NEW YORK (AP) —Tea, a dating discussion app that recently suffered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tea-app-data-breach-leak-4chan-c95d5bb2cabe9d1b8ec0ca8903503b29">high-profile cybersecurity breach</a>, announced late Monday that some direct messages were also accessed in the incident.

The app — designed to let women safely discuss men they date — rocketed to the top of the U.S. Apple App Store last week but then confirmed on Friday that thousands of selfies and photo IDs of registered users were exposed in a digital security breach.

404 Media was the first to report on this second security issue, citing an independent security researcher who found it was possible for hackers to access messages between users discussing abortions, cheating partners, and phone numbers.

In a statement posted on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMrGSlrJA-e/?img_index=1">social media accounts</a>, Tea said it "recently learned that some direct messages (DMs) were accessed as part of the initial incident."

"Out of an abundance of caution, we have taken the affected system offline," the app said. “At this time, we have found no evidence of access to other parts of our environment.”

It is currently unknown how many messages were left exposed by the vulnerability. Tea said it is “working to identify any users whose personal information was involved and will be offering free identity protection services to those individuals.” The company said Tuesday it will share more information as it becomes available.

Because of the nature of the app — which allows women to anonymously discuss sensitive information about the men they date — users may be particularly vulnerable to malicious actors who try to expose their real-life identities.

Mary Ann Miller, vice president of client experience at identity verification company Prove, said the women who may have had their information compromised should consider making sure they have real-life security precautions in place — such as cameras, locks and “common sense things that you and I think about to be safe and secure in our own home.”

“The average citizen puts more out there in a public-facing view that can put their safety at risk. And I think it’s time for all of us to think about that more carefully,” she said. Companies, meanwhile, “should look for technology that utilizes other forms (besides) IDs to verify an identity" — and only store essential data and discard, securely, verification data that's no longer needed once a person is verified.

Tea has said about 72,000 images&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tea-app-women-breach-ids-selfies-dating-5433d5929bdfeb73f495d4775580a55f">were leaked online</a>&nbsp;in the initial incident, including 13,000 images of selfies or selfies featuring a photo identification that users submitted during account verification. Another 59,000 images publicly viewable in the app from posts, comments and direct messages were also accessed without authorization, a spokesperson said last week.

No email addresses or phone numbers were accessed, the company said, and the breach only affects users who signed up before February 2024.

NEW YORK (AP) —Tea, a dating discussion app that recently suffered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tea-app-data-breach-leak-4chan-c95d5bb2cabe9d1b8ec0ca8903503b29">high-profile cybersecurity breach</a>, announced late Monday that some direct messages were also accessed in the incident.The app — designed to let women safely discuss men they date — rocketed to the top of the U.S. Apple App Store last week but then confirmed on Friday that thousands of selfies and photo IDs of registered users were exposed in a digital security breach.404 Media was the first to report on this second security issue, citing an independent security researcher who found it was possible for hackers to access messages between users discussing abortions, cheating partners, and phone numbers.In a statement posted on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMrGSlrJA-e/?img_index=1">social media accounts</a>, Tea said it "recently learned that some direct messages (DMs) were accessed as part of the initial incident.""Out of an abundance of caution, we have taken the affected system offline," the app said. “At this time, we have found no evidence of access to other parts of our environment.”It is currently unknown how many messages were left exposed by the vulnerability. Tea said it is “working to identify any users whose personal information was involved and will be offering free identity protection services to those individuals.” The company said Tuesday it will share more information as it becomes available.Because of the nature of the app — which allows women to anonymously discuss sensitive information about the men they date — users may be particularly vulnerable to malicious actors who try to expose their real-life identities.Mary Ann Miller, vice president of client experience at identity verification company Prove, said the women who may have had their information compromised should consider making sure they have real-life security precautions in place — such as cameras, locks and “common sense things that you and I think about to be safe and secure in our own home.”“The average citizen puts more out there in a public-facing view that can put their safety at risk. And I think it’s time for all of us to think about that more carefully,” she said. Companies, meanwhile, “should look for technology that utilizes other forms (besides) IDs to verify an identity" — and only store essential data and discard, securely, verification data that's no longer needed once a person is verified.Tea has said about 72,000 images&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tea-app-women-breach-ids-selfies-dating-5433d5929bdfeb73f495d4775580a55f">were leaked online</a>&nbsp;in the initial incident, including 13,000 images of selfies or selfies featuring a photo identification that users submitted during account verification. Another 59,000 images publicly viewable in the app from posts, comments and direct messages were also accessed without authorization, a spokesperson said last week.No email addresses or phone numbers were accessed, the company said, and the breach only affects users who signed up before February 2024.

Tea app takes messaging system offline after second security issue reported

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jamie-stengle">JAMIE STENGLE</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/john-hanna">JOHN HANNA</a> Associated Press

An Oklahoma sheriff’s office Monday opened an investigation over reports that images of nude women were displayed on the state’s school superintendent office television during a meeting with education board members.

Top Oklahoma lawmakers have sought answers over accounts given by two State Board of Education members, who said they saw the images during a meeting in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-education-teachers-superintendent-walters-c5c55e473eaeb0c94545c8ae5753149a">Ryan Walters</a>&nbsp;‘s office Thursday. Another board member, Chris Van Denhende, said he was not in a position to see the television but that “something was on the screen that should not have been,” based on Walters’ reaction.

The investigation is in the early stages, said Aaron Brilbeck, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office. He said it was not clear if any laws were violated.

Walters, a Republican, has spent much of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-curriculum-2020-election-misinformation-bbc05b14c3d7a858014f6acefc326ec6">his first term</a>&nbsp;in office lauding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>, feuding with teachers unions and local school superintendents, and trying to end what he describes as “wokeness” in public schools.

Brilbeck said the sheriff’s office was investigating at the request of the state’s Office of Management and Enterprise Services, which handles technology, human resources and property management issues for state government.

Education board members Becky Carson and Ryan Deatherage told the online news outlet NonDoc that they saw a video featuring naked women in Walters’ office during the executive session. They said that they were the only people seated in places where they could see the screen.

Carson said that when she asked Walters to turn it off he expressed confusion before doing so.

Walters said in a post on the social platform X on Sunday that “any suggestion that a device of mine was used to stream inappropriate content on the television set is categorically false.”

“I have no knowledge of what was on the TV screen during the alleged incident, and there is absolutely no truth to any implication of wrongdoing,” he wrote.

Walters’ office did not immediately reply to a request by The Associated Press for comment about the investigation on Monday.

Van Denhende told the AP that he’s fine with the sheriff’s department investigating, though “I’m not certain if it is a violation of law or state policy.”

Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, a Republican, in a news release on Friday said it was “a bizarre and troubling situation,” and that “the accounts made public by board members paint a strange, unsettling scene that demands clarity and transparency.”

State Sen. Adam Pugh, a Republican who is the Senate education chairman, said in the news release that the reports from the meeting “raise a number of questions.”

