By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>

WASHINGTON — More than 2,600 nonviolent demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s administration are slated Saturday as part of No Kings day.

The includes in Missouri, where rallies are expected to take place in communities all across the state and at the Capitol in Jefferson City.

The second No Kings day, following another in June, is in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokings.org/host-toolkit" target="_blank">what a broad coalition</a>&nbsp;of liberal advocacy and labor organizations say is “the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration, which they have doubled down on since June.”

Organizers expect millions of Americans to join in peaceful events in Washington, D.C., across the country and internationally. Locations are pinpointed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokings.org/#map" target="_blank">a map</a>&nbsp;on the organization’s website.

“No Kings is back,” said Eunic Epstein-Ortiz, a national spokesperson, at a press conference Thursday. “And over the past few months, thousands of people have organized once again in their communities, on the ground locally, volunteering to bring their neighbors, families and friends together to say, unequivocally, we have no kings. Together, they’re the ones making this Saturday’s mobilization the largest single-day protest in modern history.”

Shutdown, Trump crackdown since June protests

The demonstrations build off the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/army-parade-trump-birthday-take-over-dc-no-kings-protests-erupt-across-nation" target="_blank">No Kings protests in June</a>, which coincided with Trump’s massive military parade on his 79th birthday.

Four months later, the federal government is mired in an ongoing shutdown that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-government-shutdown-begins-no-easy-exit-sight" target="_blank">began Oct. 1</a>&nbsp;with no clear end in sight. The administration has also cracked down on U.S. cities, deploying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/former-governors-state-ags-weigh-trumps-deployment-national-guard-troops" target="_blank">National Guard troops</a>&nbsp;and partaking in sweeping immigration raids.

Leading voices from labor and advocacy groups that are part of the broad No Kings coalition amplified their message ahead of the planned protests during the Thursday press conference, underscoring a peaceful day of action on Saturday.

“We’re going to vigorously exercise our democratic rights peacefully and nonviolently, and against this tyrannical threat of Donald Trump and his administration, we are going to protect American democracy,” said Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen.

House speaker criticizes No Kings day&nbsp;

National leaders from the coalition also pushed back against U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s depiction of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/10/no-kings-protest-mike-johnson-00602705" target="_blank">the demonstrations</a>&nbsp;as the “hate America rally.”

The Louisiana Republican claimed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srnZYkzSFXM" target="_blank">Fox News Oct. 10 that</a>&nbsp;“it’s all the pro-Hamas wing and the antifa people — they’re all coming out,” adding: “Some of the House Democrats are selling T-shirts for the event, and it’s being told to us that they won’t be able to reopen the government until after that rally because they can’t face their rabid base.”

Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, said “there is nothing more American than saying that we don’t have kings and exercising our right to peaceful protest,” adding: “America doesn’t have kings. That’s our entire point.”

Greenberg said: “I also want to be clear: it is ridiculous, it’s also sinister, because it is part of a broader effort to create a permission structure to crack down on organized opposition and peaceful dissent in this country.

“They are sending the National Guard into American cities, they are terrorizing our immigrant friends and neighbors with their secret police, they are prosecuting political opponents, and now they are trying to smear millions of Americans who are coming out to protest so that they can justify a crackdown on peaceful dissent.”

Katie Bethell, executive director of MoveOn, said “let’s be crystal clear about who is peacefully taking the streets on Saturday — it’s teachers, federal workers, nurses, families, our neighbors and our friends.

“All of our leaders, Republicans and Democrats alike, should listen to what these patriotic Americans have to say,” Bethell said.

“The millions of people protesting are centered around a fierce love of our country, a country that we believe is worth fighting for,” she said. “This is the reality across cities and towns, large and small, rural and suburban, in red areas, blue areas — millions of us are peacefully coming together on Saturday to send a clear and unmistakable message: The power belongs to the people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760736482929.jpeg" alt="Participants joined the No Kings rally in Fargo, North Dakota, on June 14 (Erin Hemme Froslie/North Dakota Monitor)." />
 <figcaption>Participants joined the No Kings rally in Fargo, North Dakota, on June 14 (Erin Hemme Froslie/North Dakota Monitor).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>WASHINGTON — More than 2,600 nonviolent demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s administration are slated Saturday as part of No Kings day.The includes in Missouri, where rallies are expected to take place in communities all across the state and at the Capitol in Jefferson City.The second No Kings day, following another in June, is in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokings.org/host-toolkit" target="_blank">what a broad coalition</a>&nbsp;of liberal advocacy and labor organizations say is “the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration, which they have doubled down on since June.”Organizers expect millions of Americans to join in peaceful events in Washington, D.C., across the country and internationally. Locations are pinpointed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokings.org/#map" target="_blank">a map</a>&nbsp;on the organization’s website.“No Kings is back,” said Eunic Epstein-Ortiz, a national spokesperson, at a press conference Thursday. “And over the past few months, thousands of people have organized once again in their communities, on the ground locally, volunteering to bring their neighbors, families and friends together to say, unequivocally, we have no kings. Together, they’re the ones making this Saturday’s mobilization the largest single-day protest in modern history.”<h2>Shutdown, Trump crackdown since June protests</h2>The demonstrations build off the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/army-parade-trump-birthday-take-over-dc-no-kings-protests-erupt-across-nation" target="_blank">No Kings protests in June</a>, which coincided with Trump’s massive military parade on his 79th birthday.Four months later, the federal government is mired in an ongoing shutdown that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-government-shutdown-begins-no-easy-exit-sight" target="_blank">began Oct. 1</a>&nbsp;with no clear end in sight. The administration has also cracked down on U.S. cities, deploying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/former-governors-state-ags-weigh-trumps-deployment-national-guard-troops" target="_blank">National Guard troops</a>&nbsp;and partaking in sweeping immigration raids.Leading voices from labor and advocacy groups that are part of the broad No Kings coalition amplified their message ahead of the planned protests during the Thursday press conference, underscoring a peaceful day of action on Saturday.“We’re going to vigorously exercise our democratic rights peacefully and nonviolently, and against this tyrannical threat of Donald Trump and his administration, we are going to protect American democracy,” said Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen.<h2>House speaker criticizes No Kings day&nbsp;</h2>National leaders from the coalition also pushed back against U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s depiction of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/10/no-kings-protest-mike-johnson-00602705" target="_blank">the demonstrations</a>&nbsp;as the “hate America rally.”The Louisiana Republican claimed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srnZYkzSFXM" target="_blank">Fox News Oct. 10 that</a>&nbsp;“it’s all the pro-Hamas wing and the antifa people — they’re all coming out,” adding: “Some of the House Democrats are selling T-shirts for the event, and it’s being told to us that they won’t be able to reopen the government until after that rally because they can’t face their rabid base.”Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, said “there is nothing more American than saying that we don’t have kings and exercising our right to peaceful protest,” adding: “America doesn’t have kings. That’s our entire point.”Greenberg said: “I also want to be clear: it is ridiculous, it’s also sinister, because it is part of a broader effort to create a permission structure to crack down on organized opposition and peaceful dissent in this country.“They are sending the National Guard into American cities, they are terrorizing our immigrant friends and neighbors with their secret police, they are prosecuting political opponents, and now they are trying to smear millions of Americans who are coming out to protest so that they can justify a crackdown on peaceful dissent.”Katie Bethell, executive director of MoveOn, said “let’s be crystal clear about who is peacefully taking the streets on Saturday — it’s teachers, federal workers, nurses, families, our neighbors and our friends.“All of our leaders, Republicans and Democrats alike, should listen to what these patriotic Americans have to say,” Bethell said.“The millions of people protesting are centered around a fierce love of our country, a country that we believe is worth fighting for,” she said. “This is the reality across cities and towns, large and small, rural and suburban, in red areas, blue areas — millions of us are peacefully coming together on Saturday to send a clear and unmistakable message: The power belongs to the people.”

No Kings day expected to draw millions for anti-Trump mass protests

HUTCHINSON — A tragic case that shocked the community earlier this year reached a major turning point Friday when 37-year-old Wendell Payton pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges in connection with the February deaths of his wife and young daughter.

