DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;on Monday alleged a U.S. airstrike hit a prison holding African migrants, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others. The U.S. military had no immediate comment.

The strike in Yemen's Saada governorate, a stronghold for the Houthis, is the latest incident in the country's decadelong war&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethiopia-saudi-arabia-yemen-migrants-hrw-c6958c2593573c0c8fc64794a60f777c">to kill African migrants from Ethiopia and other nations</a>&nbsp;who risk crossing the nation for a chance to work in neighboring Saudi Arabia.

It also likely will renew questions from activists about the American campaign, known as “Operation Rough Rider,” which has been targeting the rebels as the Trump administration negotiates with their main benefactor, Iran, over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-talks-oman-f2e4ecf49c62c11a0240153d7f900d0d">Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program</a>.

The U.S. military's Central Command, in a statement early Monday before news of the alleged strike broke, sought to defend its policy of offering no specific details of its extensive airstrike campaign. The strikes have drawn controversy in America over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-houthis-attack-8dbf9dd6c711796438a5c1c84831c40b">use of the unclassified Signal messaging app</a>&nbsp;to post sensitive details about the attacks.

“To preserve operational security, we have intentionally limited disclosing details of our ongoing or future operations,” Central Command said. “We are very deliberate in our operational approach, but will not reveal specifics about what we’ve done or what we will do.”

It did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press about the alleged strike in Saada.

Graphic footage shows aftermath of explosion

Graphic footage aired by the Houthis' al-Masirah satellite news channel showed what appeared to be dead bodies and others wounded at the site. The Houthi-run Interior Ministry said some 115 migrants had been detained at the site.

The rebels' Civil Defense organization said at least 68 people had been killed and 47 others wounded in the attack.

Footage from the site analyzed by the AP suggested some kind of explosion took place there, with its cement walls seemingly peppered by debris fragments and the wounds suffered by those there.

A woman's voice, soft in the footage, can be heard repeating the start of a prayer in Arabic: “In the name of God.” An occasional gunshot rang out as medics sought to help those wounded.

African migrants caught in middle of Yemen's war

Ethiopians and other African migrants for years have landed in Yemen, braving the war-torn nation to try and reach Saudi Arabia for work. The Houthi rebels allegedly make tens of thousands of dollars a week smuggling migrants over the border.

Migrants from Ethiopia have found themselves detained, abused and even killed in Saudi Arabia and Yemen during the war. An Oct. 3, 2022, letter to the kingdom from the U.N. said its investigators “received concerning allegations of cross-border artillery shelling and small arms fire allegedly by Saudi security forces, causing the deaths of up to 430 and injuring 650 migrants.”

Saudi Arabia has denied killing migrants.

Monday's alleged strike recalled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-middle-east-sanaa-dubai-cfad87600e2c93ab9af22dc80ba27875">a similar strike by a Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis back in 2022</a>&nbsp;on the same compound, which caused a collapse killing 66 detainees and wounding 113 others, a United Nations report later said. The Houthis shot dead 16 detainees who fled after the strike and wounded another 50, the U.N. said. The Saudi-led coalition sought to justify the strike by saying the Houthis built and launched drones there, but the U.N. said it was known to be a detention facility.

“The coalition should have avoided any attack on that facility,” the U.N. report added.

That 2022 attack was one of the deadliest single attacks in the yearslong war between the coalition and the Houthi rebels and came after the Houthis struck inside the UAE twice with missiles and drones,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dubai-united-arab-emirates-abu-dhabi-yemen-8bdefdf900ce46a6fd6c7bc685bf838a">killing three in a strike near Abu Dhabi's international airport</a>.

US military says over 800 strikes conducted in campaign so far

Meanwhile, U.S. airstrikes overnight targeting Yemen's capital killed at least eight people, the Houthis said. The American military acknowledged carrying out over 800 individual strikes in their monthlong campaign.

The overnight statement from Central Command also said “Operation Rough Rider” had “killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders,” including those associated with its missile and drone program. It did not identify any of those officials.

“Iran undoubtedly continues to provide support to the Houthis,” the statement said. “The Houthis can only continue to attack our forces with the backing of the Iranian regime.”

"We will continue to ratchet up the pressure until the objective is met, which remains the restoration of freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region," it added.

The U.S. is targeting the Houthis because of the group’s attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route, and on Israel. The Houthis are also the last militant group in Iran’s self-described “Axis of Resistance” that is capable of regularly attacking Israel.

The U.S. is conducting strikes on Yemen from its two aircraft carriers in the region — the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea and the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea.

On April 18,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-us-airstrikes-563f61bbd96e1f2de68373fdf76c8811">an American strike on the Ras Isa fuel port</a>&nbsp;killed at least 74 people and wounded 171 others in the deadliest-known attack of the American campaign. Central Command on Monday offered an explanation for why it hit the port.

“U.S. strikes destroyed the ability of Ras Isa Port to accept fuel, which will begin to impact Houthi ability to not only conduct operations, but also to generate millions of dollars in revenue for their terror activities,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Houthis have increasingly sought to control the flow of information from the territory they hold to the outside world. It issued a notice Sunday that all those holding Starlink satellite internet receivers should “quickly hand over” the devices to authorities.

“A field campaign will be implemented in coordination with the security authorities to arrest anyone who sells, trades, uses, operates, installs or possesses these prohibited terminals,” the Houthis warned.

Starlink terminals have been crucial for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-ukraine-starlink-russia-air-force-fde93d9a69d7dbd1326022ecfdbc53c2">Ukraine in fighting Russia’s full-scale invasion</a>&nbsp;and receivers also have been smuggled into Iran amid unrest there.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745834468939.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;on Monday alleged a U.S. airstrike hit a prison holding African migrants, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others. The U.S. military had no immediate comment.The strike in Yemen's Saada governorate, a stronghold for the Houthis, is the latest incident in the country's decadelong war&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethiopia-saudi-arabia-yemen-migrants-hrw-c6958c2593573c0c8fc64794a60f777c">to kill African migrants from Ethiopia and other nations</a>&nbsp;who risk crossing the nation for a chance to work in neighboring Saudi Arabia.It also likely will renew questions from activists about the American campaign, known as “Operation Rough Rider,” which has been targeting the rebels as the Trump administration negotiates with their main benefactor, Iran, over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-talks-oman-f2e4ecf49c62c11a0240153d7f900d0d">Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program</a>.The U.S. military's Central Command, in a statement early Monday before news of the alleged strike broke, sought to defend its policy of offering no specific details of its extensive airstrike campaign. The strikes have drawn controversy in America over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-houthis-attack-8dbf9dd6c711796438a5c1c84831c40b">use of the unclassified Signal messaging app</a>&nbsp;to post sensitive details about the attacks.“To preserve operational security, we have intentionally limited disclosing details of our ongoing or future operations,” Central Command said. “We are very deliberate in our operational approach, but will not reveal specifics about what we’ve done or what we will do.”It did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press about the alleged strike in Saada.<h2>Graphic footage shows aftermath of explosion</h2>Graphic footage aired by the Houthis' al-Masirah satellite news channel showed what appeared to be dead bodies and others wounded at the site. The Houthi-run Interior Ministry said some 115 migrants had been detained at the site.The rebels' Civil Defense organization said at least 68 people had been killed and 47 others wounded in the attack.Footage from the site analyzed by the AP suggested some kind of explosion took place there, with its cement walls seemingly peppered by debris fragments and the wounds suffered by those there.A woman's voice, soft in the footage, can be heard repeating the start of a prayer in Arabic: “In the name of God.” An occasional gunshot rang out as medics sought to help those wounded.<h2>African migrants caught in middle of Yemen's war</h2>Ethiopians and other African migrants for years have landed in Yemen, braving the war-torn nation to try and reach Saudi Arabia for work. The Houthi rebels allegedly make tens of thousands of dollars a week smuggling migrants over the border.Migrants from Ethiopia have found themselves detained, abused and even killed in Saudi Arabia and Yemen during the war. An Oct. 3, 2022, letter to the kingdom from the U.N. said its investigators “received concerning allegations of cross-border artillery shelling and small arms fire allegedly by Saudi security forces, causing the deaths of up to 430 and injuring 650 migrants.”Saudi Arabia has denied killing migrants.Monday's alleged strike recalled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-middle-east-sanaa-dubai-cfad87600e2c93ab9af22dc80ba27875">a similar strike by a Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis back in 2022</a>&nbsp;on the same compound, which caused a collapse killing 66 detainees and wounding 113 others, a United Nations report later said. The Houthis shot dead 16 detainees who fled after the strike and wounded another 50, the U.N. said. The Saudi-led coalition sought to justify the strike by saying the Houthis built and launched drones there, but the U.N. said it was known to be a detention facility.“The coalition should have avoided any attack on that facility,” the U.N. report added.That 2022 attack was one of the deadliest single attacks in the yearslong war between the coalition and the Houthi rebels and came after the Houthis struck inside the UAE twice with missiles and drones,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dubai-united-arab-emirates-abu-dhabi-yemen-8bdefdf900ce46a6fd6c7bc685bf838a">killing three in a strike near Abu Dhabi's international airport</a>.<h2>US military says over 800 strikes conducted in campaign so far</h2>Meanwhile, U.S. airstrikes overnight targeting Yemen's capital killed at least eight people, the Houthis said. The American military acknowledged carrying out over 800 individual strikes in their monthlong campaign.The overnight statement from Central Command also said “Operation Rough Rider” had “killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders,” including those associated with its missile and drone program. It did not identify any of those officials.“Iran undoubtedly continues to provide support to the Houthis,” the statement said. “The Houthis can only continue to attack our forces with the backing of the Iranian regime.”"We will continue to ratchet up the pressure until the objective is met, which remains the restoration of freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region," it added.The U.S. is targeting the Houthis because of the group’s attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route, and on Israel. The Houthis are also the last militant group in Iran’s self-described “Axis of Resistance” that is capable of regularly attacking Israel.<h2>US discusses deadly port strike</h2>The U.S. is conducting strikes on Yemen from its two aircraft carriers in the region — the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea and the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea.On April 18,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-us-airstrikes-563f61bbd96e1f2de68373fdf76c8811">an American strike on the Ras Isa fuel port</a>&nbsp;killed at least 74 people and wounded 171 others in the deadliest-known attack of the American campaign. Central Command on Monday offered an explanation for why it hit the port.“U.S. strikes destroyed the ability of Ras Isa Port to accept fuel, which will begin to impact Houthi ability to not only conduct operations, but also to generate millions of dollars in revenue for their terror activities,” it said.Meanwhile, the Houthis have increasingly sought to control the flow of information from the territory they hold to the outside world. It issued a notice Sunday that all those holding Starlink satellite internet receivers should “quickly hand over” the devices to authorities.“A field campaign will be implemented in coordination with the security authorities to arrest anyone who sells, trades, uses, operates, installs or possesses these prohibited terminals,” the Houthis warned.Starlink terminals have been crucial for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-ukraine-starlink-russia-air-force-fde93d9a69d7dbd1326022ecfdbc53c2">Ukraine in fighting Russia’s full-scale invasion</a>&nbsp;and receivers also have been smuggled into Iran amid unrest there.

