SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen charged as an adult for a double murder will go to trial for the crime next month.

On Monday morning, Judge Christopher Magana determined there was enough evidence to hold 15-year-old Elias Cerda over for trial, according to the Sedgwick County district Attorney's office.&nbsp; The trial is scheduled to begin May 2.

In December, Judge Shawn Elliot charged Cerda with two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the District Attorney's office.

In January 2024, police responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E. Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims later identified as 14-year-old Emoni Shears and 19-year-old Jhiquez Roberts both of Wichita. They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Police arrested Cerda, who was 14 at the time. He was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on November 27, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734098604588.png" alt="Cerda photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Cerda photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen charged as an adult for a double murder will go to trial for the crime next month.On Monday morning, Judge Christopher Magana determined there was enough evidence to hold 15-year-old Elias Cerda over for trial, according to the Sedgwick County district Attorney's office.&nbsp; The trial is scheduled to begin May 2.In December, Judge Shawn Elliot charged Cerda with two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the District Attorney's office.In January 2024, police responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E. Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims later identified as 14-year-old Emoni Shears and 19-year-old Jhiquez Roberts both of Wichita. They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Police arrested Cerda, who was 14 at the time. He was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on November 27, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

Judge: Kansas boy will go to trial for killing two teens

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend incident in southwest Kansas.

Just before 11p.m. April 5, to the north part of Garden City where a suspect with a firearm was refusing to let a victim leave a residence, according to a media release.

When Officers arrived, they made contact with Marc Guitron, 24, and the victim who had injuries. Officers learned the individuals were involved in a fight, and Guitron had pointed a firearm at the victim before hitting them in the face with it, took their phone, and refused to let them leave. 

Guitron was found to have the firearm on him and was taken into custody. He is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping, Battery LEO, and Interference LEO.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692981398343.png" alt="Guitron from an August 2023 arrest in Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Guitron from an August 2023 arrest in Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend incident in southwest Kansas.Just before 11p.m. April 5, to the north part of Garden City where a suspect with a firearm was refusing to let a victim leave a residence, according to a media release.When Officers arrived, they made contact with Marc Guitron, 24, and the victim who had injuries. Officers learned the individuals were involved in a fight, and Guitron had pointed a firearm at the victim before hitting them in the face with it, took their phone, and refused to let them leave. Guitron was found to have the firearm on him and was taken into custody. He is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping, Battery LEO, and Interference LEO.

Sheriff: SW Kansas man accused of kidnapping, assault

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on new allegations after an arrest in March.

On April 3, Justin D. Metz, 42, Leavenworth, was charged with aggravated internet trading in child pornography according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He remains in the Atchison County Jail. This charge is the result of an on-going investigation by Atchison Police following the March 16th arrest of Metz for rape, kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery, and theft. 

On March 9th police began an investigation that focused on crimes committed against a 32-year-old woman that occurred at the Walmart store at 1920 U.S.73.in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The victim had reported that on the late afternoon of March 9th as she was leaving the store she was approached by a man who identified himself as being an asset protection officer with Walmart.

The man escorted her to a restroom at the back of of the store where he sexually assaulted her. It was quickly determined that the suspect was not working for Walmart. The investigation continued and on at around 4p.m. Sunday, police were notified that the suspect was back at Walmart, walking around the store.

Officers located&nbsp; 42-year-old Justin Metz inside the store and took him into custody on requested charges of kidnapping, rape, and sexual battery.

Bond on the latest charge was set at $2,000,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742227712683.png" alt="Metz photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Metz photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on new allegations after an arrest in March.On April 3, Justin D. Metz, 42, Leavenworth, was charged with aggravated internet trading in child pornography according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.He remains in the Atchison County Jail. This charge is the result of an on-going investigation by Atchison Police following the March 16th arrest of Metz for rape, kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery, and theft. On March 9th police began an investigation that focused on crimes committed against a 32-year-old woman that occurred at the Walmart store at 1920 U.S.73.in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The victim had reported that on the late afternoon of March 9th as she was leaving the store she was approached by a man who identified himself as being an asset protection officer with Walmart.The man escorted her to a restroom at the back of of the store where he sexually assaulted her. It was quickly determined that the suspect was not working for Walmart. The investigation continued and on at around 4p.m. Sunday, police were notified that the suspect was back at Walmart, walking around the store.Officers located&nbsp; 42-year-old Justin Metz inside the store and took him into custody on requested charges of kidnapping, rape, and sexual battery.Bond on the latest charge was set at $2,000,000.

Kan. man jailed for alleged rape of shopper faces new charge

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Monday allowed the Trump administration to use an 18th century&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alien-enemies-trump-immigration-deportations-21a62ede23b8c493b60d00a9c125722f">wartime law</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-el-salvador-immigration-dd4f61999f85c4dd8bcaba7d4fc7c9af">deport Venezuelan migrants</a>, but said they must get a court hearing before they are taken from the United States.

In a bitterly divided 5-4 decision, the court said the administration must give Venezuelans who it claims are gang members “reasonable time” to go to court.

But the conservative majority said the legal challenges must take place in Texas, instead of a Washington courtroom.

In dissent, the three liberal justices said the administration has sought to avoid judicial review in this case and the court “now rewards the government for its behavior.” Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined portions of the dissent.

The justices acted on the administration’s emergency appeal after the federal appeals court in Washington left in place an order temporarily prohibiting deportations of the migrants accused of being gang members under the rarely used Alien Enemies Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744068208069.png" alt="Image from video provided by U.S. Senator from Missouri Eric Schmitt" />
 <figcaption>Image from video provided by U.S. Senator from Missouri Eric Schmitt</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Monday allowed the Trump administration to use an 18th century&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alien-enemies-trump-immigration-deportations-21a62ede23b8c493b60d00a9c125722f">wartime law</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-el-salvador-immigration-dd4f61999f85c4dd8bcaba7d4fc7c9af">deport Venezuelan migrants</a>, but said they must get a court hearing before they are taken from the United States.In a bitterly divided 5-4 decision, the court said the administration must give Venezuelans who it claims are gang members “reasonable time” to go to court.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump was proven RIGHT once again! SCOTUS confirms our Commander-in-Chief Donald J. Trump has the power to stop the invasion of our country by terrorists using war time powers. LEAVE NOW or we will arrest you, lock you up and deport you. <a href="https://t.co/irLTSEo0GF">pic.twitter.com/irLTSEo0GF</a>&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/1909384333263298865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But the conservative majority said the legal challenges must take place in Texas, instead of a Washington courtroom.In dissent, the three liberal justices said the administration has sought to avoid judicial review in this case and the court “now rewards the government for its behavior.” Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined portions of the dissent.The justices acted on the administration’s emergency appeal after the federal appeals court in Washington left in place an order temporarily prohibiting deportations of the migrants accused of being gang members under the rarely used Alien Enemies Act.