According to the Hutchinson Police Department, officers were dispatched to 1014 East 3rd Avenue in the early morning hours of February 1, 2025, after neighbors reported hearing screams and seeing smoke coming from the home. When officers arrived, they found a young girl outside the residence and observed an active fire. Firefighters from the Hutchinson Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished the blaze.

Once the fire was under control, investigators discovered three people inside the home. Two of them—a four-year-old girl and an adult female identified as Kalsey Payton—were pronounced dead at the scene. Autopsies determined that the child died from blunt force trauma, while Kalsey Payton died from sharp force injuries. Both deaths were ruled homicides.

The third person in the home, Wendell Payton, was found alive with self-inflicted wounds from which he later recovered. Following an extensive investigation involving the Hutchinson Police Department, Hutchinson Fire Department, Reno County EMS, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Sedgwick County Fire Department, the Reno County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple charges against him in case number 25 CR 89.

On October 17, 2025, Payton pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional, premeditated first-degree murder, aggravated arson, aggravated endangering of a child, two counts of interference with law enforcement officers, and domestic battery against Kalsey Payton. Judge Daniel Gilligan accepted the pleas and found Payton guilty as charged.

Sentencing is set for December 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Reno County District Court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760746534271.png" alt="Wendell Payton - Reno County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Wendell Payton - Reno County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — A tragic case that shocked the community earlier this year reached a major turning point Friday when 37-year-old Wendell Payton pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges in connection with the February deaths of his wife and young daughter.According to the Hutchinson Police Department, officers were dispatched to 1014 East 3rd Avenue in the early morning hours of February 1, 2025, after neighbors reported hearing screams and seeing smoke coming from the home. When officers arrived, they found a young girl outside the residence and observed an active fire. Firefighters from the Hutchinson Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished the blaze.Once the fire was under control, investigators discovered three people inside the home. Two of them—a four-year-old girl and an adult female identified as Kalsey Payton—were pronounced dead at the scene. Autopsies determined that the child died from blunt force trauma, while Kalsey Payton died from sharp force injuries. Both deaths were ruled homicides.The third person in the home, Wendell Payton, was found alive with self-inflicted wounds from which he later recovered. Following an extensive investigation involving the Hutchinson Police Department, Hutchinson Fire Department, Reno County EMS, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Sedgwick County Fire Department, the Reno County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple charges against him in case number 25 CR 89.On October 17, 2025, Payton pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional, premeditated first-degree murder, aggravated arson, aggravated endangering of a child, two counts of interference with law enforcement officers, and domestic battery against Kalsey Payton. Judge Daniel Gilligan accepted the pleas and found Payton guilty as charged.Sentencing is set for December 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Reno County District Court.

Kan. man enters plea in murder of wife and daughter

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636785376.png" alt="File photo Former Rep. George Santos" />
 <figcaption>File photo Former Rep. George Santos</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/RsKT1qVuOr">pic.twitter.com/RsKT1qVuOr</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1979307772563820927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump commutes former Rep. George Santos' 7-year fraud sentence

It is not a year with presidential candidates, but the Alfred E. Smith&nbsp; Memorial Foundation dinner at the&nbsp;at Waldorf Astoria in New York City still raised a lot of fun and funds Thursday night.

Former Secretaries of State Mike Pompeo and&nbsp;Antony Blinken delivered lighthearted remarks.&nbsp;They shared their experiences working under different administrations and discussed many topics, including diplomacy, foreign policy, and the 2025 New York City Mayoral race. Pomopeo also discussed his weight loss.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/former-secretaries-of-state-blinken-pompeo-at-alfred-e-smith-dinner/667251">Click here to watch a replay</a> of the fun at the dinner.

The white-tie dinner raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities and has traditionally offered candidates from both parties the chance to trade lighthearted barbs, poke fun at themselves and pretend to get along.

Pompeo was the nation’s top diplomat from 2018 to 2021 in the administration of President Donald Trump. He was the GOP congressman from Wichita from 2011 to 2017.

It is not a year with presidential candidates, but the Alfred E. Smith&nbsp; Memorial Foundation dinner at the&nbsp;at Waldorf Astoria in New York City still raised a lot of fun and funds Thursday night.Former Secretaries of State Mike Pompeo and&nbsp;Antony Blinken delivered lighthearted remarks.&nbsp;They shared their experiences working under different administrations and discussed many topics, including diplomacy, foreign policy, and the 2025 New York City Mayoral race. Pomopeo also discussed his weight loss.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;I&#39;ve lost over 90 pounds since leaving office.&quot; -- Mike Pompeo ... Al Smith dinner <a href="https://t.co/e10kfcNYNu">pic.twitter.com/e10kfcNYNu</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1979207793082036425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/former-secretaries-of-state-blinken-pompeo-at-alfred-e-smith-dinner/667251">Click here to watch a replay</a> of the fun at the dinner.The white-tie dinner raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities and has traditionally offered candidates from both parties the chance to trade lighthearted barbs, poke fun at themselves and pretend to get along.Pompeo was the nation’s top diplomat from 2018 to 2021 in the administration of President Donald Trump. He was the GOP congressman from Wichita from 2011 to 2017.

🎥Former Kan. Congressman a keynote roaster at Alfred E. Smith dinner

KANSAS CITY—Police investigating a fatality accident that occurred just before 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Kansas City, Missouri have released the name of the girl who died as 9-year-old Hazen Workman-Duffy, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-hazen-workmanduffy">Click here to visit </a>the online fundraiser for the family.

KCPD investigators determined a white Ford Transit van was northbound on Food Lane Drive and was turning westbound onto Longview Road at the intersection, according KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina. At the same time, the girl was riding her bicycle within the marked crosswalk and had a green signal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 The van struck the bicycle causing her to fall to the roadway.. EMS transported the girl to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760488799105.png" alt="Intersection where the fatal crash occurred -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Intersection where the fatal crash occurred -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Police investigating a fatality accident that occurred just before 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Kansas City, Missouri have released the name of the girl who died as 9-year-old Hazen Workman-Duffy, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-hazen-workmanduffy">Click here to visit </a>the online fundraiser for the family.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760708857997.png" alt="Hazen Workman-Duffy-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Hazen Workman-Duffy-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KCPD investigators determined a white Ford Transit van was northbound on Food Lane Drive and was turning westbound onto Longview Road at the intersection, according KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina. At the same time, the girl was riding her bicycle within the marked crosswalk and had a green signal.&nbsp;&nbsp; The van struck the bicycle causing her to fall to the roadway.. EMS transported the girl to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.&nbsp;

Police ID girl killed after van struck her bicycle in KC crosswalk

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenKatieBritt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenKatieBritt</a>: &quot;President Trump very clearly said where he was on this, and he said &#39;I&#39;m going to make sure that [IVF] is more accessible and more affordable for families coast to coast&#39; ... President Trump wants to actually make things happen, that’s exactly what he did here.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/8WA3zdR3EN">pic.twitter.com/8WA3zdR3EN</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1978925718516949428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on expanding IVF Access: &quot;Today I&#39;m pleased to announce that after extensive negotiations, EMD Serono the largest fertility drug manufacturer in the world, has agreed to provide massive discounts to all fertility drugs they sell in the United States.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/8QHzjOtxN8">pic.twitter.com/8QHzjOtxN8</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1978914304381387193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump deal will  lower the cost of a common IVF drug

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in a fire Thursday in Kansas City.

Just after 1p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to a reported apartment fire in the 9300 block of Bales Drive, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

 Crews reported smoke and fire showing from the exterior of a three-story occupied apartment building. Companies initiated an offensive fire attack on arrival using one handline. Searches of the structure were conducted and came back "all clear".&nbsp; The fire was brought under control just after 1:28 p.m. EMS transported&nbsp; one resident for evaluation and treatment of smoke&nbsp;inhalation.&nbsp;The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760644847003.png" alt="Photo sKCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photo sKCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in a fire Thursday in Kansas City.Just after 1p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to a reported apartment fire in the 9300 block of Bales Drive, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760644817487.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Crews reported smoke and fire showing from the exterior of a three-story occupied apartment building. Companies initiated an offensive fire attack on arrival using one handline. Searches of the structure were conducted and came back "all clear".&nbsp; The fire was brought under control just after 1:28 p.m. EMS transported&nbsp; one resident for evaluation and treatment of smoke&nbsp;inhalation.&nbsp;The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;

One hospitalized after fire in 3-story KC apartment building

SALINE COUNTY—Police arrested a Salina FedEx employee for allegedly making a threat to 'shoot up the business.'&nbsp;

Just after 2p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police were dispatched to FedEx, 3450 Centennial Road in Salina about an employee who made allegedly made threat a coworker, according to a media release from Salina Police.