Houthi rebels say alleged US airstrike hit Yemen prison, dozens killed

SUN Bucks program provides eligible families with $120 per school-aged child for summer groceries

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — An estimated 138,776 Kansas school-age children could have received free summer meals last year — their families just didn’t submit the application.

Of the estimated 148,000 children eligible for SUN Bucks pending application, according to the Kansas Department for Children and Families, there were applications submitted for 9,961 children. The program, also known as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program, gives families a $120 summer grocery card per eligible school-age child.

While most eligible children did not receive the SUN Bucks, 117,263 children automatically received them, according to DCF. The number of families who automatically received benefits were not counted into the 148,000 potential applications. Children in a household that had already submitted paperwork to receive free or reduced-price school lunches or applied for monthly food assistance programs, for example, were auto-enrolled. Families auto-enrolled for this summer received a letter in January.

The majority of states that offer SUN Bucks auto-enroll children in Medicaid. Kansas does not.

Haley Kottler, campaign director for food access at Kansas Appleseed, says DCF can’t auto-enroll children on Medicaid because of capacity issues with its internal system.

After&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usda-grocery-ebt-21-million-children-summer-2024-what-to-know/" target="_blank">federal funding was approved</a>, families had from<a href="https://www.propel.app/summer-ebt/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Aug. 12, 2024</a>, to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Home/Quick-Links/News-Room/Weekly-News/Student-Health-and-Nutrition/PID/6197/mcat/6219/acat/2/ArtDateMonth/9-2024" target="_blank">Oct. 15, 2024</a>, to apply. This year, families have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/sunbucks.aspx" target="_blank">from Jan. 27 to Aug. 29</a>&nbsp;to apply — enlarging the window from two to seven months.

Kottler identified the small timespan as a reason for the low number of applications. The original application deadline was Sept. 11, 2024, and Kottler fought to change it. But she said that even with the extended window, applications didn’t increase.

“It made it really challenging, because a lot of families just didn’t know they were able to utilize this benefit,” Kottler said.

Erin LaRow, a spokeswoman for DCF, said her department spread the word via social media campaigns, messaging within the DCF phone system and self-service portal, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/SUNBucks.aspx" target="_blank">dedicated webpage</a>&nbsp;and a statewide news release.

The department also shared a fact sheet, both in English and Spanish, with the Kansas State Department of Education.

David Rubel, a New York City-based education consultant, looked at 12 states’ potential number of applications vs applications submitted. He found the percentage of applications submitted in every state was less than 20%.

North Carolina had the highest results, with 19.3% of applications submitted, followed by Missouri, with 18.3%. He said the comparatively robust numbers are because of communication about the SUN Bucks program from school districts.

“It’s all about the school districts getting the word out to their families. And why I emphasize the school districts is because they’re the only ones who have the current contact information for the families,” Rubel said.

Amber Wheeler, the superintendent of Humboldt School District — which has 33% of students approved for free and reduced-price lunches — said it has posted a DCF infographic on their social media accounts.

Robin Button, the food and service director for Fort Scott School District — with 56.7% of students approved for free and reduced-price lunches — said it plans on posting the infographic and mentioning the program at its town hall.

In the wake of President Donald Trump’s promise to deport more people — and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/irs-share-taxpayer-info-ice-immigrants-rcna200250" target="_blank">use of federal documents to identify them</a>&nbsp;— immigrant families are wary of submitting more documentation. While the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/sunbucks.aspx" target="_blank">Kansas DCF website</a>&nbsp;states that receiving SUN Bucks would not affect a family’s immigration status, fear remains.

“There’s a chilling effect when it comes to programs like this,” Kottler said. “It’s absolutely causing them fear and to not apply.”

Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk have been pushing spending cuts — a crusade that has trickled down to state-level officials.

At the Kansas State Board of Education’s April meeting, a motion failed to allow KSDE Child and Wellness services to enter an agreement with the Kansas Association of Broadcasters to run public service announcements about summer meal programs. This means that stations associated with KAB won’t air promotional materials about the KSDE’s Sun Meals program, which is separate from the SUN Bucks program.

In the 2025-2026 Kansas legislative session, Republicans attempted to insert a provision in the budget that would ban the use of SUN Bucks on candy or soda. Democratic Governor Laura Kelly vetoed the provision — and while the Senate overturned her veto, the House did not — ultimately upholding her veto.

LaRow with DCF said the department has received 1,294 SUN Bucks applications as of April 11.

Corrections: An earlier version of this story miscalculated the number of children who didn’t receive the SUN Bucks benefit, misstated a decision by the Kansas State Board of Education at its April meeting, and didn’t specify that KSDE’s Sun Meals program is separate from the SUN Bucks program.

Application is open now through Aug. 29, 2025.

Families who did not receive a letter from the Kansas Department for Children and Families in January&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/sunbucks.aspx" target="_blank">can check their eligibility</a>.

Families should&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcfapp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal" target="_blank">apply through the DCF Self-service portal</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738161277873.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>SUN Bucks program provides eligible families with $120 per school-aged child for summer groceries</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — An estimated 138,776 Kansas school-age children could have received free summer meals last year — their families just didn’t submit the application.Of the estimated 148,000 children eligible for SUN Bucks pending application, according to the Kansas Department for Children and Families, there were applications submitted for 9,961 children. The program, also known as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program, gives families a $120 summer grocery card per eligible school-age child.While most eligible children did not receive the SUN Bucks, 117,263 children automatically received them, according to DCF. The number of families who automatically received benefits were not counted into the 148,000 potential applications. Children in a household that had already submitted paperwork to receive free or reduced-price school lunches or applied for monthly food assistance programs, for example, were auto-enrolled. Families auto-enrolled for this summer received a letter in January.The majority of states that offer SUN Bucks auto-enroll children in Medicaid. Kansas does not.Haley Kottler, campaign director for food access at Kansas Appleseed, says DCF can’t auto-enroll children on Medicaid because of capacity issues with its internal system.<h2>Why were applications so low?&nbsp;</h2>After&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usda-grocery-ebt-21-million-children-summer-2024-what-to-know/" target="_blank">federal funding was approved</a>, families had from<a href="https://www.propel.app/summer-ebt/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Aug. 12, 2024</a>, to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Home/Quick-Links/News-Room/Weekly-News/Student-Health-and-Nutrition/PID/6197/mcat/6219/acat/2/ArtDateMonth/9-2024" target="_blank">Oct. 15, 2024</a>, to apply. This year, families have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/sunbucks.aspx" target="_blank">from Jan. 27 to Aug. 29</a>&nbsp;to apply — enlarging the window from two to seven months.Kottler identified the small timespan as a reason for the low number of applications. The original application deadline was Sept. 11, 2024, and Kottler fought to change it. But she said that even with the extended window, applications didn’t increase.“It made it really challenging, because a lot of families just didn’t know they were able to utilize this benefit,” Kottler said.Erin LaRow, a spokeswoman for DCF, said her department spread the word via social media campaigns, messaging within the DCF phone system and self-service portal, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/SUNBucks.aspx" target="_blank">dedicated webpage</a>&nbsp;and a statewide news release.The department also shared a fact sheet, both in English and Spanish, with the Kansas State Department of Education.David Rubel, a New York City-based education consultant, looked at 12 states’ potential number of applications vs applications submitted. He found the percentage of applications submitted in every state was less than 20%.North Carolina had the highest results, with 19.3% of applications submitted, followed by Missouri, with 18.3%. He said the comparatively robust numbers are because of communication about the SUN Bucks program from school districts.“It’s all about the school districts getting the word out to their families. And why I emphasize the school districts is because they’re the only ones who have the current contact information for the families,” Rubel said.Amber Wheeler, the superintendent of Humboldt School District — which has 33% of students approved for free and reduced-price lunches — said it has posted a DCF infographic on their social media accounts.Robin Button, the food and service director for Fort Scott School District — with 56.7% of students approved for free and reduced-price lunches — said it plans on posting the infographic and mentioning the program at its town hall.<h2>‘Chilling effect’ of recent politics</h2>In the wake of President Donald Trump’s promise to deport more people — and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/irs-share-taxpayer-info-ice-immigrants-rcna200250" target="_blank">use of federal documents to identify them</a>&nbsp;— immigrant families are wary of submitting more documentation. While the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/sunbucks.aspx" target="_blank">Kansas DCF website</a>&nbsp;states that receiving SUN Bucks would not affect a family’s immigration status, fear remains.“There’s a chilling effect when it comes to programs like this,” Kottler said. “It’s absolutely causing them fear and to not apply.”Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk have been pushing spending cuts — a crusade that has trickled down to state-level officials.At the Kansas State Board of Education’s April meeting, a motion failed to allow KSDE Child and Wellness services to enter an agreement with the Kansas Association of Broadcasters to run public service announcements about summer meal programs. This means that stations associated with KAB won’t air promotional materials about the KSDE’s Sun Meals program, which is separate from the SUN Bucks program.In the 2025-2026 Kansas legislative session, Republicans attempted to insert a provision in the budget that would ban the use of SUN Bucks on candy or soda. Democratic Governor Laura Kelly vetoed the provision — and while the Senate overturned her veto, the House did not — ultimately upholding her veto.LaRow with DCF said the department has received 1,294 SUN Bucks applications as of April 11.Corrections: An earlier version of this story miscalculated the number of children who didn’t receive the SUN Bucks benefit, misstated a decision by the Kansas State Board of Education at its April meeting, and didn’t specify that KSDE’s Sun Meals program is separate from the SUN Bucks program.How to apply for SUN BucksApplication is open now through Aug. 29, 2025.Families who did not receive a letter from the Kansas Department for Children and Families in January&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/sunbucks.aspx" target="_blank">can check their eligibility</a>.Families should&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcfapp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal" target="_blank">apply through the DCF Self-service portal</a>.

