The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/firemarshal.ks.gov?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Fire Marshal</a>&nbsp; announced the availability of their newest team member, a human remains detection (HRD) dog, according to a social media report from the Fire Marshal's office.

K9 Gator, a year and one half-old Belgian Malinois, was imported from Mexico and purchased by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HillCountryDogCenter?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Hill Country Dog Center</a> in Pipe Creek, Texas.

Gator is assigned to his handler, Special Agent Melanie Miller, in the Investigation Division. Gator and S.A. Miller are certified through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedpolicek9?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">United Police Work Dog Association</a> in Human Remains Detection on land and water, as well as obedience.

K9 Gator and S.A. Miller are currently working towards their FEMA dog team certifications and will be rostered on Kansas Task Force 1 after those certifications are completed. 

Gator and SA Miller will play a crucial role in providing closure to families and aiding search and rescue efforts. K9 Gator is currently available for mutual aid response through communication with the Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759196937561.png" alt="Gator courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Gator courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/firemarshal.ks.gov?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Fire Marshal</a>&nbsp; announced the availability of their newest team member, a human remains detection (HRD) dog, according to a social media report from the Fire Marshal's office.K9 Gator, a year and one half-old Belgian Malinois, was imported from Mexico and purchased by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HillCountryDogCenter?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Hill Country Dog Center</a> in Pipe Creek, Texas. Gator is assigned to his handler, Special Agent Melanie Miller, in the Investigation Division. Gator and S.A. Miller are certified through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedpolicek9?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">United Police Work Dog Association</a> in Human Remains Detection on land and water, as well as obedience. K9 Gator and S.A. Miller are currently working towards their FEMA dog team certifications and will be rostered on Kansas Task Force 1 after those certifications are completed. Gator and SA Miller will play a crucial role in providing closure to families and aiding search and rescue efforts. K9 Gator is currently available for mutual aid response through communication with the Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office.

Kan. Fire Marshal ads K9 certified in human remains detection

MORGAN COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Sunday at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Yamaha Viking driven by a 59-year-old Overland Park woman was southbound on Viewside Drive near Memory Lane at Lake of the Ozarks. The driver lost control of the UTV in a turn. The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, overturned and struck a ditch.

MU Air transported the woman to University Hospital. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

MORGAN COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Sunday at Lake of the Ozarks.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Yamaha Viking driven by a 59-year-old Overland Park woman was southbound on Viewside Drive near Memory Lane at Lake of the Ozarks. The driver lost control of the UTV in a turn. The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, overturned and struck a ditch.MU Air transported the woman to University Hospital. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Woman airlifted to hospital after UTV crash at Lake of the Ozarks

SEWARD COUNTY– The U.S. Marshals are seeking the public’s help and offering a reward of up to&nbsp;$5,000&nbsp;for information leading to the arrest of a Guatemalan man wanted in Seward County on multiple counts of crimes against children, according to a media release.

Juan Ralios-Batz, (estimated age) 30, is wanted on three counts of rape of a child, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated human trafficking, and one count of abuse of a child.

Batz and his sister are alleged to have sponsored a 13-year-old unaccompanied alien child and, over a two-year-period, Batz allegedly raped the child and forced the child to do manual labor. &nbsp;The child eventually became pregnant and has a child with Batz. When Batz became aware of his wanted status, his family allegedly helped him escape to Fremont, Nebraska, to evade the charges against him. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Batz is a white or Hispanic man, stands 5-feet-1 inch and weighs approximately 115 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair and a tattoo of the letter J on his right arm.&nbsp;

Batz, who is in the U.S. illegally, is known to use multiple aliases, including Juan Ralios, Juan Batz, Randy Guerro, Juan Ramos-Batz, Juan Ramos and Omar Gonzalez.&nbsp;

Anyone with information regarding his location is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at&nbsp;1-877-WANTED-2&nbsp;or send tip information via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip">USMS Tips App</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758163504048.png" alt="Batz photo Seward Co." />
 <figcaption>Batz photo Seward Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY– The U.S. Marshals are seeking the public’s help and offering a reward of up to&nbsp;$5,000&nbsp;for information leading to the arrest of a Guatemalan man wanted in Seward County on multiple counts of crimes against children, according to a media release.Juan Ralios-Batz, (estimated age) 30, is wanted on three counts of rape of a child, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated human trafficking, and one count of abuse of a child.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758163443530.png" alt="Batz photo Seward Co." />
 <figcaption>Batz photo Seward Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Batz and his sister are alleged to have sponsored a 13-year-old unaccompanied alien child and, over a two-year-period, Batz allegedly raped the child and forced the child to do manual labor. &nbsp;The child eventually became pregnant and has a child with Batz. When Batz became aware of his wanted status, his family allegedly helped him escape to Fremont, Nebraska, to evade the charges against him. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Batz is a white or Hispanic man, stands 5-feet-1 inch and weighs approximately 115 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair and a tattoo of the letter J on his right arm.&nbsp;Batz, who is in the U.S. illegally, is known to use multiple aliases, including Juan Ralios, Juan Batz, Randy Guerro, Juan Ramos-Batz, Juan Ramos and Omar Gonzalez.&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding his location is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at&nbsp;1-877-WANTED-2&nbsp;or send tip information via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip">USMS Tips App</a>.

Still hiding: Man in U.S. illegally is wanted for child sex crimes in Kansas

Democratic and Republican congressional leaders met at the White House with President Donald Trump on Monday to try to prevent a government shutdown. They made no progress. If the two sides don't reach a deal and have it signed by the President on Tuesday night, the government will shut down.

On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "Republicans are committed to keeping the government funded — but not at the cost of reckless spending."

"Dems are quick to blame Republicans for the healthcare crisis—skyrocketing costs and rural hospitals shutting down. Newsflash: This mess is the direct result of dem policies in action."

Democratic and Republican congressional leaders met at the White House with President Donald Trump on Monday to try to prevent a government shutdown. They made no progress. If the two sides don't reach a deal and have it signed by the President on Tuesday night, the government will shut down.On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "Republicans are committed to keeping the government funded — but not at the cost of reckless spending.""Dems are quick to blame Republicans for the healthcare crisis—skyrocketing costs and rural hospitals shutting down. Newsflash: This mess is the direct result of dem policies in action."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Just left the White House meeting with Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans. This fight is about the healthcare of the American people. <a href="https://t.co/q0HALCVKhq">pic.twitter.com/q0HALCVKhq</a>&mdash; Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJeffries/status/1972773826875556098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kansas U.S. Senator's statement on government shutdown fight

JOHNSON COUNTY –A Kansas man is going to prison for killing a man near a Kansas middle school.

On September 25, a judge sentenced 25-year-old Armando Javier Guerrero&nbsp; to 55 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for the shooting death of 21-year-old Landen Roggenkamp in March, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;Guerrero entered a guilty plea last month to the voluntary manslaughter charge.

On March 25, &nbsp;police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of East Mart-Way Circle in Olathe. The location is less than a quarter of a mile from Santa Fe Trail Middle School. 

First responders found Roggenkamp with multiple wounds, according to a statement from police. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was was pronounced deceased.

