may have overstepped its authority in holding back funds appropriated to the outlets by Congress.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order aiming to slash public subsidies to PBS and NPR as he alleged “bias” in the broadcasters’ reporting.

The order instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies “to cease Federal funding for NPR and PBS" and further requires that that they work to root out indirect sources of public financing for the news organizations. The White House, in a social media posting announcing the signing, said the outlets “receive millions from taxpayers to spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as 'news.'”

It's the latest move by Trump and his administration to utilize federal powers to control or hamstring institutions whose actions or viewpoints he disagrees with. Since taking office, Trump has ousted leaders, placed staff on administrative leave and cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to artists, libraries, museums, theaters and others, through takeovers of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-the-kennedy-center-needs-a-lot-of-work-4473d5ba41e340c9931a42b7966f5984">John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts</a>&nbsp;and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Trump has also pushed to withhold federal research and education funds from universities and punish law firms unless they agreed to eliminate diversity programs and other measures Trump has found objectionable.

The broadcasters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-pbs-npr-elon-trump-musk-99a40be6cbbe8932047afe371f91fdc5">get roughly half a billion dollars</a>&nbsp;in public money through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and have been preparing for the possibility of stiff cuts since Trump's election, as Republicans have long complained about them.

Paula Kerger, PBS’ CEO and president, said in a statement last month that the Trump administration’s effort to rescind funding for public media would “disrupt the essential service PBS and local member stations provide to the American people.”

“There’s nothing more American than PBS, and our work is only possible because of the bipartisan support we have always received from Congress,” she said. “This public-private partnership allows us to help prepare millions of children for success in school and in life and also supports enriching and inspiring programs of the highest quality.”

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting sued Trump earlier this week over his move to fire three members of its five-person board, contending that the president was exceeding his authority and that the move would deprive the board of a quorum needed to conduct business.

Just two weeks ago, the White House said it would be asking Congress to rescind funding for the CPB as part of a $9.1 billion package of cuts. That package, however, which budget director Russell Vought said would likely be the first of several, has not yet been sent to Capitol Hill.