Correction: More than 138,000 Kansas children miss out on free summer meals despite eligibility

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —A Kansas City firefighter paramedic, 29-year-old Graham Hoffman, critically injured in a stabbing while transporting a patient to the hospital on Sunday has died, according to&nbsp;Fire Chief Ross Grundyson.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, the Kansas City fire department was dispatched to North Oak and 152 on a routine medical call, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

While transporting the patient to the hospital, the patient stabbed firefighter paramedic Graham Hoffman in the chest. The firefighter's partner immediately called a crew emergency and additional KCFD personnel along with KCPD were dispatched to the scene.

Hoffman was transported to North Kansas City Hospital in critical condition.&nbsp;“KCFD crews worked tirelessly to save Firefighter Hoffman's life en route to North Kansas City Hospital. Lifesaving efforts continued in the emergency room before Graham was moved into surgery. Despite the heroic efforts of KCFD paramedics, the hospital medical team, Firefighter Hoffman, succumbed to his injuries in the intensive care unit," according to Grundyson

"Firefighter Graham Hoffman was 29 years old and was a member of the Department for three years. Graham was a vibrant individual who loved life and loved serving his community. He was an excellent paramedic who treated his patients with the highest level of skill and compassion."

"The Kansas City Fire Department grieves with Graham’s family, friends, and loved ones. This is a senseless act that has taken a great young man from his family, friends, and coworkers, and deprived our city of a dedicated firefighter, and a leader on and off the job who only wanted toserve and protect those in his community."

Police took the suspect/patient into custody.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790431024.png" alt="Graham Hoffman photo Kansas City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Graham Hoffman photo Kansas City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. —A Kansas City firefighter paramedic, 29-year-old Graham Hoffman, critically injured in a stabbing while transporting a patient to the hospital on Sunday has died, according to&nbsp;Fire Chief Ross Grundyson.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, the Kansas City fire department was dispatched to North Oak and 152 on a routine medical call, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We will remember forever the service and sacrifice of Graham Hoffman of the Kansas City Fire Department. Our condolences to his family, all at KCFD, and all in our community. <a href="https://t.co/dfDEBoyD6f">pic.twitter.com/dfDEBoyD6f</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1916592243776901391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>While transporting the patient to the hospital, the patient stabbed firefighter paramedic Graham Hoffman in the chest. The firefighter's partner immediately called a crew emergency and additional KCFD personnel along with KCPD were dispatched to the scene.Hoffman was transported to North Kansas City Hospital in critical condition.&nbsp;“KCFD crews worked tirelessly to save Firefighter Hoffman's life en route to North Kansas City Hospital. Lifesaving efforts continued in the emergency room before Graham was moved into surgery. Despite the heroic efforts of KCFD paramedics, the hospital medical team, Firefighter Hoffman, succumbed to his injuries in the intensive care unit," according to Grundyson"Firefighter Graham Hoffman was 29 years old and was a member of the Department for three years. Graham was a vibrant individual who loved life and loved serving his community. He was an excellent paramedic who treated his patients with the highest level of skill and compassion.""The Kansas City Fire Department grieves with Graham’s family, friends, and loved ones. This is a senseless act that has taken a great young man from his family, friends, and coworkers, and deprived our city of a dedicated firefighter, and a leader on and off the job who only wanted toserve and protect those in his community."Police took the suspect/patient into custody.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

KC firefighter paramedic stabbed by patient has died

BENTON COUNTY, Mo. —Two people died in an accident that occurred just before 9p.m.&nbsp; Friday in Benton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Dodge Avenger driven by a 44-year-old Clinton, Missouri woman was southbound on MO 7 over the Mile Long Bridge.&nbsp; The car crossed into the path of a northbound Chevy Tahoe driven by a 26-year-old Clinton, Missouri man. The&nbsp; car struck the SUV head-on.&nbsp;

After impact the Tahoe struck the bridge. The SUV and the boat it was towing fell into the water. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745799954594.png" alt="Photo courtesy KYTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KYTV</figcaption>
 </figure>BENTON COUNTY, Mo. —Two people died in an accident that occurred just before 9p.m.&nbsp; Friday in Benton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Dodge Avenger driven by a 44-year-old Clinton, Missouri woman was southbound on MO 7 over the Mile Long Bridge.&nbsp; The car crossed into the path of a northbound Chevy Tahoe driven by a 26-year-old Clinton, Missouri man. The&nbsp; car struck the SUV head-on.&nbsp;After impact the Tahoe struck the bridge. The SUV and the boat it was towing fell into the water. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 dead after head-on crash and SUV falls into Mo. Lake

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman who admitted to her role in a deadly hit-and run accident was sentenced on Friday.

Judge Chrystal Krier sentenced 20-year-old Peyton Allart of Wichita to&nbsp; 36 months probation with an underlying sentence of 31 months, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Last month, Allart entered a guilty plea to leaving the scene of an accident that killed&nbsp;28-year-old Jaz Brooks.

Just after 3a.m. June 23,&nbsp; 2024, police responded to a vehicle collision at the intersection of Central and McLean in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders discovered a dark-colored Saturn involved in the incident. The passenger, identified as Brooks, was found trapped inside the vehicle and pronounced deceased. The driver of the Saturn received an evaluation by EMS for non-lifethreatening injuries at the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a black Ford F-150 had collided with the Saturn on its passenger side and fled prior to law enforcement's arrival. Officers successfully located the suspect identified as Allart, who was 19 at the time of the crash, and the vehicle several hours later.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719242864860.png" alt="Allart photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Allart photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman who admitted to her role in a deadly hit-and run accident was sentenced on Friday.Judge Chrystal Krier sentenced 20-year-old Peyton Allart of Wichita to&nbsp; 36 months probation with an underlying sentence of 31 months, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Last month, Allart entered a guilty plea to leaving the scene of an accident that killed&nbsp;28-year-old Jaz Brooks.Just after 3a.m. June 23,&nbsp; 2024, police responded to a vehicle collision at the intersection of Central and McLean in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders discovered a dark-colored Saturn involved in the incident. The passenger, identified as Brooks, was found trapped inside the vehicle and pronounced deceased. The driver of the Saturn received an evaluation by EMS for non-lifethreatening injuries at the scene.Preliminary investigations revealed that a black Ford F-150 had collided with the Saturn on its passenger side and fled prior to law enforcement's arrival. Officers successfully located the suspect identified as Allart, who was 19 at the time of the crash, and the vehicle several hours later.&nbsp;

Sentenced after plea deal in fatal Kansas hit-and-run

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonel-aleccia">JONEL ALECCIA</a>

The Agriculture Department will not require poultry companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicken-turkey-food-poisoning-salmonella-usda-58e2813065011613d0922a03ce1e4d89">to limit salmonella bacteria</a>&nbsp;in their products, halting a Biden Administration effort to prevent food poisoning from contaminated meat.

The department on Thursday said it was withdrawing a rule proposed in August after three years of development. Officials with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service cited feedback from more than 7,000 public comments and said they would “evaluate whether it should update” current salmonella regulations.

The rule would have required poultry companies to keep levels of salmonella bacteria under a certain threshold and test for the presence of six strains most associated with illness, including three found in turkey and three in chicken. If the levels exceeded the standard or any of those strains were found, the poultry couldn’t be sold and would be subject to recall, the proposal had said.

The plan aimed to reduce an estimated 125,000 salmonella infections from chicken and 43,000 from turkey each year, according to USDA. Overall, salmonella causes 1.35 million infections a year, most through food, and about 420 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The withdrawal drew praise from the National Chicken Council, an industry trade group, which said the proposed rule was legally unsound, misinterpreted science, would have increased costs and create more food waste, all “with no meaningful impact on public health.”

“We remain committed to further reducing salmonella and fully support food safety regulations and policies that are based on sound science,” said Ashley Peterson, the group’s senior vice president of science and regulatory affairs.

But the move drew swift criticism from food safety advocates, including Sandra Eskin, a former USDA official who helped draft the plan.

The withdrawal “sends the clear message that the Make America Healthy Again initiative does not care about the thousands of people who get sick from preventable foodborne salmonella infections linked to poultry,” Eskin said in a statement.

The proposed rule had been regarded as a food safety victory similar to a 1994 decision to ban certain strains of dangerous E. coli bacteria from ground beef after deadly outbreaks, said Sarah Sorscher, of the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

“Make no mistake: Shipping more salmonella to restaurants and grocery stores is certain to make Americans sicker,” Sorscher said.