The Olathe Police Department took Guerrero into custody, and officers said they believed he and Roggenkamp knew each other.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743418050944.png" alt="GUERRERO photo Johnson COunty" />
 <figcaption>GUERRERO photo Johnson COunty</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY –A Kansas man is going to prison for killing a man near a Kansas middle school.On September 25, a judge sentenced 25-year-old Armando Javier Guerrero&nbsp; to 55 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for the shooting death of 21-year-old Landen Roggenkamp in March, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;Guerrero entered a guilty plea last month to the voluntary manslaughter charge.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759180422399.png" alt="Landen Roggenkamp -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Landen Roggenkamp -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>On March 25, &nbsp;police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of East Mart-Way Circle in Olathe. The location is less than a quarter of a mile from Santa Fe Trail Middle School. First responders found Roggenkamp with multiple wounds, according to a statement from police. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was was pronounced deceased.The Olathe Police Department took Guerrero into custody, and officers said they believed he and Roggenkamp knew each other.&nbsp;

Prison for the death of 21-year-old Kansas man

By:<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/author/ropshal/">Robin Opsahl</a> <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked the state license of Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts Monday following his detainment and arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Des Moines School Board was scheduled to meet Monday night to place Roberts on unpaid leave following the BOEE decision on<a href="https://iowaboee.my.site.com/LicenseSearchDetailPage?licenseId=0038y000008suVnAAI&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">&nbsp;Sunday</a>. The school board had met Saturday to put Roberts on paid administrative leave. A news release published Monday from the DMPS school district said the action to place Roberts on unpaid leave after this decision is required by law.

The school board meeting is one of the latest actions in response to Roberts’ detainment.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-arrests-criminal-alien-serving-des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-prior" target="_blank">According to ICE officials</a>, Roberts was approached by ICE agents in his vehicle during a “targeted enforcement operation” Friday. The agency reported Roberts was found in possession of a handgun, a hunting knife and $3,000 in cash. He then allegedly attempted to evade arrest, the ICE press release stated, and Iowa State Patrol officers assisted the federal agents in locating Roberts after his vehicle was found abandoned.

Roberts was given a “final order of removal by an immigration judge” in May 2024, according to ICE, after he had come to the U.S. in 1999 on a student visa.

There have been several questions about DMPS’ vetting process for Roberts. Officials with the school district have said they were unaware of the 2024 removal order or that Roberts may have misrepresented himself as a U.S. citizen, though school board president Jackie Norris said the district has not yet been able to independently verify much of the new information shared following his arrest.

School officials have confirmed Roberts completed the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted the required documentation showing he was eligible for employment with the district when hired. In a news release, officials also highlighted that Roberts’ license had been approved by the BOEE in July 2023 and that he had worked in education leadership positions in other U.S. states, including in California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, for more than 20 years.

At the Saturday board meeting, DMPS associate superintendent Matt Smith was appointed to serve as interim superintendent. On Sunday, Smith sent a letter addressed to families in the school district acknowledging the “difficult time” parents, educators and students in Des Moines schools are facing following the arrest and detention of Roberts. Smith said he was working with Norris, members of the DMPS executive cabinet and school leaders over the weekend to “to process and distribute factual information as it becomes available to us.”

“What we cannot lose focus on is our children,” Smith wrote. “Communities show their identity in times of crisis and the way we respond will make a difference in the lives of the children we love and serve. We all have strong feelings about what we are experiencing, and healthy expression of those feelings is appropriate. But we must remember to move with empathy and self-regulation and know that our children are watching.”

But others have criticized Des Moines school officials for hiring Roberts, who ICE alleged was arrested on a gun charge in Feb. 5, 2020. DMPS officials said they were informed of a firearms offense in 2022 and that Roberts had pleaded guilty to a charge related to having a loaded weapon in his vehicle while hunting. District officials said they were not informed of any other offenses.

The situation has drawn national attention and political fallout.

Samantha Cantrell, regional press secretary for the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm the National Republican Senate Committee criticized Norris, who is running for U.S. Senate in 2026, for hiring “an illegal alien with a rap sheet to be her Superintendent and work with children.”

“Jackie Norris has put every single Des Moines student and family in danger,” Cantrell said in a statement Friday. “Democrats will stop at nothing to protect criminal illegal aliens.”

Norris gave a statement on behalf of the school board Saturday saying she wanted to be clear “about one fact that cannot be ignored: of course, the school district ensured that a background check was conducted before hiring Dr. Roberts. That is done for every person who is hired by the district and periodic reviews are conducted on a regular basis for all current employees.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758925503158.png" alt="&nbsp;Ian Roberts in February 2020.- photo ICE" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Ian Roberts in February 2020.- photo ICE</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/author/ropshal/">Robin Opsahl</a> <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked the state license of Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts Monday following his detainment and arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.The Des Moines School Board was scheduled to meet Monday night to place Roberts on unpaid leave following the BOEE decision on<a href="https://iowaboee.my.site.com/LicenseSearchDetailPage?licenseId=0038y000008suVnAAI&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">&nbsp;Sunday</a>. The school board had met Saturday to put Roberts on paid administrative leave. A news release published Monday from the DMPS school district said the action to place Roberts on unpaid leave after this decision is required by law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758925645393.png" alt="-Roberts Photo from September 26, 2025- image ICE" />
 <figcaption>-Roberts Photo from September 26, 2025- image ICE</figcaption>
 </figure>The school board meeting is one of the latest actions in response to Roberts’ detainment.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-arrests-criminal-alien-serving-des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-prior" target="_blank">According to ICE officials</a>, Roberts was approached by ICE agents in his vehicle during a “targeted enforcement operation” Friday. The agency reported Roberts was found in possession of a handgun, a hunting knife and $3,000 in cash. He then allegedly attempted to evade arrest, the ICE press release stated, and Iowa State Patrol officers assisted the federal agents in locating Roberts after his vehicle was found abandoned.Roberts was given a “final order of removal by an immigration judge” in May 2024, according to ICE, after he had come to the U.S. in 1999 on a student visa.There have been several questions about DMPS’ vetting process for Roberts. Officials with the school district have said they were unaware of the 2024 removal order or that Roberts may have misrepresented himself as a U.S. citizen, though school board president Jackie Norris said the district has not yet been able to independently verify much of the new information shared following his arrest.School officials have confirmed Roberts completed the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted the required documentation showing he was eligible for employment with the district when hired. In a news release, officials also highlighted that Roberts’ license had been approved by the BOEE in July 2023 and that he had worked in education leadership positions in other U.S. states, including in California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, for more than 20 years.At the Saturday board meeting, DMPS associate superintendent Matt Smith was appointed to serve as interim superintendent. On Sunday, Smith sent a letter addressed to families in the school district acknowledging the “difficult time” parents, educators and students in Des Moines schools are facing following the arrest and detention of Roberts. Smith said he was working with Norris, members of the DMPS executive cabinet and school leaders over the weekend to “to process and distribute factual information as it becomes available to us.”“What we cannot lose focus on is our children,” Smith wrote. “Communities show their identity in times of crisis and the way we respond will make a difference in the lives of the children we love and serve. We all have strong feelings about what we are experiencing, and healthy expression of those feelings is appropriate. But we must remember to move with empathy and self-regulation and know that our children are watching.”But others have criticized Des Moines school officials for hiring Roberts, who ICE alleged was arrested on a gun charge in Feb. 5, 2020. DMPS officials said they were informed of a firearms offense in 2022 and that Roberts had pleaded guilty to a charge related to having a loaded weapon in his vehicle while hunting. District officials said they were not informed of any other offenses.The situation has drawn national attention and political fallout.Samantha Cantrell, regional press secretary for the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm the National Republican Senate Committee criticized Norris, who is running for U.S. Senate in 2026, for hiring “an illegal alien with a rap sheet to be her Superintendent and work with children.”“Jackie Norris has put every single Des Moines student and family in danger,” Cantrell said in a statement Friday. “Democrats will stop at nothing to protect criminal illegal aliens.”Norris gave a statement on behalf of the school board Saturday saying she wanted to be clear “about one fact that cannot be ignored: of course, the school district ensured that a background check was conducted before hiring Dr. Roberts. That is done for every person who is hired by the district and periodic reviews are conducted on a regular basis for all current employees.”