Carson nor Deatherage immediately replied Monday to a request for comment from the AP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719523286423.png" alt="File image -Ryan Walters from Oklahoma Dept. of Education video" />
 <figcaption>File image -Ryan Walters from Oklahoma Dept. of Education video</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jamie-stengle">JAMIE STENGLE</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/john-hanna">JOHN HANNA</a> Associated PressAn Oklahoma sheriff’s office Monday opened an investigation over reports that images of nude women were displayed on the state’s school superintendent office television during a meeting with education board members.Top Oklahoma lawmakers have sought answers over accounts given by two State Board of Education members, who said they saw the images during a meeting in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-education-teachers-superintendent-walters-c5c55e473eaeb0c94545c8ae5753149a">Ryan Walters</a>&nbsp;‘s office Thursday. Another board member, Chris Van Denhende, said he was not in a position to see the television but that “something was on the screen that should not have been,” based on Walters’ reaction.The investigation is in the early stages, said Aaron Brilbeck, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office. He said it was not clear if any laws were violated.Walters, a Republican, has spent much of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-curriculum-2020-election-misinformation-bbc05b14c3d7a858014f6acefc326ec6">his first term</a>&nbsp;in office lauding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>, feuding with teachers unions and local school superintendents, and trying to end what he describes as “wokeness” in public schools.Brilbeck said the sheriff’s office was investigating at the request of the state’s Office of Management and Enterprise Services, which handles technology, human resources and property management issues for state government.Education board members Becky Carson and Ryan Deatherage told the online news outlet NonDoc that they saw a video featuring naked women in Walters’ office during the executive session. They said that they were the only people seated in places where they could see the screen.Carson said that when she asked Walters to turn it off he expressed confusion before doing so.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As I lead the charge for a bold overhaul of education in Oklahoma, putting parents back in control, rejecting radical agendas, and demanding excellence: it’s no surprise to face politically motivated attacks. Any suggestion that a device of mine was used to stream inappropriate…&mdash; Ryan Walters (@RyanWalters_) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanWalters_/status/1949566691685306449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Walters said in a post on the social platform X on Sunday that “any suggestion that a device of mine was used to stream inappropriate content on the television set is categorically false.”“I have no knowledge of what was on the TV screen during the alleged incident, and there is absolutely no truth to any implication of wrongdoing,” he wrote.Walters’ office did not immediately reply to a request by The Associated Press for comment about the investigation on Monday.Van Denhende told the AP that he’s fine with the sheriff’s department investigating, though “I’m not certain if it is a violation of law or state policy.”Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, a Republican, in a news release on Friday said it was “a bizarre and troubling situation,” and that “the accounts made public by board members paint a strange, unsettling scene that demands clarity and transparency.”State Sen. Adam Pugh, a Republican who is the Senate education chairman, said in the news release that the reports from the meeting “raise a number of questions.”Carson nor Deatherage immediately replied Monday to a request for comment from the AP.

Authorities investigate reports of explicit images on state ed chief's TV

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/christina-larson">CHRISTINA LARSON</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s almost time for summer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/double-meteor-showers-southern-delta-aquariid-134dc44b4f441ac94e70cb452cdc9d87">meteor shower duet</a>.

The Southern Delta Aquariid and the Alpha Capricornid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-to-catch-ursid-meteor-shower-f0e02ecaf123b456cb369751821cc711">meteor showers</a>&nbsp;peak at the same time — in the early morning of July 30.

Without too much&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/leonid-meteor-shower-d54f110528d6788f8da88e142e7d72cb">interference from moonlight</a>&nbsp;— the waxing moon will be only about a quarter full —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/perseids-fireballs-meteor-shower-82a9918fa1aafa3c23ef0db4cecfc54b">the meteors</a>&nbsp;should appear bright and clear in regions away from city lights.

With each shower expected to produce up to a dozen visible meteors per hour under dark skies, the doubleheader means the total number of meteors “do add up,” said Thaddeus LaCoursiere, planetarium program coordinator at the Bell Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“Look for flashes of light in the night sky,” he said, adding that both are “very nice classic meteor showers.”

The Alpha Capricornids — produced by slower-moving meteors — may have tails that linger slightly longer in the sky, said Nick Moskovitz of the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Viewing of each shower lasts through August 12.

As the Earth orbits the sun, several times a year it passes through debris left by passing comets and sometimes asteroids.

The source of the Delta Aquariids is debris from comet 96P/Machholz. The Alpha Capricornids stem from the comet 169P/NEAT.

When these fast-moving space rocks enter Earth’s atmosphere, the debris encounters new resistance from the air and becomes very hot, eventually burning up.

Sometimes the surrounding air glows briefly, leaving behind a fiery tail — the end of a “shooting star.”

You don’t need special equipment to see the various meteor showers that flash across annually, just a spot away from city lights.

The best time to watch a meteor shower is in the early predawn hours when the moon is low in the sky.

Competing sources of light — such as a bright moon or artificial glow — are the main obstacles to a clear view of meteors. Cloudless nights when the moon wanes smallest are optimal viewing opportunities.

And keep looking up, not down. Your eyes will be better adapted to spot shooting stars if you aren’t checking your phone.

The next major meteor shower, the Perseids, peaks in mid August.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753487597012.png" alt="This image provided by NASA shows comet 96P Machholz which orbits the Sun about every 6 years, and is suspected to cause the Southern Delta Aquariids meteor showers. (NASA/ESA/SOHO via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image provided by NASA shows comet 96P Machholz which orbits the Sun about every 6 years, and is suspected to cause the Southern Delta Aquariids meteor showers. (NASA/ESA/SOHO via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/christina-larson">CHRISTINA LARSON</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s almost time for summer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/double-meteor-showers-southern-delta-aquariid-134dc44b4f441ac94e70cb452cdc9d87">meteor shower duet</a>.The Southern Delta Aquariid and the Alpha Capricornid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-to-catch-ursid-meteor-shower-f0e02ecaf123b456cb369751821cc711">meteor showers</a>&nbsp;peak at the same time — in the early morning of July 30.Without too much&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/leonid-meteor-shower-d54f110528d6788f8da88e142e7d72cb">interference from moonlight</a>&nbsp;— the waxing moon will be only about a quarter full —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/perseids-fireballs-meteor-shower-82a9918fa1aafa3c23ef0db4cecfc54b">the meteors</a>&nbsp;should appear bright and clear in regions away from city lights.With each shower expected to produce up to a dozen visible meteors per hour under dark skies, the doubleheader means the total number of meteors “do add up,” said Thaddeus LaCoursiere, planetarium program coordinator at the Bell Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota.“Look for flashes of light in the night sky,” he said, adding that both are “very nice classic meteor showers.”The Alpha Capricornids — produced by slower-moving meteors — may have tails that linger slightly longer in the sky, said Nick Moskovitz of the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.Viewing of each shower lasts through August 12.<h2>What is a meteor shower?</h2>As the Earth orbits the sun, several times a year it passes through debris left by passing comets and sometimes asteroids.The source of the Delta Aquariids is debris from comet 96P/Machholz. The Alpha Capricornids stem from the comet 169P/NEAT.When these fast-moving space rocks enter Earth’s atmosphere, the debris encounters new resistance from the air and becomes very hot, eventually burning up.Sometimes the surrounding air glows briefly, leaving behind a fiery tail — the end of a “shooting star.”You don’t need special equipment to see the various meteor showers that flash across annually, just a spot away from city lights.<h2>How to view a meteor shower</h2>The best time to watch a meteor shower is in the early predawn hours when the moon is low in the sky.Competing sources of light — such as a bright moon or artificial glow — are the main obstacles to a clear view of meteors. Cloudless nights when the moon wanes smallest are optimal viewing opportunities.And keep looking up, not down. Your eyes will be better adapted to spot shooting stars if you aren’t checking your phone.<h2>When is the next meteor shower?</h2>The next major meteor shower, the Perseids, peaks in mid August.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

How to watch two meteor showers peak together this week

WICHITA —A Kansas man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse materials while engaging in acts of voyeurism.

According to court documents, Clell Lacy, 78, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child (production of child pornography).

In May 2024, Lacy used closed-circuit recording devices to surreptitiously record two minor teenagers engaging in sexual acts. He then used the Secure Digital (SD) card from the camera to print images, which he stored at his home. In August 2024, these materials were discovered and reported to law enforcement.

The Wichita Police Department and Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigated the case

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753737785883.png" alt="Lacy-photo from his Oct. 2024 arrest in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lacy-photo from his Oct. 2024 arrest in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —A Kansas man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse materials while engaging in acts of voyeurism.According to court documents, Clell Lacy, 78, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child (production of child pornography).In May 2024, Lacy used closed-circuit recording devices to surreptitiously record two minor teenagers engaging in sexual acts. He then used the Secure Digital (SD) card from the camera to print images, which he stored at his home. In August 2024, these materials were discovered and reported to law enforcement.The Wichita Police Department and Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigated the case

Prison: Kan. man used closed circuit device to produce child porn

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-earnings-railroad-tariffs-transport-28bd671f51a5890df99c66ba125f972a">buy Norfolk Southern</a>&nbsp;in a $85 billion deal that would create the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up-nstranscontinental.com/">first transcontinental railroad</a>&nbsp;in the U.S, and potentially trigger a final wave of rail mergers across the country.