Prior to the report, the suspect identified as 19-year -old Trenton Fears made a threat on Monday, October 13 to a coworker when they were on the jobsite. Allegedly the coworker said something to Fears, which prompted him to make the threat.

That same day, Fears went to another coworker and told them to 'not show up to work the following day.'&nbsp;

The next day, October 14, Fears told the coworker he threatened, that he would 'shoot the facility up.'

Management then called Salina Police on Wednesday regarding the threat. Fears was not at FedEx initially, but showed up at a later time and officers immediately arrived to the scene.&nbsp;

Fears was then arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charge of Criminal Threat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760658717901.png" alt="Fears photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Fears photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Police arrested a Salina FedEx employee for allegedly making a threat to 'shoot up the business.'&nbsp;Just after 2p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police were dispatched to FedEx, 3450 Centennial Road in Salina about an employee who made allegedly made threat a coworker, according to a media release from Salina Police.Prior to the report, the suspect identified as 19-year -old Trenton Fears made a threat on Monday, October 13 to a coworker when they were on the jobsite. Allegedly the coworker said something to Fears, which prompted him to make the threat.That same day, Fears went to another coworker and told them to 'not show up to work the following day.'&nbsp;The next day, October 14, Fears told the coworker he threatened, that he would 'shoot the facility up.'Management then called Salina Police on Wednesday regarding the threat. Fears was not at FedEx initially, but showed up at a later time and officers immediately arrived to the scene.&nbsp;Fears was then arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charge of Criminal Threat.

Kansas man accused of threat of violence to work place

CLAY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 6a.m. Thursday in Clay County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford Fusion driven by a 47-year-old Maysville man was southbound at the intersection of U.S. 69 and Grove. The passenger side of the car struck a northbound 2023 Aprilia motorcycle driven by a 35-year-old Blue Springs man. 

The motorcyclist was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLAY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 6a.m. Thursday in Clay County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford Fusion driven by a 47-year-old Maysville man was southbound at the intersection of U.S. 69 and Grove. The passenger side of the car struck a northbound 2023 Aprilia motorcycle driven by a 35-year-old Blue Springs man. The motorcyclist was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man killed in car, motorcycle crash

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

TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert likely suffered a stroke, doctors determined after she was involved in a minor traffic accident.

Luckert, 70, was elevated to chief justice in 2019 and has been on the state’s highest court since appointed by Republican Gov. Bill Graves and sworn into office in 2003.

In a statement, Luckert said the accident occurred Oct. 9 while driving home from work.

“Fortunately, I did not hit any other vehicle or hurt anyone,” she said. “Doctors believe I had a stroke, which caused the accident.”

Luckert was hospitalized for several days and is recuperating at home while on medical leave from the Supreme Court.

“It does not appear that I will need speech or physical therapy, but I have been ordered to rest for at least the next few weeks,” her statement said. “I’m resting comfortably at home.”

Luckert expressed gratitude for prayers, expressions of concern and warm thoughts about her situation. She said she would release public updates in the future.

Luckert was born in Goodland and earned a law degree at Washburn University in Topeka. She worked in private practice for more than a decade. Democratic Gov. Joan Finney appointed her to the Shawnee County District Court in 1992. She was made chief judge of that district court in 2000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760643811752.png" alt="Marla Luckert, chief justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, says she was in a one-car accident on Oct. 9 after likely suffering a stroke. She plans to take several weeks to recuperate. In this Jan. 15, 2025, photo, Luckert talks to reporters after addressing lawmakers at the Statehouse. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Marla Luckert, chief justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, says she was in a one-car accident on Oct. 9 after likely suffering a stroke. She plans to take several weeks to recuperate. In this Jan. 15, 2025, photo, Luckert talks to reporters after addressing lawmakers at the Statehouse. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert likely suffered a stroke, doctors determined after she was involved in a minor traffic accident.Luckert, 70, was elevated to chief justice in 2019 and has been on the state’s highest court since appointed by Republican Gov. Bill Graves and sworn into office in 2003.In a statement, Luckert said the accident occurred Oct. 9 while driving home from work.“Fortunately, I did not hit any other vehicle or hurt anyone,” she said. “Doctors believe I had a stroke, which caused the accident.”Luckert was hospitalized for several days and is recuperating at home while on medical leave from the Supreme Court.“It does not appear that I will need speech or physical therapy, but I have been ordered to rest for at least the next few weeks,” her statement said. “I’m resting comfortably at home.”Luckert expressed gratitude for prayers, expressions of concern and warm thoughts about her situation. She said she would release public updates in the future.Luckert was born in Goodland and earned a law degree at Washburn University in Topeka. She worked in private practice for more than a decade. Democratic Gov. Joan Finney appointed her to the Shawnee County District Court in 1992. She was made chief judge of that district court in 2000.

Physicians link Kansas Supreme Court chief justice’s vehicle accident to likely stroke

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Buc-ee's broke ground on the first Kansas location on Thursday. The location in western Wyandotte County is at The Legends near the Kansas Speedway at Interstate 70 and Village West Parkway, according to a statement from the company.

&nbsp;The 74,000-square-foot travel center will feature 120 gas pumps and 12 EV charging stations and creat at least 225 full-time jobs.

The center is expected to open in the summer of 2027 or possibly sooner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760642700668.png" alt="Image courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Buc-ee's broke ground on the first Kansas location on Thursday. The location in western Wyandotte County is at The Legends near the Kansas Speedway at Interstate 70 and Village West Parkway, according to a statement from the company.&nbsp;The 74,000-square-foot travel center will feature 120 gas pumps and 12 EV charging stations and creat at least 225 full-time jobs.The center is expected to open in the summer of 2027 or possibly sooner.

Buc-ee's breaks ground on first location in Kansas

TOPEKA—On Monday, the GOP Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council approved $460,000 to fund a four-day special legislative session focused on redistricting the state of Kansas, without holding any public forum, according to a media release from Kansas House Democrats.

Missouri and Texas have already approved new maps.

On Wednesday, Kansas Democrat Congresswoman responded to the effort to redraw the maps.

Republicans already hold three of the state’s four congressional districts. A revised map would target the suburban Kansas City district held by&nbsp; Davids.

TOPEKA—On Monday, the GOP Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council approved $460,000 to fund a four-day special legislative session focused on redistricting the state of Kansas, without holding any public forum, according to a media release from Kansas House Democrats.Missouri and Texas have already approved new maps.On Wednesday, Kansas Democrat Congresswoman responded to the effort to redraw the maps.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m outside the White House, where Kansas Republicans are scheming to redraw maps and silence your voice. Kansans deserve fairness. Call your legislators and tell them NO to this power grab. <a href="https://t.co/Q7hEQowrvo">pic.twitter.com/Q7hEQowrvo</a>&mdash; Sharice Davids (@sharicedavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/sharicedavids/status/1978488536866202080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans already hold three of the state’s four congressional districts. A revised map would target the suburban Kansas City district held by&nbsp; Davids.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kansas GOP leaders are at the White House today taking direct orders from Donald Trump only a day after approving $460,000 tax payer dollars for a politically motivated redistricting special session here in Kansas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/0uHL6arzdr">https://t.co/0uHL6arzdr</a>&mdash; Kansas House Democrats (@KSHouseDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSHouseDems/status/1978541287163797884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Extreme D.C. politicians who’ve never set foot in Kansas shouldn’t get to decide who represents you. <a href="https://t.co/jhe4cRyLzg">pic.twitter.com/jhe4cRyLzg</a>&mdash; Sharice Davids (@sharicedavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/sharicedavids/status/1978612604378443901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Kan. Rep. responds to effort to re-draw state congressional map

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>

WASHINGTON — A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Wednesday, blocking the Trump administration from moving forward with the thousands of layoffs it initiated after the government shutdown began Oct. 1, as well as any others that officials might want to carry out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The hearing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California took place at the same time White House budget director Russ Vought appeared on the conservative Charlie Kirk podcast to preview his next steps.