  State revokes Des Moines superintendent license after ICE arrest

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fort Hays State University released a statement following the posting of comments by an assistant professor on Facebook.

Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, said in a <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk.

"Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said.

Cason commended the FHSU College Republicans, Young Democrats and American Democracy Project for their efforts to engage with the campus in meaningful dialogue.

Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it.

On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted the following:

The X account Libs of TikTok shared the screenshot Sunday, tagging the FHSU X page and asking for comment. The post said Chance called Kirk’s killing “karma” and described white American men as “dangerous animals.”

The post also featured the following screenshot from Chance’s personal Facebook account, which is no longer publicly accessible.\

Before making her profile private, Chance responded to the Libs of TikTok posts with a post that read, “Cry me a river.”

The post from Libs of TikTok, which has more than 4.4 million followers on X, also directed users to unrelated FHSU posts, where they left comments about Chance and her remarks on social media.

Chance's work email and phone number were also included in the post. Hays Post reached out to Chance for comment, but she declined to comment until "this all blows over."

Libs of TikTok is a right-wing social media account that curates and reposts videos of LGBTQ+ individuals, educators and health care providers and is designed to provoke outrage among conservative followers.

On Sept. 16, the FHSU American Democracy Project, Student Government Association, College Republicans and Young Democrats hosted a student discussion on political violence in America, which Hays Post was not permitted to attend.

The American Democracy Project also hosted an event to discuss the Constitution and the ideological motivations and influences of its framing, the same week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759180614227.png" alt="Charlie Kirk -courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Kirk -courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFort Hays State University released a statement following the posting of comments by an assistant professor on Facebook.Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, said in a <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk."Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said.Cason commended the FHSU College Republicans, Young Democrats and American Democracy Project for their efforts to engage with the campus in meaningful dialogue.Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it.On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted the following:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759177549706.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759182814757.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The X account Libs of TikTok shared the screenshot Sunday, tagging the FHSU X page and asking for comment. The post said Chance called Kirk’s killing “karma” and described white American men as “dangerous animals.”The post also featured the following screenshot from Chance’s personal Facebook account, which is no longer publicly accessible.\<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759177637900.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Before making her profile private, Chance responded to the Libs of TikTok posts with a post that read, “Cry me a river.”The post from Libs of TikTok, which has more than 4.4 million followers on X, also directed users to unrelated FHSU posts, where they left comments about Chance and her remarks on social media.Chance's work email and phone number were also included in the post. Hays Post reached out to Chance for comment, but she declined to comment until "this all blows over."Libs of TikTok is a right-wing social media account that curates and reposts videos of LGBTQ+ individuals, educators and health care providers and is designed to provoke outrage among conservative followers.On Sept. 16, the FHSU American Democracy Project, Student Government Association, College Republicans and Young Democrats hosted a student discussion on political violence in America, which Hays Post was not permitted to attend.The American Democracy Project also hosted an event to discuss the Constitution and the ideological motivations and influences of its framing, the same week.

Fort Hays State professor under review for posts about Charlie Kirk

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759179453157.jpeg" alt="Vice President JD Vance and other GOP leaders spoke to reporters after the unsuccessful meeting on Monday-photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>Vice President JD Vance and other GOP leaders spoke to reporters after the unsuccessful meeting on Monday-photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Just left the White House meeting with Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans. This fight is about the healthcare of the American people. <a href="https://t.co/q0HALCVKhq">pic.twitter.com/q0HALCVKhq</a>&mdash; Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJeffries/status/1972773826875556098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SCHUMER: &quot;We have very large differences on health care...&quot; Yes, Democrats want taxpayers to fund free health care for illegals and Republicans do not. <a href="https://t.co/ZkA9HaJEBX">pic.twitter.com/ZkA9HaJEBX</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972763437567816170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>: Democrats want a $1.5 TRILLION spending package that funded free health care for illegals. We told them that was absurd — and now they&#39;re willing to shut down the government over it. It&#39;s unacceptable. <a href="https://t.co/B8aUN9cp4i">pic.twitter.com/B8aUN9cp4i</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972765852484391095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a>: &quot;During the Biden Administration, there were 13 threatened shutdowns. The Republicans, in the minority, did the right thing — we kept the government open. We&#39;re simply asking for the Democrats to do the same.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/PqPKlOGjN4">pic.twitter.com/PqPKlOGjN4</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972766650626920751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeaderJohnThune</a> on the Democrats pulling America towards a government shutdown over their partisan demands: &quot;This is a hijacking of the American people — and it&#39;s the American people that are going to pay the price.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/GvHzHgEKMk">pic.twitter.com/GvHzHgEKMk</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972767146515337390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/WHOMB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHOMB</a> Director <a href="https://twitter.com/russvought?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@russvought</a>: This can all be avoided if Democrats accept the reasonable position, which the House has already passed — a short term Continuing Resolution. Democrats&#39; $1.5 TRILLION demand is hostage taking and it&#39;s unacceptable. <a href="https://t.co/MjRuTLayhj">pic.twitter.com/MjRuTLayhj</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972767237678526903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Vice President: “I think we’re headed into a government shutdown 

President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict:

1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.



2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.



3. If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.



4. Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.



5. Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1700 Gazans who were detained after October 7th 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.



6. Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.



7. Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.



8. Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025 agreement.



9. Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump’s peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.



10. A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.



11. A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.



12. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.



13. Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.



14. A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.



15. The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.



16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the Unites States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.



17. In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.



18. An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.



19. While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.



20. The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759172560666.png" alt="President Trump and the Prime Minister of Israel during a White House&nbsp; press conference on Monday-photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and the Prime Minister of Israel during a White House&nbsp; press conference on Monday-photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;To ensure the success of this effort, my plan calls for a new international oversight body — the Board of Peace... which will be headed, not at my request... by a gentleman known as President Donald J. Trump of the United States.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/h0nFKR3JJA">pic.twitter.com/h0nFKR3JJA</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972734222315184529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict:

1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759172020282.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>
2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.

3. If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.

4. Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.

5. Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1700 Gazans who were detained after October 7th 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.

6. Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.

7. Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.

8. Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025 agreement.

9. Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump’s peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.

10. A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.

11. A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.

12. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.

13. Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.

14. A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.

15. The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.

16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the Unites States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.

17. In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.

18. An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.

19. While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.

20. The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.

Read President Trump’s 'Eternal Peace Plan' to end the Gaza conflict

&nbsp;Children’s Mercy hosted a topping off ceremony last week for families, team members and community leaders to celebrate the expansion of their multi-specialty clinic, that has been a cornerstone for families in Wichita since 2012.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;new 18,000 square foot standalone facility&nbsp;will be designed to&nbsp;optimize&nbsp;space, foster&nbsp;collaboration&nbsp;and allow for expanded services, according to Lisa Augustine Sr. Manager, Media Relations

On track to open&nbsp;in the summer of 2026, Children’s Mercy Wichita will have 16 in-person providers in 11 specialties, 30 exam rooms,&nbsp;and an&nbsp;on-site&nbsp;lab&nbsp;and imaging.