The proposed merger, announced Tuesday, would marry Union Pacific’s vast rail network in the West with Norfolk’s rails that snake across 22 Eastern states, and the District of Columbia.

The nation was first linked by rail in 1869, when a golden railroad spike was driven in Utah to symbolize the connection of East and West Coasts. Yet no single entity has controlled that coast-to-coast passage.

The railroads argue a merger would streamline deliveries of raw materials and goods nationwide by eliminating delays when shipments are handed off between railroads. The AP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-norfolk-southern-railroad-merger-36fc5493d5dc1b48abe5dd8374d0076c">first reported</a>&nbsp;the merger talks earlier this month a week before the railroads confirmed the discussions last week.

Any deal would be closely scrutinized by antitrust regulators that have set a very high bar for railroad deals after previous consolidation in the industry led to massive backups and snarled traffic.

If the deal is approved, the two remaining major American railroads — BNSF and CSX — will face tremendous pressure to merge to create a second transcontinental railroad so they can compete. The continent’s two other major railroads — Canadian National and CPKC — may also get involved. The Canadian rails span all of that nation and feed into America. CPKC rails stretch south into Mexico

Some big shippers like chemical plants in the Gulf may be wary of the deal due to fears of a monopoly that could would wield immense influence over rates, but other major rail customers, like Amazon and UPS, may be in favor if it means packages will arrive more quickly and reliably. Those big companies, along with unions and communities across the country that the railroads cross, will have a chance to weigh before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.

Consumers could benefit if the transcontinental rail does reduce shipping rates and delivery times. Union Pacific said that combined, the railroads would improve delivery times.

There’s speculation that this deal might win approval under the pro-business Trump administration, but the STB is currently evenly split between two Republicans and two Democrats. The board is led by a Republican, and Trump will appoint a fifth member before this deal will be considered.

Union Pacific is offering $20 billion cash and one share of its stock to complete the deal. Norfolk Southern shareholders would receive one UP share and $88.82 in cash for each one of their shares as part of the deal that values NS at roughly $320 per share. Norfolk Southern closed at just over $260 a share earlier this month before the first reports speculating about a deal.

Union Pacific's stock fell nearly 2% to $224.98 in premarket trading, while Norfolk Southern's stock dipped more than 3% to $277.40.

Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena, who has championed a merger, said lumber from the Pacific Northwest and plastics produced on the Gulf Coast and steel made in Pittsburgh will all reach their destinations more seamlessly.

“It builds upon President Abraham Lincoln’s vision of a transcontinental railroad from nearly 165 years ago, and will usher in a new era of American innovation,” Vena told investors Tuesday.

U.S. railroads have already undergone extensive consolidation. There were more than 30 major freight railroads in the early 1980s. Today, six major railroads handle the majority of shipments nationwide.

Western rival BNSF, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, has the war chest to pursue an acquisition of CSX, to the east, if it chooses. CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/warren-buffett">Warren Buffett</a>&nbsp;is sitting on more than $348 billion cash and the consummate dealmaker may want to swing for the fences one last time before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-shareholders-annual-meeting-a421061233f99859673fb131ce020d4d">stepping down</a>&nbsp;as planned at the end of the year.

Buffett recently threw cold water on reports that he had enlisted Goldman Sachs to advise him on a potential rail deal in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/22/warren-buffett-knocks-down-reports-that-berkshires-bnsf-taps-goldman-for-a-railroad-takeover.html">interview with CNBC</a>, but he rarely uses investment bankers anyway. Buffett reached an agreement to buy the parts of the BNSF railroad he didn't already own for $26.3 billion after a private meeting with its CEO more than a decade ago.

Yet there’s widespread debate over whether a major rail merger would be approved by the Surface Transportation Board, which has established a high bar for consolidation in the crucial rail industry.

That’s largely due to the aftermath of a consolidation in the U.S nearly 30 years ago that involved Union Pacific. It merged with Southern Pacific in 1996 and the tie-up led to an extended period of snarled traffic on U.S. rails. Three years later, Conrail was divvied up by Norfolk Southern and CSX, which led to more backups in the East.

“We're committed to making sure that doesn't happen in this case,” said Norfolk CEO Mark George. He added that the railroads will spend the next two years planning for a smooth integration before this deal might get approved.

Just two years ago, the STB&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-merger-canadian-pacific-kansas-city-southern-141ca4c9ea89b544d123ee6697ffac79">approved</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/global-trade-north-america-mexico-kansas-city-missouri-tigers-mens-basketball-9ea03d9637e15ee9dd91848db14c7467">first major rail merger</a>&nbsp;in more than two decades. In that deal, which was supported by big shippers, Canadian Pacific acquired Kansas City Southern for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-city-southern-keith-creel-99ffe1480c69d0aa58ff066155e7ccae">$31 billion</a>&nbsp;to create the CPKC railroad.

There were compelling factors in that deal, however, that combined the two smallest major freight railroads. The combined railroad, regulators reasoned, would benefit trade across North America. The deal announced Tuesday would merge the nation's largest freight railroad, with the smallest.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern said they expect to submit their application for approval within the next six months and hope the deal would get approved by early 2027. They predict that they would be able to eliminate $1 billion in costs annually, but Vena said that every union worker at both railroads should still have a job. The railroads also predict they would be able to boost revenue by at least $1.75 billion each year by winning more business from trucking companies and other railroads.