Vought warned the initial Reductions in Force, the technical term for a layoff notice, were just “a snapshot” and that as many as 10,000 federal workers would lose their jobs if the shutdown drags on.

“We’re going to keep those RIFs rolling throughout this shutdown because we think it’s important to stay on offense for the American taxpayer and the American people,” Vought said. “We want to be very aggressive where we can be in shuttering the bureaucracy, not just the funding, but the bureaucracy.”

Judge Susan Illston said during the hearing that she granted the temporary restraining order because Trump administration officials had “taken advantage of the lapse in government spending, government functioning to assume that all bets are off, that the laws don’t apply to them anymore and that they can impose the structures that they like on the government situation that they don’t like.”&nbsp;

Illston said laws and regulations still apply during a shutdown and that, by all appearances, the Trump administration’s actions in the case are politically motivated.&nbsp;

“Things are being done before they’re thought through — very much ready, fire, aim,” Illston said.

The ruling will put the approximately 4,000 layoffs noticed during the shutdown on hold as the court case proceeds.&nbsp;

DOJ unprepared to speak on merits of case

Elizabeth Hedges, a Justice Department attorney arguing the case on behalf of the Trump administration, said several times during the brief hearing she wasn’t prepared to speak about the merits of the case — a position that confounded the judge, who gave Hedges several chances to reverse course.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We may be able to address the merits at the next stage,” Hedges said, after telling Illston she would need to check with others before making any statements about why the administration believes its actions are legal.&nbsp;

Danielle Leonard, an attorney representing the labor unions that brought the lawsuit, urged the judge to grant a temporary restraining order for all the departments and agencies that make up the executive branch, not just those that have announced RIFs.

Leonard said she believes Trump administration officials have decided how many additional federal employees to lay off during the shutdown, but have opted not to share that information with the court.

“The decision has been made, it’s just a question of implementation and timing,” Leonard said, around the same time Vought was giving his podcast interview.&nbsp;

Illston, who was nominated by former President Bill Clinton, said at the end of the hearing she expected the attorneys to find a day in the coming weeks when they can attend a hearing on the next stage, which would be a preliminary injunction.

On the other side of the country, Republicans and Democrats continued to spar on Capitol Hill over the reasons for the shutdown, as the Senate failed for a ninth time to advance a short-term government spending bill.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00572.htm" target="_blank">51-44 vote</a>&nbsp;was nearly identical to the others that have taken place since mid-September, and neither side appeared inclined to make concessions or even try to negotiate.&nbsp;

Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, both Democrats, and Maine independent Sen. Angus King voted with Republicans to advance the bill. Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul voted no.

Democrats maintain there must be a bipartisan deal to extend the enhanced tax credits that are set to expire at the end of this year for people who get their health insurance from the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.&nbsp;

GOP leaders said they are willing to begin negotiations on that issue, but only after Democrats vote to advance the stopgap bill that would fund government through Nov. 21.&nbsp;

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">voted mostly along party</a>&nbsp;lines to approve the legislation in mid-September, but it has remained stalled in the Senate ever since, unable to garner the 60 votes needed to advance toward final passage. Republicans control the chamber with 53 seats.

Congress needs to approve the stopgap bill since it, once again, failed to approve all 12 of the full-year government funding bills by the Oct. 1 start of the new fiscal year.

The only other way to end the funding lapse would be for both chambers to reach a broadly bipartisan consensus on all of those appropriations bills.&nbsp;

The layoffs initiated by the Trump administration during the shutdown were detailed further on Tuesday in court filings from the labor unions’ attorneys as well as Trump administration officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Stephen Billy, senior adviser at the Office of Management and Budget, wrote the number of layoff notices had changed since Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/substantial-layoffs-federal-workers-launched-trump-administration-amid-shutdown" target="_blank">when he outlined</a>&nbsp;the Reductions in Force to the court.

The numbers have fluctuated significantly for some departments, but not for all.&nbsp;

Federal workers at those departments have 60 days between when the notice was sent and when they will no longer have jobs, though a different standard is in place at the Energy Department and the Environmental Protection Agency.&nbsp;

Energy officials, the document says, “issued a general RIF notice informing 179 employees that they may receive a specific notice in the future if it is determined they will be part of any RIF. If so, that notice would provide the relevant notice period.”

But a spokesperson for the Energy Department emailed States Newsroom on Tuesday evening to confirm officials had issued RIF notices to workers in the Offices of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Clean Energy Demonstrations, State and Community Energy Programs and Minority Economic Impact.

“All these offices played a major role in the Biden administration’s war on American Energy,” the spokesperson wrote. “They oversaw billions of dollars in wasteful spending and massive regulatory overreach, resulting in more expensive and less reliable energy. These offices are being realigned to reflect the Trump administration’s commitment to advancing affordable, reliable, and secure energy for the American people and a more responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

Further confusing the situation at the Energy Department, a footnote in the court document filed by Billy said that particular agency isn’t actually experiencing a lapse in funding.&nbsp;

The Billy court document said EPA officials sent 28 employees “intent to RIF” notices and will send formal RIF notices “to any affected employees at least 60 days prior to the effective date.”&nbsp;

A separate document, filed by Thomas J. Nagy Jr., deputy assistant secretary for Human Resources at HHS, said “data discrepancies and processing errors” led to 1,760 employees receiving layoff notices instead of the intended 982.

“Employees have been working since October 10, 2025, to rescind the notices that had been issued in error,” Nagy wrote.&nbsp;

Yolanda Jacobs, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2883, wrote in a brief to the court that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “issued RIF notices to approximately 1,300 employees, eliminating entire offices at the agency. Then, within 24 hours, the CDC rescinded approximately 700 of those RIF notices.”&nbsp;

Jacobs wrote the 600 CDC workers who received RIFs will officially lose their jobs on Dec. 8, even though they have already lost access to work email and computers.&nbsp;

“Many Union members have told me that they are experiencing serious mental health problems and have found it very difficult to get their work done, given all of the turmoil that they have experienced this year,” Jacobs wrote, referencing previous RIF notices and reinstatements. “Members have told me that they worry on a day-to-day basis about whether they will have a job the next day. They said that they have felt like the Trump Administration has been using them as bargaining chips this year.”

Jacobs wrote that the Trump administration has decided to lay off many human resources workers, which had blocked other workers who received RIFs from being able to get information about how to roll over their health insurance coverage.&nbsp;

During past RIFs, she wrote, workers had “access to the employment records, including paystubs and performance records, that they need for processing their separations,” but cannot since they are locked out of computer systems.&nbsp;

Rachel Gittleman, president of AFGE Local 252, which represents nearly 3,000 Education Department workers, wrote in a separate filing the layoffs will impact numerous programs, including civil rights, communications and outreach, elementary and secondary education, post secondary education, and special education and rehabilitative services.

“Receiving RIF notices has caused many employees enormous stress. A father of two young boys contacted me—he just moved into a new home and relies on his job to support his family,” Gittleman wrote. “He told me (he) doesn’t know what he will do next.”