U.S. Supreme Court backs Trump on deportations under 1798 law

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a homicide last month in Kansas City, Missouri have identified a possible suspecxt.

Just after 8:30p.m. March 28, patrol officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Park in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. 

First responders found a man, later identified as 53-year-old Chad&nbsp;Doberstein lying in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics responded and pronounced him deceased.  Police have not reported an arrest in this case.

Detectives have identified as subject of interest in the case, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina and the case is progressing as detectives work collaboratively with prosecutors

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a homicide last month in Kansas City, Missouri have identified a possible suspecxt.Just after 8:30p.m. March 28, patrol officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Park in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. First responders found a man, later identified as 53-year-old Chad&nbsp;Doberstein lying in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics responded and pronounced him deceased. Police have not reported an arrest in this case.Detectives have identified as subject of interest in the case, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina and the case is progressing as detectives work collaboratively with prosecutors

Police ID suspect in murder of 53-year-old Kansas City man

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Alex Day, Criminal damage to property, Duty of driver to report accident with an unattended vehicle/property; Reckless driving; Aggravated endangering a child, Reckless situation to a child &lt; 18; Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, arrested 04/04

James Jones, Failure to appear, arrested 04/04

Joe Roman, Failure to appear, arrested 04/05

Jamie Bell, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 04/05

Kevin Geiger, Failure to appear, arrested 04/05

Ashley Hatcher, Failure to appear, arrested 04/05

Cervantis Hunter, Failure to appear, arrested 04/05

Gladys Francisco, Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 04/06

Destinee Cleveland, Failure to appear, arrested 04/06

Robert Cokley, Domestic battery, arrested 04/06

Anthony Garcia, Failure to appear, arrested 04/06

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744052427271.jpeg" alt="Timothy Harrington, Outside warrant, arrested 04/04" />
 <figcaption>Timothy Harrington, Outside warrant, arrested 04/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744052437295.jpeg" alt="Alexius Mims, Probation violation, arrested 04/04" />
 <figcaption>Alexius Mims, Probation violation, arrested 04/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744053122303.jpeg" alt="Hunter Nedeau, Failure to appear, arrested 04/05" />
 <figcaption>Hunter Nedeau, Failure to appear, arrested 04/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744053156093.jpeg" alt="Brayan Shinin-Gonzalez, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 04/06" />
 <figcaption>Brayan Shinin-Gonzalez, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 04/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744053198433.jpeg" alt="Ayana Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 04/06" />
 <figcaption>Ayana Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 04/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744053235825.jpeg" alt="Dalton Williams, Reckless driving; Driving while suspended/canceled/revoked; Driving while habitual violator (3rd or subsequent conviction), arrested 04/06" />
 <figcaption>Dalton Williams, Reckless driving; Driving while suspended/canceled/revoked; Driving while habitual violator (3rd or subsequent conviction), arrested 04/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744053317615.jpeg" alt="Noel Nji Jehan, Criminal damage to property; Aggravated battery, Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement, arrested 04/06" />
 <figcaption>Noel Nji Jehan, Criminal damage to property; Aggravated battery, Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement, arrested 04/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744053383371.jpeg" alt="Travis Killion, Theft of property or services &lt; $1,500 (with two or more convictions within five years), arrested 04/04" />
 <figcaption>Travis Killion, Theft of property or services &lt; $1,500 (with two or more convictions within five years), arrested 04/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744053393620.jpeg" alt="Paul Pearson III, Driving while suspended, arrested 04/07" />
 <figcaption>Paul Pearson III, Driving while suspended, arrested 04/07</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Alex Day, Criminal damage to property, Duty of driver to report accident with an unattended vehicle/property; Reckless driving; Aggravated endangering a child, Reckless situation to a child &lt; 18; Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, arrested 04/04James Jones, Failure to appear, arrested 04/04Joe Roman, Failure to appear, arrested 04/05Jamie Bell, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 04/05Kevin Geiger, Failure to appear, arrested 04/05Ashley Hatcher, Failure to appear, arrested 04/05Cervantis Hunter, Failure to appear, arrested 04/05Gladys Francisco, Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 04/06Destinee Cleveland, Failure to appear, arrested 04/06Robert Cokley, Domestic battery, arrested 04/06Anthony Garcia, Failure to appear, arrested 04/06Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos April 5-7

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday the U.S. will hold direct talks with Iran about its nuclear program, while warning Tehran it would be in “great danger” if the talks aren’t successful.

The president, in comments to reporters after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the talks will start Saturday. He insisted Tehran can’t get nuclear weapons.

“We’re dealing with them directly and maybe a deal is going to be made,” Trump said. He added that “doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious.”

Asked if he would commit to military action against Iran should his negotiators be unable to come to terms with Tehran, Trump responded that “Iran is going to be in great danger, and I hate to say it.”

“If the talks aren’t successful, I think it’s going to be a very bad day for Iran,” Trump said.

Trump during his first White House term&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-politics-iran-cead755353a1455bbef08ef289448994">withdrew the U.S.</a>&nbsp;from the landmark nuclear accord with Iran negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration.

Netanyahu says he supports Trump’s diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement with Iran, adding that Israel and the U.S. share the same goal of ensuring that Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon.

The Israeli leader, known for his hawkish views on Iran and past calls for military pressure, said he would welcome a diplomatic agreement along the lines of Libya’s deal with the international community in 2003.

“I think that would be a good thing,” he said. “But whatever happens, we have to make sure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons.”

Trump said the talks would happen “at almost the highest level,” but declined to say where the negotiations would take place or who he was dispatching for the sensitive diplomacy.

He announced plans for the surprise engagement as Netanyahu made a hastily arranged visit to the White House — his second in just over two months — to discuss the tariffs Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-52a00ea2bb92a067ee72343941b02cd4">unleashed on countries around the world</a>, Iran’s nuclear program and the Israel-Hamas war.