Amy Fallon, MPH, PhD, President of Regional&nbsp;Operations,&nbsp;shared&nbsp;what it means to bring&nbsp;the renowned Children’s Mercy&nbsp;“built for kids”&nbsp;experience to the families&nbsp;of&nbsp;south central&nbsp;Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This expansion will help address the growing needs of the community and serve more than 10,000 pediatric patients in the region.&nbsp;It means shorter travel times, faster access to specialists, and care&nbsp;that’s&nbsp;delivered with compassion and&nbsp;understanding,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Amy.&nbsp;“Every detail of our care — from the size of the equipment to the tone of our conversations — is designed with children in mind. We are excited to bring more to the families of Wichita.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Event attendees inscribed the ceremonial beam with their names and messages of gratitude for the future of children in south central Kansas. It was more than a construction milestone. It symbolizes the region coming together to build something extraordinary for its youngest members.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The expansion deeply resonates with Ruse Brown, a father and lead donor, who shared his family’s journey with Children’s Mercy in Wichita and Kansas City. Ruse shared the life-changing impact Children’s Mercy had on his two children, Nora and Bennett, and explained how relieved he is that families are now able to receive world-class care close to home. “Not having to spend days in Kansas City worried about a hotel or taking time off work, but to have specialists in our backyard is amazing,” Ruse said. “We’ve seen team members walking the halls that treated our kids and still remember our kids’ names. This speaks to the quality of the organization and that kids aren’t just a patient or a chart — it’s truly family care.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mary Ann Queen, MD, FAAP, Vice President and Associate Chief Medical Officer for Regional and Outreach Services, has been part of the Wichita clinic from day one and reflected on its growth. “Children’s Mercy has been in this market since 2012&nbsp;providing world-class pediatric care in more than 30 specialty clinics, including Cardiology, Endocrinology and Nephrology,” Dr. Queen&nbsp;said. “We’re thrilled to expand our ability to deliver exceptional clinical care to more children and families in the region.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ale Quiroga, MD, MBA, President and CEO, closed the event with an inspirational reflection of what the beam means for the Wichita community and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Children’s Mercy is built for kids,”&nbsp;said Ale. “We’re not just building a clinic — we’re building brighter futures. With this single beam, we are bringing care closer to home for Wichita patients and families.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759173104194.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Children's Mercy" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Children's Mercy</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Children’s Mercy hosted a topping off ceremony last week for families, team members and community leaders to celebrate the expansion of their multi-specialty clinic, that has been a cornerstone for families in Wichita since 2012.&nbsp;The&nbsp;new 18,000 square foot standalone facility&nbsp;will be designed to&nbsp;optimize&nbsp;space, foster&nbsp;collaboration&nbsp;and allow for expanded services, according to Lisa Augustine Sr. Manager, Media RelationsOn track to open&nbsp;in the summer of 2026, Children’s Mercy Wichita will have 16 in-person providers in 11 specialties, 30 exam rooms,&nbsp;and an&nbsp;on-site&nbsp;lab&nbsp;and imaging.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759173184727.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Children's Mercy" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Children's Mercy</figcaption>
 </figure>Amy Fallon, MPH, PhD, President of Regional&nbsp;Operations,&nbsp;shared&nbsp;what it means to bring&nbsp;the renowned Children’s Mercy&nbsp;“built for kids”&nbsp;experience to the families&nbsp;of&nbsp;south central&nbsp;Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“This expansion will help address the growing needs of the community and serve more than 10,000 pediatric patients in the region.&nbsp;It means shorter travel times, faster access to specialists, and care&nbsp;that’s&nbsp;delivered with compassion and&nbsp;understanding,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Amy.&nbsp;“Every detail of our care — from the size of the equipment to the tone of our conversations — is designed with children in mind. We are excited to bring more to the families of Wichita.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Event attendees inscribed the ceremonial beam with their names and messages of gratitude for the future of children in south central Kansas. It was more than a construction milestone. It symbolizes the region coming together to build something extraordinary for its youngest members.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The expansion deeply resonates with Ruse Brown, a father and lead donor, who shared his family’s journey with Children’s Mercy in Wichita and Kansas City. Ruse shared the life-changing impact Children’s Mercy had on his two children, Nora and Bennett, and explained how relieved he is that families are now able to receive world-class care close to home. “Not having to spend days in Kansas City worried about a hotel or taking time off work, but to have specialists in our backyard is amazing,” Ruse said. “We’ve seen team members walking the halls that treated our kids and still remember our kids’ names. This speaks to the quality of the organization and that kids aren’t just a patient or a chart — it’s truly family care.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Mary Ann Queen, MD, FAAP, Vice President and Associate Chief Medical Officer for Regional and Outreach Services, has been part of the Wichita clinic from day one and reflected on its growth. “Children’s Mercy has been in this market since 2012&nbsp;providing world-class pediatric care in more than 30 specialty clinics, including Cardiology, Endocrinology and Nephrology,” Dr. Queen&nbsp;said. “We’re thrilled to expand our ability to deliver exceptional clinical care to more children and families in the region.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Ale Quiroga, MD, MBA, President and CEO, closed the event with an inspirational reflection of what the beam means for the Wichita community and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Children’s Mercy is built for kids,”&nbsp;said Ale. “We’re not just building a clinic — we’re building brighter futures. With this single beam, we are bringing care closer to home for Wichita patients and families.”

Children's Mercy celebrates expansion of Kansas clinic

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>r

TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court sided Friday with a woman who lost a job offer when she refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine, rejecting the employer’s arguments that federal law supersedes a state law restriction on questioning the sincerity of religious beliefs.

Katlin Keeran, an occupational therapist who lived in Johnson County, initially cited concerns about the use of fetal cells in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. But under questioning by Powerback Rehabilitation, she said she had previously gotten the flu vaccine but didn’t want to get the COVID-19 vaccine because “I am not familiar with it.” The company rescinded its employment offer.

Keeran filed a complaint with the Kansas Department of Labor, saying the company violated a law passed by the Legislature during a 2021 special session that allowed individuals to opt out of a federal vaccine mandate and made it illegal for employers to question the sincerity of religious beliefs.

Because Powerback receives Medicare and Medicaid funding, it was subject to the vaccine mandate as a condition for receiving those dollars. Federal law empowers employers to question the sincerity of a religious belief.

Powerback argued it was impossible to comply with both federal and state laws, and that federal law should prevail.

Justice Caleb Stegall, who was appointed by Gov. Sam Brownback, wrote the opinion for a 4-2 majority. He said the company’s argument was “simple and alluring at first blush” but “incorporates a deft sleight-of-hand.”

Federal law allows, but doesn’t require, an inquiry, Stegall wrote, and the state has an interest in preserving religious liberty.

“Prohibiting an inquiry by an employer into the sincerity of a religious belief is clearly rationally related to protecting cherished liberty interests,” Stegall wrote.

The court reversed a Johnson County District Court ruling that found the state law unconstitutional.

Justice Melissa Standridge, who was appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly, wrote a dissent that was joined by Justice Eric Rosen, who was appointed&nbsp; by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Standridge wrote that Kansas law “stands as an obstacle” to federal objectives. An employer should be justified, she wrote, in seeking supporting information about an prospective employee’s religious accommodation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759168436822.png" alt=" Kansas Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall authored an opinion in favor of a woman who was denied an employment opportunity because she refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine. (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall authored an opinion in favor of a woman who was denied an employment opportunity because she refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine. (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>rTOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court sided Friday with a woman who lost a job offer when she refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine, rejecting the employer’s arguments that federal law supersedes a state law restriction on questioning the sincerity of religious beliefs.Katlin Keeran, an occupational therapist who lived in Johnson County, initially cited concerns about the use of fetal cells in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. But under questioning by Powerback Rehabilitation, she said she had previously gotten the flu vaccine but didn’t want to get the COVID-19 vaccine because “I am not familiar with it.” The company rescinded its employment offer.Keeran filed a complaint with the Kansas Department of Labor, saying the company violated a law passed by the Legislature during a 2021 special session that allowed individuals to opt out of a federal vaccine mandate and made it illegal for employers to question the sincerity of religious beliefs.Because Powerback receives Medicare and Medicaid funding, it was subject to the vaccine mandate as a condition for receiving those dollars. Federal law empowers employers to question the sincerity of a religious belief.Powerback argued it was impossible to comply with both federal and state laws, and that federal law should prevail.Justice Caleb Stegall, who was appointed by Gov. Sam Brownback, wrote the opinion for a 4-2 majority. He said the company’s argument was “simple and alluring at first blush” but “incorporates a deft sleight-of-hand.”Federal law allows, but doesn’t require, an inquiry, Stegall wrote, and the state has an interest in preserving religious liberty.“Prohibiting an inquiry by an employer into the sincerity of a religious belief is clearly rationally related to protecting cherished liberty interests,” Stegall wrote.The court reversed a Johnson County District Court ruling that found the state law unconstitutional.Justice Melissa Standridge, who was appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly, wrote a dissent that was joined by Justice Eric Rosen, who was appointed&nbsp; by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.Standridge wrote that Kansas law “stands as an obstacle” to federal objectives. An employer should be justified, she wrote, in seeking supporting information about an prospective employee’s religious accommodation.