Earlier this month, the USDA said it would delay by six months the enforcement of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salmonella-chicken-breaded-food-poisoning-38c318363a674a372427a852857ce41b">a final rule</a>&nbsp;regulating salmonella levels in certain breaded and stuffed raw chicken products. Enforcement, which was set for May 1, now begins Nov. 3.

That covers foods such as frozen chicken cordon bleu and chicken Kiev dishes that appear to be fully cooked but are only heat-treated to set the batter or coating. Such products&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.cdc.gov/#/details?url=https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis-06-21/index.html" target="_blank">have been linked</a>&nbsp;to at least 14 salmonella outbreaks and at least 200 illnesses since 1998, according to the CDC.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745587893243.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonel-aleccia">JONEL ALECCIA</a>The Agriculture Department will not require poultry companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicken-turkey-food-poisoning-salmonella-usda-58e2813065011613d0922a03ce1e4d89">to limit salmonella bacteria</a>&nbsp;in their products, halting a Biden Administration effort to prevent food poisoning from contaminated meat.The department on Thursday said it was withdrawing a rule proposed in August after three years of development. Officials with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service cited feedback from more than 7,000 public comments and said they would “evaluate whether it should update” current salmonella regulations.The rule would have required poultry companies to keep levels of salmonella bacteria under a certain threshold and test for the presence of six strains most associated with illness, including three found in turkey and three in chicken. If the levels exceeded the standard or any of those strains were found, the poultry couldn’t be sold and would be subject to recall, the proposal had said.The plan aimed to reduce an estimated 125,000 salmonella infections from chicken and 43,000 from turkey each year, according to USDA. Overall, salmonella causes 1.35 million infections a year, most through food, and about 420 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The withdrawal drew praise from the National Chicken Council, an industry trade group, which said the proposed rule was legally unsound, misinterpreted science, would have increased costs and create more food waste, all “with no meaningful impact on public health.”“We remain committed to further reducing salmonella and fully support food safety regulations and policies that are based on sound science,” said Ashley Peterson, the group’s senior vice president of science and regulatory affairs.But the move drew swift criticism from food safety advocates, including Sandra Eskin, a former USDA official who helped draft the plan.The withdrawal “sends the clear message that the Make America Healthy Again initiative does not care about the thousands of people who get sick from preventable foodborne salmonella infections linked to poultry,” Eskin said in a statement.The proposed rule had been regarded as a food safety victory similar to a 1994 decision to ban certain strains of dangerous E. coli bacteria from ground beef after deadly outbreaks, said Sarah Sorscher, of the Center for Science in the Public Interest.“Make no mistake: Shipping more salmonella to restaurants and grocery stores is certain to make Americans sicker,” Sorscher said.Earlier this month, the USDA said it would delay by six months the enforcement of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salmonella-chicken-breaded-food-poisoning-38c318363a674a372427a852857ce41b">a final rule</a>&nbsp;regulating salmonella levels in certain breaded and stuffed raw chicken products. Enforcement, which was set for May 1, now begins Nov. 3.That covers foods such as frozen chicken cordon bleu and chicken Kiev dishes that appear to be fully cooked but are only heat-treated to set the batter or coating. Such products&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.cdc.gov/#/details?url=https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis-06-21/index.html" target="_blank">have been linked</a>&nbsp;to at least 14 salmonella outbreaks and at least 200 illnesses since 1998, according to the CDC.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

USDA withdraws a plan to limit salmonella levels in raw poultry

NEW YORK (AP) — When Random House Publisher Andrew Ward met recently with staff editors to discuss potential book projects, conversation inevitably turned to current events and the Trump administration.

“It seemed obvious that we needed to look back to the country’s core documents,” Ward said. “And that we wanted to get them out quickly.”

On Wednesday, Random House announced that it would publish a hardcover book in July combining the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript" target="_blank">Declaration of Independence</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution" target="_blank">U.S. Constitution,</a>&nbsp;followed in November by a hardcover edition of&nbsp;<a href="https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/full-text" target="_blank">the Federalist Papers.</a>&nbsp;Both books include introductions by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jon-meacham-garry-wills-sidney-blumenthal-rick-atkinson-3ba9340ab66b4bf47ce1c87181933e93">Jon Meacham</a>, who has written biographies of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson among others.

The Random House volumes, released through its Modern Library imprint, will join a prolific market that has surged in recent months. According to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the print retail market, editions of the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers and the U.S. Constitution are selling at their fastest pace since Circana began compiling numbers in 2004.

Around 162,000 combined copies have sold through mid-April, compared to 58,000 during the same time period the year before and around 33,000 in 2023. Sales were around 92,000 in the early months of Trump’s first term, in 2017, more than double the pace of 2016.

Brenna Connor, a book industry analyst for Circana, said the jump “is likely in response to the recent change of administration” and cited increased interest in other books about democracy and government, among them&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5efc9984e90841c7991656de8a235874">Timothy Snyder’s “On Tyranny”</a>&nbsp;and the Michael Lewis-edited “Who Is Government?” a collection of essays about civil servants by Dave Eggers, Geraldine Brooks, Sarah Vowell and others.

“This pursual of political understanding is playing out in a few different areas,” Connor added.

Meacham, during a recent phone interview with The Associated Press, said that the founders had sought to make sense of a revolutionary era — whether breaking with England or debating how to form a federal government with enough power to rule effectively, without giving it the kind of monarchical authority that enraged the colonies.

Reading the Declaration and other texts, he believes, can give today’s public a similar sense of mission and guiding principles.

“It is a tumultuous moment ... to put it kindly,” Meacham said. “One way to address the chaos of the present time, what Saint Paul would call the ‘tribulations’ of the present time, is to re-engage with the essential texts that are about creating a system that is still worth defending.”

The Modern Library books will have many competitors. The 18th century documents all are in the public domain, can be read for free online and anyone can publish them. According to Circana, popular editions have been released by Skyhorse, Penguin, Barnes &amp; Noble and others.

“We generally see increased sales of editions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution every election cycle, but particularly this year,” said Shannon DeVito, Barnes &amp; Noble’s senior director of book strategy. “This could be because next year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,” she said, “or the fast and furious current political conversations and policy changes.”

By&nbsp;Hillel ItalieNEW YORK (AP) — When Random House Publisher Andrew Ward met recently with staff editors to discuss potential book projects, conversation inevitably turned to current events and the Trump administration.“It seemed obvious that we needed to look back to the country’s core documents,” Ward said. “And that we wanted to get them out quickly.”On Wednesday, Random House announced that it would publish a hardcover book in July combining the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript" target="_blank">Declaration of Independence</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution" target="_blank">U.S. Constitution,</a>&nbsp;followed in November by a hardcover edition of&nbsp;<a href="https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/full-text" target="_blank">the Federalist Papers.</a>&nbsp;Both books include introductions by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jon-meacham-garry-wills-sidney-blumenthal-rick-atkinson-3ba9340ab66b4bf47ce1c87181933e93">Jon Meacham</a>, who has written biographies of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson among others.The Random House volumes, released through its Modern Library imprint, will join a prolific market that has surged in recent months. According to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the print retail market, editions of the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers and the U.S. Constitution are selling at their fastest pace since Circana began compiling numbers in 2004.Around 162,000 combined copies have sold through mid-April, compared to 58,000 during the same time period the year before and around 33,000 in 2023. Sales were around 92,000 in the early months of Trump’s first term, in 2017, more than double the pace of 2016.Brenna Connor, a book industry analyst for Circana, said the jump “is likely in response to the recent change of administration” and cited increased interest in other books about democracy and government, among them&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5efc9984e90841c7991656de8a235874">Timothy Snyder’s “On Tyranny”</a>&nbsp;and the Michael Lewis-edited “Who Is Government?” a collection of essays about civil servants by Dave Eggers, Geraldine Brooks, Sarah Vowell and others.“This pursual of political understanding is playing out in a few different areas,” Connor added.Meacham, during a recent phone interview with The Associated Press, said that the founders had sought to make sense of a revolutionary era — whether breaking with England or debating how to form a federal government with enough power to rule effectively, without giving it the kind of monarchical authority that enraged the colonies.Reading the Declaration and other texts, he believes, can give today’s public a similar sense of mission and guiding principles.“It is a tumultuous moment ... to put it kindly,” Meacham said. “One way to address the chaos of the present time, what Saint Paul would call the ‘tribulations’ of the present time, is to re-engage with the essential texts that are about creating a system that is still worth defending.”The Modern Library books will have many competitors. The 18th century documents all are in the public domain, can be read for free online and anyone can publish them. According to Circana, popular editions have been released by Skyhorse, Penguin, Barnes &amp; Noble and others.“We generally see increased sales of editions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution every election cycle, but particularly this year,” said Shannon DeVito, Barnes &amp; Noble’s senior director of book strategy. “This could be because next year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,” she said, “or the fast and furious current political conversations and policy changes.”<figure>
 <img src="https://choices.trustarc.com/get?name=admarker-full-tl.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Publishers see surging interest in the US Constitution and print new editions

WICHITA —The Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Sedgwick County District Attorney warns residents of to exercise extreme caution regarding unsolicited mailers offering home warranty services, according to DA Marc Bennett.

The Division was recently informed about a postcard mailed to a senior citizen in Sedgwick County. The bold, large font title stating “County Deed Records” is deceptive, given that the mailer has no association with the County or the homeowner’s deed. It appears designed to scare consumers into acting out of fear, concerned there may be an issue involving their property ownership. 

The real subject matter of the mailing is a homeowner’s warranty, some of which may cost thousands of dollars per year and can be difficult to cancel. 

In addition, the statement “REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION” and references to “a lapse in coverage” and “uninterrupted protection” are also deceptive because they imply the homeowner had warranty coverage in the past when that is not true.

In addition to the deception, the Consumer Protection Division also warns consumers to question the legitimacy of any mailer, such as this one, that does not clearly identify who the sender is.