On Tuesday, Norfolk Southern reported a $768 million second-quarter profit, or $3.41 per share, as volume grew 3%. That's up from $737 million, or $3.25 per share, a year ago, but the results were affected by insurance payments from its 2023 East Palestine derailment and restructuring costs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663077336048.png" alt="Post photo- A Union Pacific train rolls across western Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Post photo- A Union Pacific train rolls across western Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-earnings-railroad-tariffs-transport-28bd671f51a5890df99c66ba125f972a">buy Norfolk Southern</a>&nbsp;in a $85 billion deal that would create the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up-nstranscontinental.com/">first transcontinental railroad</a>&nbsp;in the U.S, and potentially trigger a final wave of rail mergers across the country.The proposed merger, announced Tuesday, would marry Union Pacific’s vast rail network in the West with Norfolk’s rails that snake across 22 Eastern states, and the District of Columbia.The nation was first linked by rail in 1869, when a golden railroad spike was driven in Utah to symbolize the connection of East and West Coasts. Yet no single entity has controlled that coast-to-coast passage.The railroads argue a merger would streamline deliveries of raw materials and goods nationwide by eliminating delays when shipments are handed off between railroads. The AP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-norfolk-southern-railroad-merger-36fc5493d5dc1b48abe5dd8374d0076c">first reported</a>&nbsp;the merger talks earlier this month a week before the railroads confirmed the discussions last week.Any deal would be closely scrutinized by antitrust regulators that have set a very high bar for railroad deals after previous consolidation in the industry led to massive backups and snarled traffic.If the deal is approved, the two remaining major American railroads — BNSF and CSX — will face tremendous pressure to merge to create a second transcontinental railroad so they can compete. The continent’s two other major railroads — Canadian National and CPKC — may also get involved. The Canadian rails span all of that nation and feed into America. CPKC rails stretch south into MexicoSome big shippers like chemical plants in the Gulf may be wary of the deal due to fears of a monopoly that could would wield immense influence over rates, but other major rail customers, like Amazon and UPS, may be in favor if it means packages will arrive more quickly and reliably. Those big companies, along with unions and communities across the country that the railroads cross, will have a chance to weigh before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.Consumers could benefit if the transcontinental rail does reduce shipping rates and delivery times. Union Pacific said that combined, the railroads would improve delivery times.There’s speculation that this deal might win approval under the pro-business Trump administration, but the STB is currently evenly split between two Republicans and two Democrats. The board is led by a Republican, and Trump will appoint a fifth member before this deal will be considered.Union Pacific is offering $20 billion cash and one share of its stock to complete the deal. Norfolk Southern shareholders would receive one UP share and $88.82 in cash for each one of their shares as part of the deal that values NS at roughly $320 per share. Norfolk Southern closed at just over $260 a share earlier this month before the first reports speculating about a deal.Union Pacific's stock fell nearly 2% to $224.98 in premarket trading, while Norfolk Southern's stock dipped more than 3% to $277.40.Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena, who has championed a merger, said lumber from the Pacific Northwest and plastics produced on the Gulf Coast and steel made in Pittsburgh will all reach their destinations more seamlessly.“It builds upon President Abraham Lincoln’s vision of a transcontinental railroad from nearly 165 years ago, and will usher in a new era of American innovation,” Vena told investors Tuesday.U.S. railroads have already undergone extensive consolidation. There were more than 30 major freight railroads in the early 1980s. Today, six major railroads handle the majority of shipments nationwide.Western rival BNSF, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, has the war chest to pursue an acquisition of CSX, to the east, if it chooses. CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/warren-buffett">Warren Buffett</a>&nbsp;is sitting on more than $348 billion cash and the consummate dealmaker may want to swing for the fences one last time before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-shareholders-annual-meeting-a421061233f99859673fb131ce020d4d">stepping down</a>&nbsp;as planned at the end of the year.Buffett recently threw cold water on reports that he had enlisted Goldman Sachs to advise him on a potential rail deal in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/22/warren-buffett-knocks-down-reports-that-berkshires-bnsf-taps-goldman-for-a-railroad-takeover.html">interview with CNBC</a>, but he rarely uses investment bankers anyway. Buffett reached an agreement to buy the parts of the BNSF railroad he didn't already own for $26.3 billion after a private meeting with its CEO more than a decade ago.Yet there’s widespread debate over whether a major rail merger would be approved by the Surface Transportation Board, which has established a high bar for consolidation in the crucial rail industry.That’s largely due to the aftermath of a consolidation in the U.S nearly 30 years ago that involved Union Pacific. It merged with Southern Pacific in 1996 and the tie-up led to an extended period of snarled traffic on U.S. rails. Three years later, Conrail was divvied up by Norfolk Southern and CSX, which led to more backups in the East.“We're committed to making sure that doesn't happen in this case,” said Norfolk CEO Mark George. He added that the railroads will spend the next two years planning for a smooth integration before this deal might get approved.Just two years ago, the STB&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-merger-canadian-pacific-kansas-city-southern-141ca4c9ea89b544d123ee6697ffac79">approved</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/global-trade-north-america-mexico-kansas-city-missouri-tigers-mens-basketball-9ea03d9637e15ee9dd91848db14c7467">first major rail merger</a>&nbsp;in more than two decades. In that deal, which was supported by big shippers, Canadian Pacific acquired Kansas City Southern for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-city-southern-keith-creel-99ffe1480c69d0aa58ff066155e7ccae">$31 billion</a>&nbsp;to create the CPKC railroad.There were compelling factors in that deal, however, that combined the two smallest major freight railroads. The combined railroad, regulators reasoned, would benefit trade across North America. The deal announced Tuesday would merge the nation's largest freight railroad, with the smallest.Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern said they expect to submit their application for approval within the next six months and hope the deal would get approved by early 2027. They predict that they would be able to eliminate $1 billion in costs annually, but Vena said that every union worker at both railroads should still have a job. The railroads also predict they would be able to boost revenue by at least $1.75 billion each year by winning more business from trucking companies and other railroads.On Tuesday, Norfolk Southern reported a $768 million second-quarter profit, or $3.41 per share, as volume grew 3%. That's up from $737 million, or $3.25 per share, a year ago, but the results were affected by insurance payments from its 2023 East Palestine derailment and restructuring costs.

Massive merger: Union Pacific, Norfolk seek 1st transcontinental railroad 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman involved in an altercation with a Kansas sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop is going to prison.

On Tuesday, Judge Christopher Magana sentenced 22-year-old Nevaeh Thompson of Wichita, to 45 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She will also serve 36 months of post-release supervision. In May, Thompson pleaded guilty to aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman involved in an altercation with a Kansas sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop will learn her sentence Tuesday.

Judge Christopher Magana is scheduled to sentence Nevaeh Thompson, 22, Wichita, for&nbsp;aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. March 2, a Sedgwick County Deputy conducted a traffic stop near Lincoln and Rock Road.&nbsp; The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Thompson. During the stop, Thompson informed the deputy that she might have outstanding warrants for her arrest. Before she could be taken into custody, Thompson quickly jumped back into her vehicle in an attempt to flee.

The deputy followed her into the vehicle, trying to prevent her escape. However, Thompson managed to shift the car into drive and sped away, dragging the deputy a short distance.

The deputy sustained minor injuries during the incident. Thompson’s vehicle was later found abandoned in the 7300 block of E. Indianapolis. Surveillance footage from a nearby residence shows Thompson running from the vehicle.&nbsp; Thompson was arrested five days after the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740967523593.png" alt="-Thompson was arrested five days after the incident" />
 <figcaption>-Thompson was arrested five days after the incident</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman involved in an altercation with a Kansas sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop is going to prison.On Tuesday, Judge Christopher Magana sentenced 22-year-old Nevaeh Thompson of Wichita, to 45 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She will also serve 36 months of post-release supervision. In May, Thompson pleaded guilty to aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman involved in an altercation with a Kansas sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop will learn her sentence Tuesday.Judge Christopher Magana is scheduled to sentence Nevaeh Thompson, 22, Wichita, for&nbsp;aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741371903644.png" alt="Thompson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Thompson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>At approximately 3:00 a.m. March 2, a Sedgwick County Deputy conducted a traffic stop near Lincoln and Rock Road.&nbsp; The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Thompson. During the stop, Thompson informed the deputy that she might have outstanding warrants for her arrest. Before she could be taken into custody, Thompson quickly jumped back into her vehicle in an attempt to flee.The deputy followed her into the vehicle, trying to prevent her escape. However, Thompson managed to shift the car into drive and sped away, dragging the deputy a short distance.The deputy sustained minor injuries during the incident. Thompson’s vehicle was later found abandoned in the 7300 block of E. Indianapolis. Surveillance footage from a nearby residence shows Thompson running from the vehicle.&nbsp; Thompson was arrested five days after the incident.

Sentencing Day: Woman dragged Kan. deputy during traffic stop

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — U.S. President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-presidential-power-instinct-decision-making-3d1215e5675ef534bbebe8dfe8f136a5">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-scotland-tariffs-europe-8d2fb467d64f7fdfc4797dbebd54e8fc">announced a sweeping trade deal</a>&nbsp;that imposes 15% tariffs on most European goods, warding off Trump's threat of a 30% rate if no deal had been reached by Aug. 1.

The tariffs, or import taxes, paid when Americans buy European products could raise prices for U.S. consumers and dent profits for European companies and their partners who bring goods into the country.

Here are some things to know about the deal:

Trump and von der Leyen's announcement, made during Trump's visit to one of his golf courses in Scotland, leaves many crucial details to be filled in.

The headline figure is a 15% tariff rate on about 70% of European goods brought into the U.S., including cars, computer chips and pharmaceuticals. It's lower than the 20% that Trump initially proposed, and lower than his threats of 50% and then 30%.

The remaining 30% is still open to further decisions and negotiations.

Von der Leyen said that the two sides agreed on zero tariffs on both sides for a range of “strategic” goods: Aircraft and aircraft parts, certain chemicals, semiconductor equipment, certain agricultural products and some natural resources and critical raw materials. Specifics were lacking.

She said that the two sides “would keep working” to add more products to the list.

Additionally, companies in the European Union would purchase what Trump said was $750 billion (638 billion euros) worth of natural gas, oil and nuclear fuel over three years to replace Russian energy supplies that Europe is seeking to exit in any case.

