VATICAN CITY (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prevost-american-pope-profile-leo-xiv-f9d14d75ae3bbe50bda121f27ee0e42b">Robert Prevost,</a>&nbsp;an missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and took over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-new-pope-photos-27ed8420e91b9b40cca8e65899ab878e">elected the first pope</a>&nbsp;from the United States in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Prevost, a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order, took the name Leo XIV.

In his first words as Pope Francis’ successor, uttered from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Leo said, “Peace be with you,” and emphasized a message of peace, dialogue and missionary evangelization. He wore the traditional red cape of the papacy — a cape that Francis had eschewed on his election in 2013.

Prevost had been a leading candidate for the papacy except, but there had long been a taboo against a U.S. pope, given the country's geopolitical power already wielded in the secular sphere. But Prevost, a Chicago native, was seemingly eligible because he’s also a Peruvian citizen and lived for years in Peru, first as a missionary and then as an archbishop.

Pope Francis clearly had his eye on Prevost and in many ways saw him as his heir apparent. He brought Prevost to the Vatican in 2023 to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-canada-vatican-city-chicago-peru-a2df40ea86c77a2c1442de8a5615b198">serve as the powerful head</a>&nbsp;of the office that vets bishop nominations from around the world, one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church. And in January he elevated him into the senior ranks of cardinals. As a result, Prevost had a prominence going into the conclave that few other cardinals had.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conclave-pope-francis-cardinals-50c798caa826bbb7c913791175536add">crowd in St. Peter’s Square</a>&nbsp;erupted in cheers when white smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel on the second day of the conclave. Priests made the sign of the cross and nuns wept as the crowd shouted “Viva il papa!”

Waving flags from around the world, tens of thousands of people waited to learn who had won and were shocked when an hour later, the senior cardinal deacon appeared on the loggia and said “Habemus Papam!” and announced the winner was Prevost.

He spoke to the crowd in Italian and Spanish, but not English.

The last pope to take the name Leo was Leo XIII, an Italian who led the church from 1878 to 1903. That Leo softened the church’s confrontational stance toward modernity, especially science and politics and laid the foundation for modern Catholic social thought, most famously with his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed workers’ rights and capitalism.

The Chicago-born Prevost has extensive experience in Peru, first as a missionary and then an archbishop, and he is currently prefect of the Vatican’s powerful dicastery for bishops, in charge of vetting nominations for bishops around the world. Francis clearly had an eye on him for years and sent him to run the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014. He held that position until 2023, when Francis brought him to Rome for his current role. Prevost is also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a job that keeps him in regular contact with the Catholic hierarchy in the part of the world that still counts the most Catholics.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746725271539.png" alt="Prevost took the name Leo XIV." />
                        <figcaption>Prevost took the name Leo XIV.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>VATICAN CITY (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prevost-american-pope-profile-leo-xiv-f9d14d75ae3bbe50bda121f27ee0e42b">Robert Prevost,</a>&nbsp;an missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and took over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-new-pope-photos-27ed8420e91b9b40cca8e65899ab878e">elected the first pope</a>&nbsp;from the United States in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.</p><p>Prevost, a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order, took the name Leo XIV.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WATCH: Complete remarks from Pope Leo XIV. <a href="https://t.co/aOzEdyb0G0">pic.twitter.com/aOzEdyb0G0</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1920538411326169492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Pope Leo XIV <a href="https://t.co/UejjnPjzeQ">pic.twitter.com/UejjnPjzeQ</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1920531668311359753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>In his first words as Pope Francis’ successor, uttered from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Leo said, “Peace be with you,” and emphasized a message of peace, dialogue and missionary evangelization. He wore the traditional red cape of the papacy — a cape that Francis had eschewed on his election in 2013.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745282817865.png" alt="Cardinal Robert Prevost courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Cardinal Robert Prevost courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Prevost had been a leading candidate for the papacy except, but there had long been a taboo against a U.S. pope, given the country's geopolitical power already wielded in the secular sphere. But Prevost, a Chicago native, was seemingly eligible because he’s also a Peruvian citizen and lived for years in Peru, first as a missionary and then as an archbishop.</p><p>Pope Francis clearly had his eye on Prevost and in many ways saw him as his heir apparent. He brought Prevost to the Vatican in 2023 to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-canada-vatican-city-chicago-peru-a2df40ea86c77a2c1442de8a5615b198">serve as the powerful head</a>&nbsp;of the office that vets bishop nominations from around the world, one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church. And in January he elevated him into the senior ranks of cardinals. As a result, Prevost had a prominence going into the conclave that few other cardinals had.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conclave-pope-francis-cardinals-50c798caa826bbb7c913791175536add">crowd in St. Peter’s Square</a>&nbsp;erupted in cheers when white smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel on the second day of the conclave. Priests made the sign of the cross and nuns wept as the crowd shouted “Viva il papa!”</p><p>Waving flags from around the world, tens of thousands of people waited to learn who had won and were shocked when an hour later, the senior cardinal deacon appeared on the loggia and said “Habemus Papam!” and announced the winner was Prevost.</p><p>He spoke to the crowd in Italian and Spanish, but not English.</p><p>The last pope to take the name Leo was Leo XIII, an Italian who led the church from 1878 to 1903. That Leo softened the church’s confrontational stance toward modernity, especially science and politics and laid the foundation for modern Catholic social thought, most famously with his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed workers’ rights and capitalism.</p><p>The Chicago-born Prevost has extensive experience in Peru, first as a missionary and then an archbishop, and he is currently prefect of the Vatican’s powerful dicastery for bishops, in charge of vetting nominations for bishops around the world. Francis clearly had an eye on him for years and sent him to run the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014. He held that position until 2023, when Francis brought him to Rome for his current role. Prevost is also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a job that keeps him in regular contact with the Catholic hierarchy in the part of the world that still counts the most Catholics.&nbsp;</p>

🎥Robert Prevost, first pope from US in history of the Catholic Church

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement investigating a fatal gun fight in February have a third suspect in custody.

Sedgwick County arrest records show deputies booked 20-year-old Jerry Johnson into jail Wednesday afternoon on requested charges of first-degree murder.

Just before 6p.m. Feb. 11, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of S. Bleckley in Wichita, according to Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright.

Officers arrived at the scene and found 23-year-old Manuel Roach with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance occurred involving Roach and three unidentified men dressed in all black. Following the incident, the suspects departed the scene in a white SUV before law enforcement arrival. The exact circumstances that led up to the shooting are still under investigation, according to Wright. Police do believe this was a targeted incident between individuals known to each other.

Later on Feb. 11, an 18-year-old identified as Sergio Clement arrived at a local hospital with a single gunshot wound to his lower extremity. Through the investigation, it was discovered that Clement and 21-year-old Alan Griffin, Jr. were involved in the fatal shooting of Roach. As a result, both were arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;

The Wichita Police Department asked the public for information on the whereabouts of&nbsp; Johnson. On February 14, Johnson was charged by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office in reference to his involvement the homicide.

Johnson is now being held in the Sedgwick County Jail on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have not reported details of the arrest.&nbsp; He is due to make a&nbsp; &nbsp;court appearance on Thursday afternoon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739989718610.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement investigating a fatal gun fight in February have a third suspect in custody.</p><p>Sedgwick County arrest records show deputies booked 20-year-old Jerry Johnson into jail Wednesday afternoon on requested charges of first-degree murder.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746700121329.png" alt="Johnson photo Sedgwick County" />
                        <figcaption>Johnson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Just before 6p.m. Feb. 11, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of S. Bleckley in Wichita, according to Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright.</p><p>Officers arrived at the scene and found 23-year-old Manuel Roach with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.</p><p>Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance occurred involving Roach and three unidentified men dressed in all black. Following the incident, the suspects departed the scene in a white SUV before law enforcement arrival. The exact circumstances that led up to the shooting are still under investigation, according to Wright. Police do believe this was a targeted incident between individuals known to each other.</p><p>Later on Feb. 11, an 18-year-old identified as Sergio Clement arrived at a local hospital with a single gunshot wound to his lower extremity. Through the investigation, it was discovered that Clement and 21-year-old Alan Griffin, Jr. were involved in the fatal shooting of Roach. As a result, both were arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;</p><p>The Wichita Police Department asked the public for information on the whereabouts of&nbsp; Johnson. On February 14, Johnson was charged by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office in reference to his involvement the homicide.</p><p>Johnson is now being held in the Sedgwick County Jail on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have not reported details of the arrest.&nbsp; He is due to make a&nbsp; &nbsp;court appearance on Thursday afternoon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.</p>

After nearly 3 months wanted Kan. murder suspect captured

VATICAN CITY (AP) — White smoke is pouring out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, signalling that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d7991a37a679f09792ed220cc1f6bbed">a pope has been elected</a>&nbsp;to lead the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/papal-conclave">Catholic Church</a>.