Workers on maternity or disability leave also received layoff notices, “forcing them to job-hunt and face financial insecurity while managing newborns or health conditions,” she wrote.&nbsp;

Following past RIF notices, the department provided “career transitioning and counseling, benefits and retirement training, and access to other human resources and employee assistance programs.” But Gittleman wrote that isn’t happening this time.&nbsp;

Ashaki Robinson, regional vice president for AFGE Council 222, which represents nearly 5,000 HUD workers, said the layoff notices for that department will impact employees in Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico, Texas and Washington, D.C., who manage a variety of programs.&nbsp;

“They are devastated that the RIF is happening and are very concerned about losing their incomes, health insurance coverage for themselves and dependents, and other employment benefits in 60 days, when they will be separated from employment,” Robinson wrote.&nbsp;

The hundreds of HUD workers who have received RIF notices, she wrote, were “targeted for termination not because of anything they did themselves, but because of decisions made by elected officials that may have been driven by politics.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759315687610.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>WASHINGTON — A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Wednesday, blocking the Trump administration from moving forward with the thousands of layoffs it initiated after the government shutdown began Oct. 1, as well as any others that officials might want to carry out.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hearing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California took place at the same time White House budget director Russ Vought appeared on the conservative Charlie Kirk podcast to preview his next steps.Vought warned the initial Reductions in Force, the technical term for a layoff notice, were just “a snapshot” and that as many as 10,000 federal workers would lose their jobs if the shutdown drags on.“We’re going to keep those RIFs rolling throughout this shutdown because we think it’s important to stay on offense for the American taxpayer and the American people,” Vought said. “We want to be very aggressive where we can be in shuttering the bureaucracy, not just the funding, but the bureaucracy.”Judge Susan Illston said during the hearing that she granted the temporary restraining order because Trump administration officials had “taken advantage of the lapse in government spending, government functioning to assume that all bets are off, that the laws don’t apply to them anymore and that they can impose the structures that they like on the government situation that they don’t like.”&nbsp;Illston said laws and regulations still apply during a shutdown and that, by all appearances, the Trump administration’s actions in the case are politically motivated.&nbsp;“Things are being done before they’re thought through — very much ready, fire, aim,” Illston said.The ruling will put the approximately 4,000 layoffs noticed during the shutdown on hold as the court case proceeds.&nbsp;<h2>DOJ unprepared to speak on merits of case</h2>Elizabeth Hedges, a Justice Department attorney arguing the case on behalf of the Trump administration, said several times during the brief hearing she wasn’t prepared to speak about the merits of the case — a position that confounded the judge, who gave Hedges several chances to reverse course.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We may be able to address the merits at the next stage,” Hedges said, after telling Illston she would need to check with others before making any statements about why the administration believes its actions are legal.&nbsp;Danielle Leonard, an attorney representing the labor unions that brought the lawsuit, urged the judge to grant a temporary restraining order for all the departments and agencies that make up the executive branch, not just those that have announced RIFs.Leonard said she believes Trump administration officials have decided how many additional federal employees to lay off during the shutdown, but have opted not to share that information with the court.“The decision has been made, it’s just a question of implementation and timing,” Leonard said, around the same time Vought was giving his podcast interview.&nbsp;Illston, who was nominated by former President Bill Clinton, said at the end of the hearing she expected the attorneys to find a day in the coming weeks when they can attend a hearing on the next stage, which would be a preliminary injunction.<h2>Senate deadlocks for ninth time</h2>On the other side of the country, Republicans and Democrats continued to spar on Capitol Hill over the reasons for the shutdown, as the Senate failed for a ninth time to advance a short-term government spending bill.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00572.htm" target="_blank">51-44 vote</a>&nbsp;was nearly identical to the others that have taken place since mid-September, and neither side appeared inclined to make concessions or even try to negotiate.&nbsp;Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, both Democrats, and Maine independent Sen. Angus King voted with Republicans to advance the bill. Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul voted no.Democrats maintain there must be a bipartisan deal to extend the enhanced tax credits that are set to expire at the end of this year for people who get their health insurance from the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.&nbsp;GOP leaders said they are willing to begin negotiations on that issue, but only after Democrats vote to advance the stopgap bill that would fund government through Nov. 21.&nbsp;The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">voted mostly along party</a>&nbsp;lines to approve the legislation in mid-September, but it has remained stalled in the Senate ever since, unable to garner the 60 votes needed to advance toward final passage. Republicans control the chamber with 53 seats.Congress needs to approve the stopgap bill since it, once again, failed to approve all 12 of the full-year government funding bills by the Oct. 1 start of the new fiscal year.The only other way to end the funding lapse would be for both chambers to reach a broadly bipartisan consensus on all of those appropriations bills.&nbsp;<h2>Layoffs across agencies</h2>The layoffs initiated by the Trump administration during the shutdown were detailed further on Tuesday in court filings from the labor unions’ attorneys as well as Trump administration officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stephen Billy, senior adviser at the Office of Management and Budget, wrote the number of layoff notices had changed since Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/substantial-layoffs-federal-workers-launched-trump-administration-amid-shutdown" target="_blank">when he outlined</a>&nbsp;the Reductions in Force to the court.The numbers have fluctuated significantly for some departments, but not for all.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Commerce: Approximately 600 employees, up from 315</li><li>Education: Remained at 466 employees</li><li>Health and Human Services: 982 employees, down from a range of 1,100 to 1,200</li><li>Housing and Urban Development: Stayed at 442 employees</li><li>Homeland Security: Decreased to 54 from 176 employees</li><li>Treasury: Reduced somewhat to 1,377 employees, from 1,446&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><h2>Energy, EPA layoffs</h2>Federal workers at those departments have 60 days between when the notice was sent and when they will no longer have jobs, though a different standard is in place at the Energy Department and the Environmental Protection Agency.&nbsp;Energy officials, the document says, “issued a general RIF notice informing 179 employees that they may receive a specific notice in the future if it is determined they will be part of any RIF. If so, that notice would provide the relevant notice period.”But a spokesperson for the Energy Department emailed States Newsroom on Tuesday evening to confirm officials had issued RIF notices to workers in the Offices of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Clean Energy Demonstrations, State and Community Energy Programs and Minority Economic Impact.“All these offices played a major role in the Biden administration’s war on American Energy,” the spokesperson wrote. “They oversaw billions of dollars in wasteful spending and massive regulatory overreach, resulting in more expensive and less reliable energy. These offices are being realigned to reflect the Trump administration’s commitment to advancing affordable, reliable, and secure energy for the American people and a more responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”Further confusing the situation at the Energy Department, a footnote in the court document filed by Billy said that particular agency isn’t actually experiencing a lapse in funding.&nbsp;The Billy court document said EPA officials sent 28 employees “intent to RIF” notices and will send formal RIF notices “to any affected employees at least 60 days prior to the effective date.”&nbsp;A separate document, filed by Thomas J. Nagy Jr., deputy assistant secretary for Human Resources at HHS, said “data discrepancies and processing errors” led to 1,760 employees receiving layoff notices instead of the intended 982.“Employees have been working since October 10, 2025, to rescind the notices that had been issued in error,” Nagy wrote.&nbsp;<h2>At CDC, ‘eliminating entire offices’</h2>Yolanda Jacobs, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2883, wrote in a brief to the court that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “issued RIF notices to approximately 1,300 employees, eliminating entire offices at the agency. Then, within 24 hours, the CDC rescinded approximately 700 of those RIF notices.”&nbsp;Jacobs wrote the 600 CDC workers who received RIFs will officially lose their jobs on Dec. 8, even though they have already lost access to work email and computers.&nbsp;“Many Union members have told me that they are experiencing serious mental health problems and have found it very difficult to get their work done, given all of the turmoil that they have experienced this year,” Jacobs wrote, referencing previous RIF notices and reinstatements. “Members have told me that they worry on a day-to-day basis about whether they will have a job the next day. They said that they have felt like the Trump Administration has been using them as bargaining chips this year.”Jacobs wrote that the Trump administration has decided to lay off many human resources workers, which had blocked other workers who received RIFs from being able to get information about how to roll over their health insurance coverage.&nbsp;During past RIFs, she wrote, workers had “access to the employment records, including paystubs and performance records, that they need for processing their separations,” but cannot since they are locked out of computer systems.&nbsp;<h2>Layoffs hit Department of Education</h2>Rachel Gittleman, president of AFGE Local 252, which represents nearly 3,000 Education Department workers, wrote in a separate filing the layoffs will impact numerous programs, including civil rights, communications and outreach, elementary and secondary education, post secondary education, and special education and rehabilitative services.“Receiving RIF notices has caused many employees enormous stress. A father of two young boys contacted me—he just moved into a new home and relies on his job to support his family,” Gittleman wrote. “He told me (he) doesn’t know what he will do next.”Workers on maternity or disability leave also received layoff notices, “forcing them to job-hunt and face financial insecurity while managing newborns or health conditions,” she wrote.&nbsp;Following past RIF notices, the department provided “career transitioning and counseling, benefits and retirement training, and access to other human resources and employee assistance programs.” But Gittleman wrote that isn’t happening this time.&nbsp;<h2>‘Devastated’ HUD employees</h2>Ashaki Robinson, regional vice president for AFGE Council 222, which represents nearly 5,000 HUD workers, said the layoff notices for that department will impact employees in Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico, Texas and Washington, D.C., who manage a variety of programs.&nbsp;“They are devastated that the RIF is happening and are very concerned about losing their incomes, health insurance coverage for themselves and dependents, and other employment benefits in 60 days, when they will be separated from employment,” Robinson wrote.&nbsp;The hundreds of HUD workers who have received RIF notices, she wrote, were “targeted for termination not because of anything they did themselves, but because of decisions made by elected officials that may have been driven by politics.”