Meanwhile, European companies would invest an additional $600 billion (511 billion euros) in the U.S. under a political commitment that isn't legally binding, officials said.

Brussels and Washington will shortly issue a joint statement that frames the deal but isn't yet legally binding, according to senior officials who weren't authorized to be publicly named according to European Commission policy.

The joint statement will have "some very precise commitments and others which will need to be spelled out in different ways,” a senior European Commission official said.

EU officials said that the zero tariff list could include nuts, pet food, dairy products and seafood.

Trump said that the 50% U.S. tariff on imported steel would remain. Von der Leyen said that the two sides agreed to further negotiations to fight a global steel glut, reduce tariffs and establish import quotas — that is, set amounts that can be imported, often at a lower rate or tariff-free.

Trump said that pharmaceuticals, a major import from the EU to the US, weren't included in the deal. Von der Leyen said that the pharmaceuticals issue was “on a separate sheet of paper” from Sunday's deal.

And von der Leyen said that when it came to farm products, the EU side made clear that “there were tariffs that could not be lowered,” without specifying which products.

The 15% rate removes Trump's threat of a 30% tariff. But it effectively raises the tariff on EU goods from 1.2% last year to 17% and would reduce the 27-nation bloc's gross domestic product by 0.5%, said Jack Allen-Reynolds, deputy chief eurozone economist at Capital Economics.

Higher tariffs, or import taxes, on European goods mean sellers in the U.S. would have to either increase prices for consumers — risking loss of market share — or swallow the added cost in terms of lower profits. The higher tariffs are expected to hurt export earnings for European firms and slow the economy.

Von der Leyen said that the 15% rate was “the best we could do” and credited the deal with maintaining access to the U.S. market, and providing “stability and predictability for companies on both sides.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the deal which avoided “an unnecessary escalation in trans-Atlantic trade relations" and said that “we were able to preserve our core interests,” while adding that “I would have very much wished for further relief in trans-Atlantic trade.”

Senior French officials on Monday criticized the accord. Strategy Commissioner Clément Beaune said that the deal failed to reflect the bloc’s economic strength.

“This is an unequal and unbalanced agreement," he said. "Europe didn't wield its strength. We are the world’s leading trading power.”

While the rate is lower than threatened, "the big caveat to today’s deal is that there is nothing on paper, yet," said Carsten Brzeski, global chief of macro at ING bank.

“With this disclaimer in mind and at face value, the agreement would clearly bring an end to the uncertainty of recent months. An escalation of the U.S.-EU trade tensions would have been a severe risk for the global economy," Brzeski said.

“This risk seems to have been avoided.”

Asked if European carmakers could still profitably sell cars at 15%, von der Leyen said the rate was much lower than the current 27.5%. That has been the rate under Trump's 25% tariff on cars from all countries, plus the preexisting U.S. car tariff of 2.5%.

The impact is likely to be substantial on some companies, given that automaker Volkswagen said that it suffered a 1.3 billion-euro ($1.5 billion) hit to profits in the first half of the year from the higher tariffs.

Mercedes-Benz dealers in the U.S. have said they were holding the line on 2025 model year prices “until further notice.” The German automaker has a partial tariff shield, because it makes 35% of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in the U.S. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but the company said that it expects prices to undergo “significant increases” in coming years.

The EU also agreed to lower its tariff on cars imported from the U.S. to 2.5% from 10%.

Before Trump returned to office, the U.S. and the EU maintained generally low tariff levels in what is the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, with around 1.7 trillion euros ($2 trillion) in annual trade.

Together the U.S. and the EU have 44% of the global economy. The U.S. rate averaged 1.47% for European goods, while the EU has averaged 1.35% for American products, according to the Bruegel think tank in Brussels.

Trump has complained about the EU’s 198 billion-euro ($232.5 billion) trade surplus in goods, which shows Americans buy more from European businesses than the other way around, and has said that the European market isn't open enough for U.S.-made cars.

However, American companies fill some of the trade gap by outselling the EU when it comes to services such as cloud computing, travel bookings and legal and financial services. And about 30% of European imports are from American-owned companies, according to the European Central Bank.

Sam McNeil reported from Brussels, and Samuel Petrequin from Paris. Thomas Adamson in Paris, and Geir Moulson in Berlin, contributed to this report.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — U.S. President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-presidential-power-instinct-decision-making-3d1215e5675ef534bbebe8dfe8f136a5">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-scotland-tariffs-europe-8d2fb467d64f7fdfc4797dbebd54e8fc">announced a sweeping trade deal</a>&nbsp;that imposes 15% tariffs on most European goods, warding off Trump's threat of a 30% rate if no deal had been reached by Aug. 1.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump&#39;s historic deal with the European Union reinforces our strategic partnership with a key while expanding unprecedented market access for American exporters. This colossal deal secures $750 billion in energy purchases and $600 billion in investments, bolstering… <a href="https://t.co/fcF2jdMP1f">pic.twitter.com/fcF2jdMP1f</a>&mdash; United States Trade Representative (@USTradeRep) <a href="https://twitter.com/USTradeRep/status/1949892239746093080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The tariffs, or import taxes, paid when Americans buy European products could raise prices for U.S. consumers and dent profits for European companies and their partners who bring goods into the country.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FACT SHEET: The United States and European Union Reach Massive Trade Deal <a href="https://t.co/Mr2j799tkW">pic.twitter.com/Mr2j799tkW</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1949852797190418530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Here are some things to know about the deal:<h2>Unresolved details</h2>Trump and von der Leyen's announcement, made during Trump's visit to one of his golf courses in Scotland, leaves many crucial details to be filled in.The headline figure is a 15% tariff rate on about 70% of European goods brought into the U.S., including cars, computer chips and pharmaceuticals. It's lower than the 20% that Trump initially proposed, and lower than his threats of 50% and then 30%.The remaining 30% is still open to further decisions and negotiations.Von der Leyen said that the two sides agreed on zero tariffs on both sides for a range of “strategic” goods: Aircraft and aircraft parts, certain chemicals, semiconductor equipment, certain agricultural products and some natural resources and critical raw materials. Specifics were lacking.She said that the two sides “would keep working” to add more products to the list.Additionally, companies in the European Union would purchase what Trump said was $750 billion (638 billion euros) worth of natural gas, oil and nuclear fuel over three years to replace Russian energy supplies that Europe is seeking to exit in any case.Meanwhile, European companies would invest an additional $600 billion (511 billion euros) in the U.S. under a political commitment that isn't legally binding, officials said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Good morning 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/OVTcZegUFu">pic.twitter.com/OVTcZegUFu</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1949787762523038066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Not yet in writing</h2>Brussels and Washington will shortly issue a joint statement that frames the deal but isn't yet legally binding, according to senior officials who weren't authorized to be publicly named according to European Commission policy.The joint statement will have "some very precise commitments and others which will need to be spelled out in different ways,” a senior European Commission official said.EU officials said that the zero tariff list could include nuts, pet food, dairy products and seafood.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is what you call the “Art of the Deal!” President Trump has secured a HISTORIC trade deal with the EU that includes purchasing $750 BILLION in American energy! <a href="https://t.co/1APdnErtNd">https://t.co/1APdnErtNd</a>&mdash; Secretary Chris Wright (@SecretaryWright) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecretaryWright/status/1949844402857222333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Steel tariff remains</h2>Trump said that the 50% U.S. tariff on imported steel would remain. Von der Leyen said that the two sides agreed to further negotiations to fight a global steel glut, reduce tariffs and establish import quotas — that is, set amounts that can be imported, often at a lower rate or tariff-free.Trump said that pharmaceuticals, a major import from the EU to the US, weren't included in the deal. Von der Leyen said that the pharmaceuticals issue was “on a separate sheet of paper” from Sunday's deal.And von der Leyen said that when it came to farm products, the EU side made clear that “there were tariffs that could not be lowered,” without specifying which products.<h2>‘Best we could do’</h2>The 15% rate removes Trump's threat of a 30% tariff. But it effectively raises the tariff on EU goods from 1.2% last year to 17% and would reduce the 27-nation bloc's gross domestic product by 0.5%, said Jack Allen-Reynolds, deputy chief eurozone economist at Capital Economics.Higher tariffs, or import taxes, on European goods mean sellers in the U.S. would have to either increase prices for consumers — risking loss of market share — or swallow the added cost in terms of lower profits. The higher tariffs are expected to hurt export earnings for European firms and slow the economy.Von der Leyen said that the 15% rate was “the best we could do” and credited the deal with maintaining access to the U.S. market, and providing “stability and predictability for companies on both sides.”<h2>Mixed reaction</h2>German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the deal which avoided “an unnecessary escalation in trans-Atlantic trade relations" and said that “we were able to preserve our core interests,” while adding that “I would have very much wished for further relief in trans-Atlantic trade.”Senior French officials on Monday criticized the accord. Strategy Commissioner Clément Beaune said that the deal failed to reflect the bloc’s economic strength.“This is an unequal and unbalanced agreement," he said. "Europe didn't wield its strength. We are the world’s leading trading power.”While the rate is lower than threatened, "the big caveat to today’s deal is that there is nothing on paper, yet," said Carsten Brzeski, global chief of macro at ING bank.“With this disclaimer in mind and at face value, the agreement would clearly bring an end to the uncertainty of recent months. An escalation of the U.S.-EU trade tensions would have been a severe risk for the global economy," Brzeski said.“This risk seems to have been avoided.”<h2>Car prices</h2>Asked if European carmakers could still profitably sell cars at 15%, von der Leyen said the rate was much lower than the current 27.5%. That has been the rate under Trump's 25% tariff on cars from all countries, plus the preexisting U.S. car tariff of 2.5%.The impact is likely to be substantial on some companies, given that automaker Volkswagen said that it suffered a 1.3 billion-euro ($1.5 billion) hit to profits in the first half of the year from the higher tariffs.Mercedes-Benz dealers in the U.S. have said they were holding the line on 2025 model year prices “until further notice.” The German automaker has a partial tariff shield, because it makes 35% of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in the U.S. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but the company said that it expects prices to undergo “significant increases” in coming years.The EU also agreed to lower its tariff on cars imported from the U.S. to 2.5% from 10%.<h2>Trade gap</h2>Before Trump returned to office, the U.S. and the EU maintained generally low tariff levels in what is the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, with around 1.7 trillion euros ($2 trillion) in annual trade.Together the U.S. and the EU have 44% of the global economy. The U.S. rate averaged 1.47% for European goods, while the EU has averaged 1.35% for American products, according to the Bruegel think tank in Brussels.Trump has complained about the EU’s 198 billion-euro ($232.5 billion) trade surplus in goods, which shows Americans buy more from European businesses than the other way around, and has said that the European market isn't open enough for U.S.-made cars.However, American companies fill some of the trade gap by outselling the EU when it comes to services such as cloud computing, travel bookings and legal and financial services. And about 30% of European imports are from American-owned companies, according to the European Central Bank.___Sam McNeil reported from Brussels, and Samuel Petrequin from Paris. Thomas Adamson in Paris, and Geir Moulson in Berlin, contributed to this report.