That means the winner secured at least 89 votes of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis. The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers. The name will be announced later, when a top cardinal utters the words “Habemus papam!” Latin for “We have a pope!” from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. The cardinal then reads the winner’s birth name in Latin, and reveals the name he has chosen to be called.

The new pope is then expected to make his first public appearance and impart a blessing from the same loggia.

Older cardinals who didn’t participate in the conclave rush out to the square

These cardinals lined up as military bands played the Italian and Holy See national anthems.

Spotted in the crowd were American Cardinals Sean O’Malley and Donald Wuerl, both of whom are over 80 and didn’t vote.

Swiss Guards have taken position in front of front of St. Peter’s Basilica

A marching brass band in blue uniforms led a contingent of Swiss guards through the crowd to a central spot below the balcony, generating another huge roar from the crowd.

The Pontifical Swiss Guard is the official security force of the Vatican, and holds a ceremonial and a protective function.

And now more marching bands are celebrating the election of a new pope in a parade that includes large groups in military dress uniforms.

“Vivi il Papa!” erupts from the crowd whenever the music pauses.

All eyes are now on the red-draped central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica

That’s where a cardinal will soon emerge to “to proclaim a new pope to Rome and to the world.”

There is incredible excitement — the crowd is roaring, and some are shouting “hallelujah!”

Moments after white smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel, the bells began tolling in Barcelona’s towering Sagrada Familia basilica and the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, across from the royal palace.

The great bells of St. Peter’s Basilica are tolling

And down below, amid the cheers in the vast mix of humanity in St. Peter’s square, priests are making the sign of the cross and nuns are weeping at the white smoke wafting into the sky.

The crowd erupted with joy in St. Peter’s Square

Some are obviously deeply moved, others excited. They’re clapping and waving national flags and taking photos with their phones.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — White smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the great bells of St. Peter's Basilica tolled Thursday after cardinals elected the 267th pope to lead the Catholic Church.

The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers, priests made the sign of the cross and nuns wept as the crowd shouted, “Viva il papa!” after the white smoke wafted into the late afternoon sky.

The smoke signal means the winner secured at least 89 votes of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

The name will be announced later, when a top cardinal utters the words “Habemus Papam!” — Latin for “We have a pope!” — from the loggia of the basilica. The cardinal then reads the winner’s birth name in Latin and reveals the name he has chosen to be called.

<p>VATICAN CITY (AP) — White smoke is pouring out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, signalling that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d7991a37a679f09792ed220cc1f6bbed">a pope has been elected</a>&nbsp;to lead the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/papal-conclave">Catholic Church</a>.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHITE SMOKE<br><br>Conclave has elected a new pope. <a href="https://t.co/c5x7TXJPGw">pic.twitter.com/c5x7TXJPGw</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1920512574375764296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>That means the winner secured at least 89 votes of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis. The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers. The name will be announced later, when a top cardinal utters the words “Habemus papam!” Latin for “We have a pope!” from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. The cardinal then reads the winner’s birth name in Latin, and reveals the name he has chosen to be called.</p><p>The new pope is then expected to make his first public appearance and impart a blessing from the same loggia.</p><p>Here is the latest:</p><h2>Older cardinals who didn’t participate in the conclave rush out to the square</h2><p>These cardinals lined up as military bands played the Italian and Holy See national anthems.</p><p>Spotted in the crowd were American Cardinals Sean O’Malley and Donald Wuerl, both of whom are over 80 and didn’t vote.</p><h2>Swiss Guards have taken position in front of front of St. Peter’s Basilica</h2><p>A marching brass band in blue uniforms led a contingent of Swiss guards through the crowd to a central spot below the balcony, generating another huge roar from the crowd.</p><p>The Pontifical Swiss Guard is the official security force of the Vatican, and holds a ceremonial and a protective function.</p><p>And now more marching bands are celebrating the election of a new pope in a parade that includes large groups in military dress uniforms.</p><p>“Vivi il Papa!” erupts from the crowd whenever the music pauses.</p><h2>All eyes are now on the red-draped central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica</h2><p>That’s where a cardinal will soon emerge to “to proclaim a new pope to Rome and to the world.”</p><p>There is incredible excitement — the crowd is roaring, and some are shouting “hallelujah!”</p><h2>Church bells ring in Spain</h2><p>Moments after white smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel, the bells began tolling in Barcelona’s towering Sagrada Familia basilica and the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, across from the royal palace.</p><h2>The great bells of St. Peter’s Basilica are tolling</h2><p>And down below, amid the cheers in the vast mix of humanity in St. Peter’s square, priests are making the sign of the cross and nuns are weeping at the white smoke wafting into the sky.</p><h2>The crowd erupted with joy in St. Peter’s Square</h2><p>Some are obviously deeply moved, others excited. They’re clapping and waving national flags and taking photos with their phones.</p><p>“Viva il papa!” some shouted.</p><p>------------</p><p>VATICAN CITY (AP) — White smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the great bells of St. Peter's Basilica tolled Thursday after cardinals elected the 267th pope to lead the Catholic Church.</p><p>The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers, priests made the sign of the cross and nuns wept as the crowd shouted, “Viva il papa!” after the white smoke wafted into the late afternoon sky.</p><p>The smoke signal means the winner secured at least 89 votes of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis.</p><p>The name will be announced later, when a top cardinal utters the words “Habemus Papam!” — Latin for “We have a pope!” — from the loggia of the basilica. The cardinal then reads the winner’s birth name in Latin and reveals the name he has chosen to be called.</p><p>The new pope is then expected to make his first public appearance and impart a blessing from the same loggia.</p>

🎥White smoke from Sistine Chapel chimney: A new pope elected

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.merck-animal-health.com%2F/1/01010196affcb425-3b4f991c-9bb8-456a-a026-b5d61955a9dc-000000/2jAl_vvhePLRUnTv8q-32_0YeOSQ7KKd4OnZYnGdzSA=404">Merck Animal Health</a>&nbsp;today jointly announced an $895 million capital expansion project at the company’s manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas, according to a media release from the governor's office.

 The second largest private investment in Kansas history – and the largest economic development project for Merck Animal Health – will create more than 200 new jobs.

The $860 million investment in its existing manufacturing facility and $35 million in its research and development laboratories demonstrates Merck’s commitment to the U.S. market, where the company has significantly invested to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.

“This extraordinary investment by Merck Animal Health underscores my administration’s commitment to securing a strong economic future for our state and ensuring prosperity for generations to come,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Public-private partnerships that lead to major global projects, such as those with Merck, Fiserv and Panasonic – just to name a few recent successes – are occurring because people believe in Kansas. They believe in who we are, what we are doing, and the direction we have taken.”

The 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility project will expand filling and freeze dryer capacity for large molecule vaccines and biologic products for Merck Animal Health. As a Center of Excellence, it will play a pivotal role in the manufacturing of animal health products and will complement the company’s extensive U.S. and international network of animal health product manufacturing plants.