In withdrawing the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Trump declared he was making the world safer, but he also deepened his isolation on the world stage and revived doubts about American credibility.

The agreement, which also included Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, had lifted most U.S. and international economic sanctions against Iran.

“I think it’ll be, different and maybe a lot stronger,” Trump said on how a new deal might be different from the one negotiated by Obama officials.

Trump and Netanyahu said they also discussed tensions with Iran, Israel-Turkey ties and the International Criminal Court, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/icc-israel-hamas-warrants-netanyahu-palestinian-arrest-73c854d072e0a1a41b19b2cb2cdd07fa">issued an arrest warrant against the Israeli leader</a>&nbsp;last year. Trump in February signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-icc-sanctions-israel-order-01beee050ae84d0d9eae66d00bc8ead9">executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC</a>&nbsp;over its investigations of Israel.

Before his meeting with Netanyahu, Trump held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. All three leaders have been key interlocutors in efforts to tamp down tensions in the Middle East and bring an end to the Israel-Hamas war.

The prime minister soon after arriving in Washington on Sunday evening met with senior Trump administration officials, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer, to discuss the tariffs. And Netanyahu met on Monday with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, ahead of his sit down with the president.

On tariffs, Netanyahu said he assured Trump that his government would move to erase United States trade deficit.

“We will eliminate the trade deficit with the United States,” Netanyahu said “We intend to do it very quickly.”

Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations, said he expected Trump to use the tariffs as leverage to force concessions from Netanyahu.

In Israel’s case, those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mideast-stock-markets-546a2d4a86138458987131c5c347151f">concessions might not be economic</a>. Trump may pressure Netanyahu to move toward ending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war in Gaza</a>&nbsp;— at the very least through some interim truce with Hamas that would pause the fighting and free more hostages.

Gilboa said Trump is hoping to return from his first overseas trip — expected next month to Saudi Arabia — with some movement on a deal to normalize relations with Israel, which would likely require significant Israeli concessions on Gaza.

If he does manage to move toward bolstering ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, that would act as a regional diplomatic counterweight to pressure Iran, against which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-rejects-direct-negotiations-trump-letter-us-c414743a567c574b6f48f64a2e889f31">Trump has threatened new sanctions</a>&nbsp;and suggested military action over its nuclear program.

In a preemptive move last week, Israel announced that it was removing all tariffs on goods from the U.S., mostly on imported food and agricultural products, according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.

But the tactic failed, and with a 17% rate, Israel was just one of dozens of countries that were slapped with tariffs on Trump’s so-called Liberation Day last week.

Although Israel is a tiny market for U.S. products, the United States is a key trade partner of Israel. Much of that trade is for high-tech services, which are not directly affected by the tariffs, but key Israeli industries could be impacted.

The Manufacturers Association of Israel estimates that the tariffs will cost Israel about $3 billion in exports each year and lead to the loss of 26,000 jobs in industries that include biotechnology, chemicals, plastics and electronics. The World Bank says Israel’s gross domestic product, a measure of economic output, is over $500 billion a year.

“The damage won’t stop at exports,” said Ron Tomer, the group’s president. “It will scare investors, encourage companies to leave Israel and undermine our image as a global center of innovation.” He called on the government to work urgently to protect the economy.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday the U.S. will hold direct talks with Iran about its nuclear program, while warning Tehran it would be in “great danger” if the talks aren’t successful.The president, in comments to reporters after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the talks will start Saturday. He insisted Tehran can’t get nuclear weapons.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;We&#39;re having direct talks with Iran,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>. &quot;I think everybody agrees that doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/I8QdtR3h1S">pic.twitter.com/I8QdtR3h1S</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1909326940785307992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We’re dealing with them directly and maybe a deal is going to be made,” Trump said. He added that “doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious.”Asked if he would commit to military action against Iran should his negotiators be unable to come to terms with Tehran, Trump responded that “Iran is going to be in great danger, and I hate to say it.”“If the talks aren’t successful, I think it’s going to be a very bad day for Iran,” Trump said.Trump during his first White House term&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-politics-iran-cead755353a1455bbef08ef289448994">withdrew the U.S.</a>&nbsp;from the landmark nuclear accord with Iran negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration.Netanyahu says he supports Trump’s diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement with Iran, adding that Israel and the U.S. share the same goal of ensuring that Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon.The Israeli leader, known for his hawkish views on Iran and past calls for military pressure, said he would welcome a diplomatic agreement along the lines of Libya’s deal with the international community in 2003.“I think that would be a good thing,” he said. “But whatever happens, we have to make sure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons.”Trump said the talks would happen “at almost the highest level,” but declined to say where the negotiations would take place or who he was dispatching for the sensitive diplomacy.He announced plans for the surprise engagement as Netanyahu made a hastily arranged visit to the White House — his second in just over two months — to discuss the tariffs Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-52a00ea2bb92a067ee72343941b02cd4">unleashed on countries around the world</a>, Iran’s nuclear program and the Israel-Hamas war.In withdrawing the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Trump declared he was making the world safer, but he also deepened his isolation on the world stage and revived doubts about American credibility.The agreement, which also included Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, had lifted most U.S. and international economic sanctions against Iran.“I think it’ll be, different and maybe a lot stronger,” Trump said on how a new deal might be different from the one negotiated by Obama officials.Trump and Netanyahu said they also discussed tensions with Iran, Israel-Turkey ties and the International Criminal Court, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/icc-israel-hamas-warrants-netanyahu-palestinian-arrest-73c854d072e0a1a41b19b2cb2cdd07fa">issued an arrest warrant against the Israeli leader</a>&nbsp;last year. Trump in February signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-icc-sanctions-israel-order-01beee050ae84d0d9eae66d00bc8ead9">executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC</a>&nbsp;over its investigations of Israel.Before his meeting with Netanyahu, Trump held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. All three leaders have been key interlocutors in efforts to tamp down tensions in the Middle East and bring an end to the Israel-Hamas war.The prime minister soon after arriving in Washington on Sunday evening met with senior Trump administration officials, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer, to discuss the tariffs. And Netanyahu met on Monday with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, ahead of his sit down with the president.On tariffs, Netanyahu said he assured Trump that his government would move to erase United States trade deficit.“We will eliminate the trade deficit with the United States,” Netanyahu said “We intend to do it very quickly.”Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations, said he expected Trump to use the tariffs as leverage to force concessions from Netanyahu.In Israel’s case, those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mideast-stock-markets-546a2d4a86138458987131c5c347151f">concessions might not be economic</a>. Trump may pressure Netanyahu to move toward ending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war in Gaza</a>&nbsp;— at the very least through some interim truce with Hamas that would pause the fighting and free more hostages.Gilboa said Trump is hoping to return from his first overseas trip — expected next month to Saudi Arabia — with some movement on a deal to normalize relations with Israel, which would likely require significant Israeli concessions on Gaza.If he does manage to move toward bolstering ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, that would act as a regional diplomatic counterweight to pressure Iran, against which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-rejects-direct-negotiations-trump-letter-us-c414743a567c574b6f48f64a2e889f31">Trump has threatened new sanctions</a>&nbsp;and suggested military action over its nuclear program.In a preemptive move last week, Israel announced that it was removing all tariffs on goods from the U.S., mostly on imported food and agricultural products, according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.But the tactic failed, and with a 17% rate, Israel was just one of dozens of countries that were slapped with tariffs on Trump’s so-called Liberation Day last week.Although Israel is a tiny market for U.S. products, the United States is a key trade partner of Israel. Much of that trade is for high-tech services, which are not directly affected by the tariffs, but key Israeli industries could be impacted.The Manufacturers Association of Israel estimates that the tariffs will cost Israel about $3 billion in exports each year and lead to the loss of 26,000 jobs in industries that include biotechnology, chemicals, plastics and electronics. The World Bank says Israel’s gross domestic product, a measure of economic output, is over $500 billion a year.“The damage won’t stop at exports,” said Ron Tomer, the group’s president. “It will scare investors, encourage companies to leave Israel and undermine our image as a global center of innovation.” He called on the government to work urgently to protect the economy.