New details on blockbuster US-EU trade deal

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—In honor of the sacrifice given by Deputy Elijah Ming, the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office and the Unified Government will hold a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, July 30, at 8:30 p.m. in front of the Wyandotte County Courthouse (710 N 7th Street).

Parking will be available in lots 1, 2, 3, and E. Lots 1 and 2 are on the West side of Memorial Hall, and lots 3 and E are East of City Hall on both the North and South sides of the street. 

The Kansas City Kansas Fire Department will be assisting with transporting individuals who may be unable to walk long distances. We know the support from our community is strong and we hope to see you there to honor and remember Deputy Ming.

Just before 3:30 p.m. Saturday, a woman called requesting that police accompany her as she moved out of a residence, due to concerns about her safety. She reported that when friends tried to assist her, a man threatened them with a firearm. At around 3:45 p.m., a deputy from the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) arrived at the residence at 2627 S. 30th&nbsp;St.

Preliminary information indicates as they approached the front door, a male subject inside the house fired multiple rounds at the officers. Rounds struck 34-year-old Deputy Elijah Ming. The KCKPD officer was uninjured. Multiple law enforcement officers then responded to the scene.

As responding officers attempted to provide aid to Deputy Ming, gunfire was exchanged between the man, later identified as Shawn Harris, 38, of Kansas City, Kansas, and officers from the KCKPD and the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office. Harris was shot during the exchange of gunfire while he barricaded in the home.

Deputy Ming was transported to the hospital. Despite lifesaving measures, he died of his injuries.

After a standoff, police arrested Harris. He faces a capital murder charge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753612145888.png" alt="Deputy Elijah Ming. -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Elijah Ming. -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—In honor of the sacrifice given by Deputy Elijah Ming, the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office and the Unified Government will hold a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, July 30, at 8:30 p.m. in front of the Wyandotte County Courthouse (710 N 7th Street).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753785174264.jpeg" alt="Photo Wyandotte County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wyandotte County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure>Parking will be available in lots 1, 2, 3, and E. Lots 1 and 2 are on the West side of Memorial Hall, and lots 3 and E are East of City Hall on both the North and South sides of the street. The Kansas City Kansas Fire Department will be assisting with transporting individuals who may be unable to walk long distances. We know the support from our community is strong and we hope to see you there to honor and remember Deputy Ming.Just before 3:30 p.m. Saturday, a woman called requesting that police accompany her as she moved out of a residence, due to concerns about her safety. She reported that when friends tried to assist her, a man threatened them with a firearm. At around 3:45 p.m., a deputy from the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) arrived at the residence at 2627 S. 30th&nbsp;St.Preliminary information indicates as they approached the front door, a male subject inside the house fired multiple rounds at the officers. Rounds struck 34-year-old Deputy Elijah Ming. The KCKPD officer was uninjured. Multiple law enforcement officers then responded to the scene.As responding officers attempted to provide aid to Deputy Ming, gunfire was exchanged between the man, later identified as Shawn Harris, 38, of Kansas City, Kansas, and officers from the KCKPD and the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office. Harris was shot during the exchange of gunfire while he barricaded in the home.Deputy Ming was transported to the hospital. Despite lifesaving measures, he died of his injuries.After a standoff, police arrested Harris. He faces a capital murder charge.

Candlelight vigil for fallen Kansas sheriff's deputy

KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement continue their effort to stop the large gatherings that bring violent activity in areas of Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri.

On social media, the Kansas City, Missouri police department reported they put a stop to last weekends gathering, arresting participants and spectators. Police arrested 17, gave 29 citations and towed 15 vehicles invluding ATV during last weekends Entertainment District enforcement.

"Kansas City is not a destination for anyone still trying to street race or participate in sideshows."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753785666443.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement continue their effort to stop the large gatherings that bring violent activity in areas of Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753785646690.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On social media, the Kansas City, Missouri police department reported they put a stop to last weekends gathering, arresting participants and spectators. Police arrested 17, gave 29 citations and towed 15 vehicles invluding ATV during last weekends Entertainment District enforcement."Kansas City is not a destination for anyone still trying to street race or participate in sideshows."&nbsp;&nbsp;

KCPD makes more arrests for weekend sideshows

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday he is giving Russian President Vladimir Putin 10 to 12 days to stop the killing in Ukraine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-patriot-missiles-kellogg-ca8cda9b417737188c471390bc312a5d">shortening a 50-day deadline</a>&nbsp;he had given the Russian leader two weeks ago.

Russia fired an overnight barrage of more than 300 drones, four cruise missiles and three ballistic missiles, the Ukrainian air force said, as the Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities continued despite Trump's pressure for it to end.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-war-633a216d0506c82353fc7745b69c0fe0">U.S.-led peace efforts</a>&nbsp;have also failed to gain momentum.

Trump had said on July 14 that he would implement “severe tariffs” on Russia unless a peace deal is reached by early September. On Monday, Trump said he would now give Putin 10 to 12 days, meaning he wants peace efforts to make progress by Aug. 7-9.