The move against PBS and NPR comes as his administration has been working to dismantle the U.S. Agency for Global Media, including Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which were designed to model independent news gathering globally in societies that restrict the press. Those efforts have faced pushback from federal courts, who have ruled in some cases that the Trump administration may have overstepped its authority in holding back funds appropriated to the outlets by Congress.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746181587274.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The head of PBS said Friday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-npr-pbs-republicans-public-broadcasting-f0e3e1acb96986732a0211833165bf84">President Donald Trump's executive order</a>&nbsp;aiming to slash public subsidies to PBS and NPR was blatantly unlawful.Public Broadcasting Service CEO Paula Kerger said the Republican president's order “threatens our ability to serve the American public with educational programming, as we have for the past 50-plus years.""We are currently exploring all options to allow PBS to continue to serve our member stations and all Americans,” Kerger said.Trump signed the order late Thursday, alleging “bias” in the broadcasters’ reporting.The order instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies to “cease Federal funding” for PBS and National Public Radio and further requires that they work to root out indirect sources of public financing for the news organizations. The White House, in a social media posting announcing the signing, said the outlets “receive millions from taxpayers to spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as 'news.'”The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funnels public funding to the two services, said that it is not a federal executive agency subject to Trump's orders. The president earlier this week said he was firing three of the five remaining CPB board members — threatening its ability to do any work — and was&nbsp;<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/29/media/corporation-for-public-broadcasting-cpb-lawsuit-trump/index.html">immediately sued</a>&nbsp;by the CPB to stop it.The vast majority of public money for the services goes directly to its hundreds of local stations, which operate on a combination of government funding, donations and philanthropic grants. Stations in smaller markets are particularly dependent on the public money and most threatened by the cuts of the sort Trump is proposing.Public broadcasting has been threatened frequently by Republican leaders in the past, but the local ties have largely enabled them to escape cutbacks — legislators don't want to be seen as responsible for shutting down stations in their districts. But the current threat is seen as the most serious in the system's history.It's also the latest move by Trump and his administration to utilize federal powers to control or hamstring institutions whose actions or viewpoints he disagrees with.Since taking office in January for a second term, Trump has ousted leaders, placed staff on administrative leave and cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to artists, libraries, museums, theaters and others, through takeovers of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-the-kennedy-center-needs-a-lot-of-work-4473d5ba41e340c9931a42b7966f5984">the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts</a>&nbsp;and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Trump has also pushed to withhold federal research and education funds from universities and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-law-firm-mueller-executive-order-5873a7876a87940bc19d0ee9f995f069">punish law firms</a>&nbsp;unless they agree to eliminate diversity programs and other measures he has found objectionable.Just two weeks ago, the White House said it would be asking Congress to rescind funding for the CPB as part of a $9.1 billion package of cuts. That package, however, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-budget-taxes-spending-vought-4549eb165410186da001c8cdce462492">budget director Russell Vought</a>&nbsp;said would likely be the first of several, has not yet been sent to Capitol Hill.The move against PBS and NPR comes as Trump's administration has been working to dismantle the U.S. Agency for Global Media, including Voice of America and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rem-radio-free-europe-stipe-trump-55f2525dc2061db80773449288ae2c3e">Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty</a>, which were designed to model independent news gathering globally in societies that restrict the press.Those efforts have faced pushback from federal courts, which have ruled in some cases that the Trump administration may have overstepped its authority in holding back funds appropriated to the outlets by Congress.------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order aiming to slash public subsidies to PBS and NPR as he alleged “bias” in the broadcasters’ reporting.The order instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies “to cease Federal funding for NPR and PBS" and further requires that that they work to root out indirect sources of public financing for the news organizations. The White House, in a social media posting announcing the signing, said the outlets “receive millions from taxpayers to spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as 'news.'”It's the latest move by Trump and his administration to utilize federal powers to control or hamstring institutions whose actions or viewpoints he disagrees with. Since taking office, Trump has ousted leaders, placed staff on administrative leave and cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to artists, libraries, museums, theaters and others, through takeovers of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-the-kennedy-center-needs-a-lot-of-work-4473d5ba41e340c9931a42b7966f5984">John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts</a>&nbsp;and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Trump has also pushed to withhold federal research and education funds from universities and punish law firms unless they agreed to eliminate diversity programs and other measures Trump has found objectionable.The broadcasters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-pbs-npr-elon-trump-musk-99a40be6cbbe8932047afe371f91fdc5">get roughly half a billion dollars</a>&nbsp;in public money through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and have been preparing for the possibility of stiff cuts since Trump's election, as Republicans have long complained about them.Paula Kerger, PBS’ CEO and president, said in a statement last month that the Trump administration’s effort to rescind funding for public media would “disrupt the essential service PBS and local member stations provide to the American people.”“There’s nothing more American than PBS, and our work is only possible because of the bipartisan support we have always received from Congress,” she said. “This public-private partnership allows us to help prepare millions of children for success in school and in life and also supports enriching and inspiring programs of the highest quality.”The Corporation for Public Broadcasting sued Trump earlier this week over his move to fire three members of its five-person board, contending that the president was exceeding his authority and that the move would deprive the board of a quorum needed to conduct business.Just two weeks ago, the White House said it would be asking Congress to rescind funding for the CPB as part of a $9.1 billion package of cuts. That package, however, which budget director Russell Vought said would likely be the first of several, has not yet been sent to Capitol Hill.The move against PBS and NPR comes as his administration has been working to dismantle the U.S. Agency for Global Media, including Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which were designed to model independent news gathering globally in societies that restrict the press. Those efforts have faced pushback from federal courts, who have ruled in some cases that the Trump administration may have overstepped its authority in holding back funds appropriated to the outlets by Congress.—

PBS chief slams Trump's order to cut federal funding for PBS and NPR 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ruth Buzzi, who rose to fame as the frumpy and bitter Gladys Ormphby on the groundbreaking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/comedy">sketch comedy</a>&nbsp;series “Rowan &amp; Martin’s Laugh-In” and made over 200&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/television">television appearances</a>&nbsp;during a 45-year career, died Thursday. She was 88.

Buzzi died at her home in Texas, her agent Mike Eisenstadt said. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and was in hospice care. Shortly before her death, her husband Kent Perkins, had posted a statement on Buzzi's Facebook page, thanking her many fans and telling them: “She wants you to know she probably had more fun doing those shows than you had watching them.”