Kan. Supreme Court sides with woman who lost job offer after she refused COVID-19 vaccine

ELLIS COUNTY—The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues their investigation of the shooting on Sunday that killed a police officer in Hays.

On Monday, the City of Hays confirmed the tragic loss of Hays Police Department Sgt. Scott Heimann, according to a statement from the city. He served Hays with honor, courage, and dedication since 2016.

Heimann was killed in the line of duty while responding to a barricaded subject incident.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, just before midnight, Hays Police Department (HPD) received a 911 call indicating a woman had escaped a domestic violence incident at a residence in the 2000 block of E. 21st Street in Hays, according to a media release from the KBI.

The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle. She ran to a nearby home to call for help.

Preliminary information indicates that Sept. 28, at approximately 1:55 a.m., officers from HPD and a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were setting up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing Street. A single shot was fired from inside the house, and the round struck Police Sgt. Heimann

Officers immediately performed life-saving measures.&nbsp;Heimann was then transported via air to a regional hospital. Despite efforts, he died from his injuries, just after 4 a.m.

The HPD Special Situation Response Team, the KHP Special Response Team, and the KBI High Risk Warrant Team responded to the residence where Wickham had barricaded. The teams negotiated with the suspect. Gas munitions, projectiles intended to break windows, and a surveillance drone were deployed into the residence during the standoff. No law enforcement officers fired their duty weapons throughout the incident.

At approximately, 6:15 a.m., tactical teams entered the house and found Wickham deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

As a city, we mourn together. We will remember Scott not only for how he served, but for who he was: a dedicated professional who served our city with unwavering commitment, integrity, and bravery. We ask the community to keep Scott’s loved ones in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

“The City Commission extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen officer,” said Mayor Sandy Jacobs. “His service and sacrifice in protecting our community will never be forgotten. We stand united with our Police Department and with the entire community as we navigate this difficult time. We ask everyone to keep all those affected in their thoughts and prayers."

“Today we are tragically reminded that Police Officers serve and protect their communities putting the lives of others above their own,” said Police Chief Don Scheibler. “Sgt. Scott Heimann gave his life in this service exemplifying dedication to the community and the safety of others.”

“Our department, and community alike, will greatly miss his involvement, professionalism, and positive impact in the City of Hays. I hope the community recognizes the service of Sgt. Heimann and takes this moment to honor his service.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759157806286.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Department Sgt. Scott Heimann" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Department Sgt. Scott Heimann</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY—The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues their investigation of the shooting on Sunday that killed a police officer in Hays.On Monday, the City of Hays confirmed the tragic loss of Hays Police Department Sgt. Scott Heimann, according to a statement from the city. He served Hays with honor, courage, and dedication since 2016.Heimann was killed in the line of duty while responding to a barricaded subject incident.On Saturday, Sept. 27, just before midnight, Hays Police Department (HPD) received a 911 call indicating a woman had escaped a domestic violence incident at a residence in the 2000 block of E. 21st Street in Hays, according to a media release from the KBI.The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle. She ran to a nearby home to call for help.Preliminary information indicates that Sept. 28, at approximately 1:55 a.m., officers from HPD and a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were setting up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing Street. A single shot was fired from inside the house, and the round struck Police Sgt. HeimannOfficers immediately performed life-saving measures.&nbsp;Heimann was then transported via air to a regional hospital. Despite efforts, he died from his injuries, just after 4 a.m.The HPD Special Situation Response Team, the KHP Special Response Team, and the KBI High Risk Warrant Team responded to the residence where Wickham had barricaded. The teams negotiated with the suspect. Gas munitions, projectiles intended to break windows, and a surveillance drone were deployed into the residence during the standoff. No law enforcement officers fired their duty weapons throughout the incident.At approximately, 6:15 a.m., tactical teams entered the house and found Wickham deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.As a city, we mourn together. We will remember Scott not only for how he served, but for who he was: a dedicated professional who served our city with unwavering commitment, integrity, and bravery. We ask the community to keep Scott’s loved ones in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.“The City Commission extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen officer,” said Mayor Sandy Jacobs. “His service and sacrifice in protecting our community will never be forgotten. We stand united with our Police Department and with the entire community as we navigate this difficult time. We ask everyone to keep all those affected in their thoughts and prayers."“Today we are tragically reminded that Police Officers serve and protect their communities putting the lives of others above their own,” said Police Chief Don Scheibler. “Sgt. Scott Heimann gave his life in this service exemplifying dedication to the community and the safety of others.”“Our department, and community alike, will greatly miss his involvement, professionalism, and positive impact in the City of Hays. I hope the community recognizes the service of Sgt. Heimann and takes this moment to honor his service.”

City releases name of Kan. Police Sgt. killed in weekend shooting

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

Just before 2a.m. Monday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 1600 block of Drury Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

People on scene flagged down officers and reported&nbsp; someone was shot. Officers located a man lying in a grassy area near the intersection unresponsive and suffering from unknown bodily trauma. 

They immediately began rendering medical aid until EMS responded and pronounced the victim deceased.&nbsp;

Detectives are investigating this as a homicide, according to Gonzalez. Police have not reported suspect details or released the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just before 2a.m. Monday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 1600 block of Drury Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.People on scene flagged down officers and reported&nbsp; someone was shot. Officers located a man lying in a grassy area near the intersection unresponsive and suffering from unknown bodily trauma. They immediately began rendering medical aid until EMS responded and pronounced the victim deceased.&nbsp;Detectives are investigating this as a homicide, according to Gonzalez. Police have not reported suspect details or released the name of the victim.

KCPD: Homicide victim found in grass near intersection

The rarely used maneuver in the U.S. House will get its 218th signature — enough to force a vote — when a new member from Arizona is sworn in. Of Missouri’s six Republicans, only Rep. Mark Alford has said he will vote for the bill if it comes to the floor

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The last signature needed to force a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to release files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein will arrive in Washington this week, but most Republican members of the Missouri delegation are silent on how they will vote.

On Tuesday, voters in Arizona&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/09/24/adelita-grijalva-wins-special-election-becoming-first-arizona-latina-in-congress/" target="_blank">elected Adelita Grijvala</a>&nbsp;to Congress to fill a seat vacant following the death of her father, Raúl Grijalva. Both Grijvala, a Democrat, and her Republican opponent had said they would sign a&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/DischargePetition/2025090209" target="_blank">discharge petition</a>&nbsp;to force the House vote.