Site preparation and facility design will start immediately, creating 2,500 construction jobs. Commercial manufacturing is expected to begin in 2030.

“Our De Soto manufacturing facility is strategically located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor. This region is renowned for its concentration of animal health companies, fostering an unparalleled ecosystem for innovation, collaboration and industry leadership,”&nbsp;Merck Animal Health President Richard DeLuca said. “This investment in our site is designed to increase Merck Animal Health’s ability to meet the growing customer demand for its portfolio of animal biologics products and ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation in the animal health sector. This initiative also reflects our dedication to advancing animal health and our on-going investment in the communities where we operate.”

Since the advent of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Merck has allocated more than $12 billion to enhance domestic manufacturing and research capabilities, with additional planned investments of more than $9 billion over the next four years.

Merck Animal Health’s significant investment in its research and development laboratories will enhance its research capabilities, focusing on advancing global drug discovery and development initiatives. The investment will continue to drive Merck Animal Health’s innovative research and development of novel parasiticides and therapeutics, reinforcing the company’s dedication to improving animal health and welfare worldwide.

“Merck’s massive expansion in De Soto further elevates Kansas’ long-established status as a global leader in animal health,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The opportunities and ripple effects of having almost $1 billion surge into the local economy will have far-reaching and long-lasting reverberations across the entire state. Historic investments such as these truly benefit all Kansans, both now and into the future.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746714250294.png" alt="Merk plant in DeSoto -Google image" />
                        <figcaption>Merk plant in DeSoto -Google image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.merck-animal-health.com%2F/1/01010196affcb425-3b4f991c-9bb8-456a-a026-b5d61955a9dc-000000/2jAl_vvhePLRUnTv8q-32_0YeOSQ7KKd4OnZYnGdzSA=404">Merck Animal Health</a>&nbsp;today jointly announced an $895 million capital expansion project at the company’s manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas, according to a media release from the governor's office.</p><p> The second largest private investment in Kansas history – and the largest economic development project for Merck Animal Health – will create more than 200 new jobs.</p><p>The $860 million investment in its existing manufacturing facility and $35 million in its research and development laboratories demonstrates Merck’s commitment to the U.S. market, where the company has significantly invested to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.</p><p>“This extraordinary investment by Merck Animal Health underscores my administration’s commitment to securing a strong economic future for our state and ensuring prosperity for generations to come,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Public-private partnerships that lead to major global projects, such as those with Merck, Fiserv and Panasonic – just to name a few recent successes – are occurring because people believe in Kansas. They believe in who we are, what we are doing, and the direction we have taken.”</p><p>The 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility project will expand filling and freeze dryer capacity for large molecule vaccines and biologic products for Merck Animal Health. As a Center of Excellence, it will play a pivotal role in the manufacturing of animal health products and will complement the company’s extensive U.S. and international network of animal health product manufacturing plants.</p><p>Site preparation and facility design will start immediately, creating 2,500 construction jobs. Commercial manufacturing is expected to begin in 2030.</p><p>“Our De Soto manufacturing facility is strategically located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor. This region is renowned for its concentration of animal health companies, fostering an unparalleled ecosystem for innovation, collaboration and industry leadership,”&nbsp;Merck Animal Health President Richard DeLuca said. “This investment in our site is designed to increase Merck Animal Health’s ability to meet the growing customer demand for its portfolio of animal biologics products and ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation in the animal health sector. This initiative also reflects our dedication to advancing animal health and our on-going investment in the communities where we operate.”</p><p>Since the advent of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Merck has allocated more than $12 billion to enhance domestic manufacturing and research capabilities, with additional planned investments of more than $9 billion over the next four years.</p><p>Merck Animal Health’s significant investment in its research and development laboratories will enhance its research capabilities, focusing on advancing global drug discovery and development initiatives. The investment will continue to drive Merck Animal Health’s innovative research and development of novel parasiticides and therapeutics, reinforcing the company’s dedication to improving animal health and welfare worldwide.</p><p>“Merck’s massive expansion in De Soto further elevates Kansas’ long-established status as a global leader in animal health,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The opportunities and ripple effects of having almost $1 billion surge into the local economy will have far-reaching and long-lasting reverberations across the entire state. Historic investments such as these truly benefit all Kansans, both now and into the future.”</p>

$895M expansion in Kansas plant will bring 200 jobs to the state

SHAWNEE COUNTY – The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a fatality accident near NW Carlson Road and NW 39th Street, according to Sheriff's Lt. Scott Wanamaker.

Just after 4:30 a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a phone call regarding a single vehicle vs. pedestrian accident in the 3800 block of NW Carlson Road.

NW Carlson Road was closed between NW 39th Street and NW 33rd Street.

Authorities released no additional details.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746710191002.png" alt="Deputies on the scene early Thursday -photo WIBW TV" />
                        <figcaption>Deputies on the scene early Thursday -photo WIBW TV</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SHAWNEE COUNTY – The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a fatality accident near NW Carlson Road and NW 39th Street, according to Sheriff's Lt. Scott Wanamaker.</p><p>Just after 4:30 a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a phone call regarding a single vehicle vs. pedestrian accident in the 3800 block of NW Carlson Road.</p><p>NW Carlson Road was closed between NW 39th Street and NW 33rd Street.</p><p>Authorities released no additional details.</p>

Sheriff investigating deadly Kansas pedestrian accident

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is tapping Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer with close ties to Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-autism-medicare-medicaid-0507cd8117f299a50bc20b9ea8569048">Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.</a>, as his nominee for surgeon general after withdrawing his initial pick for the influential health post.

Trump said in a social media post Wednesday that Means has “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials” – referring to the “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccines-food-additives-pharmaceuticals-trump-797750f5f141161778792e84602b57c8">Make America Healthy Again</a>&nbsp;” slogan – and that she will work to eradicate chronic disease and improve the health and well-being of Americans.

“Her academic achievements, together with her life’s work, are absolutely outstanding,” Trump said. “Dr. Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History.”

In doing so, Trump withdrew former Fox News medical contributor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-trump-marty-makary-34424f5fefcbbc334c1983b025523aad">Janette Nesheiwat</a>&nbsp;for U.S. surgeon general, marking at least the second health-related pick from Trump to be pulled from Senate consideration. Nesheiwat had been scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Thursday for her confirmation hearing.

Means and her brother, former lobbyist Calley Means, served as key advisers to Kennedy’s longshot 2024 presidential bid and helped broker his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-trump-speech-arizona-a2638f89ddcb5de03edbe4574ca17d45">endorsement of Trump</a>&nbsp;last summer. The pair made appearances with some of Trump’s biggest supporters, winning praise from conservative pundit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-tucker-carlson-ailes-bill-oreilly-7aff2465fe2779930ebf6882e085f9c6">Tucker Carlson</a>&nbsp;and podcaster&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-criticism-musk-rogan-portnoy-ackman-7ee3cda2fe172d707af93e042e2009dd">Joe Rogan</a>. Calley Means is currently a White House adviser who appears frequently on television to promote restrictions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-banks-campaign-against-hunger-snap-pantry-665c19251b5d83bbed45a29958f79609">SNAP benefits</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fluoride-water-cdc-kennedy-02d931af8f025877a9e3d332bf215c69">removing fluoride</a>&nbsp;from drinking water and other MAHA agenda items.

Casey Means has no government experience and dropped out of her surgical residency program, saying she became disillusioned with traditional medicine. She founded a health tech company, Levels, that helps users track blood sugar and other metrics. She also makes money from dietary supplements, creams, teas and other products sponsored on her social media accounts.

In interviews and articles, Means and her brother describe a dizzying web of influences to blame for the nation’s health problems, including corrupt food conglomerates that have hooked Americans on unhealthy diets, leaving them reliant on daily medications from the pharmaceutical industry to manage obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

Few health experts would dispute that the American diet — full of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ultraprocessed-foods-healthy-diet-0501eb985016149541e6cc727e55dfea">processed foods</a>&nbsp;— is a contributor to obesity and related problems. But Means goes further, linking changes in diet and lifestyle to a raft of conditions including infertility, Alzheimer’s, depression and erectile dysfunction.

