By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alanna-durkin-richer">ALANNA DURKIN RICHER</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department on Thursday released additional&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-justice-department-trump-ed743598c320b94bd9d91631618678d9">Jeffrey Epstein files</a>&nbsp;involving uncorroborated accusations made by a woman against President Donald Trump that the department said had been mistakenly withheld during an earlier review.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/doj-disclosures">Click here to view the files</a>

The department said last week that it was working to determine if any records were improperly withheld after several news organizations reported that the massive tranche of records that had been made public didn’t include some files documenting a series of interviews conducted in 2019 with a woman who made an allegation against Trump.

The accuser was interviewed by the FBI four times as it sought to assess her account but a summary of only one of those interviews had been included in the publicly released files.

On Thursday, the department said those files had been “incorrectly coded as duplicative,” and therefore were inadvertently not published along with other investigative documents related to the disgraced financier,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-suicide-department-of-justice-investigation-50c229b7953096f0301bfa1e7f0b7703">who killed himself</a>&nbsp;while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019.Image from files released by the U.S. Department of Justic

“As we have consistently done, if any member of the public reported concerns with information in the library, the Department would review, make any corrections, and republish online,” the department said in a post on X.

Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. The department noted in January that some of the documents contain “untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election.”

The new disclosures come as Attorney General Pam Bondi faces continued turmoil over the department’s handling of the files released under a law passed by Congress after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-e1fa3b7cb64b6c678073744c7744c4a9">months of public and political pressure</a>. Five Republicans on the House Oversight Committee joined Democrats in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bondi-subpoena-epstein-files-house-committee-b16a5ab68c4a37a3a533e5f2412d7a57">voting Wednesday to subpoena Bondi</a>, demanding that she answer questions under oath in a sign of mounting frustration among members of the president’s own party.

The Trump administration has faced constant political headaches since the rollout of the files began in December, with critics accusing the department of hiding certain documents or over-redacting files, or in some cases, not redacting enough. In some cases, the department inadvertently released nude photos showing the faces of potential victims as well as names, email addresses and other identifying information that was either unredacted or not fully obscured.

Department officials have defended their handling of the files, saying they took pains to release the files as quickly as possible under the law while also protecting victims. Department officials have said errors were inevitable given the volume of the materials, the number of lawyers viewing the files and the speed at which the department had to release them. The department has said it’s entitled to withhold records that exposed potential abuse victims, were duplicates or protected by legal privileges, or related to an ongoing criminal investigation.

Some of the new records published Thursday pertained to a woman who contacted the FBI shortly after Epstein’s 2019 arrest and claimed that a man named “Jeff” living in Hilton Head, South Carolina, had raped her there in the 1980s when she was around 13 years old. The woman told the agents she didn’t know the man’s identity at the time, but decades later concluded he was Jeffrey Epstein when a friend texted her his photo from a news story.

In a follow-up interview a month later, the woman added a host of other claims, including that Epstein had schemed to have her mother sent to prison, beaten her, arranged sexual encounters with other men and once flew her to either New Jersey or New York, where she claimed to have bitten Donald Trump after he tried to sexually assault her.

Agents spoke with the woman two more times, at one point asking her to provide more detail on her supposed interactions with Trump, but reported that she declined to answer additional questions and broke off contact. There’s no indication that Epstein ever lived in South Carolina and it was unclear whether Trump and Epstein knew each other during the time period involved.

The woman’s report was one of a number of uncorroborated, sometimes fantastical, reports that federal agents received from members of the public alleging misconduct by Trump and other famous people in the months and years after Epstein’s arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765560316012.png" alt="Image from files released by the U.S. Department of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Image from files released by the U.S. Department of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alanna-durkin-richer">ALANNA DURKIN RICHER</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department on Thursday released additional&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-justice-department-trump-ed743598c320b94bd9d91631618678d9">Jeffrey Epstein files</a>&nbsp;involving uncorroborated accusations made by a woman against President Donald Trump that the department said had been mistakenly withheld during an earlier review.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/doj-disclosures">Click here to view the files</a>The department said last week that it was working to determine if any records were improperly withheld after several news organizations reported that the massive tranche of records that had been made public didn’t include some files documenting a series of interviews conducted in 2019 with a woman who made an allegation against Trump.The accuser was interviewed by the FBI four times as it sought to assess her account but a summary of only one of those interviews had been included in the publicly released files.On Thursday, the department said those files had been “incorrectly coded as duplicative,” and therefore were inadvertently not published along with other investigative documents related to the disgraced financier,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-suicide-department-of-justice-investigation-50c229b7953096f0301bfa1e7f0b7703">who killed himself</a>&nbsp;while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019.Image from files released by the U.S. Department of Justic<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772831197325.png" alt="Image from files released by the U.S. Department of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Image from files released by the U.S. Department of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>“As we have consistently done, if any member of the public reported concerns with information in the library, the Department would review, make any corrections, and republish online,” the department said in a post on X.Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. The department noted in January that some of the documents contain “untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election.”The new disclosures come as Attorney General Pam Bondi faces continued turmoil over the department’s handling of the files released under a law passed by Congress after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-e1fa3b7cb64b6c678073744c7744c4a9">months of public and political pressure</a>. Five Republicans on the House Oversight Committee joined Democrats in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bondi-subpoena-epstein-files-house-committee-b16a5ab68c4a37a3a533e5f2412d7a57">voting Wednesday to subpoena Bondi</a>, demanding that she answer questions under oath in a sign of mounting frustration among members of the president’s own party.The Trump administration has faced constant political headaches since the rollout of the files began in December, with critics accusing the department of hiding certain documents or over-redacting files, or in some cases, not redacting enough. In some cases, the department inadvertently released nude photos showing the faces of potential victims as well as names, email addresses and other identifying information that was either unredacted or not fully obscured.Department officials have defended their handling of the files, saying they took pains to release the files as quickly as possible under the law while also protecting victims. Department officials have said errors were inevitable given the volume of the materials, the number of lawyers viewing the files and the speed at which the department had to release them. The department has said it’s entitled to withhold records that exposed potential abuse victims, were duplicates or protected by legal privileges, or related to an ongoing criminal investigation.Some of the new records published Thursday pertained to a woman who contacted the FBI shortly after Epstein’s 2019 arrest and claimed that a man named “Jeff” living in Hilton Head, South Carolina, had raped her there in the 1980s when she was around 13 years old. The woman told the agents she didn’t know the man’s identity at the time, but decades later concluded he was Jeffrey Epstein when a friend texted her his photo from a news story.In a follow-up interview a month later, the woman added a host of other claims, including that Epstein had schemed to have her mother sent to prison, beaten her, arranged sexual encounters with other men and once flew her to either New Jersey or New York, where she claimed to have bitten Donald Trump after he tried to sexually assault her.Agents spoke with the woman two more times, at one point asking her to provide more detail on her supposed interactions with Trump, but reported that she declined to answer additional questions and broke off contact. There’s no indication that Epstein ever lived in South Carolina and it was unclear whether Trump and Epstein knew each other during the time period involved.The woman’s report was one of a number of uncorroborated, sometimes fantastical, reports that federal agents received from members of the public alleging misconduct by Trump and other famous people in the months and years after Epstein’s arrest.