Buzzi won a Golden Globe and was a two-time Emmy nominee for the NBC show that ran from 1968 to 1973. She was the only regular to appear in all six seasons, including the pilot.

“Ruth Buzzi was a comedic genius,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NancySinatra/status/1918345944573329819">Nancy Sinatra posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Working alongside her on Laugh-In was the most fun I ever had working. I treasured her friendship and I am heartbroken to wake up to the news that she is gone. I love you, Ruthie.”

<a href="https://x.com/DeanaMartin_/status/1918359562224074863">Singer Deana Martin</a>&nbsp;posted, “Her laughter and warmth touched us all, leaving an everlasting void.”

Ormphby character leads to ‘Laugh-In’

Buzzi was first spotted by “Laugh-In” creator and producer George Schlatter playing various characters on “The Steve Allen Comedy Hour.”

Schlatter was holding auditions for “Laugh-In” when he received a picture in the mail of Buzzi in her Ormphby costume, sitting in a wire mesh trash barrel. The character was clad in drab brown with her bun covered by a hairnet knotted in the middle of her forehead.

“I think I hired her because of my passion for Gladys Ormphby,” he wrote in his 2023 memoir “Still Laughing A Life in Comedy.” “I must admit that the hairnet and the rolled-down stockings did light my fire. My favorite Gladys line was when she announced that the day of the office Christmas party, they sent her home early.”

The Gladys character used her purse as a weapon against anyone who bothered her, striking people over the head. On “Laugh-In,” her most frequent target was Arte Johnson’s dirty old man character Tyrone F. Horneigh.

“Gladys embodies the overlooked, the downtrodden, the taken for granted, the struggler,” Buzzi told The Connecticut Post in 2018. “So when she fights back, she speaks for everyone who’s been marginalized, reduced to a sex object or otherwise abused. And that’s almost everyone at some time or other.”

Buzzi took her act to the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts in Las Vegas, where she bashed her purse on the heads of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/frank-sinatra">Frank Sinatra</a>, Dean Martin and Lucille Ball, among others.

“Ruth Buzzi brought a singular energy and charm to sketch comedy that made her a standout on ‘Laugh-In’ and the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. Her characters, especially the unforgettable Gladys Ormphby, captured the delightful absurdity of the era," said Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York.

Her other recurring characters on “Laugh-In” included Flicker Farkle; Busy-Buzzi, a Hollywood gossip columnist; Doris Swizzler, a cocktail-lounge regular who got drunk with husband Leonard, played by Dick Martin; and an inconsiderate flight attendant.

“I never took my work for granted, nor assumed I deserved more of the credit or spotlight or more pay than anyone else,” Buzzi told The Connecticut Post. “I was just thrilled to drive down the hill to NBC every day as an employed actor with a job to do.”

Buzzi remained friends through the years with “Laugh-In” co-stars Lily Tomlin and Jo Anne Worley.

Born Ruth Ann Buzzi on July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of Angelo Buzzi, a nationally known stone sculptor. Her father and later her brother operated Buzzi Memorials, a gravestone and monument maker in Stonington, Connecticut, where she was head cheerleader in high school.

Buzzi enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse at age 17. Two years later, she traveled with singer Rudy Vallee in a musical and comedy act during her summer break. That earned her an Actors’ Equity union card before she graduated from the playhouse’s College of Theatre Arts.

Buzzi moved to New York and was immediately hired for a lead role in an off-Broadway musical revue, the first of 19 such shows she performed in on the East Coast.

She got her national television break on “The Garry Moore Show” in 1964, just after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/carol-burnett">Carol Burnett</a>&nbsp;was replaced by Dorothy Loudon on the series. She played Shakundala the Silent, a bumbling magician’s assistant to Dom DeLuise’s character Dominic the Great.

Buzzi was a regular on the CBS variety show “The Entertainers” whose hosts included Burnett and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bob-newhart">Bob Newhart</a>.

She was in the original Broadway cast of “Sweet Charity” with Gwen Verdon in 1966.

Buzzi toured the country with her nightclub act, including appearances in Las Vegas.

She was a semi-regular on “That Girl” as Marlo Thomas’ friend. She co-starred with Jim Nabors as time-traveling androids on “The Lost Saucer” in the mid-1970s.