Federal judge blocks Trump from carrying out thousands of layoffs during shutdown

BARBER COUNTY—On Tuesday, the&nbsp;Barber County Sheriff Office was dispatched to found skeletal human remains, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.

 Upon arrival the sheriffs office contacted KBI, County Coroner and the Kansas Unmarked Burial Site Preservation Board. 

&nbsp;Barber County Sheriff Office worked with the Kansas Unmarked Burial Site Preservation Board. They voted to rebury the remains and leave them in place and to avoid further work in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The sheriff's office did not release details on where the remains were found or additional information.

BARBER COUNTY—On Tuesday, the&nbsp;Barber County Sheriff Office was dispatched to found skeletal human remains, according to a statement from the sheriff's office. Upon arrival the sheriffs office contacted KBI, County Coroner and the Kansas Unmarked Burial Site Preservation Board. &nbsp;Barber County Sheriff Office worked with the Kansas Unmarked Burial Site Preservation Board. They voted to rebury the remains and leave them in place and to avoid further work in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sheriff's office did not release details on where the remains were found or additional information.

Sheriff: Human remains found in rural Kansas

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday, crews&nbsp;were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 1300 &nbsp;block of Ewing, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

Crews reported smoke and fire from the vacant 1-story residence. An offensive fire attack was initiated with two hose lines being advanced into the structure. Searches of the residence came back all clear. The fire was placed under controlat 7:35 a.m. No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760537579464.png" alt="Photos KC Fire Deparatment" />
 <figcaption>Photos KC Fire Deparatment</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City, Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760537547681.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday, crews&nbsp;were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 1300 &nbsp;block of Ewing, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.Crews reported smoke and fire from the vacant 1-story residence. An offensive fire attack was initiated with two hose lines being advanced into the structure. Searches of the residence came back all clear. The fire was placed under controlat 7:35 a.m. No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

Cause of Kansas City house fire under investigation

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting have made a second arrest.

Just after 11:30pm.&nbsp; July 6, police responded to a local hospital in reference to a victim suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. A short time later, the victim identified as Destiny Voss, 28, of Topeka, succumbed to his injuries.

Through the investigation, police identified a suspect and on August 6, arrested Avant Chambers, 18 of Topeka. He was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree and distribute certain depressants.

On Tuesday, police arrested Aaron K. Hurla, 18, Topeka, and took him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections where he was booked on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree.

Police determined that the incident occurred in the 3200 block of SW Randolph in Topeka. This is the city’s 9th homicide investigation of 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760557283570.png" alt="Chambers photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Chambers photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting have made a second arrest.Just after 11:30pm.&nbsp; July 6, police responded to a local hospital in reference to a victim suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. A short time later, the victim identified as Destiny Voss, 28, of Topeka, succumbed to his injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760557455144.png" alt="Hurla photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hurla photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Through the investigation, police identified a suspect and on August 6, arrested Avant Chambers, 18 of Topeka. He was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree and distribute certain depressants.On Tuesday, police arrested Aaron K. Hurla, 18, Topeka, and took him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections where he was booked on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree.Police determined that the incident occurred in the 3200 block of SW Randolph in Topeka. This is the city’s 9th homicide investigation of 2025.

Police: Second Kansas teen jailed for man's murder

&nbsp;Some airports in Missouri and in Kansas are refusing to play a video with a message from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in which she blames Democrats for the&nbsp;federal government shutdown&nbsp;and its impacts on Transportation Security Administration operations.

The Kansas City Aviation Department (KCAD) declined a request from the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) to air the video at MCI, according to Jackson Overstreet in the City Manager's office.&nbsp; "Leadership determined the video did not meet the department’s advertising standard. The work of the KCAD is non-partisan and focused on making travel from MCI&nbsp;as simple as possible for flyers."

According to Jesse Romo, Director of Airports in Wichita, "TSA has approached the Wichita Airport Authority and requested that we play their video. While we deeply value and support our TSA partners and the vital role they play in ensuring the safety of our passengers, we will not be playing Secretary Noem’s latest video as we have policies that prohibit the display of political messages."

&nbsp;Some airports in Missouri and in Kansas are refusing to play a video with a message from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in which she blames Democrats for the&nbsp;federal government shutdown&nbsp;and its impacts on Transportation Security Administration operations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Currently playing at every public airport in America:<a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a>: &quot;We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact you — and it is our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/hwVfwLxVJR">pic.twitter.com/hwVfwLxVJR</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1976668787467514316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Kansas City Aviation Department (KCAD) declined a request from the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) to air the video at MCI, according to Jackson Overstreet in the City Manager's office.&nbsp; "Leadership determined the video did not meet the department’s advertising standard. The work of the KCAD is non-partisan and focused on making travel from MCI&nbsp;as simple as possible for flyers."According to Jesse Romo, Director of Airports in Wichita, "TSA has approached the Wichita Airport Authority and requested that we play their video. While we deeply value and support our TSA partners and the vital role they play in ensuring the safety of our passengers, we will not be playing Secretary Noem’s latest video as we have policies that prohibit the display of political messages."

🎥 The controversial video some airports in the region refuse to play

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Prosecutors have charged a suspect in connection with a murder in March.

On October 6, U.S. Marshals apprehended the 21-year-old Rene Najera of Kansas City, Kansas for homicide that occurred on March 26 in the 1600 block of Ridge Avenue, according to a statement released Tuesday from Kansas City, Kansas Police.

The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office has charged him with felony first-degree murder,&nbsp; aggravated battery and aggravated assault in the shooting death of 19-year-old Anderson Murcia-Cartagena

Najera is being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $150,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760538130225.png" alt="Najera photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Najera photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Prosecutors have charged a suspect in connection with a murder in March.On October 6, U.S. Marshals apprehended the 21-year-old Rene Najera of Kansas City, Kansas for homicide that occurred on March 26 in the 1600 block of Ridge Avenue, according to a statement released Tuesday from Kansas City, Kansas Police.The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office has charged him with felony first-degree murder,&nbsp; aggravated battery and aggravated assault in the shooting death of 19-year-old Anderson Murcia-CartagenaNajera is being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $150,000 bond.

After 7-months, U.S. Marshals catch Kansas man wanted for murder

WASHINGTON– The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has obtained credible intelligence indicating that Mexican criminals, in coordination with domestic extremist groups have placed targeted bounties on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel, according to a statement from the agency.

These criminal networks have issued explicit instructions to U.S.-based sympathetics, including street gangs in Chicago, to monitor, harass, and assassinate federal agents. Specific details from ongoing investigations include:&nbsp;

In Portland and Chicago, Antifa groups have provided logistical support such as pre-staged protest supplies, doxxing of agent identities, and on-the-ground interference to shield cartel-linked individuals from deportation.&nbsp;

“These criminal networks are not just resisting the rule of law, they are waging an organized campaign of terror against the brave men and women who protect our borders and communities,”&nbsp;said Secretary Kristi Noem. “Our agents are facing ambushes, drone surveillance, and death threats, all because they dare to enforce the laws passed by Congress. We will not back down from these threats, and every criminal, terrorist, and illegal alien will face American justice.”