DOJ publishes missing Epstein files involving uncorroborated claim about Trump

A former Kansas wrestling coach was charged through criminal complaint for allegedly creating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) by clandestinely filming minors showering during a high school sporting event, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to court documents, Ryan Brungardt, 37, of Salina is charged with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography.&nbsp;

Brungardt is a former employee at Lakewood Middle School and former wrestling coach for Salina Central High School in Salina. Brungardt is accused of using a cellphone to record three minors while they showered in a locker room during the Tournament of Champions, a wrestling tournament which was held at Newton High School in Newton, Kansas, in January 2024.&nbsp;

The defendant made his initial court appearance for the criminal complaint on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks G. Severson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Salina Police Department, and Newton Police Department are investigating the case.

Investigators are in the process of reviewing additional seized cellphone videos in this case that are suspected to have been recorded at wrestling meets and tournaments in Newton, Hays, Garden City and Salina, Kansas during the 2023-2024 wrestling season. Anyone who believes they witnessed crimes or any suspicious activity at these events is asked to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (785) 600-8790 or report at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706618954662.jpeg" alt="Brungardt from arrest in 2024-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Brungardt from arrest in 2024-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>A former Kansas wrestling coach was charged through criminal complaint for allegedly creating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) by clandestinely filming minors showering during a high school sporting event, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.According to court documents, Ryan Brungardt, 37, of Salina is charged with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography.&nbsp;Brungardt is a former employee at Lakewood Middle School and former wrestling coach for Salina Central High School in Salina. Brungardt is accused of using a cellphone to record three minors while they showered in a locker room during the Tournament of Champions, a wrestling tournament which was held at Newton High School in Newton, Kansas, in January 2024.&nbsp;The defendant made his initial court appearance for the criminal complaint on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks G. Severson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Salina Police Department, and Newton Police Department are investigating the case.Investigators are in the process of reviewing additional seized cellphone videos in this case that are suspected to have been recorded at wrestling meets and tournaments in Newton, Hays, Garden City and Salina, Kansas during the 2023-2024 wrestling season. Anyone who believes they witnessed crimes or any suspicious activity at these events is asked to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (785) 600-8790 or report at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

Kan. high school coach accused of secretly filming minors in showers

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.&nbsp;

Just after 4p.m. Wednesday.an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop of a Ford Taurus for a traffic violation in the 700 block North 11th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The driver, 48-year-old William Gehring of Kansas City, Missouri, was found to be in possession of illegal drugs and was transporting an open container.

Police arrested him on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, transporting an open container, and illegal use of vehicle tag.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772721615577.png" alt="Gehring photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Gehring photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.&nbsp;Just after 4p.m. Wednesday.an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop of a Ford Taurus for a traffic violation in the 700 block North 11th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver, 48-year-old William Gehring of Kansas City, Missouri, was found to be in possession of illegal drugs and was transporting an open container.Police arrested him on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, transporting an open container, and illegal use of vehicle tag.&nbsp;

Driver was transporting cocaine in Kansas, had illegal car tag

SHAWNEE COUNTY– The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office recently assisted authorities in Trinity County, California, after receiving information related to a possible homicide involving two family members in Weaverville, California.

On Tuesday, a Shawnee County resident contacted the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office to report information regarding a possible homicide involving relatives who were reportedly living in Weaverville, California. Investigators with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division met with the reporting party and gathered information regarding the report.

Investigators relayed the information to the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, which then initiated its investigation.

Based in part on the information received, investigators with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence in the 3100 block of Bear Creek Road in Weaverville. During the search, investigators located the deceased body of Darren Jackson, 58, in a compost pile on the property. Multiple deceased puppies were also located.

Kevin Jackson, 54, the victim’s brother, was taken into custody in connection with the investigation and arrested on requested charges of&nbsp;First degree murder, Felon in possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Felon in possession of ammunition and animal cruelty.

SHAWNEE COUNTY– The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office recently assisted authorities in Trinity County, California, after receiving information related to a possible homicide involving two family members in Weaverville, California.On Tuesday, a Shawnee County resident contacted the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office to report information regarding a possible homicide involving relatives who were reportedly living in Weaverville, California. Investigators with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division met with the reporting party and gathered information regarding the report.Investigators relayed the information to the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, which then initiated its investigation.Based in part on the information received, investigators with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence in the 3100 block of Bear Creek Road in Weaverville. During the search, investigators located the deceased body of Darren Jackson, 58, in a compost pile on the property. Multiple deceased puppies were also located.Kevin Jackson, 54, the victim’s brother, was taken into custody in connection with the investigation and arrested on requested charges of&nbsp;First degree murder, Felon in possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Felon in possession of ammunition and animal cruelty.

Tip to Kan. sheriff helps in arrest of Calif. man for killing his brother

KIOWA COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office detention officer Monday afternoon for child sex crimes.

On Monday, March 2, at 2:00 p.m., KBI agents arrested Dustin Dean Chartier, 36, of Greensburg, at the Kiowa County Courthouse, according to a media release from the KBI.

 Chartier was arrested on requested charges of rape, aggravated sexual battery, indecent liberties with a child, lewd and lascivious behavior, and two counts of indecent solicitation of a child.

In December 2025, the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate allegations of sex abuse of a minor by a detention officer in 2021. Chartier was placed on administrative leave during the KBI investigation. While investigating the initial allegation, a second victim disclosed another sex abuse incident, prompting the KBI to open an additional investigation. The Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office was fully cooperative with the investigation.

Following his arrest Chartier was booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772649725973.png" alt="Chartier-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Chartier-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>KIOWA COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office detention officer Monday afternoon for child sex crimes.On Monday, March 2, at 2:00 p.m., KBI agents arrested Dustin Dean Chartier, 36, of Greensburg, at the Kiowa County Courthouse, according to a media release from the KBI. Chartier was arrested on requested charges of rape, aggravated sexual battery, indecent liberties with a child, lewd and lascivious behavior, and two counts of indecent solicitation of a child.In December 2025, the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate allegations of sex abuse of a minor by a detention officer in 2021. Chartier was placed on administrative leave during the KBI investigation. While investigating the initial allegation, a second victim disclosed another sex abuse incident, prompting the KBI to open an additional investigation. The Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office was fully cooperative with the investigation.Following his arrest Chartier was booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility.Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

KBI: Two child victims report sex abuse involving Kan. jail deputy 

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/sean-murphy">SEAN MURPHY</a> Associated Press

An Arkansas man&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-father-sheriff-candidate-daughter-shooting-9daf9a7b2b1947cfd3de81c4439c8cf0">accused of killing</a>&nbsp;his teenage daughter’s alleged abuser won the Republican nomination for local sheriff while waiting to stand trial for murder in his rural county, where he ran on a message of seeing the failures of law enforcement.

Aaron Spencer defeated Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley in Tuesday’s primary elections, according to unofficial results posted by the Arkansas secretary of state. He would not be able to serve if he is convicted of killing Michael Fosler, 67, who at the time was out on bond after being charged with numerous sexual offenses against Spencer’s then-13-year-old daughter.