Her other guest appearances included variety shows hosted by Burnett, Flip Wilson, Glen Campbell, Tony Orlando, Donny and Marie Osmond and Leslie Uggams.

She appeared in Ball’s last comedy series “Life With Lucy.”

Buzzi appeared in music videos with “Weird Al” Yankovic, the B-52’s and the Presidents of the United States of America.

She did hundreds of guest voices in cartoon series including “Pound Puppies,” “Berenstain Bears,” “The Smurfs” and “The Angry Beavers.”

She was Emmy nominated for her six-year run as shopkeeper Ruthie on “Sesame Street.”

Her movie credits included “Freaky Friday,” “Chu Chu and the Philly Flash,” “The North Avenue Irregulars” and “The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again.”

Buzzi was active on social media and had thousands of followers whom she rewarded with such one-liners as “I have never faked a sarcasm” and “Scientists say the universe is made up entirely of neurons, protons and electrons. They seem to have missed morons.”

The couple moved from California to Texas in 2003 and bought a 640-acre ranch near Stephenville.

Buzzi retired from acting in 2021 and suffered a series of strokes the following year. Her husband told The Dallas Morning News in 2023 that she had dementia.

Associated Press National Writer Hillel Italie contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746203984829.jpeg" alt="FILE - "Rowan &amp; Martin's Laugh-In" co-stars Ruth Buzzi and Gary Owens share a laugh during NBC's 75th Anniversary Party, in Los Angeles, Jan. 9, 2002. (AP Photo/Rene Macura, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - "Rowan &amp; Martin's Laugh-In" co-stars Ruth Buzzi and Gary Owens share a laugh during NBC's 75th Anniversary Party, in Los Angeles, Jan. 9, 2002. (AP Photo/Rene Macura, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ruth Buzzi, who rose to fame as the frumpy and bitter Gladys Ormphby on the groundbreaking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/comedy">sketch comedy</a>&nbsp;series “Rowan &amp; Martin’s Laugh-In” and made over 200&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/television">television appearances</a>&nbsp;during a 45-year career, died Thursday. She was 88.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ruth Buzzi (<a href="https://twitter.com/Ruth_A_Buzzi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ruth_A_Buzzi</a>) was a comedic genius. Working alongside her on Laugh-In was the most fun I ever had working. I treasured her friendship and I am heartbroken to wake up to the news that she is gone. I love you, Ruthie. Godspeed, old friend. Sending condolences to her… <a href="https://t.co/VSXHYqMHMD">pic.twitter.com/VSXHYqMHMD</a>&mdash; Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) <a href="https://twitter.com/NancySinatra/status/1918345944573329819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Buzzi died at her home in Texas, her agent Mike Eisenstadt said. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and was in hospice care. Shortly before her death, her husband Kent Perkins, had posted a statement on Buzzi's Facebook page, thanking her many fans and telling them: “She wants you to know she probably had more fun doing those shows than you had watching them.”Buzzi won a Golden Globe and was a two-time Emmy nominee for the NBC show that ran from 1968 to 1973. She was the only regular to appear in all six seasons, including the pilot.“Ruth Buzzi was a comedic genius,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NancySinatra/status/1918345944573329819">Nancy Sinatra posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Working alongside her on Laugh-In was the most fun I ever had working. I treasured her friendship and I am heartbroken to wake up to the news that she is gone. I love you, Ruthie.”<a href="https://x.com/DeanaMartin_/status/1918359562224074863">Singer Deana Martin</a>&nbsp;posted, “Her laughter and warmth touched us all, leaving an everlasting void.”<h2>Ormphby character leads to ‘Laugh-In’</h2>Buzzi was first spotted by “Laugh-In” creator and producer George Schlatter playing various characters on “The Steve Allen Comedy Hour.”Schlatter was holding auditions for “Laugh-In” when he received a picture in the mail of Buzzi in her Ormphby costume, sitting in a wire mesh trash barrel. The character was clad in drab brown with her bun covered by a hairnet knotted in the middle of her forehead.“I think I hired her because of my passion for Gladys Ormphby,” he wrote in his 2023 memoir “Still Laughing A Life in Comedy.” “I must admit that the hairnet and the rolled-down stockings did light my fire. My favorite Gladys line was when she announced that the day of the office Christmas party, they sent her home early.”The Gladys character used her purse as a weapon against anyone who bothered her, striking people over the head. On “Laugh-In,” her most frequent target was Arte Johnson’s dirty old man character Tyrone F. Horneigh.