The petition needs 218 signatures — a majority of the House — to bring a resolution sponsored by U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2025/09/24/massie-says-he-has-the-votes-needed-to-force-u-s-house-vote-on-releasing-epstein-files/" target="_blank">Rep. Thomas Massie</a>, a Kentucky Republican, to the floor. The resolution would lead to a vote on a bill requiring the Department of Justice to “publicly disclose all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in its possession that relate to Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell,” Epstein’s longtime associate now being&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd049y2qymo" target="_blank">held in federal prison</a>.

So far the petition, which Massie co-sponsored with U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, has 217 signatures — every Democrat in the House, including U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City and Wesley Bell of St. Louis — and four Republicans.

Only U.S. Rep. Mark Alford of Raymore among Missouri’s six Republicans told The Independent how he would vote for the measure if it makes it to the House floor. While he opposes the discharge petition, he said, if the bill it seeks to advance comes up for a vote, he will support it.

“The Epstein case has cast a long shadow over our institutions, fueling distrust among Americans,” Alford said in a statement sent by email. “By releasing the files, we can begin to ensure justice for the victims and restore faith in our criminal justice system. Transparency is not a partisan issue; it’s a moral one.”

Alford said he was opposed to the discharge petition because it doesn’t allow for measured consideration of legislation.

“The discharge petition process bypasses regular order, skips the committee process, and prevents the people’s elected representatives from having a say until an up or down floor vote—that’s wrong and is not how our legislature should operate,” Alford said.

The only other Republican member of the Missouri delegation to respond to an inquiry about the discharge petition was U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner of Ballwin. Her emailed statement did not say whether she would vote for the measure if it reaches the floor or why she had not signed the petition.

“As I have strongly stated previously, Jeffrey Epstein was evil and I hope he rots in hell for what he did to so many innocent children,” Wagner said. “I have called for total transparency, to the extent the courts will allow, and ensuring victims are always protected.”

Wagner said she has voted in favor of investigations by the House Oversight Committee and that has already resulted in the release of thousands of documents.

“Any criminal activity must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Wagner said.

Seven days after the 218th signature is recorded on the discharge petition, any member who signed can call for House Speaker Mike Johnson to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45920" target="_blank">schedule a vote</a>&nbsp;on the petition, which must come within two days.

The tumult over releasing records related to the Epstein investigation has created&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/24/repub/tumult-over-epstein-files-dogs-trump-derails-business-on-capitol-hill/">turmoil in Congress all summer</a>. His death in 2019 in a New York City jail cell while awaiting trial on federal charges for sex trafficking minors has become the focus of many of the questions surrounding the case.

In 2007, a plea deal with then-federal prosecutor Alexander Acosta, who went on to be secretary of labor in the first Trump administration, ended an FBI investigation into Epstein. He was accused,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article220097825.html" target="_blank">the Miami Herald reported in 2018</a>, “of assembling a large, cult-like network of underage girls — with the help of young female recruiters — to coerce into having sex acts behind the walls of his opulent waterfront mansion.”

Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 in Florida for procuring and soliciting minors for sex, and served about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wral.com/story/fact-check-did-jeffrey-epstein-get-a-sweetheart-plea-deal-from-the-obama-administration/22120008/" target="_blank">13 months in jail under a work release arrangement</a>.

President Donald Trump and his supporters, including some now working in his administration, dealt in conspiracy theories for years on the information surrounding the Epstein case, including whose names turned up during the investigation and the circumstances of his death.

The clamor for more transparency in the case, especially about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/see-epsteins-full-birthday-book-with-alleged-personal-messages-from-trump-clinton-and-others" target="_blank">Trump’s friendship with Epstein</a>, has resulted in various attempts by Republican leaders in Congress to keep a lid on rebellious members.

In July, Johnson, the house speaker,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/22/repub/us-house-gop-leaving-for-august-break-early-to-avoid-pressure-to-release-epstein-files/">sent members home early</a>&nbsp;for their August break because of the pressure to release the files.&nbsp;

And at home in Kentucky, Massie told reporters he and the other three Republicans who signed the discharge petition are being pressured to remove their names following the election of Grijvala.

Johnson and “some of the powers that be in DC are in full panic right now” about it, Massie said, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.semafor.com/article/09/24/2025/massie-republican-leaders-threatened-supporters-of-push-to-release-epstein-files" target="_blank">reporting by Semafor.</a>

The other Republicans who have signed are U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.

“They asked some of my colleagues who are co-signers,” Massie said. “And they actually threatened them politically, not physically.”

Among the Missouri delegation, The Independent did not receive responses from the offices of U.S. Reps. Sam Graves of Tarkio, Jason Smith of Cape Girardeau, Bob Onder of Lake St. Louis or Eric Burlison of Springfield.

The Independent could not find any sources for statements by Graves at any time on the Epstein files.&nbsp;

Smith, in a statement&nbsp;<a href="https://krcgtv.com/news/local/house-speaker-adjourns-early-to-avoid-epstein-files-vote" target="_blank">reported by KRCG</a>&nbsp;in July, said more documents should be unsealed.

“The more transparency we can have the better,” Smith said.

In a July panel discussion on right-wing news outlet&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RealAmVoice/status/1945096168318345524" target="_blank">Real America’s Voice</a>, Onder said the delays in releasing full details of the Epstein investigation are a symptom of “this idea that ‘deep state’ insiders control the levers of power.”&nbsp;

Epstein used influence to escape justice, Onder said.