Spencer’s attorneys do not deny that he shot and killed Fosler but maintain he acted within the law to protect his child from a predator.

Spencer won more than 53% of the vote with all precincts reporting, according to unofficial results. Staley, whose department arrested Spencer in 2024, conceded the loss.

“Congratulations to Mr. Spencer. Tonight the voters made their decision in the Republican Primary, and I respect the decision,” Staley said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Spencer said in a statement that his message of accountability resonated with voters.

“Tonight, the people of Lonoke County stood up and chose transparency and accountability,” Spencer said. “This wasn’t a campaign about me. It was about every family who called for help and got nothing. That betrayal ends tonight.”

He is now set to face Democrat Brian Mitchell Sr. in the heavily Republican county in November.

Spencer has pleaded not guilty and is out on bond while awaiting trial, which was originally scheduled to start in January. The trial was delayed after the presiding judge was removed from the case. A new date has not been set.

Court documents show that on the night of the October 2024 shooting, Spencer woke up to find his daughter missing from her bedroom and went searching for her in his truck. He found the girl in the passenger seat of a vehicle Fosler was driving. Spencer eventually forced Fosler’s truck off the highway and, after an altercation, called 911 to report he had shot the man, records show.

Prosecutors argue Spencer had planned to kill Fosler even before that night and that he could have called police while pursuing Fosler.

Spencer’s attorney, Erin Cassinelli, wrote in an email to The Associated Press that the election results have no bearing on the facts of the case.

“Aaron Spencer did exactly what the law allows and exactly what any father would do: he protected his daughter and himself from harm,” Cassinelli said. “At some point, those responsible for this prosecution will have to reckon with that.”

Spencer pledged in a Facebook post last month that if elected he would establish a dedicated team to combat sex crimes against children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772659048041.png" alt="Aaron Spencer" />
 <figcaption>Aaron Spencer</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/sean-murphy">SEAN MURPHY</a> Associated PressAn Arkansas man&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-father-sheriff-candidate-daughter-shooting-9daf9a7b2b1947cfd3de81c4439c8cf0">accused of killing</a>&nbsp;his teenage daughter’s alleged abuser won the Republican nomination for local sheriff while waiting to stand trial for murder in his rural county, where he ran on a message of seeing the failures of law enforcement.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Lonoke County sent a clear message last night, and we&#39;re just getting started. I&#39;m running to restore accountability and integrity to the Sheriff&#39;s Office, and the people of this county just showed they want the same thing. Help us deliver a safer and stronger Lonoke below ⬇️&mdash; Aaron Spencer (@Spencer4Sheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spencer4Sheriff/status/2029291381445853649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Aaron Spencer defeated Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley in Tuesday’s primary elections, according to unofficial results posted by the Arkansas secretary of state. He would not be able to serve if he is convicted of killing Michael Fosler, 67, who at the time was out on bond after being charged with numerous sexual offenses against Spencer’s then-13-year-old daughter.Spencer’s attorneys do not deny that he shot and killed Fosler but maintain he acted within the law to protect his child from a predator.Spencer won more than 53% of the vote with all precincts reporting, according to unofficial results. Staley, whose department arrested Spencer in 2024, conceded the loss.“Congratulations to Mr. Spencer. Tonight the voters made their decision in the Republican Primary, and I respect the decision,” Staley said in a statement posted on Facebook.Spencer said in a statement that his message of accountability resonated with voters.“Tonight, the people of Lonoke County stood up and chose transparency and accountability,” Spencer said. “This wasn’t a campaign about me. It was about every family who called for help and got nothing. That betrayal ends tonight.”He is now set to face Democrat Brian Mitchell Sr. in the heavily Republican county in November.Spencer has pleaded not guilty and is out on bond while awaiting trial, which was originally scheduled to start in January. The trial was delayed after the presiding judge was removed from the case. A new date has not been set.Court documents show that on the night of the October 2024 shooting, Spencer woke up to find his daughter missing from her bedroom and went searching for her in his truck. He found the girl in the passenger seat of a vehicle Fosler was driving. Spencer eventually forced Fosler’s truck off the highway and, after an altercation, called 911 to report he had shot the man, records show.Prosecutors argue Spencer had planned to kill Fosler even before that night and that he could have called police while pursuing Fosler.Spencer’s attorney, Erin Cassinelli, wrote in an email to The Associated Press that the election results have no bearing on the facts of the case.“Aaron Spencer did exactly what the law allows and exactly what any father would do: he protected his daughter and himself from harm,” Cassinelli said. “At some point, those responsible for this prosecution will have to reckon with that.”Spencer pledged in a Facebook post last month that if elected he would establish a dedicated team to combat sex crimes against children.

Man accused of killing daughter's alleged abuser wins GOP sheriff's nomination

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 11:30p.m. Feb. 28, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 at 102nd Road on a Toyota Tacoma, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the vehicle, cocaine, marijuana and open alcohol containers were found.

Francisco Ventura-Cabrales, 50, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended, and transporting an open container.

Hector David Cerillo-Ventura, 29, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772416091883.png" alt="Cerillo-Ventura photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Cerillo-Ventura photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 11:30p.m. Feb. 28, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 at 102nd Road on a Toyota Tacoma, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the vehicle, cocaine, marijuana and open alcohol containers were found.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772416063500.png" alt="Ventura-Cabrales-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Ventura-Cabrales-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>Francisco Ventura-Cabrales, 50, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended, and transporting an open container.Hector David Cerillo-Ventura, 29, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for transporting an open container.

Sheriff: Kan. men were driving with cocaine, open containers

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 70th and Cleveland on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. On arrival officers located a vehicle stopped in the road at that location. Officers were directed inside the vehicle where they located a male shooting victim.

Officers rendered aid to him and called for EMS. EMS transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation along side of crime scene investigators.

A short time later detectives were notified the victim was pronounced deceased from his injuries at the hospital.

Preliminary information indicates the victim and multiple other people were at a location nearby on 71st Street. When they came in contact with one or more suspects. That interaction escalated to shots being fired and the victim was struck.

The victim and others entered a vehicle and left the scene and drove to the location where police contacted them on 70th and Cleveland

Police have not reported an arrest and did not release the victim's name.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772583913006.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 70th and Cleveland on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. On arrival officers located a vehicle stopped in the road at that location. Officers were directed inside the vehicle where they located a male shooting victim.Officers rendered aid to him and called for EMS. EMS transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation along side of crime scene investigators.A short time later detectives were notified the victim was pronounced deceased from his injuries at the hospital.Preliminary information indicates the victim and multiple other people were at a location nearby on 71st Street. When they came in contact with one or more suspects. That interaction escalated to shots being fired and the victim was struck.The victim and others entered a vehicle and left the scene and drove to the location where police contacted them on 70th and ClevelandPolice have not reported an arrest and did not release the victim's name.

Homicide: Dispute led to deadly gunfire in Kansas City

MARION COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged child sex crimes involving a teacher.