“Almost every chronic health symptom that Western medicine addresses is the result of our cells being beleaguered by how we’ve come to live,” Means said in a 2024 book co-written with her brother.

Food experts say it’s overly simplistic to declare that all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c06a1200807c4b82a03452d08d480692">processed foods</a>&nbsp;are harmful, since the designation covers an estimated 60% of U.S. foods, including products as diverse as granola, peanut butter and potato chips.

“They are not all created equal,” said Gabby Headrick, a nutrition researcher at George Washington University’s school of public health. “It is much more complicated than just pointing the finger at ultra-processed foods as the driver of chronic disease in the United States.”

Means has mostly steered clear of Kennedy’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-vaccines-2ccde2df146f57b5e8c26e8494f0a16a">controversial and debunked views on vaccines</a>. But on her website, she has called for more investigation into their safety and recommends making it easier for patients to sue drugmakers in the event of vaccine injuries. Since the late 1980s, federal law has shielded those companies from legal liability to encourage development of vaccines without the threat of costly personal injury lawsuits.

She trained as a surgeon at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stanford-u-of-california-justice-department-probe-77f7c2c66cf27daf60442121c6ba71bf">Stanford University</a>&nbsp;but has built an online following by criticizing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-director-cohen-trump-weldon-kennedy-ec9b1b69fa9e3f61b4033fd095c20ab9">medical establishment</a>&nbsp;and promoting natural foods and lifestyle changes to reverse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-common-is-obesity-us-5663c0388b19009eae3834d695710bc4">obesity</a>, diabetes and other chronic diseases.

If confirmed as surgeon general, Means would be tasked with helping promote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-jr-rfk-things-to-know-explained-who-is-hhs-5288a4a7277d1a0b4a7ede8f57a971ce">Kennedy’s sprawling MAHA agenda</a>, which calls for removing thousands of additives and chemicals from U.S. foods, rooting out conflicts of interest at federal agencies and incentivizing healthier foods in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lunchables-removed-national-school-lunch-program-a4a97b8c85932ba28fb9de22f1f82abe">school lunches</a>&nbsp;and other nutrition programs.

Nesheiwat, Trump's first pick, is a medical director for an urgent care company in New York and has appeared regularly on Fox News to offer medical expertise and insights. She is a vocal supporter of Trump and shares photos of them together on social media. Nesheiwat is also the sister-in-law of former national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-national-security-signal-db2443f6fed98e4067edd57f26f23603">Mike Waltz</a>, who has been nominated to be Trump's ambassador to the United Nations.

But she had recently come under criticism from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-laura-loomer-trump-national-security-council-f7bc493ae99014362875e5d390769477">Laura Loomer</a>, a far-right ally of Trump who was instrumental in ousting several members of the president’s National Security Council. Loomer posted on X earlier this week that “we can’t have a pro-COVID vaccine nepo appointee who is currently embroiled in a medical malpractice case and who didn’t go to medical school in the US” as the surgeon general.

Independent freelance journalist Anthony Clark reported last month that Nesheiwat earned her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Maarten, despite saying that she has a degree from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine.

“I am looking forward to continuing to support President Trump and working closely with Secretary Kennedy in a senior policy role to Make America Healthy Again! My focus continues to be on improving the health and well-being of all Americans, and that mission hasn’t changed,” Nesheiwat wrote on social media Wednesday.

The surgeon general, considered the nation’s doctor, oversees 6,000 U.S. Public Health Service Corps members and can issue advisories that warn of public health threats.

In March, the White House pulled from consideration the nomination of former Florida GOP Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dave-weldon-cdc-director-9a3d061832e2f0f644f2c58fbae36965">Dave Weldon</a>&nbsp;to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His skepticism on vaccines had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-director-david-weldon-senate-hearing-f4c6b6deb5bed31e74d11cf25f8e92d3">raised concerns from key Republican senators</a>, and he withdrew after being told by the White House that he did not have enough support to be confirmed.

The withdrawal was first reported by Bloomberg News.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746656010439.png" alt="Casey Means from her popular Instagram page" />
                        <figcaption>Casey Means from her popular Instagram page</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is tapping Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer with close ties to Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-autism-medicare-medicaid-0507cd8117f299a50bc20b9ea8569048">Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.</a>, as his nominee for surgeon general after withdrawing his initial pick for the influential health post.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats to <a href="https://twitter.com/CaseyMeansMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaseyMeansMD</a> on her nomination as Surgeon General! <br><br>This is an excellent choice by President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. Dr. Means’ commitment to Making America Healthy Again will inspire a healthier nation, and I look forward to working with her on this movement. <br><br>She is a… <a href="https://t.co/kRKralN71K">pic.twitter.com/kRKralN71K</a></p>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1920222714305958055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Trump said in a social media post Wednesday that Means has “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials” – referring to the “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccines-food-additives-pharmaceuticals-trump-797750f5f141161778792e84602b57c8">Make America Healthy Again</a>&nbsp;” slogan – and that she will work to eradicate chronic disease and improve the health and well-being of Americans.</p><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCXt3_myk9B/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCXt3_myk9B/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Casey Means, MD (@drcaseyskitchen)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><p>“Her academic achievements, together with her life’s work, are absolutely outstanding,” Trump said. “Dr. Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History.”</p><p>In doing so, Trump withdrew former Fox News medical contributor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-trump-marty-makary-34424f5fefcbbc334c1983b025523aad">Janette Nesheiwat</a>&nbsp;for U.S. surgeon general, marking at least the second health-related pick from Trump to be pulled from Senate consideration. Nesheiwat had been scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Thursday for her confirmation hearing.</p><p>Means and her brother, former lobbyist Calley Means, served as key advisers to Kennedy’s longshot 2024 presidential bid and helped broker his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-trump-speech-arizona-a2638f89ddcb5de03edbe4574ca17d45">endorsement of Trump</a>&nbsp;last summer. The pair made appearances with some of Trump’s biggest supporters, winning praise from conservative pundit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-tucker-carlson-ailes-bill-oreilly-7aff2465fe2779930ebf6882e085f9c6">Tucker Carlson</a>&nbsp;and podcaster&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-criticism-musk-rogan-portnoy-ackman-7ee3cda2fe172d707af93e042e2009dd">Joe Rogan</a>. Calley Means is currently a White House adviser who appears frequently on television to promote restrictions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-banks-campaign-against-hunger-snap-pantry-665c19251b5d83bbed45a29958f79609">SNAP benefits</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fluoride-water-cdc-kennedy-02d931af8f025877a9e3d332bf215c69">removing fluoride</a>&nbsp;from drinking water and other MAHA agenda items.</p><p>Casey Means has no government experience and dropped out of her surgical residency program, saying she became disillusioned with traditional medicine. She founded a health tech company, Levels, that helps users track blood sugar and other metrics. She also makes money from dietary supplements, creams, teas and other products sponsored on her social media accounts.</p><p>In interviews and articles, Means and her brother describe a dizzying web of influences to blame for the nation’s health problems, including corrupt food conglomerates that have hooked Americans on unhealthy diets, leaving them reliant on daily medications from the pharmaceutical industry to manage obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions.</p><p>Few health experts would dispute that the American diet — full of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ultraprocessed-foods-healthy-diet-0501eb985016149541e6cc727e55dfea">processed foods</a>&nbsp;— is a contributor to obesity and related problems. But Means goes further, linking changes in diet and lifestyle to a raft of conditions including infertility, Alzheimer’s, depression and erectile dysfunction.</p><p>“Almost every chronic health symptom that Western medicine addresses is the result of our cells being beleaguered by how we’ve come to live,” Means said in a 2024 book co-written with her brother.</p><p>Food experts say it’s overly simplistic to declare that all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c06a1200807c4b82a03452d08d480692">processed foods</a>&nbsp;are harmful, since the designation covers an estimated 60% of U.S. foods, including products as diverse as granola, peanut butter and potato chips.</p><p>“They are not all created equal,” said Gabby Headrick, a nutrition researcher at George Washington University’s school of public health. “It is much more complicated than just pointing the finger at ultra-processed foods as the driver of chronic disease in the United States.”</p><p>Means has mostly steered clear of Kennedy’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-vaccines-2ccde2df146f57b5e8c26e8494f0a16a">controversial and debunked views on vaccines</a>. But on her website, she has called for more investigation into their safety and recommends making it easier for patients to sue drugmakers in the event of vaccine injuries. Since the late 1980s, federal law has shielded those companies from legal liability to encourage development of vaccines without the threat of costly personal injury lawsuits.</p><p>She trained as a surgeon at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stanford-u-of-california-justice-department-probe-77f7c2c66cf27daf60442121c6ba71bf">Stanford University</a>&nbsp;but has built an online following by criticizing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-director-cohen-trump-weldon-kennedy-ec9b1b69fa9e3f61b4033fd095c20ab9">medical establishment</a>&nbsp;and promoting natural foods and lifestyle changes to reverse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-common-is-obesity-us-5663c0388b19009eae3834d695710bc4">obesity</a>, diabetes and other chronic diseases.</p><p>If confirmed as surgeon general, Means would be tasked with helping promote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-jr-rfk-things-to-know-explained-who-is-hhs-5288a4a7277d1a0b4a7ede8f57a971ce">Kennedy’s sprawling MAHA agenda</a>, which calls for removing thousands of additives and chemicals from U.S. foods, rooting out conflicts of interest at federal agencies and incentivizing healthier foods in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lunchables-removed-national-school-lunch-program-a4a97b8c85932ba28fb9de22f1f82abe">school lunches</a>&nbsp;and other nutrition programs.</p><p>Nesheiwat, Trump's first pick, is a medical director for an urgent care company in New York and has appeared regularly on Fox News to offer medical expertise and insights. She is a vocal supporter of Trump and shares photos of them together on social media. Nesheiwat is also the sister-in-law of former national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-national-security-signal-db2443f6fed98e4067edd57f26f23603">Mike Waltz</a>, who has been nominated to be Trump's ambassador to the United Nations.</p><p>But she had recently come under criticism from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-laura-loomer-trump-national-security-council-f7bc493ae99014362875e5d390769477">Laura Loomer</a>, a far-right ally of Trump who was instrumental in ousting several members of the president’s National Security Council. Loomer posted on X earlier this week that “we can’t have a pro-COVID vaccine nepo appointee who is currently embroiled in a medical malpractice case and who didn’t go to medical school in the US” as the surgeon general.</p><p>Independent freelance journalist Anthony Clark reported last month that Nesheiwat earned her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Maarten, despite saying that she has a degree from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine.</p><p>“I am looking forward to continuing to support President Trump and working closely with Secretary Kennedy in a senior policy role to Make America Healthy Again! My focus continues to be on improving the health and well-being of all Americans, and that mission hasn’t changed,” Nesheiwat wrote on social media Wednesday.</p><p>The surgeon general, considered the nation’s doctor, oversees 6,000 U.S. Public Health Service Corps members and can issue advisories that warn of public health threats.</p><p>In March, the White House pulled from consideration the nomination of former Florida GOP Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dave-weldon-cdc-director-9a3d061832e2f0f644f2c58fbae36965">Dave Weldon</a>&nbsp;to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His skepticism on vaccines had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-director-david-weldon-senate-hearing-f4c6b6deb5bed31e74d11cf25f8e92d3">raised concerns from key Republican senators</a>, and he withdrew after being told by the White House that he did not have enough support to be confirmed.</p><p>The withdrawal was first reported by Bloomberg News.</p>