🎥Trump: US will hold direct talks with Iran on nuclear weapons

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 34-year-old Jeanette M. Johnson, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 9a.m. Friday, Police were dispatched to a shooting in the 6300 block of E. 102 Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri.

Neighbors in the area heard the sound of shots and looked outside and saw a victim down in the street. On arrival officers located Johnson down in the street near a vehicle in front of a residence. Officers called for EMS who responded and transported her to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital, medical staff pronounced her deceased. 

Preliminary information indicates that the victim was in front of the residence near a vehicle when she had an interaction with an unknown suspect(s) in the street that led to shots being fired striking her.

Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743787952762.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte"" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte"</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 34-year-old Jeanette M. Johnson, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just after 9a.m. Friday, Police were dispatched to a shooting in the 6300 block of E. 102 Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri.Neighbors in the area heard the sound of shots and looked outside and saw a victim down in the street. On arrival officers located Johnson down in the street near a vehicle in front of a residence. Officers called for EMS who responded and transported her to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital, medical staff pronounced her deceased. Preliminary information indicates that the victim was in front of the residence near a vehicle when she had an interaction with an unknown suspect(s) in the street that led to shots being fired striking her.Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Homicide: Police ID woman found on KC street

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen charged as an adult in for a double murder is due back in court Monday.

In December, Judge Shawn Elliot charged 15-year-old Elias Cerda with two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On Monday morning, Judge Christopher Magana will decide whether there is enough evidence for the trial to continue, according to the district attorney's office.

In January 2024, police responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734098604588.png" alt="Cerda photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Cerda photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen charged as an adult in for a double murder is due back in court Monday.In December, Judge Shawn Elliot charged 15-year-old Elias Cerda with two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On Monday morning, Judge Christopher Magana will decide whether there is enough evidence for the trial to continue, according to the district attorney's office.In January 2024, police responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims later identified as 14-year-old Emoni Shears and 19-year-old Jhiquez Roberts both of Wichita. They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Police arrested Cerda, who was 14 at the time. He was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on November 27, according to online jail records.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Kan. boy, charged as an adult for double murder, is due back in court

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a kidnapping on Sunday reported they located victim and and the vehicle.

Just after 4p.m. Sunday police issued an attempt to locate in connection to an armed kidnapping, according to a social media report from Raytown Police.

Police were looking for a 2019 White Dodge Journey in connection with the crime. The vehicle left Quik Trip, 9323 E 350 Highway, Raytown, Missouri at 4:06p.m. and was last seen southbound towards Maple Drive then continued westbound. 

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, red Chicago Bulls hat, red V-neck t-shirt, black pants, white high-top shoes, black backpack, and is armed with a handgun.  

The victim was an Asian female, possibly middle aged or older. Unknown clothing description. 

According to a witness, the suspect entered the backseat of the Dodge Journey, putting the female at gunpoint, vehicle intially left southbound with their hazards on, then headed west. It unknown if the two parties know each other. 

Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a kidnapping on Sunday reported they located victim and and the vehicle.Just after 4p.m. Sunday police issued an attempt to locate in connection to an armed kidnapping, according to a social media report from Raytown Police.Police were looking for a 2019 White Dodge Journey in connection with the crime. The vehicle left Quik Trip, 9323 E 350 Highway, Raytown, Missouri at 4:06p.m. and was last seen southbound towards Maple Drive then continued westbound. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, red Chicago Bulls hat, red V-neck t-shirt, black pants, white high-top shoes, black backpack, and is armed with a handgun. The victim was an Asian female, possibly middle aged or older. Unknown clothing description. According to a witness, the suspect entered the backseat of the Dodge Journey, putting the female at gunpoint, vehicle intially left southbound with their hazards on, then headed west. It unknown if the two parties know each other. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

Police: Woman in KC area kidnapping found safe

HARVEY COUNTY—A suspect is in custody after a robbery Sunday morning at Walgreens in Newton.

Just after 11a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to an armed robbery at Walgreens, 1300 N. Main, according to a social media report.

 The suspect reportedly indicated he had a firearm, obtained cash from the store and fled south.  Responding officers located a man, later identified as 37-year-old Joshua Ewing, acting suspiciously several blocks away. Polie found clothing and other evidence from the robbery in an alley nearby. 