On February 23, the Marion County Sheriff's office Lt. Detective Aaron Christner received a report on inappropriate communication between a student and a teacher from Peabody-Burns High School, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

The investigation revealed the teacher had sexual contact with a student. With assistance from the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children's Task Force, further evidence was discovered. On Tuesday, 30-year-old Brett T.&nbsp; McGee was arrested. He was booked into jail just before noon Wednesday, according to online jail records.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is listed as the&nbsp;Vocational Agriculture teacher at Peabody-Burns USD 398, according to the school web site.

The Marion County Sheriff asked that anyone with additional information on the case or any other mistreatment of a child to call them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772568670541.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MARION COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged child sex crimes involving a teacher.On February 23, the Marion County Sheriff's office Lt. Detective Aaron Christner received a report on inappropriate communication between a student and a teacher from Peabody-Burns High School, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772568112207.png" alt="McGee photo McPherson County" />
 <figcaption>McGee photo McPherson County</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed the teacher had sexual contact with a student. With assistance from the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children's Task Force, further evidence was discovered. On Tuesday, 30-year-old Brett T.&nbsp; McGee was arrested. He was booked into jail just before noon Wednesday, according to online jail records.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is listed as the&nbsp;Vocational Agriculture teacher at Peabody-Burns USD 398, according to the school web site.The Marion County Sheriff asked that anyone with additional information on the case or any other mistreatment of a child to call them.

Kansas teacher jailed for alleged sexual contact with a student

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

just after 2p.m. March 1, police arrested&nbsp;Steven L. Crockett, 70, Atchison, was arrested at 2:15PM on Sunday in the 300 block Santa Fe Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Crockett was arrested&nbsp;on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court and was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; He remains in custody and is due to make a court appearance this week, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772463780952.png" alt="Crockett-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Crockett-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.just after 2p.m. March 1, police arrested&nbsp;Steven L. Crockett, 70, Atchison, was arrested at 2:15PM on Sunday in the 300 block Santa Fe Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Crockett was arrested&nbsp;on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court and was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; He remains in custody and is due to make a court appearance this week, according to online jail records.

Police: Kan. man who skipped court was also carrying fentanyl

WASHINGTON (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;defended her department’s immigration enforcement tactics in front of a Senate committee on Tuesday and pushed back against criticism from Democrats who say she wrongly disparaged two protesters killed by federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this year.

It was Noem’s first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of the two protesters galvanized widespread opposition to how the Trump administration is executing its mass deportation agenda, a centerpiece policy of President Donald Trump’s second term. At the time, Noem portrayed the protesters, two U.S. citizens, as armed agitators, although accounts from local officials and bystander video contradicted assertions from her and other administration officials.

In the hearing, Noem defended her agency’s treatment of immigrants caught up in enforcement activities, and blamed activists and others for attacks against officers.

“I want to address the dangerous environment that our ICE officers face on the streets today,” Noem said. “They are facing a serious and escalating threat as a result of deliberate mischaracterizations of their heroic work and rhetoric that demonizes our law enforcement.”

Since the deaths in Minneapolis, the administration has taken steps meant to tone down tensions, including drawing down the operation there. But the administration has continued pressing restrictions against both legal and illegal immigration, has been buying up warehouses for immigration detention and persisting in federal enforcement in areas around the country. Noem said about 650 investigators remain in Minnesota as part of a broader fraud probe.

The immigration tactics of Noem’s department have triggered a clash in Congress over its routine funding, which remains unresolved, although a spending bill passed last year granted it a significant infusion of cash for the Republican administration’s mass deportation policy. Noem called the partial shutdown “reckless” and blamed Democrats for putting national security at risk.

Her appearance in front of the Judiciary Committee also comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-texas-bar-shooting-7690f931ba00f950c1828cef25399bb6">a weekend shooting</a>&nbsp;at a bar in Texas that is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, leading to concerns that the escalating conflict in Iran could have repercussions for security in the U.S.

Noem blames chaotic situation for her characterization of killed protesters

In what was initially billed as an effort to root out fraud in Minnesota, Homeland Security sent hundreds of officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection to the state. They were met by protesters who organized marches, patrolled neighborhoods for ICE activity with whistles and ferried food to immigrants too afraid to leave their homes.

<a href="https://apnews.com/video/the-family-of-renee-good-talk-about-her-life-more-than-a-month-after-she-was-killed-in-minneapolis-9539004139804334b833384fd0e4db28">Renee Good</a>, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Jan. 7, setting off intense protests demanding pushing an end to the operation. Then on Jan. 24, Customs and Border Protection officers opened fire on another Minnesota resident,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>, who had been filming enforcement operations.

Those deaths led to cries for accountability and transparency. Noem, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-alex-pretti-their-own-words-27b7233380c68306a64317b3bf2aa4a3">initial comments</a>&nbsp;portrayed both Good and Pretti as the aggressors, has come under withering criticism by Democrats and even some Republicans, who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-shootings-kristi-noem-ice-congress-add9ac7b90f5677621009e8a603c0141">called for her to resign</a>.

Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the committee, repeatedly questioned Noem about her initial comments and called on her to apologize.

“You and your agency rushed to brand these victims as, quote, domestic terrorists,” Durbin said. “We have ample video evidence and eyewitness testimony proving you are wrong. Your statements caused immeasurable pain to these families.”

Noem said she was relying on information from people on the scene and blamed “violent protesters” for contributing to the chaos officers encountered.

“I was getting reports from the ground from agents at the scene, and I would say that it was a chaotic scene, as you’ve seen in Minneapolis and St. Paul,” she said.

After public outrage over the deaths, Trump sent border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to take control of operations on the ground there. Homan has since announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homan-immigration-agents-minnesota-enforcement-operation-drawdown-5a7940eb9b5100d46efc33a97f524da0">a drawdown</a>&nbsp;of the ICE and CBP officers who had been sent to Minnesota to carry out what had been dubbed Operation Metro Surge, although he’s been adamant that the president’s mass deportation agenda will continue.

Republicans largely kept the focus on the large numbers of migrants who came into the country under former President Joe Biden, portraying Noem as cleaning up the former administration’s mess.

Noem also faced some Republican criticism

Noem did face sharp criticism from one Republican, Sen. John Kennedy from Louisiana, who pushed her to explain why her department paid more than $200 million for an ad campaign she appeared in last year encouraging migrants to leave the country voluntarily and questioned whether Trump knew about the price tag ahead of time.

Noem defended those ads, saying they were effective and went through the regular department bidding process.

“Well, they were effective in your name recognition,” Kennedy said pointedly.

Homeland Security officials have often blamed conflicts in places where it’s carrying out immigration enforcement activities, like Minneapolis and Chicago, as the fault of Democratic politicians who, they say, encourage people to oppose officers as they try to make arrests.