“Gladys embodies the overlooked, the downtrodden, the taken for granted, the struggler,” Buzzi told The Connecticut Post in 2018. “So when she fights back, she speaks for everyone who’s been marginalized, reduced to a sex object or otherwise abused. And that’s almost everyone at some time or other.”Buzzi took her act to the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts in Las Vegas, where she bashed her purse on the heads of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/frank-sinatra">Frank Sinatra</a>, Dean Martin and Lucille Ball, among others.“Ruth Buzzi brought a singular energy and charm to sketch comedy that made her a standout on ‘Laugh-In’ and the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. Her characters, especially the unforgettable Gladys Ormphby, captured the delightful absurdity of the era," said Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York.Her other recurring characters on “Laugh-In” included Flicker Farkle; Busy-Buzzi, a Hollywood gossip columnist; Doris Swizzler, a cocktail-lounge regular who got drunk with husband Leonard, played by Dick Martin; and an inconsiderate flight attendant.“I never took my work for granted, nor assumed I deserved more of the credit or spotlight or more pay than anyone else,” Buzzi told The Connecticut Post. “I was just thrilled to drive down the hill to NBC every day as an employed actor with a job to do.”Buzzi remained friends through the years with “Laugh-In” co-stars Lily Tomlin and Jo Anne Worley.<h2>From cheerleading to the stage</h2>Born Ruth Ann Buzzi on July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of Angelo Buzzi, a nationally known stone sculptor. Her father and later her brother operated Buzzi Memorials, a gravestone and monument maker in Stonington, Connecticut, where she was head cheerleader in high school.Buzzi enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse at age 17. Two years later, she traveled with singer Rudy Vallee in a musical and comedy act during her summer break. That earned her an Actors’ Equity union card before she graduated from the playhouse’s College of Theatre Arts.Buzzi moved to New York and was immediately hired for a lead role in an off-Broadway musical revue, the first of 19 such shows she performed in on the East Coast.She got her national television break on “The Garry Moore Show” in 1964, just after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/carol-burnett">Carol Burnett</a>&nbsp;was replaced by Dorothy Loudon on the series. She played Shakundala the Silent, a bumbling magician’s assistant to Dom DeLuise’s character Dominic the Great.Buzzi was a regular on the CBS variety show “The Entertainers” whose hosts included Burnett and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bob-newhart">Bob Newhart</a>.She was in the original Broadway cast of “Sweet Charity” with Gwen Verdon in 1966.Buzzi toured the country with her nightclub act, including appearances in Las Vegas.She was a semi-regular on “That Girl” as Marlo Thomas’ friend. She co-starred with Jim Nabors as time-traveling androids on “The Lost Saucer” in the mid-1970s.Her other guest appearances included variety shows hosted by Burnett, Flip Wilson, Glen Campbell, Tony Orlando, Donny and Marie Osmond and Leslie Uggams.She appeared in Ball’s last comedy series “Life With Lucy.”Buzzi appeared in music videos with “Weird Al” Yankovic, the B-52’s and the Presidents of the United States of America.She did hundreds of guest voices in cartoon series including “Pound Puppies,” “Berenstain Bears,” “The Smurfs” and “The Angry Beavers.”She was Emmy nominated for her six-year run as shopkeeper Ruthie on “Sesame Street.”Her movie credits included “Freaky Friday,” “Chu Chu and the Philly Flash,” “The North Avenue Irregulars” and “The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again.”Buzzi was active on social media and had thousands of followers whom she rewarded with such one-liners as “I have never faked a sarcasm” and “Scientists say the universe is made up entirely of neurons, protons and electrons. They seem to have missed morons.”She married actor Perkins in 1978.The couple moved from California to Texas in 2003 and bought a 640-acre ranch near Stephenville.Buzzi retired from acting in 2021 and suffered a series of strokes the following year. Her husband told The Dallas Morning News in 2023 that she had dementia.—-Associated Press National Writer Hillel Italie contributed to this report.