Police arrested Ewing and booked him into the Harvey County Detention Center. Ewing had been released from the Detention Center earlier the same day. No weapon was found.The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and North Newton Police assisted in the response. Ewing was in custody in Sedgwick County for alleged theft and contempt of court in December, according to online booking records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743964521271.png" alt="Ewing from a December arrest in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ewing from a December arrest in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—A suspect is in custody after a robbery Sunday morning at Walgreens in Newton.Just after 11a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to an armed robbery at Walgreens, 1300 N. Main, according to a social media report. The suspect reportedly indicated he had a firearm, obtained cash from the store and fled south. Responding officers located a man, later identified as 37-year-old Joshua Ewing, acting suspiciously several blocks away. Polie found clothing and other evidence from the robbery in an alley nearby. Police arrested Ewing and booked him into the Harvey County Detention Center. Ewing had been released from the Detention Center earlier the same day. No weapon was found.The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and North Newton Police assisted in the response. Ewing was in custody in Sedgwick County for alleged theft and contempt of court in December, according to online booking records.

Kan. man just out of jail accused of drug store armed robbery

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating personnel at the Comanche County clerk’s office, and the tip of possible wrongdoing may have come from the person being investigated.

“I made a mistake, and I am the one that called attention to it,” said Casey Huck, who left her elected position as Comanche County clerk in mid-March.

Huck would not elaborate on the mistake she made but said she left her position for medical reasons.

Officials would not comment on details of the investigation.

“KBI is investigating a case involving an allegation against personnel of the Comanche County Clerk’s Office,” said Dustin Wallace, KBI spokesperson. “The investigation is ongoing. We will release more information if the case progresses to filed charges or arrests.”

County Attorney Clay Kuhns would only say that the situation is “out of his hands” and has been turned over to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

“The AG’s office is going to make any kind of decision on what happens at this point,” Kuhns said.

Sandy Hoffman, chairwoman of the Comanche County Republican Committee, said the committee this week selected deputy county clerk Bri Uhl to replace Huck.

“She’s the one that held down the office when the county clerk quit,” she said, confirming that a resignation letter was received from Huck on March 13, and the committee had 21 days after that to fill the position.

Hoffman said she knows nothing about the situation at the county clerk’s office, other than that KBI is investigating.

Coldwater City Council President Britt Lenertz also said she didn’t have information about the KBI investigation. Coldwater is the county seat of Comanche County, located in south-central Kansas on the border of Oklahoma.

Comanche County commission president Joe Moore didn’t return calls seeking comment for this story.

Comanche County Sheriff Jacob Bruckner said he can’t comment. In a situation where a government official is being investigated, he said, it is typically handled through KBI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743888112358.png" alt="The Kansas Bureau of Investigation opened a case against personnel in the Comanche County clerk’s office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Bureau of Investigation opened a case against personnel in the Comanche County clerk’s office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating personnel at the Comanche County clerk’s office, and the tip of possible wrongdoing may have come from the person being investigated.“I made a mistake, and I am the one that called attention to it,” said Casey Huck, who left her elected position as Comanche County clerk in mid-March.Huck would not elaborate on the mistake she made but said she left her position for medical reasons.Officials would not comment on details of the investigation.“KBI is investigating a case involving an allegation against personnel of the Comanche County Clerk’s Office,” said Dustin Wallace, KBI spokesperson. “The investigation is ongoing. We will release more information if the case progresses to filed charges or arrests.”County Attorney Clay Kuhns would only say that the situation is “out of his hands” and has been turned over to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.“The AG’s office is going to make any kind of decision on what happens at this point,” Kuhns said.Sandy Hoffman, chairwoman of the Comanche County Republican Committee, said the committee this week selected deputy county clerk Bri Uhl to replace Huck.“She’s the one that held down the office when the county clerk quit,” she said, confirming that a resignation letter was received from Huck on March 13, and the committee had 21 days after that to fill the position.Hoffman said she knows nothing about the situation at the county clerk’s office, other than that KBI is investigating.Coldwater City Council President Britt Lenertz also said she didn’t have information about the KBI investigation. Coldwater is the county seat of Comanche County, located in south-central Kansas on the border of Oklahoma.Comanche County commission president Joe Moore didn’t return calls seeking comment for this story.Comanche County Sheriff Jacob Bruckner said he can’t comment. In a situation where a government official is being investigated, he said, it is typically handled through KBI.

‘I made a mistake’ former Kan. county clerk says of problem that led to KBI investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities including Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, is requesting a meeting with the State Department, alarmed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">the Trump administration’s widening crackdown</a>&nbsp;will persuade sought-after foreign students to stay away from the United States.

College officials say the new, harsher tactics and vague justifications being used to push some students out of the country will have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">much broader consequences</a>.

America’s universities have long been seen as a top destination for the world’s brightest minds — and they’ve brought important tuition revenue and research breakthroughs to U.S. colleges. But international students also have other options, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A crackdown on foreign students is alarming colleges, who say the Trump administration is using new tactics and vague justifications to push some students out of the country.

College officials worry the new approach will keep foreigners from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">wanting to study</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.

Students stripped of their entry visas are receiving orders from the Department of Homeland Security to leave the country immediately — a break from past practice that often permitted them to stay and complete their studies.

Some students have been targeted over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-foreign-students-campus-gaza-protests-deportation-9e2d4abc1c158454da1f68c01062c9ef">pro-Palestinian activism</a>&nbsp;or criminal infractions — or even traffic violations. Others have been left wondering how they ran afoul of the government.

At Minnesota State University in Mankato, President Edward Inch told the campus Wednesday that visas had been revoked for five international students for unclear reasons.

He said school officials learned about the revocations when they ran a status check in a database of international students after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-minnesota-graduate-student-detained-ice-f71f517521a2567c795343092ef4e0b2">detention of a Turkish student</a>&nbsp;at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The State Department said the detention was related to a drunken driving conviction.

“These are troubling times, and this situation is unlike any we have navigated before,” Inch wrote in a letter to campus.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;campaigned on a promise to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, and federal agents started by detaining Columbia graduate student&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-university-protester-mahmoud-khalil-immigration-arrest-5ae6eeb3ac95f190a505abebc4ee0944">Mahmoud Khalil</a>, a green-card-holder and Palestinian activist who was prominent in protests at Columbia last year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week students are being targeted for involvement in protests along with others tied to “potential criminal activity.”

In the past two weeks, the government apparently has widened its crackdown. Officials from colleges around the country have discovered international students have had their entry visas revoked and, in many cases, their legal residency status terminated by authorities without notice — including students at Arizona State, Cornell, North Carolina State, the University of Oregon, the University of Texas and the University of Colorado.