DHS will not be deterred by these threats and calls on sanctuary state and local leaders to cease policies that embolden criminals. The public is urged to report suspicious activities—such as rooftop surveillance or organized protests blocking federal operations—to the DHS Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or via the ICE website.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740147958319.png" alt="File photo Miami ICE Enforcement &amp; Removal Operations office" />
 <figcaption>File photo Miami ICE Enforcement &amp; Removal Operations office</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON– The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has obtained credible intelligence indicating that Mexican criminals, in coordination with domestic extremist groups have placed targeted bounties on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel, according to a statement from the agency.These criminal networks have issued explicit instructions to U.S.-based sympathetics, including street gangs in Chicago, to monitor, harass, and assassinate federal agents. Specific details from ongoing investigations include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Spotter Networks: In neighborhoods like Chicago's Pilsen and Little Village, gang members affiliated with groups such as the Latin Kings have deployed "spotters" on rooftops equipped with firearms and radio communications. These individuals track ICE and CBP movements in real-time, relaying coordinates. This surveillance has enabled ambushes and disruptions during routine enforcement actions, including recent raids under Operation Midway Blitz.</li><li>Tiered Bounty System: Cartels have disseminated a structured bounty program to incentivize violence against federal personnel, with payouts escalating based on rank and action taken:$2,000 for gathering intelligence or doxxing agents (including photos and family details).$5,000–$10,000 for kidnapping or non-lethal assaults on standard ICE/CBP officers.Up to $50,000 for the assassination of high-ranking officials.</li><li>$2,000 for gathering intelligence or doxxing agents (including photos and family details).</li><li>$5,000–$10,000 for kidnapping or non-lethal assaults on standard ICE/CBP officers.</li><li>Up to $50,000 for the assassination of high-ranking officials.</li>
 </ul>In Portland and Chicago, Antifa groups have provided logistical support such as pre-staged protest supplies, doxxing of agent identities, and on-the-ground interference to shield cartel-linked individuals from deportation.&nbsp;“These criminal networks are not just resisting the rule of law, they are waging an organized campaign of terror against the brave men and women who protect our borders and communities,”&nbsp;said Secretary Kristi Noem. “Our agents are facing ambushes, drone surveillance, and death threats, all because they dare to enforce the laws passed by Congress. We will not back down from these threats, and every criminal, terrorist, and illegal alien will face American justice.”DHS will not be deterred by these threats and calls on sanctuary state and local leaders to cease policies that embolden criminals. The public is urged to report suspicious activities—such as rooftop surveillance or organized protests blocking federal operations—to the DHS Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or via the ICE website.&nbsp;

DHS: Mexican gangs offering bounties for ICE agent assassinations

SALINE COUNTY —On Monday, the Salina Police Department was made aware of a parking incident which occurred a week prior, on Monday October 6, with a marked Salina Police Department patrol car parking in a handicapped designated parking space at a south Salina business. This matter was brought to the Department’s attention by a private citizen and was not raised by anyone associated with that business, according to Salina Police&nbsp;Lt. Andrew Zeigler.

"The Salina Police Department takes complaints from citizens very seriously as we see it as an opportunity to examine our day-in-and-day-out operations and provides us the perspective and concerns of the community. This incident has given us the opportunity to look into the concerns of our citizens internally and operationally. The matter has been looked into to understand all the circumstances around it, including speaking with the employees of the private business."

"The on duty Salina Police Officer was conducting follow-up on an ongoing criminal investigation at the time of the incident and parked in the only available parking space at the business." according to&nbsp;Lt. Zeigler

A photograph was taken of the patrol car. The photograph was later forwarded on and was eventually passed on to the Police Department. The Salina Police Officer who was driving the patrol car at the time was contacted and is being addressed as an internal matter. The Salina Police Department is also taking steps internally to ensure all officers are following Kansas traffic codes as it pertains to police operations as well as Salina Police Department and City of Salina policies.

"The Salina Police Department thanked the community members for raising their concerns with us and we strive to review our actions on a daily basis to do better and always provide the highest standard of service to the City."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760545383496.png" alt="Photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —On Monday, the Salina Police Department was made aware of a parking incident which occurred a week prior, on Monday October 6, with a marked Salina Police Department patrol car parking in a handicapped designated parking space at a south Salina business. This matter was brought to the Department’s attention by a private citizen and was not raised by anyone associated with that business, according to Salina Police&nbsp;Lt. Andrew Zeigler."The Salina Police Department takes complaints from citizens very seriously as we see it as an opportunity to examine our day-in-and-day-out operations and provides us the perspective and concerns of the community. This incident has given us the opportunity to look into the concerns of our citizens internally and operationally. The matter has been looked into to understand all the circumstances around it, including speaking with the employees of the private business.""The on duty Salina Police Officer was conducting follow-up on an ongoing criminal investigation at the time of the incident and parked in the only available parking space at the business." according to&nbsp;Lt. ZeiglerA photograph was taken of the patrol car. The photograph was later forwarded on and was eventually passed on to the Police Department. The Salina Police Officer who was driving the patrol car at the time was contacted and is being addressed as an internal matter. The Salina Police Department is also taking steps internally to ensure all officers are following Kansas traffic codes as it pertains to police operations as well as Salina Police Department and City of Salina policies."The Salina Police Department thanked the community members for raising their concerns with us and we strive to review our actions on a daily basis to do better and always provide the highest standard of service to the City."

Why Kansas officer was parking in handicapped only space 

Senate president disavows both activists, attorney general fires Hendrix

TOPEKA — The chairman and vice chairman of the Kansas Young Republicans took part in encrypted chats with political peers that were laced with violent, racist and antisemitic rhetoric and blended with references to white supremacy and suppression of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

On Tuesday, the chairman of the Kansas Republican Party said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/14/private-chat-among-young-gop-club-members-00592146" target="_blank">the Politico article</a>&nbsp;disclosing the commentary prompted immediate deactivation of the Kansas Young Republicans organization.

Politico, a digital news company specializing in coverage of U.S. politics, reported Kansas Young Republicans chair Alex Dwyer and vice chair William Hendrix took part in the Telegram group chat.

In 2,900 pages of chat text, Hendrix praised the Missouri Young Republicans because leaders in that state didn’t like LGBTQ+ people. He repeatedly used racial slurs to refer to Black people, including words such as “n–ga” and “n–guh.” In a July conversation in the thread about African-Americans, he said, “Bro is at a chicken restaurant ordering his food. Would he like some watermelon and Kool-Aid with that?”

He was fired from a communications job in the office of Attorney General Kris Kobach as Politico prepared its report on Hendrix’s role in the chat.

“The comments in the chat are inexcusable,” Kobach said. “As soon as the office learned of those messages, Will Hendrix’s employment was terminated.”

In the chat threads, Dwyer and others delved into discussions of how GOP operatives could tarnish a political candidate by linking the individual to white supremacists. The idea was dismissed, Politico said, because the plan could backfire in a place such as Kansas where “Young Republicans could end up becoming attracted to that opponent.” Subsequently, a person in the chat asked others to guess what room number they had a hotel.

Dwyer responded: “1488.” That figure is a form of shorthand among white supremacists when making reference to their beliefs. It refers to the 14 words of text in the slogan, “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children.” The “88” stands for “Heil Hitler,” with the H marking the eighth letter of the alphabet.

At another juncture, Dwyer touched on controversy involving release of government files on Epstein, the convicted sex offender. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have sought public release of files to either exonerate or incriminate President Donald Trump or other prominent individuals.

“Trumps too busy burning the Epstein files,” Dwyer wrote on Telegram.

Dwyer didn’t respond to a request for an interview. Hendrix, who ran unsuccessfully for Topeka City Council in 2021, couldn’t be reached for comment.

Before Politico’s disclosure of the Young Republicans’ commentary, Dwyer and Hendrix were photographed at a campaign event with Senate President Ty Masterson, the Andover Republican who is a 2026 candidate for governor. A social media post of the picture, taken at Masterson’s campaign announcement event, shows both of them holding signs touting Masterson’s campaign for governor.

The Masterson campaign released a statement after the Senate president landed in Washington, D.C., for meetings Wednesday with White House officials. In that statement, Masterson blamed political opponents for “shopping around a photo, with deceitful intentions, in efforts to disparage” him.

“I categorically deny any association with William Hendrix or Alex Dwyer, as neither is current, nor has ever been, on staff or volunteered for my campaign for governor,” Masterson said. “Anyone suggesting otherwise is either lying or misinformed.”

In addition, Masterson said, he was guided by deep Christian faith and possessed a record of condemning hateful and violent rhetoric.

“I am personally disgusted by the comments attributed to individuals in the article, as such behavior is utterly counter to Christ’s message that life is valuable and we are all equal in God’s eyes, and my unwavering commitment to these values has not changed,” the statement said.