 Ruth Buzzi, Gladys of 'Laugh-in,' is dead at 88

KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson recently highlighted several felony cases involving road rage incidents to warn residents about the severe legal consequences that can result from momentary anger on roadways.&nbsp;

Since 2022, the Prosecutor’s Office received approximately 19 cases involving road rage incidents that escalated to assaults, vehicular injuries, or the use of firearms. So far this year, the Prosecutor’s Office has received and charged four cases already involving road rage.&nbsp;

Nationwide, road rage incidents involving firearms&nbsp;<a href="https://everytownresearch.org/road-rage-shootings-remain-alarmingly-high/">doubled from 2018 to 2023</a>, with hundreds of people killed or wounded every year.&nbsp;

“What begins as a temporary traffic annoyance can escalate into tragedy in seconds,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “Driving behaviors like someone cutting another vehicle off, driving slowly in a passing lane, swerving to avoid something in the road, or forgetting to use a turn signal, can trigger potentially deadly responses.&nbsp;

“We are urging all drivers to remember that a moment of rage is not worth a lifetime of consequences or your freedom. If you encounter an aggressive driver, do not engage. If you feel threatened, call 911, or drive to the nearest police station, hospital, or fire station.”

Prosecutors are handling several serious road rage cases this year:&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746194817276.png" alt="Adam Burnett photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Adam Burnett photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson recently highlighted several felony cases involving road rage incidents to warn residents about the severe legal consequences that can result from momentary anger on roadways.&nbsp;Since 2022, the Prosecutor’s Office received approximately 19 cases involving road rage incidents that escalated to assaults, vehicular injuries, or the use of firearms. So far this year, the Prosecutor’s Office has received and charged four cases already involving road rage.&nbsp;Nationwide, road rage incidents involving firearms&nbsp;<a href="https://everytownresearch.org/road-rage-shootings-remain-alarmingly-high/">doubled from 2018 to 2023</a>, with hundreds of people killed or wounded every year.&nbsp;“What begins as a temporary traffic annoyance can escalate into tragedy in seconds,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “Driving behaviors like someone cutting another vehicle off, driving slowly in a passing lane, swerving to avoid something in the road, or forgetting to use a turn signal, can trigger potentially deadly responses.&nbsp;“We are urging all drivers to remember that a moment of rage is not worth a lifetime of consequences or your freedom. If you encounter an aggressive driver, do not engage. If you feel threatened, call 911, or drive to the nearest police station, hospital, or fire station.”Prosecutors are handling several serious road rage cases this year:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Adam Burnett was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Armed Criminal Action after allegedly chasing and firing at a vehicle that cut him off on March 23. He could face five to 15 years in prison.</li><li>Christian Eubanks was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Armed Criminal Action, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child after he allegedly fired at another vehicle while his toddler was in his car on March 21.&nbsp;</li><li>Joshwa Pearman was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Armed Criminal Action after he allegedly fired at another vehicle during a road rage incident on Jan. 22.</li><li>Brian K. Watson was charged with 1st Degree Assault and Leaving the Scene of an Accident after he allegedly struck a pedestrian with his car and fled the scene on Jan. 18. The defendant has a history of road rage incidents.&nbsp;</li><li>And Isaiah Francis was charged this week of 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action in connection with a fatal road rage incident that took place on Nov. 8, 2024.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Prosecutor warns about legal consequences from road rage 

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

TOPEKA — The American dream Maranda Kealy was promised as a kid is nowhere to be found, she said at a rally Thursday in Topeka attended by hundreds in a display of collective action against President Donald Trump’s second term.

“It’s not the one any of us were promised,” she said.

Kealy, a 22-year-old from the small town of Harveyville about 45 minutes southwest of Topeka, held a sign that read, “Dude: This is so not the American dream.”

“We were promised freedom and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Kealy said, “but the administration has taken that to mean life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for some people, not all.”