Some of the students are working to leave the country on their own, but students at Tufts and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/campus-protests-immigration-alireza-doroudi-alabama-ae498838deb04b22864ef485a71bac27">University of Alabama</a>&nbsp;have been detained by immigration authorities — in the Tufts case, even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rumeysa-ozturk-deportation-tufts-massachusetts-student-1dd330bef8fb44b05f9818c0020728a0">before the university knew</a>&nbsp;the student’s legal status had changed.

Feds bypass colleges to move against students

In this new wave of enforcement, school officials say the federal government is quietly deleting foreigners’ student records instead of going through colleges, as was done in the past.

Students are being ordered to leave the country with a suddenness that universities have rarely seen, said Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.

In the past, when international students have had entry visas revoked, they generally have been allowed to keep legal residency status. They could stay in the country to study, but would need to renew their visa if they left the U.S. and wanted to return. Now, increasing numbers of students are having their legal status terminated, exposing them to the risk of being arrested.

“None of this is regular practice,” Feldblum said.

At North Carolina State University, two students from Saudi Arabia left the U.S. after learning their legal status as students was terminated, the university said. N.C. State said it will work with the students to complete their semester from outside the country.

Philip Vasto, who lived with one of the students, said his roommate, in graduate school for engineering management, was apolitical and did not attend protests against the war in Gaza. When the government told his roommate his student status had been terminated, it did not give a reason, Vasto said.

Since returning to Saudi Arabia, Vasto said his former roommate’s top concern is getting into another university.

“He’s made his peace with it,” he said. “He doesn’t want to allow it to steal his peace any further.”

Database checks turn up students in jeopardy

At the University of Texas at Austin, staff checking a federal database discovered two people on student visas had their permission to be in the U.S. terminated, a person familiar with the situation said. The person declined to be identified for fear of retaliation.

One of the people, from India, had their legal status terminated April 3. The federal system indicated the person had been identified in a criminal records check “and/or has had their visa revoked.” The other person, from Lebanon, had their legal status terminated March 28 due to a criminal records check, according to the federal database.

Both people were graduates remaining in the U.S. on student visas, using an option allowing people to gain professional experience after completing coursework. Both were employed full time and apparently had not violated requirements for pursuing work experience, the person familiar with the situation said.

Some students have had visas revoked by the State Department under an obscure law barring noncitizens whose presence could have “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Trump invoked the law in a January order demanding action against campus antisemitism.

But some students targeted in recent weeks have had no clear link to political activism. Some have been ordered to leave over misdemeanor crimes or traffic infractions, Feldblum said. In some cases, students were targeted for infractions that had been previously reported to the government.

Some of the alleged infractions would not have drawn scrutiny in the past and will likely be a test of students’ First Amendment rights as cases work their way through court, said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.

“In some ways, what the administration is doing is really retroactive,” she said. “Rather than saying, ‘This is going to be the standard that we’re applying going forward,’ they’re going back and vetting students based on past expressions or past behavior.”

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities is requesting a meeting with the State Department over the issue. It’s unclear whether more visas are being revoked than usual, but officials fear a chilling effect on international exchange.

Many of the association’s members have recently seen at least one student have their visas revoked, said Bernie Burrola, a vice president at the group. With little information from the government, colleges have been interviewing students or searching social media for a connection to political activism.

“The universities can’t seem to find anything that seems to be related to Gaza or social media posts or protests,” Burrola said. “Some of these are sponsored students by foreign governments, where they specifically are very hesitant to get involved in protests.”

There’s no clear thread indicating which students are being targeted, but some have been from the Middle East and China, he said.