Noem is also slated to appear Wednesday in front of a House committee.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;defended her department’s immigration enforcement tactics in front of a Senate committee on Tuesday and pushed back against criticism from Democrats who say she wrongly disparaged two protesters killed by federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem opening statement before Senate <a href="https://twitter.com/JudiciaryDems?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JudiciaryDems</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJudiciaryGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@senjudiciarygop</a>. <a href="https://t.co/a4aTo4UYM5">pic.twitter.com/a4aTo4UYM5</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028857980146290948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenBlumenthal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenBlumenthal</a> introduces U.S. citizens at hearing who were apprehended by ICE agents: &quot;Wouldn&#39;t&#39; you agree that shooting Marimar Martinez on her way to donate clothing at her church, a U.S citizen from Chicago, is wrong? <a href="https://t.co/ovFdDCozFE">pic.twitter.com/ovFdDCozFE</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028873152185454693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenAmyKlobuchar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenAmyKlobuchar</a> (D-MN): &quot;In one month in the city of Minneapolis, when you look at the three fatalities that were results of shooting, two of three were committed by federal agents. Are you aware of that? Secretary Kristi Noem: &quot;Yes, I am.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/SN9R762SJd">pic.twitter.com/SN9R762SJd</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028862795614208244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenJohnKennedy</a> grills DHS Secretary Noem: &quot;How do you square that concern with waste, which I share, with the fact that you have spent $220 million running television advertisements that feature you prominently?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/1zwl2wghyP">pic.twitter.com/1zwl2wghyP</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028862151146815690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorDurbin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorDurbin</a> asks DHS Secretary Noem on Renée Good, Alex Pretti and others: &quot;Do you retract these statement identifying these individuals as domestic terrorists?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/8LGa7uZZed">pic.twitter.com/8LGa7uZZed</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028858460180250646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenBooker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenBooker</a>: &quot;This is a reckless and out of control agency that you are responsible for. You seem to have no situational awareness whatsoever... Either you are utterly incompetent or you are violating laws with impunity. You should step down from your position.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/IGXWpiabou">pic.twitter.com/IGXWpiabou</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028892329944215607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It was Noem’s first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of the two protesters galvanized widespread opposition to how the Trump administration is executing its mass deportation agenda, a centerpiece policy of President Donald Trump’s second term. At the time, Noem portrayed the protesters, two U.S. citizens, as armed agitators, although accounts from local officials and bystander video contradicted assertions from her and other administration officials.In the hearing, Noem defended her agency’s treatment of immigrants caught up in enforcement activities, and blamed activists and others for attacks against officers.“I want to address the dangerous environment that our ICE officers face on the streets today,” Noem said. “They are facing a serious and escalating threat as a result of deliberate mischaracterizations of their heroic work and rhetoric that demonizes our law enforcement.”Since the deaths in Minneapolis, the administration has taken steps meant to tone down tensions, including drawing down the operation there. But the administration has continued pressing restrictions against both legal and illegal immigration, has been buying up warehouses for immigration detention and persisting in federal enforcement in areas around the country. Noem said about 650 investigators remain in Minnesota as part of a broader fraud probe.The immigration tactics of Noem’s department have triggered a clash in Congress over its routine funding, which remains unresolved, although a spending bill passed last year granted it a significant infusion of cash for the Republican administration’s mass deportation policy. Noem called the partial shutdown “reckless” and blamed Democrats for putting national security at risk.Her appearance in front of the Judiciary Committee also comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-texas-bar-shooting-7690f931ba00f950c1828cef25399bb6">a weekend shooting</a>&nbsp;at a bar in Texas that is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, leading to concerns that the escalating conflict in Iran could have repercussions for security in the U.S.<h2>Noem blames chaotic situation for her characterization of killed protesters</h2>In what was initially billed as an effort to root out fraud in Minnesota, Homeland Security sent hundreds of officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection to the state. They were met by protesters who organized marches, patrolled neighborhoods for ICE activity with whistles and ferried food to immigrants too afraid to leave their homes.<a href="https://apnews.com/video/the-family-of-renee-good-talk-about-her-life-more-than-a-month-after-she-was-killed-in-minneapolis-9539004139804334b833384fd0e4db28">Renee Good</a>, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Jan. 7, setting off intense protests demanding pushing an end to the operation. Then on Jan. 24, Customs and Border Protection officers opened fire on another Minnesota resident,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>, who had been filming enforcement operations.Those deaths led to cries for accountability and transparency. Noem, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-alex-pretti-their-own-words-27b7233380c68306a64317b3bf2aa4a3">initial comments</a>&nbsp;portrayed both Good and Pretti as the aggressors, has come under withering criticism by Democrats and even some Republicans, who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-shootings-kristi-noem-ice-congress-add9ac7b90f5677621009e8a603c0141">called for her to resign</a>.Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the committee, repeatedly questioned Noem about her initial comments and called on her to apologize.“You and your agency rushed to brand these victims as, quote, domestic terrorists,” Durbin said. “We have ample video evidence and eyewitness testimony proving you are wrong. Your statements caused immeasurable pain to these families.”Noem said she was relying on information from people on the scene and blamed “violent protesters” for contributing to the chaos officers encountered.“I was getting reports from the ground from agents at the scene, and I would say that it was a chaotic scene, as you’ve seen in Minneapolis and St. Paul,” she said.After public outrage over the deaths, Trump sent border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to take control of operations on the ground there. Homan has since announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homan-immigration-agents-minnesota-enforcement-operation-drawdown-5a7940eb9b5100d46efc33a97f524da0">a drawdown</a>&nbsp;of the ICE and CBP officers who had been sent to Minnesota to carry out what had been dubbed Operation Metro Surge, although he’s been adamant that the president’s mass deportation agenda will continue.Republicans largely kept the focus on the large numbers of migrants who came into the country under former President Joe Biden, portraying Noem as cleaning up the former administration’s mess.<h2>Noem also faced some Republican criticism</h2>Noem did face sharp criticism from one Republican, Sen. John Kennedy from Louisiana, who pushed her to explain why her department paid more than $200 million for an ad campaign she appeared in last year encouraging migrants to leave the country voluntarily and questioned whether Trump knew about the price tag ahead of time.Noem defended those ads, saying they were effective and went through the regular department bidding process.“Well, they were effective in your name recognition,” Kennedy said pointedly.Homeland Security officials have often blamed conflicts in places where it’s carrying out immigration enforcement activities, like Minneapolis and Chicago, as the fault of Democratic politicians who, they say, encourage people to oppose officers as they try to make arrests.Noem is also slated to appear Wednesday in front of a House committee.

🎥Hot seat: Senators grill DHS Secretary on immigration enforcement

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating another fatal shooting in Wichita and have made an arrest.

Just after 7:30p.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting in the parking lot of the&nbsp; American Legion in the 1300 Block of North Hydraulic in Wichita. According to an online statement from police, the suspect called 911 and reported he had just shot someone.

First responders found the&nbsp; shooting victim,&nbsp;56-year-old Darnell Guiden of Wichita,&nbsp;inside a 1998 Chevrolet pickup. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased just before 8p.m.

The suspect, identified from county booking records as 40-year-old Tristan D. Miles, was taken into custody without incident. He had previously been banned from the business from a previous incident, according to police.