Please look out for your friends and neighbors too, especially those who may be experiencing cognitive decline. These types of mailers intentionally prey on their anxieties, vulnerabilities and ability to recall events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745354892440.png" alt="Image Sedgwick Co. District Attorney" />
 <figcaption>Image Sedgwick Co. District Attorney</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —The Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Sedgwick County District Attorney warns residents of to exercise extreme caution regarding unsolicited mailers offering home warranty services, according to DA Marc Bennett.The Division was recently informed about a postcard mailed to a senior citizen in Sedgwick County. The bold, large font title stating “County Deed Records” is deceptive, given that the mailer has no association with the County or the homeowner’s deed. It appears designed to scare consumers into acting out of fear, concerned there may be an issue involving their property ownership. The real subject matter of the mailing is a homeowner’s warranty, some of which may cost thousands of dollars per year and can be difficult to cancel. In addition, the statement “REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION” and references to “a lapse in coverage” and “uninterrupted protection” are also deceptive because they imply the homeowner had warranty coverage in the past when that is not true.In addition to the deception, the Consumer Protection Division also warns consumers to question the legitimacy of any mailer, such as this one, that does not clearly identify who the sender is.Please look out for your friends and neighbors too, especially those who may be experiencing cognitive decline. These types of mailers intentionally prey on their anxieties, vulnerabilities and ability to recall events.

Scam: DA warns public about home warranty mailer in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is putting his “touches” on the White House with new flagpoles, new artwork, an overhaul of the Oval Office decor and possibly covering up the lawn in the Rose Garden.

Trump, a former real estate developer and hotelier, said Wednesday that he’s adding two “beautiful” flagpoles to the grounds to fly the American flag in about a week.

The Republican president recently hung new artworks featuring himself, including a rendering of him with his fist raised after last year’s attempted assassination in Pennsylvania. He has redecorated the Oval Office by adding portraits of all of his predecessors, a wall-mounted copy of the Declaration of Independence that is shielded by dark drapes and many golden accents.

Trump has also talked about paving over the lawn in the Kennedy-era Rose Garden.

He even remarked on the grass on Wednesday, telling reporters he recalled a recent event where “the grass was very wet and it was very hard for people to stand on the grass. They got their shoes all ruined.”

All families granted the privilege of living in the White House try to find ways to leave their mark on the property, and Trump isn’t any different.

Near the end of his first term, he and first lady Melania Trump unveiled a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-announce-tennis-pavilion-86b3b05efd0b9ebebdbe1ba1528a8857">refurbished tennis court and a new pavilion</a>&nbsp;on the south grounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-d07cd34727164a96876ff29247eaa089">Michelle Obama’s vegetable garden</a>&nbsp;is still producing.

But Trump is a “real estate developer at heart” and is always looking to improve the White House, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday.

Earlier Wednesday, Trump took an impromptu stroll outside toward the Pennsylvania Avenue fence with head groundskeeper Dale Haney and other staff members. Asked what he was doing, Trump said he was scoping out a location for a flagpole.

He told reporters afterward that he’s installing two “beautiful” flagpoles on the grounds because “they’ve needed flagpoles for 200 years.” He said the poles would be “paid for by Trump” and could be installed as soon as next week.

The American and POW/MIA flags fly on the roof of the White House every day. Trump had them&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/honoring-the-memory-of-his-holiness-pope-francis/" target="_blank">lowered on Monday after Pope Francis’ death</a>.

Trump pledged in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transcript-inauguration-inaugural-address-3d911cbb2ffc9b903d9fff2088948318">inaugural address</a>&nbsp;to preside over a “golden age of America.” But he appears to have ushered it first into an Oval Office he has redecorated by adding golden accents to the fireplace, doorway arches, walls and other areas of the room. It hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“I really must say the Oval Office has never looked better,” Paul Atkins, the new Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, said Tuesday after his ceremonial swearing-in there. “One could really describe it as glistening, and I’ve heard stories about it. It’s true. It’s the touch of a confident president, leading with optimism towards an American golden age.”

Every president adjusts the office decor to their liking, often with new furniture, rugs, draperies and other items. Some hire decorators. Former President Joe Biden had one of his brothers handle it.

Trump seems to have directed the process himself.

“I’ve done some ‘Trump touches’ to the Oval Office,” he told the championship&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-trophy-fumble-ohio-state-trump-7b4bbdfca8ce6a20fd6e8724a24d329b">Ohio State football team</a>&nbsp;when he invited them for a tour after he hosted the players and coaches last week. “It’s a little nicer than it used to be, I think.”

Earlier this month, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1910764795382349948" target="_blank">hung a portrait</a>&nbsp;depicting a moment after last summer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">assassination attempt</a>, thereby bumping the official portrait of former President Barack Obama to another wall in the foyer.

The new painting was donated by Andrew Pollock, who lost his daughter Meadow in the 2018 mass shooting at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-state-parkland-second-shooting-ee27d6801ac107fd0323dc729d86bc6a">Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School</a>&nbsp;in Parkland, Florida.

Another image of Trump now hangs on the ground floor between the official portraits of former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.

Revealed in a social media post by first-year Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JimmyPatronis" target="_blank">Jimmy Patronis</a>, a Florida Republican, the image of Trump features the red, white and blue of an American flag superimposed over the president’s headshot on a black background.

The White House on Wednesday confirmed that the image is real.

Trump also wants to pave over the lawn in the famous Rose Garden, which was created during the administration of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jfk-assassination-files-release-trump-3e8f31e18468d96b53210572e0992c07">John F. Kennedy</a>&nbsp;after he was inspired by gardens he saw during a 1961 state visit to France.

Presidents have long used the space for everything from big announcements to Thanksgiving turkey pardon ceremonies.

He shared his plan with Fox News Channel host Laura Ingraham as he showed her the Oval Office while taping an interview in March. The Rose Garden is just outside and Trump complained about the lawn always being “soaking wet” and inconveniencing “the women with the high heels.”

“The grass just, it doesn’t work,” Trump told Ingraham, adding that it would be covered with “gorgeous stone.”

Ingraham asked if the roses would stay. Trump said they would.

“It’s a rose garden. All of this stays,” he said, explaining that only the lawn would be affected. “I think it’s going to be beautiful. I think it’s going to be more beautiful.”

Paving over the lawn would mark the second makeover of the space under Trump.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745501461556.png" alt="President Trump on White House North Lawn determining where to install a flag pole.-image from CSPAN video" />
 <figcaption>President Trump on White House North Lawn determining where to install a flag pole.-image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is putting his “touches” on the White House with new flagpoles, new artwork, an overhaul of the Oval Office decor and possibly covering up the lawn in the Rose Garden.Trump, a former real estate developer and hotelier, said Wednesday that he’s adding two “beautiful” flagpoles to the grounds to fly the American flag in about a week.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">This portrait of <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> just went up in the White House today! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Awesome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Awesome</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MAGA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MAGA</a> <a href="https://t.co/8lfP1HAzhZ">pic.twitter.com/8lfP1HAzhZ</a>&mdash; Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyPatronis/status/1914496818102088047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> shows <a href="https://twitter.com/glennbeck?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@glennbeck</a> his latest addition in the White House 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ib426C0sC0">pic.twitter.com/ib426C0sC0</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1915135844991541642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Republican president recently hung new artworks featuring himself, including a rendering of him with his fist raised after last year’s attempted assassination in Pennsylvania. He has redecorated the Oval Office by adding portraits of all of his predecessors, a wall-mounted copy of the Declaration of Independence that is shielded by dark drapes and many golden accents.Trump has also talked about paving over the lawn in the Kennedy-era Rose Garden.He even remarked on the grass on Wednesday, telling reporters he recalled a recent event where “the grass was very wet and it was very hard for people to stand on the grass. They got their shoes all ruined.”All families granted the privilege of living in the White House try to find ways to leave their mark on the property, and Trump isn’t any different.Near the end of his first term, he and first lady Melania Trump unveiled a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-announce-tennis-pavilion-86b3b05efd0b9ebebdbe1ba1528a8857">refurbished tennis court and a new pavilion</a>&nbsp;on the south grounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-d07cd34727164a96876ff29247eaa089">Michelle Obama’s vegetable garden</a>&nbsp;is still producing.But Trump is a “real estate developer at heart” and is always looking to improve the White House, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday.<h2>New flag poles</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on White House North Lawn determining where to install a flag pole. <a href="https://t.co/bzJ1rlNITP">pic.twitter.com/bzJ1rlNITP</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1915065011866677341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Earlier Wednesday, Trump took an impromptu stroll outside toward the Pennsylvania Avenue fence with head groundskeeper Dale Haney and other staff members. Asked what he was doing, Trump said he was scoping out a location for a flagpole.He told reporters afterward that he’s installing two “beautiful” flagpoles on the grounds because “they’ve needed flagpoles for 200 years.” He said the poles would be “paid for by Trump” and could be installed as soon as next week.The American and POW/MIA flags fly on the roof of the White House every day. Trump had them&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/honoring-the-memory-of-his-holiness-pope-francis/" target="_blank">lowered on Monday after Pope Francis’ death</a>.<h2>Oval Office overhaul</h2>Trump pledged in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transcript-inauguration-inaugural-address-3d911cbb2ffc9b903d9fff2088948318">inaugural address</a>&nbsp;to preside over a “golden age of America.” But he appears to have ushered it first into an Oval Office he has redecorated by adding golden accents to the fireplace, doorway arches, walls and other areas of the room. It hasn’t gone unnoticed.“I really must say the Oval Office has never looked better,” Paul Atkins, the new Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, said Tuesday after his ceremonial swearing-in there. “One could really describe it as glistening, and I’ve heard stories about it. It’s true. It’s the touch of a confident president, leading with optimism towards an American golden age.”Every president adjusts the office decor to their liking, often with new furniture, rugs, draperies and other items. Some hire decorators. Former President Joe Biden had one of his brothers handle it.Trump seems to have directed the process himself.“I’ve done some ‘Trump touches’ to the Oval Office,” he told the championship&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-trophy-fumble-ohio-state-trump-7b4bbdfca8ce6a20fd6e8724a24d329b">Ohio State football team</a>&nbsp;when he invited them for a tour after he hosted the players and coaches last week. “It’s a little nicer than it used to be, I think.”<h2>New Trump art</h2>Earlier this month, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1910764795382349948" target="_blank">hung a portrait</a>&nbsp;depicting a moment after last summer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">assassination attempt</a>, thereby bumping the official portrait of former President Barack Obama to another wall in the foyer.The new painting was donated by Andrew Pollock, who lost his daughter Meadow in the 2018 mass shooting at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-state-parkland-second-shooting-ee27d6801ac107fd0323dc729d86bc6a">Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School</a>&nbsp;in Parkland, Florida.Another image of Trump now hangs on the ground floor between the official portraits of former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.Revealed in a social media post by first-year Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JimmyPatronis" target="_blank">Jimmy Patronis</a>, a Florida Republican, the image of Trump features the red, white and blue of an American flag superimposed over the president’s headshot on a black background.The White House on Wednesday confirmed that the image is real.<h2>Rose Garden</h2>Trump also wants to pave over the lawn in the famous Rose Garden, which was created during the administration of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jfk-assassination-files-release-trump-3e8f31e18468d96b53210572e0992c07">John F. Kennedy</a>&nbsp;after he was inspired by gardens he saw during a 1961 state visit to France.Presidents have long used the space for everything from big announcements to Thanksgiving turkey pardon ceremonies.He shared his plan with Fox News Channel host Laura Ingraham as he showed her the Oval Office while taping an interview in March. The Rose Garden is just outside and Trump complained about the lawn always being “soaking wet” and inconveniencing “the women with the high heels.”“The grass just, it doesn’t work,” Trump told Ingraham, adding that it would be covered with “gorgeous stone.”Ingraham asked if the roses would stay. Trump said they would.“It’s a rose garden. All of this stays,” he said, explaining that only the lawn would be affected. “I think it’s going to be beautiful. I think it’s going to be more beautiful.”Paving over the lawn would mark the second makeover of the space under Trump.