“We should not take for granted that that’s just the way things are and will always be,” she said.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities including Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, is requesting a meeting with the State Department, alarmed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">the Trump administration’s widening crackdown</a>&nbsp;will persuade sought-after foreign students to stay away from the United States.College officials say the new, harsher tactics and vague justifications being used to push some students out of the country will have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">much broader consequences</a>.America’s universities have long been seen as a top destination for the world’s brightest minds — and they’ve brought important tuition revenue and research breakthroughs to U.S. colleges. But international students also have other options, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators.-------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — A crackdown on foreign students is alarming colleges, who say the Trump administration is using new tactics and vague justifications to push some students out of the country.College officials worry the new approach will keep foreigners from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">wanting to study</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.Students stripped of their entry visas are receiving orders from the Department of Homeland Security to leave the country immediately — a break from past practice that often permitted them to stay and complete their studies.Some students have been targeted over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-foreign-students-campus-gaza-protests-deportation-9e2d4abc1c158454da1f68c01062c9ef">pro-Palestinian activism</a>&nbsp;or criminal infractions — or even traffic violations. Others have been left wondering how they ran afoul of the government.At Minnesota State University in Mankato, President Edward Inch told the campus Wednesday that visas had been revoked for five international students for unclear reasons.He said school officials learned about the revocations when they ran a status check in a database of international students after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-minnesota-graduate-student-detained-ice-f71f517521a2567c795343092ef4e0b2">detention of a Turkish student</a>&nbsp;at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The State Department said the detention was related to a drunken driving conviction.“These are troubling times, and this situation is unlike any we have navigated before,” Inch wrote in a letter to campus.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;campaigned on a promise to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, and federal agents started by detaining Columbia graduate student&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-university-protester-mahmoud-khalil-immigration-arrest-5ae6eeb3ac95f190a505abebc4ee0944">Mahmoud Khalil</a>, a green-card-holder and Palestinian activist who was prominent in protests at Columbia last year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week students are being targeted for involvement in protests along with others tied to “potential criminal activity.”In the past two weeks, the government apparently has widened its crackdown. Officials from colleges around the country have discovered international students have had their entry visas revoked and, in many cases, their legal residency status terminated by authorities without notice — including students at Arizona State, Cornell, North Carolina State, the University of Oregon, the University of Texas and the University of Colorado.Some of the students are working to leave the country on their own, but students at Tufts and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/campus-protests-immigration-alireza-doroudi-alabama-ae498838deb04b22864ef485a71bac27">University of Alabama</a>&nbsp;have been detained by immigration authorities — in the Tufts case, even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rumeysa-ozturk-deportation-tufts-massachusetts-student-1dd330bef8fb44b05f9818c0020728a0">before the university knew</a>&nbsp;the student’s legal status had changed.<h2>Feds bypass colleges to move against students</h2>In this new wave of enforcement, school officials say the federal government is quietly deleting foreigners’ student records instead of going through colleges, as was done in the past.Students are being ordered to leave the country with a suddenness that universities have rarely seen, said Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.In the past, when international students have had entry visas revoked, they generally have been allowed to keep legal residency status. They could stay in the country to study, but would need to renew their visa if they left the U.S. and wanted to return. Now, increasing numbers of students are having their legal status terminated, exposing them to the risk of being arrested.“None of this is regular practice,” Feldblum said.At North Carolina State University, two students from Saudi Arabia left the U.S. after learning their legal status as students was terminated, the university said. N.C. State said it will work with the students to complete their semester from outside the country.Philip Vasto, who lived with one of the students, said his roommate, in graduate school for engineering management, was apolitical and did not attend protests against the war in Gaza. When the government told his roommate his student status had been terminated, it did not give a reason, Vasto said.Since returning to Saudi Arabia, Vasto said his former roommate’s top concern is getting into another university.“He’s made his peace with it,” he said. “He doesn’t want to allow it to steal his peace any further.”<h2>Database checks turn up students in jeopardy</h2>At the University of Texas at Austin, staff checking a federal database discovered two people on student visas had their permission to be in the U.S. terminated, a person familiar with the situation said. The person declined to be identified for fear of retaliation.One of the people, from India, had their legal status terminated April 3. The federal system indicated the person had been identified in a criminal records check “and/or has had their visa revoked.” The other person, from Lebanon, had their legal status terminated March 28 due to a criminal records check, according to the federal database.Both people were graduates remaining in the U.S. on student visas, using an option allowing people to gain professional experience after completing coursework. Both were employed full time and apparently had not violated requirements for pursuing work experience, the person familiar with the situation said.Some students have had visas revoked by the State Department under an obscure law barring noncitizens whose presence could have “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Trump invoked the law in a January order demanding action against campus antisemitism.But some students targeted in recent weeks have had no clear link to political activism. Some have been ordered to leave over misdemeanor crimes or traffic infractions, Feldblum said. In some cases, students were targeted for infractions that had been previously reported to the government.Some of the alleged infractions would not have drawn scrutiny in the past and will likely be a test of students’ First Amendment rights as cases work their way through court, said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.“In some ways, what the administration is doing is really retroactive,” she said. “Rather than saying, ‘This is going to be the standard that we’re applying going forward,’ they’re going back and vetting students based on past expressions or past behavior.”The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities is requesting a meeting with the State Department over the issue. It’s unclear whether more visas are being revoked than usual, but officials fear a chilling effect on international exchange.Many of the association’s members have recently seen at least one student have their visas revoked, said Bernie Burrola, a vice president at the group. With little information from the government, colleges have been interviewing students or searching social media for a connection to political activism.“The universities can’t seem to find anything that seems to be related to Gaza or social media posts or protests,” Burrola said. “Some of these are sponsored students by foreign governments, where they specifically are very hesitant to get involved in protests.”There’s no clear thread indicating which students are being targeted, but some have been from the Middle East and China, he said.America’s universities have long been seen as a top destination for the world’s brightest minds — and they’ve brought important tuition revenue and research breakthroughs to U.S. colleges. But international students also have other options, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators.“We should not take for granted that that’s just the way things are and will always be,” she said.<h2>___</h2>

College officials worry crackdown tactics will turn foreign students away

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent attack outside a bar in Salina and have made an arrest.&nbsp;

Just before 1:30a.m. Saturday, Police Department were dispatched to a disturbance at Chuck’s, 600 N. Santa Fe in Salina where a subject had a knife. Upon arrival, officers located blood inside and outside the bar. Witnesses reported several subjects being stabbed and had driven themselves to the hospital, according to a media release from police.

A suspect description had been provided, and a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper observed a subject matching the description running from the area on foot. 

Law enforcement officers located the subject, identified as 21-year-old&nbsp;Dylan Michael Henning of Salina several blocks from the bar and took him into custody without incident.&nbsp;

Law enforcement officers were then advised that two victims with stab wounds had arrived at the hospital for treatment. A 24-year-old male of Salina received one stab wound and was admitted to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. A 27-year-old male of Salina had three stab wounds and was treated and released.

The investigation determined that the disturbance began in the bar when Henning and a female associate were removed from the bar. While outside the bar, the disturbance continued when Henning is alleged to have produced a knife and stabbed the victims before fleeing the area. Alcohol was a contributing factor.

Henning was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of four counts of Aggravated Battery with a deadly weapon, felony Interference and one count of Disorderly Conduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743877136177.png" alt="Henning photo Saline Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Henning photo Saline Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent attack outside a bar in Salina and have made an arrest.&nbsp;Just before 1:30a.m. Saturday, Police Department were dispatched to a disturbance at Chuck’s, 600 N. Santa Fe in Salina where a subject had a knife. Upon arrival, officers located blood inside and outside the bar. Witnesses reported several subjects being stabbed and had driven themselves to the hospital, according to a media release from police.A suspect description had been provided, and a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper observed a subject matching the description running from the area on foot. Law enforcement officers located the subject, identified as 21-year-old&nbsp;Dylan Michael Henning of Salina several blocks from the bar and took him into custody without incident.&nbsp;Law enforcement officers were then advised that two victims with stab wounds had arrived at the hospital for treatment. A 24-year-old male of Salina received one stab wound and was admitted to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. A 27-year-old male of Salina had three stab wounds and was treated and released.The investigation determined that the disturbance began in the bar when Henning and a female associate were removed from the bar. While outside the bar, the disturbance continued when Henning is alleged to have produced a knife and stabbed the victims before fleeing the area. Alcohol was a contributing factor.Henning was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of four counts of Aggravated Battery with a deadly weapon, felony Interference and one count of Disorderly Conduct.

Police: Alcohol led to knife attack outside Kansas bar

SENECA, Kan. (AP) — An Oklahoma man has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting a Catholic priest at a church rectory in northeast Kansas, authorities said Friday.

Officers called to the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca on Thursday afternoon found Arul Carasala with gunshot wounds outside the rectory, the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NemahaSO/#">a Facebook post</a>. The 57-year-old priest was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he died.