Kan. U.S. Senator pleased with Trump's choice for surgeon general

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Police have arrested a man in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred the downtown Wichita.

Just after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, 911 dispatchers received multiple calls about a stabbing near Third and Topeka in Wichita, according to a media release. Officers responded and found a 55-year-old man with a stab wound.

An officer provided immediate first aid before Sedgwick County EMS arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The man had an out-of-state ID and appears to be homeless.

During the initial investigation, officers learned about an earlier disturbance at another location. Detectives are working to determine if that incident is connected.

Police arrested a person of interest identified according to county arrest records as 42-year-old Raheem Semaj Smith. Preliminary information indicates the stabbing stemmed from an altercation between the victim and the suspect. Smith is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;second degree intentional murder and theft of property or services, according to online jail records.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746652966135.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
                        <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Police have arrested a man in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred the downtown Wichita.</p><p>Just after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, 911 dispatchers received multiple calls about a stabbing near Third and Topeka in Wichita, according to a media release. Officers responded and found a 55-year-old man with a stab wound.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746700194044.png" alt="Smith photo Sedgwick County" />
                        <figcaption>Smith photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>An officer provided immediate first aid before Sedgwick County EMS arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The man had an out-of-state ID and appears to be homeless.</p><p>During the initial investigation, officers learned about an earlier disturbance at another location. Detectives are working to determine if that incident is connected.</p><p>Police arrested a person of interest identified according to county arrest records as 42-year-old Raheem Semaj Smith. Preliminary information indicates the stabbing stemmed from an altercation between the victim and the suspect. Smith is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;second degree intentional murder and theft of property or services, according to online jail records.</p>

Suspect accused in deadly Kansas knife fight

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri, have identified the victim as 18-year-old Deon W. Porter, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to 75th Street and Bruce R Watkins Drive in Kansas City, Missouri on an ambulance in route, medical nature unknown call, according to DiMartino.

Passing motorists observed an individual lying in the roadway, on Bruce R Watkins Drive and called 911. 

First responders observed a victim, later identified as Porter, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers began performing life saving measures and KCFD EMS was ordered to the scene. Medics transported the Porter to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.

This is being investigated as a homicide. Investigators are working to determine what led up to Porter being shot. Police have not reported an arrest.

<p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri, have identified the victim as 18-year-old Deon W. Porter, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.</p><p>Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to 75th Street and Bruce R Watkins Drive in Kansas City, Missouri on an ambulance in route, medical nature unknown call, according to DiMartino.</p><p>Passing motorists observed an individual lying in the roadway, on Bruce R Watkins Drive and called 911. </p><p>First responders observed a victim, later identified as Porter, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers began performing life saving measures and KCFD EMS was ordered to the scene. Medics transported the Porter to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.</p><p>This is being investigated as a homicide. Investigators are working to determine what led up to Porter being shot. Police have not reported an arrest.</p>

KCPD: Shooting victim drivers saw lying in the road was just a teen

KIOWA COUNTY —Three people died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Kiowa County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford F150 driven by Teresa Christine Davis, 68, Meade, was westbound in the eastbound lane of U.S. 54 nine miles west of Greensburg.

An eastbound 2026 Freightliner semi driven by Dishant&nbsp;Kukreja, 22, Sunnyvale, California traveled left of center to avoid pickup. The pickup reentered the westbound lane and struck the semi.

Davis and two passengers identified as 13-year-old Travis Welch and 10-year-old Hunter Welch both of Meade were pronounced dead at the scene.

 The semi driver was not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<p>KIOWA COUNTY —Three people died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Kiowa County.</p><p>The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford F150 driven by Teresa Christine Davis, 68, Meade, was westbound in the eastbound lane of U.S. 54 nine miles west of Greensburg.</p><p>An eastbound 2026 Freightliner semi driven by Dishant&nbsp;Kukreja, 22, Sunnyvale, California traveled left of center to avoid pickup. The pickup reentered the westbound lane and struck the semi.</p><p>Davis and two passengers identified as 13-year-old Travis Welch and 10-year-old Hunter Welch both of Meade were pronounced dead at the scene.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid0aE2PvEsZmZZq2ZXMvR2r1N38DgQCMyC7ZmWGgQRpbHp3pQ26DULSEPeWtn8HMc9nl%26id%3D100063509982763&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="498" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><p> The semi driver was not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.</p>

Kansas woman and two boys killed in pickup, semi crash

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Black smoke again billowed out of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/papal-conclave">second day of the conclave</a>, indicating that no new pontiff has been chosen after the second or third ballots. There are still two more votes possible later in the day.