A collection of Kansas Republicans and a Democratic candidate for governor denounced contents of this trove of Telegram messages logged under “RESTOREYR WAR ROOM,” or Restore Young Republicans.

The communications chronicled by Politico covered a period between January and August, and involved state Republican leaders in Kansas, Vermont, Arizona and New York. Included in the thousands of comments was this insight: “If we ever had a leak on this chat, we will be cooked.”

“The viewpoints expressed in this chat are not representative of Kansans. Period,” said former Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor. “Our state was founded on the belief that all of us are created equal under God — and anyone who mocks those principles dishonors the very spirit of Kansas.”

Vicki Schmidt, the state’s insurance commissioner and a Republican candidate for governor, said Dwyer and Hendrix should formally resign from their Young Republicans positions because “their actions are disgusting and disgraceful and they tarnish the reputation of Kansas nationally.”

Sen. Cindy Holscher, a Johnson County Democrat also running for governor, said she was disgusted by messages shared by Kansas GOP political operatives that promoted overt racism, extremism, antisemitism and sexual violence. She said the extremist language was encouraged from the top down by politicians who seek to divide voters rather than bring them together.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760540548577.png" alt=" Politico reports the chairman and vice chairman of Kansas Young Republicans participated in racist, antisemitic encrypted chats with GOP political peers. (Illustration by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Politico reports the chairman and vice chairman of Kansas Young Republicans participated in racist, antisemitic encrypted chats with GOP political peers. (Illustration by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Senate president disavows both activists, attorney general fires Hendrix</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The chairman and vice chairman of the Kansas Young Republicans took part in encrypted chats with political peers that were laced with violent, racist and antisemitic rhetoric and blended with references to white supremacy and suppression of the Jeffrey Epstein files.On Tuesday, the chairman of the Kansas Republican Party said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/14/private-chat-among-young-gop-club-members-00592146" target="_blank">the Politico article</a>&nbsp;disclosing the commentary prompted immediate deactivation of the Kansas Young Republicans organization.Politico, a digital news company specializing in coverage of U.S. politics, reported Kansas Young Republicans chair Alex Dwyer and vice chair William Hendrix took part in the Telegram group chat.In 2,900 pages of chat text, Hendrix praised the Missouri Young Republicans because leaders in that state didn’t like LGBTQ+ people. He repeatedly used racial slurs to refer to Black people, including words such as “n–ga” and “n–guh.” In a July conversation in the thread about African-Americans, he said, “Bro is at a chicken restaurant ordering his food. Would he like some watermelon and Kool-Aid with that?”He was fired from a communications job in the office of Attorney General Kris Kobach as Politico prepared its report on Hendrix’s role in the chat.“The comments in the chat are inexcusable,” Kobach said. “As soon as the office learned of those messages, Will Hendrix’s employment was terminated.”In the chat threads, Dwyer and others delved into discussions of how GOP operatives could tarnish a political candidate by linking the individual to white supremacists. The idea was dismissed, Politico said, because the plan could backfire in a place such as Kansas where “Young Republicans could end up becoming attracted to that opponent.” Subsequently, a person in the chat asked others to guess what room number they had a hotel.Dwyer responded: “1488.” That figure is a form of shorthand among white supremacists when making reference to their beliefs. It refers to the 14 words of text in the slogan, “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children.” The “88” stands for “Heil Hitler,” with the H marking the eighth letter of the alphabet.At another juncture, Dwyer touched on controversy involving release of government files on Epstein, the convicted sex offender. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have sought public release of files to either exonerate or incriminate President Donald Trump or other prominent individuals.“Trumps too busy burning the Epstein files,” Dwyer wrote on Telegram.Dwyer didn’t respond to a request for an interview. Hendrix, who ran unsuccessfully for Topeka City Council in 2021, couldn’t be reached for comment.Before Politico’s disclosure of the Young Republicans’ commentary, Dwyer and Hendrix were photographed at a campaign event with Senate President Ty Masterson, the Andover Republican who is a 2026 candidate for governor. A social media post of the picture, taken at Masterson’s campaign announcement event, shows both of them holding signs touting Masterson’s campaign for governor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760540483912.png" alt="An image from Senate President Ty Masterson’s announcement of his campaign for Kansas governor includes Kansas Young Republicans chair Alex Dwyer, far left, and vice chair William Hendrix, second from right. Politico reports Dwyer and Hendrix took part in a private Telegram chat with other state GOP leaders touting racist, violent and antisemitic ideas such as “I love Hitler” and “They love the watermelon people.” (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>An image from Senate President Ty Masterson’s announcement of his campaign for Kansas governor includes Kansas Young Republicans chair Alex Dwyer, far left, and vice chair William Hendrix, second from right. Politico reports Dwyer and Hendrix took part in a private Telegram chat with other state GOP leaders touting racist, violent and antisemitic ideas such as “I love Hitler” and “They love the watermelon people.” (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Masterson campaign released a statement after the Senate president landed in Washington, D.C., for meetings Wednesday with White House officials. In that statement, Masterson blamed political opponents for “shopping around a photo, with deceitful intentions, in efforts to disparage” him.“I categorically deny any association with William Hendrix or Alex Dwyer, as neither is current, nor has ever been, on staff or volunteered for my campaign for governor,” Masterson said. “Anyone suggesting otherwise is either lying or misinformed.”In addition, Masterson said, he was guided by deep Christian faith and possessed a record of condemning hateful and violent rhetoric.“I am personally disgusted by the comments attributed to individuals in the article, as such behavior is utterly counter to Christ’s message that life is valuable and we are all equal in God’s eyes, and my unwavering commitment to these values has not changed,” the statement said.A collection of Kansas Republicans and a Democratic candidate for governor denounced contents of this trove of Telegram messages logged under “RESTOREYR WAR ROOM,” or Restore Young Republicans.The communications chronicled by Politico covered a period between January and August, and involved state Republican leaders in Kansas, Vermont, Arizona and New York. Included in the thousands of comments was this insight: “If we ever had a leak on this chat, we will be cooked.”“The viewpoints expressed in this chat are not representative of Kansans. Period,” said former Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor. “Our state was founded on the belief that all of us are created equal under God — and anyone who mocks those principles dishonors the very spirit of Kansas.”Vicki Schmidt, the state’s insurance commissioner and a Republican candidate for governor, said Dwyer and Hendrix should formally resign from their Young Republicans positions because “their actions are disgusting and disgraceful and they tarnish the reputation of Kansas nationally.”Sen. Cindy Holscher, a Johnson County Democrat also running for governor, said she was disgusted by messages shared by Kansas GOP political operatives that promoted overt racism, extremism, antisemitism and sexual violence. She said the extremist language was encouraged from the top down by politicians who seek to divide voters rather than bring them together.“Let’s be clear: These aren’t kids joking around,” Holscher said. “These are 20- and 30-something adults with leadership roles in the Republican Party. The chair of the Kansas Young Republicans, who participated in these messages, is nearly 30 years old. Unfortunately, this type of rhetoric is not isolated. For too long in Kansas, the Republican Party has been dominated by extremists who see no room for moderation or bipartisanship, let alone unity or mutual respect.”Danedri Herbert, chair of the Kansas Republican Party, said the organization’s leadership was disgusted by comments by young Kansas Republicans contained in the Politico story. In March, Herbert was elected state party chair. She is Black.“Their comments do not reflect the beliefs of Republicans and certainly not of Kansas Republicans at large,” she said. “Republicans believe that all people are created in the image of God.”She said the state party platform stated: “We welcome Kansans of every ethnicity into our party as we work together to preserve our heritage of political equality, religious freedom and strong moral values. We strive to eliminate racism and we condemn all racist acts and groups.”Michael Austin, chief executive of the Kansas Black Republican Council, said the organization unequivocally rebuked the behavior and language revealed in Politico’s report.“Such conduct is not merely offensive. It is a betrayal of the very principles upon which our party was founded: the defense of liberty, the abolition of slavery and the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being,” Austin said. “Let there be no confusion. These few individuals do not represent Kansas, nor do they reflect the values of Kansas Republicans.”He said all Republicans should in this moment “uphold the standard of integrity, moral courage and respect that has long defined our party’s proud history.”