Sheriff’s deputies and officers with the Seneca Police Department later arrested Gary Hermesch of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hermesch, 66, was charged Friday and held in the Nemaha County Jail in lieu of $1 million bond, County Attorney Brad Lippert said Friday in a written statement.

The charging complaint says that Hermesch “intentionally and with premeditation” killed Carasala, Lippert said. Lippert did not return phone and email messages Friday seeking more information.

Authorities have not released a possible motive for the shooting or said whether the suspect and the priest knew each other.

Kris Anderson, the parish’s director of religious education, told the AP on Thursday through tears that she knew few details.

“From what we know, an older man walked up to him (Carasala) and shot him three times,” she said.

The priest's death left people in shock in Seneca, a city of about 2,100 where Carasala had been the pastor at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church since 2011,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saintspeterandpaul-seneca.com/meet-our-pastor/">according to his profile</a>&nbsp;on the parish website.

Carasala was ordained as a priest in 1994 for the Diocese of Cuddapah, located on the southeast coast of his native India. He had served in Kansas since 2004, including as pastor of five Kansas parishes, after he was invited to visit by Archbishop James P. Keleher. Carasala became a U.S. citizen in 2011, while retaining his status as an overseas citizen of India.

Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/archkck">said in a Facebook post</a>&nbsp;that there was no ongoing threat to the community, but that he recognized the “pain and shock” the priest’s death had brought to the community.

“This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend,” he wrote.

Seneca is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of Topeka, about 90 miles&nbsp; northwest of Kansas City and about 300 miles north of Tulsa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743787979111.png" alt="Outside the church in Seneca-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Outside the church in Seneca-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SENECA, Kan. (AP) — An Oklahoma man has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting a Catholic priest at a church rectory in northeast Kansas, authorities said Friday.Officers called to the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca on Thursday afternoon found Arul Carasala with gunshot wounds outside the rectory, the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NemahaSO/#">a Facebook post</a>. The 57-year-old priest was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743796540386.png" alt="Hermesch photo Nemaha Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hermesch photo Nemaha Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Sheriff’s deputies and officers with the Seneca Police Department later arrested Gary Hermesch of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hermesch, 66, was charged Friday and held in the Nemaha County Jail in lieu of $1 million bond, County Attorney Brad Lippert said Friday in a written statement.The charging complaint says that Hermesch “intentionally and with premeditation” killed Carasala, Lippert said. Lippert did not return phone and email messages Friday seeking more information.Authorities have not released a possible motive for the shooting or said whether the suspect and the priest knew each other.Kris Anderson, the parish’s director of religious education, told the AP on Thursday through tears that she knew few details.“From what we know, an older man walked up to him (Carasala) and shot him three times,” she said.The priest's death left people in shock in Seneca, a city of about 2,100 where Carasala had been the pastor at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church since 2011,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saintspeterandpaul-seneca.com/meet-our-pastor/">according to his profile</a>&nbsp;on the parish website.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743721682115.png" alt="-Father Arul Carasala-photo courtesy Saints Peter &amp; Paul Parish" />
 <figcaption>-Father Arul Carasala-photo courtesy Saints Peter &amp; Paul Parish</figcaption>
 </figure>Carasala was ordained as a priest in 1994 for the Diocese of Cuddapah, located on the southeast coast of his native India. He had served in Kansas since 2004, including as pastor of five Kansas parishes, after he was invited to visit by Archbishop James P. Keleher. Carasala became a U.S. citizen in 2011, while retaining his status as an overseas citizen of India.Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/archkck">said in a Facebook post</a>&nbsp;that there was no ongoing threat to the community, but that he recognized the “pain and shock” the priest’s death had brought to the community.“This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend,” he wrote.Seneca is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of Topeka, about 90 miles&nbsp; northwest of Kansas City and about 300 miles north of Tulsa.

Suspect charged with murder in shooting of a beloved Kansas priest

TOPEKA – A Kansas man was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison for his involvement in manufacturing child sexual abuse materials.

According to court documents, Taylor Mullen, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

Mullen is the fourth person sentenced in a case involving two separate conspiracies both led by Joel Womochil, 39, the former chief of police in the Marion County community of Burns. 

Womochil pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography. In March, he was sentenced to 720 months in prison.

In 2021, Mullen and his girlfriend Jessica Quave, 38, created videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit behavior with a child under six years old and sent the videos to Womochil.

Quave pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child - production of child pornography. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Another conspiracy in 2019 took place between Womochil and Denise Renee Sandman, 40, of Indiana. After meeting Womochil online, Sandmann agreed to create images of a child under the age

of five engaged in sexually explicit conduct and send the images to Womochil, which he saved to his hard drive.

Sandmann pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography and one count of sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography. She was sentenced to 720 months in prison.

“We are grateful to the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security

Investigations for securing the overwhelming evidence against these child predators which led to guilty pleas and ultimately long prison sentences for their crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692237873123.png" alt="Womochil photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Womochil photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A Kansas man was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison for his involvement in manufacturing child sexual abuse materials.According to court documents, Taylor Mullen, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743794344309.png" alt="Mullen from his original arrest in the case in Nemaha Co. in 2023" />
 <figcaption>Mullen from his original arrest in the case in Nemaha Co. in 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>Mullen is the fourth person sentenced in a case involving two separate conspiracies both led by Joel Womochil, 39, the former chief of police in the Marion County community of Burns. Womochil pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography. In March, he was sentenced to 720 months in prison.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743794641609.png" alt="Quave photo Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Quave photo Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2021, Mullen and his girlfriend Jessica Quave, 38, created videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit behavior with a child under six years old and sent the videos to Womochil.Quave pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child - production of child pornography. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743794586991.png" alt="Sandman photo Harvey Co" />
 <figcaption>Sandman photo Harvey Co</figcaption>
 </figure>Another conspiracy in 2019 took place between Womochil and Denise Renee Sandman, 40, of Indiana. After meeting Womochil online, Sandmann agreed to create images of a child under the ageof five engaged in sexually explicit conduct and send the images to Womochil, which he saved to his hard drive.Sandmann pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography and one count of sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography. She was sentenced to 720 months in prison.“We are grateful to the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland SecurityInvestigations for securing the overwhelming evidence against these child predators which led to guilty pleas and ultimately long prison sentences for their crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard.The Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.