The political grassroots group 50501 organized the event in honor of International Workers’ Day, celebrated on May 1 along with the European holiday May Day. The same group convened weeks before on April 5 at the state Capitol for a day of action,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/07/kansans-flood-streets-across-the-state-to-condemn-d-c-cartel-if-you-can-nows-the-time-to-speak/">drawing a crowd of thousands</a>. Thursday’s protest was more modest, with a crowd of around 300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746189500700.png" alt=" Kansans rally on May 1, 2025, at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of a 50501 event in honor of International Workers’ Day. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansans rally on May 1, 2025, at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of a 50501 event in honor of International Workers’ Day. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The American dream Maranda Kealy was promised as a kid is nowhere to be found, she said at a rally Thursday in Topeka attended by hundreds in a display of collective action against President Donald Trump’s second term.“It’s not the one any of us were promised,” she said.Kealy, a 22-year-old from the small town of Harveyville about 45 minutes southwest of Topeka, held a sign that read, “Dude: This is so not the American dream.”“We were promised freedom and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Kealy said, “but the administration has taken that to mean life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for some people, not all.”The political grassroots group 50501 organized the event in honor of International Workers’ Day, celebrated on May 1 along with the European holiday May Day. The same group convened weeks before on April 5 at the state Capitol for a day of action,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/07/kansans-flood-streets-across-the-state-to-condemn-d-c-cartel-if-you-can-nows-the-time-to-speak/">drawing a crowd of thousands</a>. Thursday’s protest was more modest, with a crowd of around 300.Kealy works for the U.S. Postal Service, and she is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Both were impetuses for her presence on the Statehouse grounds.“Every American deserves due process. Every American deserves a chance to live the American dream, and every person deserves a chance to have their voice heard,” Kealy said.A mishmash of anti-Trump, pro-Ukraine, anti-Putin, pro-democracy, anti-Elon Musk signs and American flags — both upside down and right side up — speckled the south lawn of the Kansas Statehouse as the event’s speakers railed against the Trump administration and the president’s supporters.The event’s speakers included 50501 organizers, Overland Park Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher, the vice president of chapter 66 of the National Treasury Employees Union in Kansas City, Daniel Scharpenburg, and the Rev. Nori Rost, a Unitarian Universalist minister in Lawrence and social justice advocate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746189553917.png" alt="The Rev. Nori Rost appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Rev. Nori Rost appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Scharpenburg’s union represents roughly 6,000 employees of the Internal Revenue Service.“I don’t know if you’ve heard,” he said to the crowd, “but we are not OK.”The IRS’s Kansas City office is facing the possibility of being halved, Scharpenburg said. He lobbed critiques at the Trump administration’s moves to clamp down on unions.“I have to say, if they were not afraid of working people, they would not try to union bust, right?” he said.The American Federation of Laborers and Congress of Industrial Organizations, an international federation of more than 60 unions, said May 1 is “the day the world celebrates the bravery of workers throughout history who have sacrificed for safety, dignity and justice on the job.”“Our solidarity is our strength,” the AFL-CIO said in a Thursday message. “We take pride in knowing that we are a global movement standing up to the billionaires who are threatening our rights and freedoms.”<h2>‘Not where I want to be’</h2>Holscher reminded the crowd of the president’s promise to lower prices at the grocery store. The crowd laughed.“It is quite apparent, however, in these first 100 days of the Trump administration, we have been sold a bill of goods,” Holscher said.She criticized state Republican leaders, referring to them as MAGA extremists, for a handful of their decisions during the 2025 legislative session, including&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/07/let-kansans-live-free-leaked-emails-to-efficiency-portal-call-for-abortion-rights-school-funding/">the creation of the Committee on Government Efficiency</a>&nbsp;and their “assault” on public education funding.She warned of Republicans sending Kansas “back to the deficit days of the Brownback administration.”The rally was 61-year-old Army veteran David Beck’s first time participating in something like it.“This is not where I want to be,” he said.He lives about 90 miles from Topeka and was born and raised in southeast Kansas. Everything is at stake, he said.“What hasn’t he harmed?” he asked, referring to Trump.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746189594733.png" alt=" Tina Hallenbeck, of Alma, rallies at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Tina Hallenbeck, of Alma, rallies at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tina Hallenbeck, of Alma, celebrated her birthday by protesting the “scary, scary things” she sees happening under the Trump administration.She said she was especially concerned for her husband, a retired active duty Army Gulf War veteran and a federal employee with a year left to retire.Hallenbeck appeared at the Capitol dressed in the red uniform of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood about a near-future dystopia where women are forcibly assigned to produce children.“It feels like it makes a statement. Somebody’s going to see this,” Hallenbeck said. “Today, May Day, it’s my birthday, I’m 58 years old, and this is what I’m doing today, and it’s a shame that I have to be, but I have to be. We have to be vigilant. We can’t have 1930s Germany in the United States.”