He is being held on requested charges of first-degree premeditated murder and criminal discharge of a firearm.&nbsp; The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772538210414.png" alt="Miles-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Miles-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating another fatal shooting in Wichita and have made an arrest.Just after 7:30p.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting in the parking lot of the&nbsp; American Legion in the 1300 Block of North Hydraulic in Wichita. According to an online statement from police, the suspect called 911 and reported he had just shot someone.First responders found the&nbsp; shooting victim,&nbsp;56-year-old Darnell Guiden of Wichita,&nbsp;inside a 1998 Chevrolet pickup. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased just before 8p.m.The suspect, identified from county booking records as 40-year-old Tristan D. Miles, was taken into custody without incident. He had previously been banned from the business from a previous incident, according to police.He is being held on requested charges of first-degree premeditated murder and criminal discharge of a firearm.&nbsp; The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Police: Kan. homicide suspect called 911 to report he shot someone

SEDGWICK—A man accused of in the deadly shooting of his mother-in-law in front of his 8-year-old son was back in court last week.

On Friday, Stephen Rogers entered a guilty plea to charges of second-degree murder and child endangerment in a hearing in the courtroom of Judge Tyler Rousch, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Rogers was originally charged with first-degree murder.

In July, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from 49-year-old Sharmaine Marlene Burke, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. Burke reported that her son-in-law, 29-year-old Stephen J. Rogers of Wichita, was drunk and had threatened to shoot her. She also stated that her eight-year-old grandson, Rogers’ son, was inside the home at the Longbranch Mobile Home Park near Derby.&nbsp;

The 911 call-taker stayed on the line as deputies responded. A few minutes into the call, gunshots were heard, and the line went silent.

Deputies arrived at 11:41 p.m. and found Burke with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body. Deputies and Sedgwick County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Burke succumbed to her injuries at 11:57 p.m.

Rogers and his son were not at the scene when deputies arrived. An immediate search for both the suspect and the child began. Deputies obtained critical information, including a description of Rogers’ vehicle, and shared it with surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Rogers was found with his son in Butler County and arrested. His son was not injured.&nbsp; Rogers' sentencing is scheduled for May 8, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754002321266.png" alt="Rogers photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Rogers photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK—A man accused of in the deadly shooting of his mother-in-law in front of his 8-year-old son was back in court last week.On Friday, Stephen Rogers entered a guilty plea to charges of second-degree murder and child endangerment in a hearing in the courtroom of Judge Tyler Rousch, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Rogers was originally charged with first-degree murder.In July, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from 49-year-old Sharmaine Marlene Burke, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. Burke reported that her son-in-law, 29-year-old Stephen J. Rogers of Wichita, was drunk and had threatened to shoot her. She also stated that her eight-year-old grandson, Rogers’ son, was inside the home at the Longbranch Mobile Home Park near Derby.&nbsp;The 911 call-taker stayed on the line as deputies responded. A few minutes into the call, gunshots were heard, and the line went silent.Deputies arrived at 11:41 p.m. and found Burke with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body. Deputies and Sedgwick County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Burke succumbed to her injuries at 11:57 p.m.Rogers and his son were not at the scene when deputies arrived. An immediate search for both the suspect and the child began. Deputies obtained critical information, including a description of Rogers’ vehicle, and shared it with surrounding law enforcement agencies.Rogers was found with his son in Butler County and arrested. His son was not injured.&nbsp; Rogers' sentencing is scheduled for May 8, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. man who killed his mother-in-law in front of 8-year-old enters plea

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations&nbsp;

On the evening of April 25, 2025 an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 200 block North 4th Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver, 29-year-old Adrian Duran, was taken into custody for giving the officer false information on his identity. He was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl.

On Feb. 28, police arrested Duran in the 700 block North 10th Street on a District Court warrant for possession of fentanyl, interference with law enforcement and defective tail lamps.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772464087266.png" alt="Duran photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Duran photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations&nbsp;On the evening of April 25, 2025 an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 200 block North 4th Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver, 29-year-old Adrian Duran, was taken into custody for giving the officer false information on his identity. He was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl.On Feb. 28, police arrested Duran in the 700 block North 10th Street on a District Court warrant for possession of fentanyl, interference with law enforcement and defective tail lamps.&nbsp;

Kansas man caught with fentanyl gave police a fake name

ELLSWORTH COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend crash and fire.

According to the Ellsworth County Sheriff, the late Saturday evening call about a vehicle on fire in the 2500 Block of Avenue T resulted in the arrest of a Kansas man for leaving the scene and failing to report a motor vehicle accident. Additional charges of illegal tag, no proof of liability insurance and Interference / Obstruction are pending.

As it turned out, the driver of the burning vehicle struck a concrete guardrail on a County bridge.&nbsp; The vehicle went flying for quite some  distance, and then landed on its wheels about 200 feet west of the point of impact and caught fire.

There was  significant damage to both the bridge and vehicle.  The driver was located about 1/2 mile west of the accident scene, watching emergency crews work to extinguish the blaze.

The sheriff office thanked the Marquette Fire and EMS crews, along with the McPherson Fire Department, who were sending additional resources out to the location to help us look for "possible" injured persons from this crash.

The sheriff's office reminded, "The Bottom Line here, if you crash your car....you call the Law.....because that is the law."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772451925302.png" alt="Photo Ellsworth County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Ellsworth County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend crash and fire.According to the Ellsworth County Sheriff, the late Saturday evening call about a vehicle on fire in the 2500 Block of Avenue T resulted in the arrest of a Kansas man for leaving the scene and failing to report a motor vehicle accident. Additional charges of illegal tag, no proof of liability insurance and Interference / Obstruction are pending.As it turned out, the driver of the burning vehicle struck a concrete guardrail on a County bridge.&nbsp; The vehicle went flying for quite some distance, and then landed on its wheels about 200 feet west of the point of impact and caught fire.There was significant damage to both the bridge and vehicle. The driver was located about 1/2 mile west of the accident scene, watching emergency crews work to extinguish the blaze.The sheriff office thanked the Marquette Fire and EMS crews, along with the McPherson Fire Department, who were sending additional resources out to the location to help us look for "possible" injured persons from this crash.The sheriff's office reminded, "The Bottom Line here, if you crash your car....you call the Law.....because that is the law."

Sheriff: Kansas driver arrested after he left a crash and fire

DAWSON COUNTY&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested one person after finding more than 240 pounds of suspected cocaine during a commercial vehicle inspection.

Tuesday afternoon, an NSP Carrier Enforcement trooper conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on a semi tractor/trailer near mile marker 254 on Interstate 80, according to a media release. During the inspection, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.

An NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the cab of the semi. A search of the cab revealed 242 pounds of suspected cocaine concealed underneath the sleeper bed.

The driver, Arwinderjit Singh, 30-years-old, of Manteca, California, was arrested for possession of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver, possession of an open alcohol container and displaying a fictitious license plate. He was lodged in Dawson County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772216201651.jpeg" alt="Photo Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>DAWSON COUNTY&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested one person after finding more than 240 pounds of suspected cocaine during a commercial vehicle inspection.Tuesday afternoon, an NSP Carrier Enforcement trooper conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on a semi tractor/trailer near mile marker 254 on Interstate 80, according to a media release. During the inspection, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.An NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the cab of the semi. A search of the cab revealed 242 pounds of suspected cocaine concealed underneath the sleeper bed.The driver, Arwinderjit Singh, 30-years-old, of Manteca, California, was arrested for possession of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver, possession of an open alcohol container and displaying a fictitious license plate. He was lodged in Dawson County Jail.

Troopers found 242 pounds of cocaine during commercial truck inspection

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Kansas City.