The plan includes possible sanctions and secondary tariffs targeting Russia’s trading partners. The formal announcement would come later Monday or on Tuesday, Trump said.

“No reason in waiting,” Trump said of the shorter timeline. “We just don’t see any progress being made.”

Putin has “got to make a deal. Too many people are dying,” Trump said during a visit to Scotland.

There was no immediate response from Russia.

Trump repeated his criticism of Putin for talking about ending the war but continuing to bombard Ukrainian civilians.

“And I say, that’s not the way to do it,” Trump said. He added, “I’m disappointed in President Putin.”

Asked at a news conference about a potential meeting with the Russian leader, Trump said: “I’m not so interested in talking anymore.”

Still, he voiced some reluctance about imposing penalties on the Kremlin, saying that he loves the Russian people. “I don’t want to do that to Russia,” he said, but he noted how many Russians, along with Ukrainians, are dying in the war.

Ukraine has urged Western countries to take a tougher line with Putin. Andrii Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, thanked Trump for shortening the deadline.

“Putin understands only strength — and that has been conveyed clearly and loudly,” Yermak said on Telegram, adding that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared the sentiment.

A Russian drone blew out the windows of a 25-story residential building in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv, the head of the city’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, wrote on Telegram. Eight people were injured, including a 4-year-old girl, he said.

The attack also started a fire in Kropyvnytskyi, in central Ukraine, local officials said, but no injuries were reported.

The main target of the Russian attack was Starokostiantyniv, in the Khmelnytskyi region of western Ukraine, the air force said. Regional authorities reported no damage or casualties.

Western Ukraine is on the other side of the country from the front line, and the Ukrainian military is believed to have significant airfields as well as arsenals and depots there.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces carried out an overnight strike with long-range, air-launched weapons, hitting a Ukrainian air base along with an ammunition depot containing stockpiles of missiles and components for drone production.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday he is giving Russian President Vladimir Putin 10 to 12 days to stop the killing in Ukraine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-patriot-missiles-kellogg-ca8cda9b417737188c471390bc312a5d">shortening a 50-day deadline</a>&nbsp;he had given the Russian leader two weeks ago.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;I&#39;m disappointed in President Putin. I&#39;m very disappointed in him, and I&#39;m going to reduce that 50 days that I gave him to a lesser number because I think I already know the answer, what&#39;s going to happen.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/fNUKsVSVei">pic.twitter.com/fNUKsVSVei</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1949829682360205650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on sanctions and tariffs against Russia: &quot;I&#39;m going to make a new deadline of about 10 or 12 days from today. There&#39;s no reason in waiting.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/QduI7RDJBq">pic.twitter.com/QduI7RDJBq</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1949834122425237745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Russia fired an overnight barrage of more than 300 drones, four cruise missiles and three ballistic missiles, the Ukrainian air force said, as the Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities continued despite Trump's pressure for it to end.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-war-633a216d0506c82353fc7745b69c0fe0">U.S.-led peace efforts</a>&nbsp;have also failed to gain momentum.Trump had said on July 14 that he would implement “severe tariffs” on Russia unless a peace deal is reached by early September. On Monday, Trump said he would now give Putin 10 to 12 days, meaning he wants peace efforts to make progress by Aug. 7-9.The plan includes possible sanctions and secondary tariffs targeting Russia’s trading partners. The formal announcement would come later Monday or on Tuesday, Trump said.“No reason in waiting,” Trump said of the shorter timeline. “We just don’t see any progress being made.”Putin has “got to make a deal. Too many people are dying,” Trump said during a visit to Scotland.There was no immediate response from Russia.Trump repeated his criticism of Putin for talking about ending the war but continuing to bombard Ukrainian civilians.“And I say, that’s not the way to do it,” Trump said. He added, “I’m disappointed in President Putin.”Asked at a news conference about a potential meeting with the Russian leader, Trump said: “I’m not so interested in talking anymore.”Still, he voiced some reluctance about imposing penalties on the Kremlin, saying that he loves the Russian people. “I don’t want to do that to Russia,” he said, but he noted how many Russians, along with Ukrainians, are dying in the war.Ukraine has urged Western countries to take a tougher line with Putin. Andrii Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, thanked Trump for shortening the deadline.“Putin understands only strength — and that has been conveyed clearly and loudly,” Yermak said on Telegram, adding that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared the sentiment.<h2>Latest attacks in Ukraine</h2>A Russian drone blew out the windows of a 25-story residential building in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv, the head of the city’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, wrote on Telegram. Eight people were injured, including a 4-year-old girl, he said.The attack also started a fire in Kropyvnytskyi, in central Ukraine, local officials said, but no injuries were reported.The main target of the Russian attack was Starokostiantyniv, in the Khmelnytskyi region of western Ukraine, the air force said. Regional authorities reported no damage or casualties.Western Ukraine is on the other side of the country from the front line, and the Ukrainian military is believed to have significant airfields as well as arsenals and depots there.The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces carried out an overnight strike with long-range, air-launched weapons, hitting a Ukrainian air base along with an ammunition depot containing stockpiles of missiles and components for drone production.___

🎥President Trump raises pressure on Putin with new truce deadline

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A family pet was injured in a fire on Monday in Topeka.

Just after noon on Monday, crews responded to a house fire at 1268 SW Polk Street in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.

First responders found smoke coming from a two-story house divided into apartments. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, and kept the fire confined to the room of fire origin. Multiple occupants were home at the time of the fire and were able to evacuate before the fire department arrived on scene. Fire crews rescued one dog and provided emergency care. The pet was&nbsp;then transported to a veterinarian by its owner.

After preliminary investigation the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The residence did not have smoke detectors, according to Stahl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753753769570.png" alt="Photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—A family pet was injured in a fire on Monday in Topeka.Just after noon on Monday, crews responded to a house fire at 1268 SW Polk Street in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.First responders found smoke coming from a two-story house divided into apartments. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, and kept the fire confined to the room of fire origin. Multiple occupants were home at the time of the fire and were able to evacuate before the fire department arrived on scene. Fire crews rescued one dog and provided emergency care. The pet was&nbsp;then transported to a veterinarian by its owner.After preliminary investigation the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The residence did not have smoke detectors, according to Stahl.

Family pet injured in fire at Kansas home

JOHNSON COUNTY—A man has admitted responsibility for a fatal fentanyl overdose death.

Earlier this month, 20-year-old Hugo Caesar Guzman, Jr. pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance resulting in<a href="https://everloved.com/life-of/wesley-howard/obituary/"> death of Wesley Howard</a>&nbsp;of Garnder in 2022, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

In October 2023, Guzman was charged with distribution of drugs causing death and two counts of fentanyl distribution.

He is scheduled for sentencing September 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697156695646.png" alt="Guzman -photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Guzman -photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—A man has admitted responsibility for a fatal fentanyl overdose death.Earlier this month, 20-year-old Hugo Caesar Guzman, Jr. pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance resulting in<a href="https://everloved.com/life-of/wesley-howard/obituary/"> death of Wesley Howard</a>&nbsp;of Garnder in 2022, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.In October 2023, Guzman was charged with distribution of drugs causing death and two counts of fentanyl distribution.He is scheduled for sentencing September 2.

Man admits selling fentanyl that killed Kansas man

RENO COUNTY —A swift water rescue operation on Monday afternoon resulted in three individuals being safely rescued from the Arkansas River in Hutchinson.

According to a press release from the Hutchinson Fire Department, emergency crews were dispatched around 2:30 p.m. to the area behind Hobart-Detter Field at Carey Park. The individuals had become stranded in the river and were clinging to a tree amid rapidly rising water levels and strong currents.

HFD's water rescue team quickly deployed a boat and launched a three-person team upriver to reach the victims. The rescue was completed without incident, and the individuals were brought back upstream to a safe access point, where they were transferred to Reno County EMS for evaluation.

The operation was completed within approximately 30 minutes of the initial call. No injuries were reported among the victims or first responders.