The 133 cardinals had resumed voting in the morning, after spending the night sequestered at the Vatican residences. On Wednesday evening, black smoke&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conclave-pope-francis-cardinals-50c798caa826bbb7c913791175536add">poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney</a>&nbsp;indicating no pope was elected on the first ballot of the conclave.

The cardinals have been sworn to secrecy in the centuries-old ritual to elect a new leader of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church. To become pope, a cardinal needs a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes. This conclave is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-conclave-cardinal-d01b3bfd056836e89560e3b40337b89e">most geographically diverse conclave</a>&nbsp;in the faith’s 2,000-year history.

The faithful in the piazza don’t get a vote. But if they did ...

Pedro Deget, 22, a finance student from Argentina, is hoping for a new pope in Francis’ image. “Francis did well in opening the church to the outside world, but on other fronts maybe he didn’t do enough. We’ll see if the next one will be able to do more.”

The Rev. Jan Dominik Bogataj, a Slovene Franciscan friar, was more critical of Francis. He said if he were in the Sistine Chapel, he’d be voting for Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem who is on many papal contender lists.

“He has clear ideas, not much ideology. He’s a direct, intelligent, and respectful man,” Bogataj said from the square. “Most of all, he’s agile.”

A hot mic moment feeds conjecture over papal candidates

As the Sistine Chapel’s doors slammed shut to seal the cardinals off from the outside world, leadership of the proceedings was assumed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the 70-year-old secretary of state under Francis and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-contender-cards">leading contender</a>&nbsp;to succeed him as pope.

Parolin is the most senior cardinal under age 80 eligible to participate, and seemed to have received blessings from none other than Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, who was caught on a hot mic during Wednesday’s pre-conclave Mass telling Parolin “Auguri doppio” or “double best wishes.”

Italians are debating whether this was a customary gesture, an informal endorsement or even a premature congratulations.

Prominent cardinal hopes for white smoke by the evening

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, expressed hope that a new pope would be elected within hours, according to reports in major Italian newspapers.

“I hope that when I return to Rome this evening, I’ll find the white smoke already rising,” he said, speaking from the city of Pompei on Thursday.

Re is 91 years old, which makes him too old to participate in the conclave of 133 cardinals who are electing the next pope and who all have to be under 80.

However, he has been prominent and delivered a Mass on Wednesday before the cardinals began their conclave. As the Mass ended he was caught on a hot mic saying to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, viewed as a favorite for the papacy: “auguri doppi” (“double best wishes”).

Italians discussed whether this was a customary gesture acknowledging Parolin’s role as the most senior cardinal present in the conclave, or if it might have been an informal endorsement of Parolin’s candidacy for the papacy.

Black smoke again pours from the Sistine Chapel chimney: No pope elected yet

Black smoke is again pouring out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating no pope was elected on second or third ballots of the conclave to choose a new leader of the Catholic Church.

The smoke billowed out at 11:50 a.m. on Thursday after the morning voting session to elect a successor to Pope Francis to lead the 1.4 billion-member church.

With no one securing the necessary two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, the 133 cardinals will return to the Vatican residences where they are being sequestered. They will have lunch and then return to the Sistine Chapel for the afternoon voting session.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Cardinals failed again Thursday morning to find a successor to Pope Francis, sending black smoke billowing up through the Sistine Chapel chimney after two more inconclusive rounds of conclave voting.

The black smoke poured out at 11:50 a.m. (0950 GMT) after the second and third ballots to elect a pope to lead the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.

With no one securing the necessary two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, the 133 cardinals will return to the Vatican residences where they are being sequestered. They will have lunch and then return to the Sistine Chapel for the afternoon voting session. Two more votes are possible Thursday.

The cardinals had returned to the Sistine Chapel on Thursday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/papal-conclave">resume voting for a new pope</a>&nbsp;and crowds flocked back to St. Peter's Square to await their decision, after the first conclave ballot failed to find a winner during a longer-than-expected voting session Wednesday afternoon.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conclave-pope-francis-cardinals-50c798caa826bbb7c913791175536add">billowing black smoke</a>&nbsp;poured out of the chapel chimney just after 9 p.m. Wednesday (1900 GMT), about 4½ hours after the cardinals filed into the chapel. That prompted speculation about what took so long for the 133 electors to cast and count their ballots.

Hypotheses abound: Did they have to redo the vote? Did someone get sick or need translation help? Did the papal preacher take a long time to deliver his meditation before the voting began?

“They probably need more time,” said Costanza Ranaldi, a 63-year-old who traveled from Pescara in Italy’s Abruzzo region to the Vatican.

Some of the 133 voting cardinals had said they expected a short conclave to replace Pope Francis. But it will likely take&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-conclave-what-to-know-25dd2193e89d77e21cedc0d4c7b9c784">a few rounds of voting</a>&nbsp;for one man to secure the two-thirds majority, or 89 ballots, necessary to become the 267th pope.

For much of the past century, the conclave has needed between three and 14 ballots to find a pope. John Paul I — the pope who reigned for 33 days in 1978 — was elected on the fourth ballot. His successor, John Paul II, needed eight. Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013.

The cardinals opened the secretive, centuries-old ritual Wednesday afternoon, participating in a rite more theatrical than even Hollywood could create.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the 70-year-old secretary of state under Francis and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-contender-cards">leading contender</a>&nbsp;to succeed him as pope, assumed leadership of the proceedings as the most senior cardinal under age 80 eligible to participate.

Outside in St. Peter’s Square, the atmosphere was festive as thousands of people flocked to the piazza to watch the proceedings on giant video screens, applauding when the Sistine Chapel’s doors slammed shut and the voting began.

They waited for hours, watching screens that showed just a skinny chimney and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/seagull-takes-prime-vatican-perching-spot-on-sistine-chapel-chimney-ahead-of-conclave-baf5596fef9641b3b612b7fddd9a3e72">occasional seagull</a>. After the vote dragged on to dinnertime, some left in frustration, but those who stayed cheered when the smoke finally billowed out.

“My hope is that cardinals will choose a man who can be a peacemaker and could reunify the church,” said Gabriel Capry, a 27-year-old from London.

The cardinals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/francis-election-conclave-pope-vatican-catholics-87fcd94f759575b8744a4d2899371275#:~:text=VATICAN%20CITY%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The,the%20world's%201.3%20billion%20Catholics.">were sequestered</a>&nbsp;from the outside world, their cellphones surrendered and airwaves around the Vatican jammed to prevent all communications until they find a new pope.

Francis named 108 of the 133 “princes of the church,” choosing many pastors in his image from far-flung countries like Mongolia, Sweden and Tonga that had never had a cardinal before.