“I think it’s very much the question of whether, if you’re wealthy enough, powerful enough, well-connected enough, you can get away with anything,” Onder said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein photo New York Sex Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein photo New York Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The rarely used maneuver in the U.S. House will get its 218th signature — enough to force a vote — when a new member from Arizona is sworn in. Of Missouri’s six Republicans, only Rep. Mark Alford has said he will vote for the bill if it comes to the floor</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The last signature needed to force a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to release files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein will arrive in Washington this week, but most Republican members of the Missouri delegation are silent on how they will vote.On Tuesday, voters in Arizona&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/09/24/adelita-grijalva-wins-special-election-becoming-first-arizona-latina-in-congress/" target="_blank">elected Adelita Grijvala</a>&nbsp;to Congress to fill a seat vacant following the death of her father, Raúl Grijalva. Both Grijvala, a Democrat, and her Republican opponent had said they would sign a&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/DischargePetition/2025090209" target="_blank">discharge petition</a>&nbsp;to force the House vote.The petition needs 218 signatures — a majority of the House — to bring a resolution sponsored by U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2025/09/24/massie-says-he-has-the-votes-needed-to-force-u-s-house-vote-on-releasing-epstein-files/" target="_blank">Rep. Thomas Massie</a>, a Kentucky Republican, to the floor. The resolution would lead to a vote on a bill requiring the Department of Justice to “publicly disclose all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in its possession that relate to Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell,” Epstein’s longtime associate now being&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd049y2qymo" target="_blank">held in federal prison</a>.So far the petition, which Massie co-sponsored with U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, has 217 signatures — every Democrat in the House, including U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City and Wesley Bell of St. Louis — and four Republicans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759151268441.png" alt="Rep. Mark Alford, right, introduces himself to Douglas Walther, left, before the town hall on Wednesday at the Lions Club in Harrisburg. An NPR tally reported that around 37 of the 219 U.S. House Republicans held town halls during the August recess (Aiyana Massie/Missourian)." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Mark Alford, right, introduces himself to Douglas Walther, left, before the town hall on Wednesday at the Lions Club in Harrisburg. An NPR tally reported that around 37 of the 219 U.S. House Republicans held town halls during the August recess (Aiyana Massie/Missourian).</figcaption>
 </figure>Only U.S. Rep. Mark Alford of Raymore among Missouri’s six Republicans told The Independent how he would vote for the measure if it makes it to the House floor. While he opposes the discharge petition, he said, if the bill it seeks to advance comes up for a vote, he will support it.“The Epstein case has cast a long shadow over our institutions, fueling distrust among Americans,” Alford said in a statement sent by email. “By releasing the files, we can begin to ensure justice for the victims and restore faith in our criminal justice system. Transparency is not a partisan issue; it’s a moral one.”Alford said he was opposed to the discharge petition because it doesn’t allow for measured consideration of legislation.“The discharge petition process bypasses regular order, skips the committee process, and prevents the people’s elected representatives from having a say until an up or down floor vote—that’s wrong and is not how our legislature should operate,” Alford said.The only other Republican member of the Missouri delegation to respond to an inquiry about the discharge petition was U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner of Ballwin. Her emailed statement did not say whether she would vote for the measure if it reaches the floor or why she had not signed the petition.“As I have strongly stated previously, Jeffrey Epstein was evil and I hope he rots in hell for what he did to so many innocent children,” Wagner said. “I have called for total transparency, to the extent the courts will allow, and ensuring victims are always protected.”Wagner said she has voted in favor of investigations by the House Oversight Committee and that has already resulted in the release of thousands of documents.“Any criminal activity must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Wagner said.Seven days after the 218th signature is recorded on the discharge petition, any member who signed can call for House Speaker Mike Johnson to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45920" target="_blank">schedule a vote</a>&nbsp;on the petition, which must come within two days.The tumult over releasing records related to the Epstein investigation has created&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/24/repub/tumult-over-epstein-files-dogs-trump-derails-business-on-capitol-hill/">turmoil in Congress all summer</a>. His death in 2019 in a New York City jail cell while awaiting trial on federal charges for sex trafficking minors has become the focus of many of the questions surrounding the case.In 2007, a plea deal with then-federal prosecutor Alexander Acosta, who went on to be secretary of labor in the first Trump administration, ended an FBI investigation into Epstein. He was accused,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article220097825.html" target="_blank">the Miami Herald reported in 2018</a>, “of assembling a large, cult-like network of underage girls — with the help of young female recruiters — to coerce into having sex acts behind the walls of his opulent waterfront mansion.”Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 in Florida for procuring and soliciting minors for sex, and served about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wral.com/story/fact-check-did-jeffrey-epstein-get-a-sweetheart-plea-deal-from-the-obama-administration/22120008/" target="_blank">13 months in jail under a work release arrangement</a>.President Donald Trump and his supporters, including some now working in his administration, dealt in conspiracy theories for years on the information surrounding the Epstein case, including whose names turned up during the investigation and the circumstances of his death.The clamor for more transparency in the case, especially about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/see-epsteins-full-birthday-book-with-alleged-personal-messages-from-trump-clinton-and-others" target="_blank">Trump’s friendship with Epstein</a>, has resulted in various attempts by Republican leaders in Congress to keep a lid on rebellious members.In July, Johnson, the house speaker,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/22/repub/us-house-gop-leaving-for-august-break-early-to-avoid-pressure-to-release-epstein-files/">sent members home early</a>&nbsp;for their August break because of the pressure to release the files.&nbsp;And at home in Kentucky, Massie told reporters he and the other three Republicans who signed the discharge petition are being pressured to remove their names following the election of Grijvala.Johnson and “some of the powers that be in DC are in full panic right now” about it, Massie said, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.semafor.com/article/09/24/2025/massie-republican-leaders-threatened-supporters-of-push-to-release-epstein-files" target="_blank">reporting by Semafor.</a>The other Republicans who have signed are U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.“They asked some of my colleagues who are co-signers,” Massie said. “And they actually threatened them politically, not physically.”Among the Missouri delegation, The Independent did not receive responses from the offices of U.S. Reps. Sam Graves of Tarkio, Jason Smith of Cape Girardeau, Bob Onder of Lake St. Louis or Eric Burlison of Springfield.The Independent could not find any sources for statements by Graves at any time on the Epstein files.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759151047790.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, in May 2021 outside Trump Tower in New York after visiting with former President Donald Trump about Missouri issues. (Photo from Jason Smith Twitter account)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, in May 2021 outside Trump Tower in New York after visiting with former President Donald Trump about Missouri issues. (Photo from Jason Smith Twitter account)</figcaption>
 </figure>Smith, in a statement&nbsp;<a href="https://krcgtv.com/news/local/house-speaker-adjourns-early-to-avoid-epstein-files-vote" target="_blank">reported by KRCG</a>&nbsp;in July, said more documents should be unsealed.“The more transparency we can have the better,” Smith said.In a July panel discussion on right-wing news outlet&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RealAmVoice/status/1945096168318345524" target="_blank">Real America’s Voice</a>, Onder said the delays in releasing full details of the Epstein investigation are a symptom of “this idea that ‘deep state’ insiders control the levers of power.”&nbsp;Epstein used influence to escape justice, Onder said.“I think it’s very much the question of whether, if you’re wealthy enough, powerful enough, well-connected enough, you can get away with anything,” Onder said.

Missouri’s Republican members of Congress mostly mum on Epstein discharge petition

WASHINGTON, September 27, 2025 –&nbsp;The Hillshire Brands Company, a Haltom City, Tex. establishment, is recalling approximately 58,000,000 pounds of corn dog and sausage on a stick products that may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically pieces of wood embedded in the batter, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on their web site.

The corn dog and sausage on a stick products were packaged between March 17, 2025, and September 26, 2025. A list of the products subject to recall can be found here: [<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/recall-030-2025-product-list.pdf">view product list</a>]. The labels for the impacted products can be found here: [<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2025-09/recall-030-2025-labels.pdf">view labels</a>].

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST-582” or “P-894” printed on the packaging. These items were sold online and shipped to retail and food service locations nationwide. They were also sold to school districts and Department of Defense facilities nationwide. While the products were distributed to schools, it resulted from commercial sales and not part of food provided by the USDA for the National School Lunch Program.

The problem was discovered after the establishment received multiple consumer complaints, five of which involved injuries. The Hillshire Brands Company conducted an investigation and determined that the wooden sticks entered the production process prior to product battering. FSIS has received no additional reports of injury from consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators and freezers, along with school and institution refrigerators and freezers. Consumers, schools, and institutions who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls">www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls</a>.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Christina Self, The Hillshire Brands Company Associate Director of Customer Care, at 888-747-7611. Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact MaKenzie Taylor, The Hillshire Brands Company Communications Manager, at 810-391-6680.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:MPHotline@usda.gov">MPHotline@usda.gov</a>. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffoodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov%2FeCCF%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CMelissa.Cordell%40usda.gov%7C2ffd2d584176447889ea08dbb48bd749%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638302284933732023%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Jx%2BVgXbvTA0YVfEYBwKrSu9MQne%2BUQZ3bT04yRxlrAI%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759092364076.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, September 27, 2025 –&nbsp;The Hillshire Brands Company, a Haltom City, Tex. establishment, is recalling approximately 58,000,000 pounds of corn dog and sausage on a stick products that may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically pieces of wood embedded in the batter, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on their web site.The corn dog and sausage on a stick products were packaged between March 17, 2025, and September 26, 2025. A list of the products subject to recall can be found here: [<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/recall-030-2025-product-list.pdf">view product list</a>]. The labels for the impacted products can be found here: [<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2025-09/recall-030-2025-labels.pdf">view labels</a>].The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST-582” or “P-894” printed on the packaging. These items were sold online and shipped to retail and food service locations nationwide. They were also sold to school districts and Department of Defense facilities nationwide. While the products were distributed to schools, it resulted from commercial sales and not part of food provided by the USDA for the National School Lunch Program.The problem was discovered after the establishment received multiple consumer complaints, five of which involved injuries. The Hillshire Brands Company conducted an investigation and determined that the wooden sticks entered the production process prior to product battering. FSIS has received no additional reports of injury from consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider.FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators and freezers, along with school and institution refrigerators and freezers. Consumers, schools, and institutions who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls">www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls</a>.Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Christina Self, The Hillshire Brands Company Associate Director of Customer Care, at 888-747-7611. Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact MaKenzie Taylor, The Hillshire Brands Company Communications Manager, at 810-391-6680.Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:MPHotline@usda.gov">MPHotline@usda.gov</a>. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffoodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov%2FeCCF%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CMelissa.Cordell%40usda.gov%7C2ffd2d584176447889ea08dbb48bd749%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638302284933732023%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Jx%2BVgXbvTA0YVfEYBwKrSu9MQne%2BUQZ3bT04yRxlrAI%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/</a>.