Fire officials reminded the public that a flood warning remains in effect and urged residents to exercise caution. “Never drive through water-covered roads. River currents are swifter than usual, and the river edges are soft,” the release stated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753756747216.png" alt="Google Map" />
 <figcaption>Google Map</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —A swift water rescue operation on Monday afternoon resulted in three individuals being safely rescued from the Arkansas River in Hutchinson.According to a press release from the Hutchinson Fire Department, emergency crews were dispatched around 2:30 p.m. to the area behind Hobart-Detter Field at Carey Park. The individuals had become stranded in the river and were clinging to a tree amid rapidly rising water levels and strong currents.HFD's water rescue team quickly deployed a boat and launched a three-person team upriver to reach the victims. The rescue was completed without incident, and the individuals were brought back upstream to a safe access point, where they were transferred to Reno County EMS for evaluation.The operation was completed within approximately 30 minutes of the initial call. No injuries were reported among the victims or first responders.Fire officials reminded the public that a flood warning remains in effect and urged residents to exercise caution. “Never drive through water-covered roads. River currents are swifter than usual, and the river edges are soft,” the release stated.

Swift water rescue on river in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Monday that he ended his friendship with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;and threw the now-disgraced financier out of his private club in Florida after Epstein betrayed him more than once by hiring people who had worked for him.

Trump did not say what his employees did or where they worked, and the White House declined further comment. But the White House had previously offered a different explanation for the falling-out. Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, said in a statement last week: “The fact is that the President kicked him out of his club for being a creep.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">Epstein</a>&nbsp;killed himself, authorities say, in a New York jail cell in 2019 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. Trump and his top allies stoked conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death before Trump returned to power. They are now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracies-97200cfab77572a36bc9ab25841a8833">struggling to manage the fallout</a>&nbsp;after the Justice Department said Epstein did, in fact, die by suicide and that it would not release additional documents about the case.

The president and his allies, some of whom are now in the administration, had promised to release the files.

The case has dogged Trump at home and abroad and even followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-trump-taxes-border-medicaid-ohio-2fcf19e5b449d1835a99c224a2e231e0">Vice President JD Vance</a>&nbsp;during an appearance in his home state of Ohio on Monday. A small group of protesters assembled outside a factory in Canton that Vance toured, holding signs that spelled out “JD Protects Pedophiles” and indicating that “GOP” stands for “Guardians Of Pedophiles.”

The Republican president spoke at his golf property in Turnberry, Scotland, as he sat with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the leaders had met and were answering questions from U.S. and U.K. journalists. Asked to explain why the relationship had faltered, Trump said, “That's such old history, very easy to explain, but I don't want to waste your time by explaining it.”

He then explained, saying he stopped talking to Epstein after “he did something that was inappropriate.”

“He hired help and I said, ‘Don’t ever do that again,’” Trump said. “He stole people that worked for me. I said, ‘Don’t ever do that again.’ He did it again, and I threw him out of the place, persona non grata.”

“I threw him out and that was it. I’m glad I did, if you want to know the truth,” Trump added.

Trump recently directed Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;to seek the public release of sealed grand jury transcripts in the case. One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-grand-jury-records-florida-3254decc623fbf2a5ee2967c7adfa2e6">federal judge has denied that request</a>; a second judge has yet to rule.

Vance on Monday visited the factory to promote Trump's tax cut and border bill, but also addressed the Epstein matter, saying the president wants “full transparency” in the case.

“The president has been very clear. We're not shielding anything,” Vance said in response to a reporter's question. “The president has directed the attorney general to release all credible information and, frankly, to go and find additional credible information related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.”

“Some of that stuff takes time,” Vance said, adding that Trump has been “very clear. He wants full transparency.”

Trump had said back in 2019 that Epstein was a fixture in Palm Beach but that the two had had a falling-out a long time ago and he hadn't spoken with Epstein for 15 years.

Trump on Monday also denied contributing to a compilation of letters and drawings to mark Epstein's 50th birthday, first reported on by the Wall Street Journal. The newspaper said the letter, believed to be from Trump, included a drawing of a woman's body.

“I'm not a drawing person,” Trump said. “I don't do drawings of women, that I can tell you.”

Trump also said he declined Epstein's invitation to visit a private island the financier owned.

“I never had the privilege of going to his island, and I did turn it down, but a lot of people in Palm Beach were invited to his island,” Trump said. “In one of my very good moments, I turned it down. I didn't want to go to his island.”

Associated Press writer Julie Carr Smyth in Canton, Ohio, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Monday that he ended his friendship with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;and threw the now-disgraced financier out of his private club in Florida after Epstein betrayed him more than once by hiring people who had worked for him.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein: &quot;That&#39;s such old history. It&#39;s very easy to explain, but I don&#39;t want to waste your time.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/bCQqlkK7gB">pic.twitter.com/bCQqlkK7gB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1949835820619215027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump did not say what his employees did or where they worked, and the White House declined further comment. But the White House had previously offered a different explanation for the falling-out. Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, said in a statement last week: “The fact is that the President kicked him out of his club for being a creep.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">Epstein</a>&nbsp;killed himself, authorities say, in a New York jail cell in 2019 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. Trump and his top allies stoked conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death before Trump returned to power. They are now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracies-97200cfab77572a36bc9ab25841a8833">struggling to manage the fallout</a>&nbsp;after the Justice Department said Epstein did, in fact, die by suicide and that it would not release additional documents about the case.The president and his allies, some of whom are now in the administration, had promised to release the files.The case has dogged Trump at home and abroad and even followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-trump-taxes-border-medicaid-ohio-2fcf19e5b449d1835a99c224a2e231e0">Vice President JD Vance</a>&nbsp;during an appearance in his home state of Ohio on Monday. A small group of protesters assembled outside a factory in Canton that Vance toured, holding signs that spelled out “JD Protects Pedophiles” and indicating that “GOP” stands for “Guardians Of Pedophiles.”The Republican president spoke at his golf property in Turnberry, Scotland, as he sat with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the leaders had met and were answering questions from U.S. and U.K. journalists. Asked to explain why the relationship had faltered, Trump said, “That's such old history, very easy to explain, but I don't want to waste your time by explaining it.”He then explained, saying he stopped talking to Epstein after “he did something that was inappropriate.”“He hired help and I said, ‘Don’t ever do that again,’” Trump said. “He stole people that worked for me. I said, ‘Don’t ever do that again.’ He did it again, and I threw him out of the place, persona non grata.”“I threw him out and that was it. I’m glad I did, if you want to know the truth,” Trump added.Trump recently directed Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;to seek the public release of sealed grand jury transcripts in the case. One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-grand-jury-records-florida-3254decc623fbf2a5ee2967c7adfa2e6">federal judge has denied that request</a>; a second judge has yet to rule.Vance on Monday visited the factory to promote Trump's tax cut and border bill, but also addressed the Epstein matter, saying the president wants “full transparency” in the case.“The president has been very clear. We're not shielding anything,” Vance said in response to a reporter's question. “The president has directed the attorney general to release all credible information and, frankly, to go and find additional credible information related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.”“Some of that stuff takes time,” Vance said, adding that Trump has been “very clear. He wants full transparency.”Trump had said back in 2019 that Epstein was a fixture in Palm Beach but that the two had had a falling-out a long time ago and he hadn't spoken with Epstein for 15 years.Trump on Monday also denied contributing to a compilation of letters and drawings to mark Epstein's 50th birthday, first reported on by the Wall Street Journal. The newspaper said the letter, believed to be from Trump, included a drawing of a woman's body.“I'm not a drawing person,” Trump said. “I don't do drawings of women, that I can tell you.”Trump also said he declined Epstein's invitation to visit a private island the financier owned.“I never had the privilege of going to his island, and I did turn it down, but a lot of people in Palm Beach were invited to his island,” Trump said. “In one of my very good moments, I turned it down. I didn't want to go to his island.”___Associated Press writer Julie Carr Smyth in Canton, Ohio, contributed to this report.