A white Pickup truck was traveling at a high rate of speed on N. Oak around NE 103rd in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. The pickup rear-ended a&nbsp;silver Buick.&nbsp; The Buick driver was pronounced dead on scene by EMS personal. 

The driver of the white pickup remained at the scene and was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI.&nbsp; Polie did not release the name of the driver who died or the driver arrested.

This marks fatality #11 in Kansas City, Missouri for 2026, according to DiMartino.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Kansas City.A white Pickup truck was traveling at a high rate of speed on N. Oak around NE 103rd in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. The pickup rear-ended a&nbsp;silver Buick.&nbsp; The Buick driver was pronounced dead on scene by EMS personal. The driver of the white pickup remained at the scene and was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI.&nbsp; Polie did not release the name of the driver who died or the driver arrested.This marks fatality #11 in Kansas City, Missouri for 2026, according to DiMartino.

Driver arrested after fatal, high-speed crash in Kansas City

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Ayatollah&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ali-khamenei">Ali Khamenei</a>, who assembled theocratic power in Iran over the decades as its supreme leader and sought to turn it into a regional powerhouse, bringing it into confrontation with Israel and the United States&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-iran-politics-government-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-6acdb64d36fcbe05b3ee725d8a585d96">over its nuclear program</a>&nbsp;while crushing democracy protesters at home, has died. He was 86.

(Video below of Iran President Ali Khamenei at the UN Sept. 22, 1987-CSPAN)

Iranian state media reported the death early Sunday, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c">a major attack</a>&nbsp;launched by Israel and the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump said hours earlier that Khamenei had been killed in the joint operation.

Khamenei dramatically remolded the Islamic Republic since he took the reins after the death of Ayatollah&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3042785d564d4acaa2e4a18bfc206d25">Ruhollah Khomeini</a>&nbsp;in 1989. Khomeini was the fiery, charismatic ideologue who led the overthrow of the shah and installed rule by Shiite Muslim clerics tasked with spreading religious purity. It fell to Khamenei, a stodgier figure with weaker religious credentials and a leaden demeanor, to turn that revolutionary vision into a state establishment.

He ended up ruling far longer than Khomeini. He greatly expanded the Shiite clerical class and built the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1a91d52c042141e4b7c8e93e6a20040e">paramilitary Revolutionary Guard</a>&nbsp;into the most important body underpinning his rule. The Guard became a military and business behemoth, the country’s most elite force and head of its ballistic missile arsenal, with hands across Iran’s economic sectors.

But the strains became harder to contain. Political repression and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/soaring-cost-of-food-and-essentials-squeeze-iranian-families-amid-tensions-with-us-4fca82ab094b4cedb3e8ad630b704c40">the faltering economy</a>&nbsp;fueled successively bigger waves of mass protests. Anger over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-mahsa-amini-crackdown-f26a5f687d87785841241d266ca3e872">2022 death of Mahsa Amini</a>, detained for not wearing her mandatory headscarf properly, escalated into demonstrations against social restrictions. In early January, hundreds of thousands marched in cities across the country, many chanting, “Death to Khamenei.”

Khamenei responded with the deadliest crackdown seen in nearly 50 years of clerical rule as security forces opened fire on crowds, killing thousands.

At the same time, the Mideast wars sparked by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-deaths-numbers-3e74e053814fd798fc1321c44f3e3c34">Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel</a>&nbsp;set in motion the collapse of the regionwide “Axis of Resistance” built by Khamenei. Israel and Iran attacked each other directly for the first time in 2024. I&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-timeline-war-146b4072f1f6cc43cfd3bde740313a5c">srael struck Iran again in June 2025</a>, as it and the United States&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-iaea-sanctions-728b811da537abe942682e13a82ff8bd">targeted the country’s nuclear program</a>&nbsp;and killed top military officers and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated by sending missiles and drones at Israel.

Khamenei’s death raises questions about the future of the Islamic Republic.

The 88-seat Assembly of Experts, a group of mostly hard-line clerics, will choose Khamenei’s replacement. But no clear successor is in place.

As he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/live-updates-israel-iran-february-28-2026">launched the bombing</a>&nbsp;in February, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Iranians to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-trump-address-f662a4f3378535d81197be699fb35a3e">“take over your government. It will be yours to take.</a>&nbsp;This will be probably your only chance for generations.” What happens next may depend greatly on bodies like the Revolutionary Guard, which has repeatedly shown its willingness to use overwhelming force to keep power even as many of Iran’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-memorials-chehelom-71e5db503a287126a2d31cb32a2809eb">90 million people grow disenchanted</a>.

“Culturally, the government is bankrupt,” said Mehdi Khalaji, an analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said in 2017. “The ideology of the Islamic Republic did not work at all.”

From a questioned start to a hard-line grip on Iran

Ali Khamenei was born into a religious family in the northeastern holy city of Mashhad, a hotbed of revolutionary fervor during the struggle against the Western-allied shah,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/343d87fdb960424e9ec0f4a90dc64fcb">Mohammad Reza Pahlavi</a>.

Like many other Iranian leaders, he studied under Khomeini at the seminary in the holy city of Qom, south of Tehran, in the early 1960s, before the Khomeini's exile to Iraq and France.

Khamenei joined the anti-shah movement, facing time in both prison and in hiding. When&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3042785d564d4acaa2e4a18bfc206d25">Khomeini returned to Iran in triumph in February 1979</a>&nbsp;and proclaimed the Islamic Republic, Khamenei was appointed to the secretive Revolutionary Council. In 1981, he was elected Iran's third president; that same year, a bombing by opponents left him with one hand paralyzed.

With his thick, heavy-framed glasses, Khamenei lacked the steely gaze and fiery aura of Khomeini, the father of the Islamic Revolution. He fell far short of Khomeini’s religious scholarship, holding the relatively low rank of “hojatolislam” in the Shiite clerical hierarchy.

After being named supreme leader after Khomeini's death, he bounded overnight to the level of grand ayatollah, at the top of the hierarchy, and for years had to deal with skepticism over his credentials.

Khamenei acknowledged the doubts with humility. “I am an individual with many faults and shortcomings and truly a minor seminarian,” he said in his first speech in his new post.

Despite his lack of charisma, Khamenei stabilized Iran after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-iraq-5da81b6ba552db5f9ad6eb9bf4cc8525">the 1980s war with Iraq</a>&nbsp;and governed for over three decades — far longer than Khomeini.

Hard-liners considered him second only to God in his authority. Khamenei created an ever-growing bureaucracy of Shiite clerics and governmental agencies that blurred responsibilities and left him as the ultimate arbiter. As Iran questioned whether to keep the Revolutionary Guard after the war with Iraq, Khamenei came to its rescue and allowed the paramilitary force to gain a powerful grip on Iran’s economy. He also used a system of appointees to undercut the civilian government elected by its people.

The rise and fall of Iran’s proxy forces

Under Khamenei's reign, Iran shifted fully from conventional warfare to support for proxies, building the so-called Axis of Resistance to advance its interests in the region. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-hezbollahisrael-lebanon-b4daa0a6084df27099cef45b59120034">Lebanese militant group Hezbollah</a>, established with Iran's help in the 1980s, drove Israel from southern Lebanon in 2000 and battled it to a stalemate in the monthlong 2006 war.