Trump is putting his ‘touches’ on the White House with flagpoles, art and more

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a double homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 1p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at 12th and Belmont in Kansas City, Missouri , according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

First responders were directed to a vehicle in the road there. Inside that vehicle officers located two male shooting victims unresponsive. Officers summoned EMS to the scene who declared the victims deceased.

The investigation indicates that the victims were inside the vehicle at the location when they had an interaction with one or more suspects and shots were fired. Both victims were inside the vehicle when they were struck by the gunfire. Initial responding officers took one subject of interest into custody for further investigation. Detectives are working to determine that subject of interest’s exact involvement at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745702653802.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a double homicide in Kansas City.Just before 1p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at 12th and Belmont in Kansas City, Missouri , according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.First responders were directed to a vehicle in the road there. Inside that vehicle officers located two male shooting victims unresponsive. Officers summoned EMS to the scene who declared the victims deceased.The investigation indicates that the victims were inside the vehicle at the location when they had an interaction with one or more suspects and shots were fired. Both victims were inside the vehicle when they were struck by the gunfire. Initial responding officers took one subject of interest into custody for further investigation. Detectives are working to determine that subject of interest’s exact involvement at this time.

Double homicide: Two found with gunshot wounds in Kansas City

VATICAN CITY (AP) — A popular saying in Vatican circles is that if you “enter a conclave as pope, you leave as a cardinal.”

It implies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-funeral-burial-rites-rituals-2eb13a689d09d3403f08027081fe3753">the sacred and secretive process</a>&nbsp;is no popularity contest or campaign, but rather the divinely inspired election of Christ’s Vicar on Earth by the princes of the church.

Still, there are always front-runners, known as “papabile,” who have at least some of the qualities considered necessary to be pope — much like those depicted in last year’s Oscar-nominated film “Conclave.”

Any baptized Catholic male is eligible, though only cardinals have been selected since 1378. The winner must receive at least two-thirds of the vote from those cardinals under age 80 and thus eligible to participate.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-dead-01ca7d73c3c48d25fd1504ba076e2e2a">Pope Francis, who died Monday</a>, appointed the vast majority of electors, often tapping men who share his pastoral priorities, which suggests continuity rather than rupture.

Anyone trying to handicap the outcome should remember that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Jorge Mario Bergoglio</a>&nbsp;was considered too old to be elected pope in 2013 at age 76, and that Karol Wojtyla wasn’t on any front-runner lists going into the 1978 conclave that elected him Pope John Paul II.

Erdo, 72, the archbishop of Budapest and primate of Hungary, was twice elected head of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences, in 2005 and 2011, suggesting he enjoys the esteem of European cardinals who make up the biggest voting bloc of electors. In that capacity, Erdo got to know many African cardinals because the council hosts regular sessions with African bishops’ conferences. Erdo had even more exposure when he helped organize Francis’ 2014 and 2015 Vatican meetings on the family and delivered key speeches, as well as during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-hungary-visit-orban-ukraine-5d35e834ebac80ec14840fa90071af95">papal visits to Budapest</a>&nbsp;in 2021 and 2023.

Marx, 71, the archbishop of Munich and Freising, was chosen by Francis as a key adviser in 2013. Marx later was named to head the council overseeing Vatican finances during reforms and belt-tightening. The former president of the German bishops’ conference was a strong proponent of the controversial “synodal path” process of dialogue in the German church that began in 2020 as a response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-religion-germany-europe-munich-f3f500a1c2a399392e3de82f0c66fcb1">clergy sexual abuse scandal</a>&nbsp;there. As a result, he is viewed with skepticism by conservatives who considered the process a threat to church unity, given it involved debating issues such as celibacy, homosexuality and women’s ordination.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-religion-f654bfd0f9c79f4b484cad45067cb466">Marx made headlines in 2021</a>&nbsp;when he dramatically offered to resign as archbishop to atone for the German church’s dreadful abuse record, but Francis quickly rejected the resignation and told him to stay.

<a href="https://apnews.com/international-news-general-news-0c06487fa77a4fc7b9e657502c50a9a3">Ouellet</a>, 80, of Canada, led the Vatican’s influential bishops office for over a decade, overseeing the key clearinghouse for potential candidates to head dioceses around the world. Francis kept Ouellet in the job until 2023, even though he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, and thus helped select the more doctrinaire bishops preferred by the German pontiff. Considered more of a conservative than Francis, Ouellet still selected pastorally minded bishops to reflect Francis’ belief that bishops should “smell like the sheep” of their flock. Ouellet defended priestly celibacy for the Latin Rite church and upheld the ban on women’s ordination but called for women to have a greater role in church governance. He has good contacts with the Latin American church, having headed the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for Latin America for over a decade. Since 2019, his office has taken charge of investigating bishops accused of covering up for predator priests, a job that would have made him no friends among those sanctioned but also could have given him lots of otherwise confidential and possibly compromising information about fellow cardinals.

Parolin, 70, of Italy, has been Francis’ secretary of state since 2014 and is considered one of the main contenders to be pope, given his prominence in the Catholic hierarchy. The veteran diplomat oversaw the Holy See’s controversial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ef4b6dba09774c7bb51ecf147c3b8a15">deal with China over bishop nominations</a>&nbsp;and was involved -- but not charged -- in the Vatican’s botched investment in a London real estate venture that led to a 2021 trial of another cardinal and nine others. A former ambassador to Venezuela, Parolin knows the Latin American church well. He would be seen as someone who would continue in Francis’ tradition but as a more sober and timid diplomatic insider, returning an Italian to the papacy after three successive outsiders: St. John Paul II (Poland); Benedict (Germany) and Francis (Argentina). But while Parolin has managed the Vatican bureaucracy, he has no real pastoral experience. His ties to the London scandal, in which his office lost of tens of millions of dollars to bad deals and shady businessmen, could count against him.

The idea of an American pope has long been taboo, given the geopolitical power already wielded by the United States. But the Chicago-born Prevost, 69, could be a first. He has extensive experience in Peru, first as a missionary and then an archbishop, and he is currently prefect of the Vatican’s powerful dicastery for bishops, in charge of vetting nominations for bishops around the world. Francis clearly had an eye on him for years and sent him to run the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014. He held that position until 2023, when Francis brought him to Rome for his current role. Prevost is also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a job that keeps him in regular contact with the Catholic hierarchy in the part of the world that still counts the most Catholics. In addition to his nationality, Prevost’s comparative youth could count against him if his brother cardinals don’t want to commit to a pope who might reign for another two decades.

Sarah, 79, of Guinea, the retired head of the Vatican’s liturgy office, was long considered the best hope for an African pope. Beloved by conservatives, Sarah would signal a return to the doctrinaire and liturgically minded papacies of John Paul II and Benedict. Sarah, who had previously headed the Vatican’s charity office Cor Unum, clashed on several occasions with Francis, none more seriously than when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0967d5598e4c36a34b3f5babc5ebde87">he and Benedict co-authored a book</a>&nbsp;advocating the “necessity” of continued celibacy for Latin Rite priests. The book came out as Francis was weighing whether to allow married priests in the Amazon to address a priest shortage there. The implication was that Sarah had manipulated Benedict into lending his name and moral authority to a book that had all the appearances of being a counterweight to the Francis’ own teaching. Francis dismissed Benedict’s secretary and several months later retired Sarah after he turned 75. Even Sarah’s supporters lamented the episode hurt his papal chances.