His decision to surpass the usual limit of 120 cardinal electors has both lengthened the amount of time it takes for each vote to be processed and injected more uncertainty into a process that is always full of mystery and suspense.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746711274422.png" alt="Smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)" />
                        <figcaption>Smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>VATICAN CITY (AP) — Black smoke again billowed out of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/papal-conclave">second day of the conclave</a>, indicating that no new pontiff has been chosen after the second or third ballots. There are still two more votes possible later in the day.</p><p>The 133 cardinals had resumed voting in the morning, after spending the night sequestered at the Vatican residences. On Wednesday evening, black smoke&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conclave-pope-francis-cardinals-50c798caa826bbb7c913791175536add">poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney</a>&nbsp;indicating no pope was elected on the first ballot of the conclave.</p><p>The cardinals have been sworn to secrecy in the centuries-old ritual to elect a new leader of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church. To become pope, a cardinal needs a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes. This conclave is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-conclave-cardinal-d01b3bfd056836e89560e3b40337b89e">most geographically diverse conclave</a>&nbsp;in the faith’s 2,000-year history.</p><p>Here is the latest:</p><h2>The faithful in the piazza don’t get a vote. But if they did ...</h2><p>Pedro Deget, 22, a finance student from Argentina, is hoping for a new pope in Francis’ image. “Francis did well in opening the church to the outside world, but on other fronts maybe he didn’t do enough. We’ll see if the next one will be able to do more.”</p><p>The Rev. Jan Dominik Bogataj, a Slovene Franciscan friar, was more critical of Francis. He said if he were in the Sistine Chapel, he’d be voting for Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem who is on many papal contender lists.</p><p>“He has clear ideas, not much ideology. He’s a direct, intelligent, and respectful man,” Bogataj said from the square. “Most of all, he’s agile.”</p><h2>A hot mic moment feeds conjecture over papal candidates</h2><p>As the Sistine Chapel’s doors slammed shut to seal the cardinals off from the outside world, leadership of the proceedings was assumed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the 70-year-old secretary of state under Francis and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-contender-cards">leading contender</a>&nbsp;to succeed him as pope.</p><p>Parolin is the most senior cardinal under age 80 eligible to participate, and seemed to have received blessings from none other than Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, who was caught on a hot mic during Wednesday’s pre-conclave Mass telling Parolin “Auguri doppio” or “double best wishes.”</p><p>Italians are debating whether this was a customary gesture, an informal endorsement or even a premature congratulations.</p><h2>Prominent cardinal hopes for white smoke by the evening</h2><p>Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, expressed hope that a new pope would be elected within hours, according to reports in major Italian newspapers.</p><p>“I hope that when I return to Rome this evening, I’ll find the white smoke already rising,” he said, speaking from the city of Pompei on Thursday.</p><p>Re is 91 years old, which makes him too old to participate in the conclave of 133 cardinals who are electing the next pope and who all have to be under 80.</p><p>However, he has been prominent and delivered a Mass on Wednesday before the cardinals began their conclave. As the Mass ended he was caught on a hot mic saying to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, viewed as a favorite for the papacy: “auguri doppi” (“double best wishes”).</p><p>Italians discussed whether this was a customary gesture acknowledging Parolin’s role as the most senior cardinal present in the conclave, or if it might have been an informal endorsement of Parolin’s candidacy for the papacy.</p><h2>Black smoke again pours from the Sistine Chapel chimney: No pope elected yet</h2><p>Black smoke is again pouring out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating no pope was elected on second or third ballots of the conclave to choose a new leader of the Catholic Church.</p><p>The smoke billowed out at 11:50 a.m. on Thursday after the morning voting session to elect a successor to Pope Francis to lead the 1.4 billion-member church.</p><p>With no one securing the necessary two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, the 133 cardinals will return to the Vatican residences where they are being sequestered. They will have lunch and then return to the Sistine Chapel for the afternoon voting session.</p><p>Two more votes are possible on Thursday.</p><p>---------------</p><p>VATICAN CITY (AP) — Cardinals failed again Thursday morning to find a successor to Pope Francis, sending black smoke billowing up through the Sistine Chapel chimney after two more inconclusive rounds of conclave voting.</p><p>The black smoke poured out at 11:50 a.m. (0950 GMT) after the second and third ballots to elect a pope to lead the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.</p><p>With no one securing the necessary two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, the 133 cardinals will return to the Vatican residences where they are being sequestered. They will have lunch and then return to the Sistine Chapel for the afternoon voting session. Two more votes are possible Thursday.</p><p>The cardinals had returned to the Sistine Chapel on Thursday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/papal-conclave">resume voting for a new pope</a>&nbsp;and crowds flocked back to St. Peter's Square to await their decision, after the first conclave ballot failed to find a winner during a longer-than-expected voting session Wednesday afternoon.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conclave-pope-francis-cardinals-50c798caa826bbb7c913791175536add">billowing black smoke</a>&nbsp;poured out of the chapel chimney just after 9 p.m. Wednesday (1900 GMT), about 4½ hours after the cardinals filed into the chapel. That prompted speculation about what took so long for the 133 electors to cast and count their ballots.</p><p>Hypotheses abound: Did they have to redo the vote? Did someone get sick or need translation help? Did the papal preacher take a long time to deliver his meditation before the voting began?</p><p>“They probably need more time,” said Costanza Ranaldi, a 63-year-old who traveled from Pescara in Italy’s Abruzzo region to the Vatican.</p><p>Some of the 133 voting cardinals had said they expected a short conclave to replace Pope Francis. But it will likely take&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-conclave-what-to-know-25dd2193e89d77e21cedc0d4c7b9c784">a few rounds of voting</a>&nbsp;for one man to secure the two-thirds majority, or 89 ballots, necessary to become the 267th pope.</p><p>For much of the past century, the conclave has needed between three and 14 ballots to find a pope. John Paul I — the pope who reigned for 33 days in 1978 — was elected on the fourth ballot. His successor, John Paul II, needed eight. Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013.</p><p>The cardinals opened the secretive, centuries-old ritual Wednesday afternoon, participating in a rite more theatrical than even Hollywood could create.</p><p>Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the 70-year-old secretary of state under Francis and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-contender-cards">leading contender</a>&nbsp;to succeed him as pope, assumed leadership of the proceedings as the most senior cardinal under age 80 eligible to participate.</p><p>Outside in St. Peter’s Square, the atmosphere was festive as thousands of people flocked to the piazza to watch the proceedings on giant video screens, applauding when the Sistine Chapel’s doors slammed shut and the voting began.</p><p>They waited for hours, watching screens that showed just a skinny chimney and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/seagull-takes-prime-vatican-perching-spot-on-sistine-chapel-chimney-ahead-of-conclave-baf5596fef9641b3b612b7fddd9a3e72">occasional seagull</a>. After the vote dragged on to dinnertime, some left in frustration, but those who stayed cheered when the smoke finally billowed out.</p><p>“My hope is that cardinals will choose a man who can be a peacemaker and could reunify the church,” said Gabriel Capry, a 27-year-old from London.</p><p>The cardinals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/francis-election-conclave-pope-vatican-catholics-87fcd94f759575b8744a4d2899371275#:~:text=VATICAN%20CITY%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The,the%20world's%201.3%20billion%20Catholics.">were sequestered</a>&nbsp;from the outside world, their cellphones surrendered and airwaves around the Vatican jammed to prevent all communications until they find a new pope.</p><p>Francis named 108 of the 133 “princes of the church,” choosing many pastors in his image from far-flung countries like Mongolia, Sweden and Tonga that had never had a cardinal before.</p><p>His decision to surpass the usual limit of 120 cardinal electors has both lengthened the amount of time it takes for each vote to be processed and injected more uncertainty into a process that is always full of mystery and suspense.</p>

No Pope elected after three rounds of voting

WICHITA, Kan. – Following a series of events that commenced on the evening of Sunday, May 4, involving a stolen vehicle and an aggravated battery on a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s deputy, authorities have successfully located and arrested the suspect, Thomas Torrez.

On Tuesday, May 6, after extensive efforts by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Investigations Division and Fugitive Warrant Section, deputies identified Torrez at a multi-family housing unit in the 2500 block of N. Park Place, a location previously associated with him. Entry was made into the residence, where Torrez was found barricaded inside a refrigerator.

Despite multiple commands to surrender, Torrez refused to comply. A Sheriff's Office K-9 unit was deployed, which facilitated his apprehension. Following medical treatment, Torrez was booked into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility.

Torrez was taken into custody on original felony warrants for failing to register as an offender and a probation violation related to criminal possession of a weapon. He also faces new charges related to the incidents on May 4 and May 6, including aggravated burglary, kidnapping, attempting to elude law enforcement, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement officers, and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.

Additionally, he was booked on three outstanding municipal warrants from the City of Wichita. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming. 