Through Hezbollah, Iran perfected a strategy of making local militant groups its allies to project power — often through violence. Iran followed that model when backing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-15d10ed74c7f3cc7fd36fa0f77f73e54">Yemen's Houthi rebels</a>, who in 2014 seized the country's capital, Sanaa, and held on for over a decade in a stalemated war in the Arab world's poorest nation — despite facing a Saudi-led coalition and later,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-israel-f820b848eb76fa3ecc8056ca332cabae">U.S.-led airstrikes over their attacks in the Red Sea</a>&nbsp;corridor.

Elsewhere, suspected Iranian-backed militants bombed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/argentina-bombing-jewish-community-center-921ee279365a80a729f819117ca905ce">Jewish center in Buenos Aires in 1994</a>, killing 85 people. Iran also was allegedly linked to the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers housing complex in Saudi Arabia, which killed 19 members of the U.S. military. Iran denied responsibility for both attacks.

Iran emerged as a prime beneficiary of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-invasion-war-timeline-saddam-hussein-50828061c98e410063753045179bdcfb">U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003</a>, which replaced its main regional threat, Saddam Hussein, with a friendly Shiite-led government. Iranian-backed militias waged a brutal insurgency against U.S. forces and embedded themselves within the country's political landscape.

Khamenei used the Guard's expeditionary Quds Force most successfully after the Sunni extremists of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-crash-islamic-state-lone-wolves-4bb6446c484737fbe9dd1b9c26a899a9">Islamic State group seized large swaths</a>&nbsp;of Iraq and Syria in 2014. Guard troops advised Shiite militias, the best fighters in Iraq, and gave crucial support to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-assad-sweida-daraa-homs-hts-qatar-816e538565d1ae47e016b5765b044d31">President Assad in Syria’s civil war</a>.

That secured Assad for a decade, until the chaos sparked by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-music-festival-6a55aae2375944f10ecc4c52d05f2ffe">Hamas' attack on Israel</a>&nbsp;in 2023. Israel devastated the Gaza Strip and launched airstrikes and ground operations pulverizing Hamas, which Iran had armed and funded for years. Israel is widely believed to have killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-hamas-israel-30968a7acb31cd8b259de9650014b779">Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh</a>&nbsp;in an operation in Tehran in 2024, further embarrassing the Islamic Republic.

Hezbollah found its ranks targeted by exploding pagers and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hezbollah-lebanon-israel-nasrallah-8da2e424e85152f0f41aa142391075ed">Israeli campaign killed its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah</a>. Then, in December 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-assad-ousted-rebel-offensive-timeline-8c54a8b97803d4b10cde53b97227128e">rebel fighters toppled Assad</a>&nbsp;in an offensive in Syria, ending a half-century of his family's autocratic rule.

Nuclear program advances to near-weapons-grade levels

The supreme leader remained deeply suspicious of the U.S.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-presidential-election-us-israel-hamas-war-analysis-b876feed55807a36aef03ea44fd1c10d">referring to it as the “Great Satan”</a>&nbsp;even after President Barack Obama came into office in 2009, offering dialogue and a fresh start.

He shrugged off U.N. sanctions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-nuclear-watchdog-iaea-iran-4706276a489b1a4cce2ca6260d0b3182">pushed ahead with Iran’s nuclear program</a>, which the U.S. and its allies say hid a secret project to build a nuclear weapon up until 2003. Khamenei issued a verbal fatwa, or religious ruling, that nuclear weapons are un-Islamic, but vowed the country would never give up its right to develop what he called a peaceful nuclear energy program.

Under Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Tehran agreed to drastically reduce its stockpile and enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. But only three years later, Trump in his first term unilaterally withdrew Washington from the accord, arguing it didn't go far enough.

Iran has since broken all the limits of the nuclear deal and accumulated a stockpile of uranium enriched to nearly weapons-grade levels, now large enough to pursue several nuclear weapons if it chose to do so. Diplomatic efforts to restore the deal under President Joe Biden stalled.

In a March 2011 speech, Khamenei used toppled Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who had given up his own nuclear program years earlier, as an example of why Iran’s nuclear program remained so important&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/egypt-middle-east-islamic-state-group-coronavirus-pandemic-tunisia-26e27da4a70743eafb25a5bcf5d61ba1">in the wake of the Arab Spring</a>&nbsp;upheavals in the Middle East.

“Just the way you give a lollipop to a child, Westerners gave ‘incentives’ to them and they gave up everything,” Khamenei said.

Protests and demands for change intensified

Khamenei's first major challenge came in 1997, when pro-reform politicians gained control of parliament and cleric&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-ea865319f1ff4afebe4ce358d89ab217">Mohammad Khatami was elected president</a>&nbsp;by a landslide, riding a large youth vote. The reformists demanded a loosening of the strict social rules imposed by the revolution and called for improved ties with the outside world, including the U.S.

Khamenei-backed hard-liners moved to contain the liberal movement, fearing it would eventually call for an end to clerical rule. Khamenei stopped parliament from loosening restrictions on the media in an unusually overt intervention. Clerical bodies blocked other key liberal legislation and banned many reformist lawmakers from running for reelection, ensuring a return of hard-liner control in the 2004 elections.

That set the stage for the election of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-election-raisi-ahmadinejad-557dd8e41a9abf78e0ad02e0e21d4e00">hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad</a>&nbsp;in 2005 and his disputed reelection in 2009 amid charges of vote-rigging. Mass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ab649e2190834e19b1f006f76493645f">protests broke out, posing the greatest threat</a>&nbsp;in decades to Iran’s clerical leadership. The Revolutionary Guard, Basij militia and police unleashed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b94b46844e9646c08d8cd0764d8cd840">crackdown in which dozens were killed</a>&nbsp;and hundreds arrested.

The turmoil, and reports of protesters being tortured to death or raped in prison, dealt a severe blow to Khamenei’s prestige.

As sanctions bit further, popular unrest rose. Economic protests broke out in 2017 and demonstrations escalated in 2019 over a rise in government-set gasoline prices. A bloody crackdown that followed killed over 300 people, according to activists.

Although Khamenei struggled to preserve the ideological purity of the Islamic Revolution, Iran’s government has largely failed to rid the country of Western influence. Satellite dishes, banned in theory, crowd Tehran’s rooftops. Banned social media sites are widely used, even by some prominent politicians, despite being blocked.

Protests erupted again in 2022 over the death of Amini, a young woman detained for not wearing her hijab, or headscarf, to the liking of authorities. More than 500 people were killed and tens of thousands arrested when security forces crushed the demonstrations again.

In late December 2025, new economic protests erupted and would grow into what appeared to be the biggest protest movement ever. Hundreds of thousands across the country took to the streets, overtly demanding an end to the Islamic Republic. Some even chanted for the return of the shah's son, living in exile since 1979. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/iran-security-forces-threaten-staff-at-hospitals-packed-with-protesters-aff95a0ba6a34f9496eddc0b5e44abb1">ferocity of the crackdown</a>&nbsp;stunned Iranians.