58M pounds of corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products recalled

Just after 11:15p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 5200 block of Winner Road in Kansas City, Missouri on a reported sound of shots, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

While canvassing the area, officers located security personnel who advised a shooting had occurred and directed officers to a crime scene. While officers were on scene, dispatch advised a private vehicle had transported an adult male shooting victim to an area hospital. He was later pronounced&nbsp;deceased. 

An additional adult male shooting victim arrived at a separate hospital in stable condition. 

Preliminary investigations indicates an interaction between a group of individuals took place and escalated to gunfire. The number of people involved is currently unknown. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene gather evidence and collect witness statements. This incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Police have not released suspect information or the names of the victims.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 11:15p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 5200 block of Winner Road in Kansas City, Missouri on a reported sound of shots, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.While canvassing the area, officers located security personnel who advised a shooting had occurred and directed officers to a crime scene. While officers were on scene, dispatch advised a private vehicle had transported an adult male shooting victim to an area hospital. He was later pronounced&nbsp;deceased. An additional adult male shooting victim arrived at a separate hospital in stable condition. Preliminary investigations indicates an interaction between a group of individuals took place and escalated to gunfire. The number of people involved is currently unknown. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene gather evidence and collect witness statements. This incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Police have not released suspect information or the names of the victims.

Homicide: Police unsure how many injured in deadly KC shooting

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Olathe, Ks., man pleaded guilty last week before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to stealing 41 firearms from a gun store in Raytown, Missouri., and for transporting child pornography on his cell phone into the United States from Mexico.

Frank Guereca, 23, pleaded guilty today to one count of stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee and one count of transportation of child pornography.

On June 16, 2023, Guereca and two others backed a stolen U-Haul truck into the store of a federally licensed firearms dealer,&nbsp;located in Raytown, Mo., creating a hole in the front of the business.&nbsp; Thereafter Guereca and the others entered through the hole and took 41 firearms from the business.&nbsp; One of the stolen pistols was recovered in Tracy, Ca., on Nov. 14, 2023. A second stolen pistol was recovered in Chihuahua, Mexico, on Dec. 19, 2023. A third stolen pistol was recovered in Juarez, Mexico, on Feb. 6, 2024.

Guereca was arrested on April 25, 2024, as he attempted to cross back into the United States from Mexico. Guereca had in his possession a Samsung Galaxy cell phone, which was seized by law enforcement.&nbsp; Subsequent review of the contents of the phone pursuant to a federal search warrant revealed at least approximately 250 images and 70 videos depicting child pornography, which Guereca transported into the United States from Mexico.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection records, Guereca had previously crossed the border approximately 20 times since the burglary and theft on June 16, 2023.

Under federal statutes, Guereca is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison without parole for the firearm theft, and up to 20 years in prison without parole for the transportation of child pornography. The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Alison D. Dunning. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Raytown, Mo., Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759016708353.png" alt="Security camera image from the burglary in June of 2023 released by Blue Steel Guns and Ammo" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image from the burglary in June of 2023 released by Blue Steel Guns and Ammo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Olathe, Ks., man pleaded guilty last week before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to stealing 41 firearms from a gun store in Raytown, Missouri., and for transporting child pornography on his cell phone into the United States from Mexico.Frank Guereca, 23, pleaded guilty today to one count of stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee and one count of transportation of child pornography.On June 16, 2023, Guereca and two others backed a stolen U-Haul truck into the store of a federally licensed firearms dealer,&nbsp;located in Raytown, Mo., creating a hole in the front of the business.&nbsp; Thereafter Guereca and the others entered through the hole and took 41 firearms from the business.&nbsp; One of the stolen pistols was recovered in Tracy, Ca., on Nov. 14, 2023. A second stolen pistol was recovered in Chihuahua, Mexico, on Dec. 19, 2023. A third stolen pistol was recovered in Juarez, Mexico, on Feb. 6, 2024.Guereca was arrested on April 25, 2024, as he attempted to cross back into the United States from Mexico. Guereca had in his possession a Samsung Galaxy cell phone, which was seized by law enforcement.&nbsp; Subsequent review of the contents of the phone pursuant to a federal search warrant revealed at least approximately 250 images and 70 videos depicting child pornography, which Guereca transported into the United States from Mexico.According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection records, Guereca had previously crossed the border approximately 20 times since the burglary and theft on June 16, 2023.Under federal statutes, Guereca is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison without parole for the firearm theft, and up to 20 years in prison without parole for the transportation of child pornography. The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Alison D. Dunning. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Raytown, Mo., Police Department.

Kan. man admits stealing 41 firearms, transporting child porn into the U.S.

ELLIS COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in Hays, Kansas, resulting in the death of an officer with the Hays Police Department.

 The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle. She ran to a nearby home to call for help.

Preliminary information indicates that Sept. 28, at approximately 1:55 a.m., officers from HPD and a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were setting up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing Street. A single shot was fired from inside the house, and the round struck a Hays Police officer.

Officers immediately performed life-saving measures. The officer was then transported via air to a regional hospital. Despite efforts, he died from his injuries, just after 4 a.m.

When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Ellis County Attorney. The investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759083305785.jpeg" alt="Officers at the corner of 22nd and Downing near the shooting incident on Sunday morning. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Officers at the corner of 22nd and Downing near the shooting incident on Sunday morning. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in Hays, Kansas, resulting in the death of an officer with the Hays Police Department.On Saturday, Sept. 27, just before midnight, Hays Police Department (HPD) received a 911 call indicating a woman had escaped a domestic violence incident at a residence in the 2000 block of E. 21st Street in Hays, according to a media release from the KBI. The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle. She ran to a nearby home to call for help.Preliminary information indicates that Sept. 28, at approximately 1:55 a.m., officers from HPD and a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were setting up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing Street. A single shot was fired from inside the house, and the round struck a Hays Police officer.Officers immediately performed life-saving measures. The officer was then transported via air to a regional hospital. Despite efforts, he died from his injuries, just after 4 a.m.The HPD Special Situation Response Team, the KHP Special Response Team, and the KBI High Risk Warrant Team responded to the residence where Wickham had barricaded. The teams negotiated with the suspect. Gas munitions, projectiles intended to break windows, and a surveillance drone were deployed into the residence during the standoff. No law enforcement officers fired their duty weapons throughout the incident.At approximately, 6:15 a.m., tactical teams entered the house and found Wickham deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Ellis County Attorney. The investigation is ongoing.----------------ELLIS COUNTY — A police officer was killed responding to a domestic violence call Saturday night in Hays.Just before 11 p.m. Saturday, police responded a report of a domestic violence situation in the 2200 block of Downing Avenue, according to a media release from Hays Police. When the responding officer arrived, the suspect fired shots at the officer.The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer was transported to a hospital and pronounced deceased.Hays Police said there are no additional suspects being sought in connection with the incident.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.