Schoenborn, 80, the archbishop of Vienna, Austria, was a student of Benedict’s, and thus on paper seems to have the doctrinaire academic chops to appeal to conservatives. However, he became associated with one of Francis’ most controversial moves by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b67e0b339b9d46fab29cb0ef642d5ed7">defending his outreach</a>&nbsp;to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics as an “organic development of doctrine,” not the rupture that some conservatives contended. Schoenborn’s parents divorced when he was a teen, so the issue is personal. He also took heat from the Vatican when he criticized its past refusal to sanction high-ranking sexual abusers, including his predecessor as archbishop of Vienna. Schoenborn has expressed support for civil unions and women as deacons, and was instrumental in editing the 1992 update of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the handbook of the church’s teaching that Benedict had spearheaded when he headed the Vatican’s doctrine office.

Tagle, 67, of the Philippines, would appear to be Francis’ pick for the first Asian pope. Francis brought the popular archbishop of Manila to Rome to head the Vatican’s missionary evangelization office, which serves the needs of the Catholic Church in much of Asia and Africa. His role took on greater weight when Francis reformed the Vatican bureaucracy and raised the importance of his evangelization office. Tagle often cites his Chinese lineage – his maternal grandmother was part of a Chinese family that moved to the Philippines -- and he is known for becoming emotional when discussing his childhood. Though he has pastoral, Vatican and management experience -- he headed the Vatican’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-caritas-charity-abuse-pope-a727f8b842b193b56059ab31278ce675">Caritas Internationalis</a>&nbsp;federation of charity groups before coming to Rome permanently -- Tagle would be on the young side to be elected pope for life, with cardinals perhaps preferring an older candidate whose papacy would be more limited.

Zuppi, 69, the archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian bishops conference, elected in 2022, is closely affiliated with the Sant’Egidio Community, a Rome-based Catholic charity that was influential under Francis, particularly in interfaith dialogue. Zuppi was part of Sant’Egidio’s team that helped negotiate the end of Mozambique’s civil war in the 1990s and was named Francis’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-ukraine-pope-0e9ee7e7c9b26b4fa3da2dbebf7b5dfc">peace envoy</a>&nbsp;for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Francis made him a cardinal in 2019 and later made clear he wanted him in charge of Italy’s bishops, a sign of his admiration for the prelate who, like Francis, is known as a “street priest.” In another sign of his progressive leanings and closeness to Francis, Zuppi wrote the introduction to the Italian edition of “Building a Bridge,” by the Rev. James Martin, an American Jesuit, about the church’s need to improve its outreach to the LGBTQ+ community. Zuppi would be a candidate in Francis’ tradition of ministering to those on the margins, although his relative youth would count against him for cardinals seeking a short papacy. His family had strong institutional ties: Zuppi’s father worked for the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, and his mother was the niece of Cardinal Carlo Confalonieri, dean of the College of Cardinals in the 1960s and 1970s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745282603542.png" alt="Cardinal Robert Sarah courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cardinal Robert Sarah courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>VATICAN CITY (AP) — A popular saying in Vatican circles is that if you “enter a conclave as pope, you leave as a cardinal.”It implies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-funeral-burial-rites-rituals-2eb13a689d09d3403f08027081fe3753">the sacred and secretive process</a>&nbsp;is no popularity contest or campaign, but rather the divinely inspired election of Christ’s Vicar on Earth by the princes of the church.Still, there are always front-runners, known as “papabile,” who have at least some of the qualities considered necessary to be pope — much like those depicted in last year’s Oscar-nominated film “Conclave.”Any baptized Catholic male is eligible, though only cardinals have been selected since 1378. The winner must receive at least two-thirds of the vote from those cardinals under age 80 and thus eligible to participate.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-dead-01ca7d73c3c48d25fd1504ba076e2e2a">Pope Francis, who died Monday</a>, appointed the vast majority of electors, often tapping men who share his pastoral priorities, which suggests continuity rather than rupture.Anyone trying to handicap the outcome should remember that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Jorge Mario Bergoglio</a>&nbsp;was considered too old to be elected pope in 2013 at age 76, and that Karol Wojtyla wasn’t on any front-runner lists going into the 1978 conclave that elected him Pope John Paul II.Erdo, 72, the archbishop of Budapest and primate of Hungary, was twice elected head of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences, in 2005 and 2011, suggesting he enjoys the esteem of European cardinals who make up the biggest voting bloc of electors. In that capacity, Erdo got to know many African cardinals because the council hosts regular sessions with African bishops’ conferences. Erdo had even more exposure when he helped organize Francis’ 2014 and 2015 Vatican meetings on the family and delivered key speeches, as well as during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-hungary-visit-orban-ukraine-5d35e834ebac80ec14840fa90071af95">papal visits to Budapest</a>&nbsp;in 2021 and 2023.<h2>Cardinal Reinhard Marx</h2>Marx, 71, the archbishop of Munich and Freising, was chosen by Francis as a key adviser in 2013. Marx later was named to head the council overseeing Vatican finances during reforms and belt-tightening. The former president of the German bishops’ conference was a strong proponent of the controversial “synodal path” process of dialogue in the German church that began in 2020 as a response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-religion-germany-europe-munich-f3f500a1c2a399392e3de82f0c66fcb1">clergy sexual abuse scandal</a>&nbsp;there. As a result, he is viewed with skepticism by conservatives who considered the process a threat to church unity, given it involved debating issues such as celibacy, homosexuality and women’s ordination.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-religion-f654bfd0f9c79f4b484cad45067cb466">Marx made headlines in 2021</a>&nbsp;when he dramatically offered to resign as archbishop to atone for the German church’s dreadful abuse record, but Francis quickly rejected the resignation and told him to stay.<h2>Cardinal Marc Ouellet</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/international-news-general-news-0c06487fa77a4fc7b9e657502c50a9a3">Ouellet</a>, 80, of Canada, led the Vatican’s influential bishops office for over a decade, overseeing the key clearinghouse for potential candidates to head dioceses around the world. Francis kept Ouellet in the job until 2023, even though he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, and thus helped select the more doctrinaire bishops preferred by the German pontiff. Considered more of a conservative than Francis, Ouellet still selected pastorally minded bishops to reflect Francis’ belief that bishops should “smell like the sheep” of their flock. Ouellet defended priestly celibacy for the Latin Rite church and upheld the ban on women’s ordination but called for women to have a greater role in church governance. He has good contacts with the Latin American church, having headed the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for Latin America for over a decade. Since 2019, his office has taken charge of investigating bishops accused of covering up for predator priests, a job that would have made him no friends among those sanctioned but also could have given him lots of otherwise confidential and possibly compromising information about fellow cardinals.<h2>Cardinal Pietro Parolin</h2>Parolin, 70, of Italy, has been Francis’ secretary of state since 2014 and is considered one of the main contenders to be pope, given his prominence in the Catholic hierarchy. The veteran diplomat oversaw the Holy See’s controversial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ef4b6dba09774c7bb51ecf147c3b8a15">deal with China over bishop nominations</a>&nbsp;and was involved -- but not charged -- in the Vatican’s botched investment in a London real estate venture that led to a 2021 trial of another cardinal and nine others. A former ambassador to Venezuela, Parolin knows the Latin American church well. He would be seen as someone who would continue in Francis’ tradition but as a more sober and timid diplomatic insider, returning an Italian to the papacy after three successive outsiders: St. John Paul II (Poland); Benedict (Germany) and Francis (Argentina). But while Parolin has managed the Vatican bureaucracy, he has no real pastoral experience. His ties to the London scandal, in which his office lost of tens of millions of dollars to bad deals and shady businessmen, could count against him.<h2>Cardinal Robert Prevost</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745282817865.png" alt="Cardinal Robert Prevost-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cardinal Robert Prevost-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The idea of an American pope has long been taboo, given the geopolitical power already wielded by the United States. But the Chicago-born Prevost, 69, could be a first. He has extensive experience in Peru, first as a missionary and then an archbishop, and he is currently prefect of the Vatican’s powerful dicastery for bishops, in charge of vetting nominations for bishops around the world. Francis clearly had an eye on him for years and sent him to run the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014. He held that position until 2023, when Francis brought him to Rome for his current role. Prevost is also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a job that keeps him in regular contact with the Catholic hierarchy in the part of the world that still counts the most Catholics. In addition to his nationality, Prevost’s comparative youth could count against him if his brother cardinals don’t want to commit to a pope who might reign for another two decades.<h2>Cardinal Robert Sarah</h2>Sarah, 79, of Guinea, the retired head of the Vatican’s liturgy office, was long considered the best hope for an African pope. Beloved by conservatives, Sarah would signal a return to the doctrinaire and liturgically minded papacies of John Paul II and Benedict. Sarah, who had previously headed the Vatican’s charity office Cor Unum, clashed on several occasions with Francis, none more seriously than when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0967d5598e4c36a34b3f5babc5ebde87">he and Benedict co-authored a book</a>&nbsp;advocating the “necessity” of continued celibacy for Latin Rite priests. The book came out as Francis was weighing whether to allow married priests in the Amazon to address a priest shortage there. The implication was that Sarah had manipulated Benedict into lending his name and moral authority to a book that had all the appearances of being a counterweight to the Francis’ own teaching. Francis dismissed Benedict’s secretary and several months later retired Sarah after he turned 75. Even Sarah’s supporters lamented the episode hurt his papal chances.<h2>Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn</h2>Schoenborn, 80, the archbishop of Vienna, Austria, was a student of Benedict’s, and thus on paper seems to have the doctrinaire academic chops to appeal to conservatives. However, he became associated with one of Francis’ most controversial moves by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b67e0b339b9d46fab29cb0ef642d5ed7">defending his outreach</a>&nbsp;to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics as an “organic development of doctrine,” not the rupture that some conservatives contended. Schoenborn’s parents divorced when he was a teen, so the issue is personal. He also took heat from the Vatican when he criticized its past refusal to sanction high-ranking sexual abusers, including his predecessor as archbishop of Vienna. Schoenborn has expressed support for civil unions and women as deacons, and was instrumental in editing the 1992 update of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the handbook of the church’s teaching that Benedict had spearheaded when he headed the Vatican’s doctrine office.<h2>Cardinal Luis Tagle</h2>Tagle, 67, of the Philippines, would appear to be Francis’ pick for the first Asian pope. Francis brought the popular archbishop of Manila to Rome to head the Vatican’s missionary evangelization office, which serves the needs of the Catholic Church in much of Asia and Africa. His role took on greater weight when Francis reformed the Vatican bureaucracy and raised the importance of his evangelization office. Tagle often cites his Chinese lineage – his maternal grandmother was part of a Chinese family that moved to the Philippines -- and he is known for becoming emotional when discussing his childhood. Though he has pastoral, Vatican and management experience -- he headed the Vatican’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-caritas-charity-abuse-pope-a727f8b842b193b56059ab31278ce675">Caritas Internationalis</a>&nbsp;federation of charity groups before coming to Rome permanently -- Tagle would be on the young side to be elected pope for life, with cardinals perhaps preferring an older candidate whose papacy would be more limited.<h2>Cardinal Matteo Zuppi</h2>Zuppi, 69, the archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian bishops conference, elected in 2022, is closely affiliated with the Sant’Egidio Community, a Rome-based Catholic charity that was influential under Francis, particularly in interfaith dialogue. Zuppi was part of Sant’Egidio’s team that helped negotiate the end of Mozambique’s civil war in the 1990s and was named Francis’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-ukraine-pope-0e9ee7e7c9b26b4fa3da2dbebf7b5dfc">peace envoy</a>&nbsp;for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Francis made him a cardinal in 2019 and later made clear he wanted him in charge of Italy’s bishops, a sign of his admiration for the prelate who, like Francis, is known as a “street priest.” In another sign of his progressive leanings and closeness to Francis, Zuppi wrote the introduction to the Italian edition of “Building a Bridge,” by the Rev. James Martin, an American Jesuit, about the church’s need to improve its outreach to the LGBTQ+ community. Zuppi would be a candidate in Francis’ tradition of ministering to those on the margins, although his relative youth would count against him for cardinals seeking a short papacy. His family had strong institutional ties: Zuppi’s father worked for the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, and his mother was the niece of Cardinal Carlo Confalonieri, dean of the College of Cardinals in the 1960s and 1970s.

Which cardinals are seen as contenders to be the next pope?

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City firefighter paramedic was critically injured while transporting a patient to the hospital.

While transporting the patient to the hospital, the patient stabbed the firefighter paramedic in the chest. The firefighter's partner immediately called a crew emergency and additional KCFD personnel along with KCPD were dispatched to the scene. 

The firefighter was transported to North Kansas City Hospital in critical condition where they are receiving treatment for the injuries sustained and remains in critical condition, according to Hopkins.

The suspect/patient in this incident was apprehended by the Kansas City Police Department and is in custody. Police have released no additional details early Sunday.

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City firefighter paramedic was critically injured while transporting a patient to the hospital.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, the Kansas City fire department was dispatched to North Oak and 152 on a routine medical call, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.While transporting the patient to the hospital, the patient stabbed the firefighter paramedic in the chest. The firefighter's partner immediately called a crew emergency and additional KCFD personnel along with KCPD were dispatched to the scene. The firefighter was transported to North Kansas City Hospital in critical condition where they are receiving treatment for the injuries sustained and remains in critical condition, according to Hopkins.The suspect/patient in this incident was apprehended by the Kansas City Police Department and is in custody. Police have released no additional details early Sunday.

Patient stabbed KC firefighter paramedic during transport

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a home invasion burglary have captured a suspect.

Just before 3a.m. April 14, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding an in-progress burglary to a residence in&nbsp; the 6800 block of SE US 40 Highway, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

An 84-year-old woman was home alone when she heard someone shattering glass windows and doors. Home surveillance video showed two masked individuals with a firearm and burglary tools attempting to kick in a door into the residence.

Within minutes, deputies arrived on scene and found that the individuals had fled the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival.

Valuable information was gathered and disseminated to other law enforcement agencies for assistance.

On April 22, Shawnee&nbsp; County Sheriff Brian Hill along with members of the Criminal Investigations Division and Fugitive Warrants Unit located one suspect in a Dodge Durango leaving the drive thru of a restaurant in the 1700 block of SE 29th Street. The Dodge was pinned in and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Erick M. Weems Jr., 30, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested chargesof&nbsp; Aggravated burglary, Criminal damage to property, Theft &lt; $1,500,&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving while license suspended; 3rd of subsequent conviction, Driving while a habitual violated; 3 rd of subsequent conviction. Weems Jr. also had multiple warrants for his arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745530375789.png" alt="Weems photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Weems photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a home invasion burglary have captured a suspect.Just before 3a.m. April 14, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding an in-progress burglary to a residence in&nbsp; the 6800 block of SE US 40 Highway, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.An 84-year-old woman was home alone when she heard someone shattering glass windows and doors. Home surveillance video showed two masked individuals with a firearm and burglary tools attempting to kick in a door into the residence.Within minutes, deputies arrived on scene and found that the individuals had fled the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival.Valuable information was gathered and disseminated to other law enforcement agencies for assistance.On April 22, Shawnee&nbsp; County Sheriff Brian Hill along with members of the Criminal Investigations Division and Fugitive Warrants Unit located one suspect in a Dodge Durango leaving the drive thru of a restaurant in the 1700 block of SE 29th Street. The Dodge was pinned in and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.Erick M. Weems Jr., 30, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested chargesof&nbsp; Aggravated burglary, Criminal damage to property, Theft &lt; $1,500,&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving while license suspended; 3rd of subsequent conviction, Driving while a habitual violated; 3 rd of subsequent conviction. Weems Jr. also had multiple warrants for his arrest.

Arrest for burglary at 84-year-old Kansas woman's home

KANSAS CITY —A four-month-investigation culminated with the arrest of a Kansas City area woman this week for possession of child sexual abuse material.

Clay County, Missouri sheriff’s investigators received an Internet Crimes Against Children tip in this case in December, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. They have worked through several legal processes over the last several months to gather evidence in the case to make an arrest of 44-year-old Melissa Bottom and obtain a search warrant of her house in the 14100 block of Lora Street, Smithville. 

On Thursday, Sheriff’s deputies and detectives served the warrant&nbsp; at the residence. She has been charged with two class B felony counts of possession of child pornography. The Court set her bond at $25,000.

 The investigation is ongoing, and more charges may be warranted as analysis of evidence seized from the home progresses. 

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program. It is a network of 61 coordinated task forces, representing more than 5,400 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to internet crimes against children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745673760530.png" alt="Bottom photo Clay County" />
 <figcaption>Bottom photo Clay County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A four-month-investigation culminated with the arrest of a Kansas City area woman this week for possession of child sexual abuse material.Clay County, Missouri sheriff’s investigators received an Internet Crimes Against Children tip in this case in December, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. They have worked through several legal processes over the last several months to gather evidence in the case to make an arrest of 44-year-old Melissa Bottom and obtain a search warrant of her house in the 14100 block of Lora Street, Smithville. On Thursday, Sheriff’s deputies and detectives served the warrant&nbsp; at the residence. She has been charged with two class B felony counts of possession of child pornography. The Court set her bond at $25,000. The investigation is ongoing, and more charges may be warranted as analysis of evidence seized from the home progresses. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program. It is a network of 61 coordinated task forces, representing more than 5,400 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to internet crimes against children.

KC area woman jailed after 4-month child porn investigation

A Kansas City man was sentenced this week in connection with a woman’s fatal strangulation in 2023, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2597/Darion-Hall-Judgement-23cr1197_Redacted_FINAL">Darion Hall</a>, 25,&nbsp;pled guilty to one count of 2nd Degree Murder and a judge sentenced him to 23 years in prison.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2596/DHall_Redacted-FINAL">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 4300 block of East 7th Street on March 14, 2023, and found a female victim in the yard. The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide and the cause of death as strangulation.&nbsp;

The day of the homicide, Hall was observed driving a reported stolen auto. It was found abandoned near 7th and Norton, about two minutes from the victim’s residence. Surveillance video also captured Hall at a drug store on Independence Avenue where he was involved in an attempted strong-arm robbery.&nbsp;

A witness saw a man, later identified as Hall, near the victim after she was strangled. She described the defendant’s clothing, which matched the same clothing the defendant wore during the attempted robbery.

Detectives submitted to the crime lab the defendant’s clothing for testing. The lab reported the DNA collected from the defendant’s hoodie matched DNA from the victim.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745443272385.png" alt="Hall photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hall photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>A Kansas City man was sentenced this week in connection with a woman’s fatal strangulation in 2023, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2597/Darion-Hall-Judgement-23cr1197_Redacted_FINAL">Darion Hall</a>, 25,&nbsp;pled guilty to one count of 2nd Degree Murder and a judge sentenced him to 23 years in prison.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2596/DHall_Redacted-FINAL">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 4300 block of East 7th Street on March 14, 2023, and found a female victim in the yard. The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide and the cause of death as strangulation.&nbsp;The day of the homicide, Hall was observed driving a reported stolen auto. It was found abandoned near 7th and Norton, about two minutes from the victim’s residence. Surveillance video also captured Hall at a drug store on Independence Avenue where he was involved in an attempted strong-arm robbery.&nbsp;A witness saw a man, later identified as Hall, near the victim after she was strangled. She described the defendant’s clothing, which matched the same clothing the defendant wore during the attempted robbery.Detectives submitted to the crime lab the defendant’s clothing for testing. The lab reported the DNA collected from the defendant’s hoodie matched DNA from the victim.&nbsp;Trial Team Leader Hallie Schuman and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mitchell Widener prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.&nbsp;