Once all relevant information is compiled, the case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging decisions.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, Wichita Police officers were recovering a stolen vehicle in the 4800 block of E. 21st Street North. During the recovery, Torrez—an occupant of the vehicle—fled the scene in the stolen car. He was not located during the initial incident.

Just before 8p.m., a Sedgwick County deputy spotted the same stolen vehicle using a Flock license plate reader at a McDonald’s drive-thru in the 4800 block of S. Broadway. Torrez was behind the wheel with a female passenger.

The deputy positioned his patrol vehicle to block the stolen car, but Torrez accelerated, ramming the patrol unit. He then reversed into the building, drove over a curb and landscaping, and fled onto 47th Street. The deputy’s vehicle was disabled from the impact, and he was unable to pursue. The deputy sustained minor injuries as a result.

The deputy was “put out in trouble,” and charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer were broadcast to responding units.

While responding with lights and sirens, a second deputy collided with a civilian vehicle at the intersection of 47th Street and Hydraulic. The civilian vehicle was carrying five people—a 37-year-old man, a 29-year-old woman, and three children ages 6, 8, and 10. All suffered minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital. No officers were actively pursuing the stolen vehicle at the time of the crash. This deputy sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention.

Shortly after fleeing McDonald’s, the female passenger escaped the vehicle near Laura Street, north of 47th. She was located by officers and cooperated with the investigation. According to her statement, she tried to surrender during the initial stop and attempted multiple times to exit the vehicle, even using mace on Torrez.

Torrez later abandoned the stolen vehicle near 44th and Pattie and fled on foot. He then stole a second vehicle from a mobile home park in the 1000 block of E. MacArthur and led deputies on a brief pursuit, driving off-road in the area of O.J. Watson Park.

During his escape, Torrez caused a hit-and-run crash near Harry and McLean. The victim followed him to the area of Water and Zimmerly, where Torrez ditched the second vehicle and fled on foot.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746467676255.png" alt="&nbsp;Torrez is accused of ramming a patrol vehicle as he attempted to flee a fast-food drive through Sunday -Photo Sedgwick Co. Sheriff" />
                        <figcaption>&nbsp;Torrez is accused of ramming a patrol vehicle as he attempted to flee a fast-food drive through Sunday -Photo Sedgwick Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WICHITA, Kan. – Following a series of events that commenced on the evening of Sunday, May 4, involving a stolen vehicle and an aggravated battery on a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s deputy, authorities have successfully located and arrested the suspect, Thomas Torrez.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746612189134.png" alt="Torrez photo Sedgwick Co. Jail" />
                        <figcaption>Torrez photo Sedgwick Co. Jail</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>On Tuesday, May 6, after extensive efforts by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Investigations Division and Fugitive Warrant Section, deputies identified Torrez at a multi-family housing unit in the 2500 block of N. Park Place, a location previously associated with him. Entry was made into the residence, where Torrez was found barricaded inside a refrigerator.</p><p>Despite multiple commands to surrender, Torrez refused to comply. A Sheriff's Office K-9 unit was deployed, which facilitated his apprehension. Following medical treatment, Torrez was booked into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility.</p><p>Torrez was taken into custody on original felony warrants for failing to register as an offender and a probation violation related to criminal possession of a weapon. He also faces new charges related to the incidents on May 4 and May 6, including aggravated burglary, kidnapping, attempting to elude law enforcement, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement officers, and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.</p><p>Additionally, he was booked on three outstanding municipal warrants from the City of Wichita. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming. </p><p>Once all relevant information is compiled, the case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging decisions.</p><p>-----------</p><p>Just after 1a.m. Sunday, Wichita Police officers were recovering a stolen vehicle in the 4800 block of E. 21st Street North. During the recovery, Torrez—an occupant of the vehicle—fled the scene in the stolen car. He was not located during the initial incident.</p><p>Just before 8p.m., a Sedgwick County deputy spotted the same stolen vehicle using a Flock license plate reader at a McDonald’s drive-thru in the 4800 block of S. Broadway. Torrez was behind the wheel with a female passenger.</p><p>The deputy positioned his patrol vehicle to block the stolen car, but Torrez accelerated, ramming the patrol unit. He then reversed into the building, drove over a curb and landscaping, and fled onto 47th Street. The deputy’s vehicle was disabled from the impact, and he was unable to pursue. The deputy sustained minor injuries as a result.</p><p>The deputy was “put out in trouble,” and charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer were broadcast to responding units.</p><p>While responding with lights and sirens, a second deputy collided with a civilian vehicle at the intersection of 47th Street and Hydraulic. The civilian vehicle was carrying five people—a 37-year-old man, a 29-year-old woman, and three children ages 6, 8, and 10. All suffered minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital. No officers were actively pursuing the stolen vehicle at the time of the crash. This deputy sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention.</p><p>Shortly after fleeing McDonald’s, the female passenger escaped the vehicle near Laura Street, north of 47th. She was located by officers and cooperated with the investigation. According to her statement, she tried to surrender during the initial stop and attempted multiple times to exit the vehicle, even using mace on Torrez.</p><p>Torrez later abandoned the stolen vehicle near 44th and Pattie and fled on foot. He then stole a second vehicle from a mobile home park in the 1000 block of E. MacArthur and led deputies on a brief pursuit, driving off-road in the area of O.J. Watson Park.</p><p>During his escape, Torrez caused a hit-and-run crash near Harry and McLean. The victim followed him to the area of Water and Zimmerly, where Torrez ditched the second vehicle and fled on foot.</p>

Kan. offender who rammed patrol car was hiding in refrigerator 

HARVEY COUNTY —On May 1,&nbsp; Jerad Carmichael of Sedgwick, Kansas pled guilty to Rape of a Child under the age of 14 and Aggravated Criminal Sodomy, according to the Harvey County Attorney's office.

The crimes occurred between April 1, 2023 and April 21, 2024 in Harvey County, KS and the victim was under the age of 10. The case is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Jason Lane on July 16, 2025 at 10:00 am. Carmichael faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years, lifetime registration as a sexual offender and, if released from custody, lifetime post-release/parole supervision. 

This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center. 

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746647469298.png" alt="Carmichael photo KBI Offender Registry" />
                        <figcaption>Carmichael photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HARVEY COUNTY —On May 1,&nbsp; Jerad Carmichael of Sedgwick, Kansas pled guilty to Rape of a Child under the age of 14 and Aggravated Criminal Sodomy, according to the Harvey County Attorney's office.</p><p>The crimes occurred between April 1, 2023 and April 21, 2024 in Harvey County, KS and the victim was under the age of 10. The case is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Jason Lane on July 16, 2025 at 10:00 am. Carmichael faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years, lifetime registration as a sexual offender and, if released from custody, lifetime post-release/parole supervision. </p><p>This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center. </p>

Kansas man admits to sex crimes with victim under the age of 10

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

TOPEKA — The Grain Belt Express, an 800-mile electric transmission line to be built through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The awards were made to Quanta Services of Houston and Kiewit Energy Group Inc. of Omaha. Grain Belt Express&nbsp;is an Invenergy project expected to add 5,000 megawatts of U.S. energy delivery capacity, according to an Invenergy press release. It’s also expected to provide $52 billion in energy cost savings to Americans over 15 years.

“Quanta Services and Kiewit have strong local presences and expect to source raw materials locally in Kansas and Missouri when possible, including concrete, aggregate, civil materials, conduit, and piping,” the press release said. “Main construction, engineering, and procurement offices for Grain Belt Express Phase 1 will be based out of Overland Park&nbsp;and Lenexa, Kansas.”

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said the Grain Belt Express is a multimillion dollar investment that will pay off for Kansans.

“The selection of contractors and suppliers with a local presence is just one of the many sizable economic benefits Grain Belt Express brings, in addition to greater energy cost savings and reliability,” he said.

In April, the Kansas Corporation Commission modified the route for one of two transmission lines that will connect wind and solar farms to the Grain Belt Express that was originally planned to run for 46 miles through parts of Ford, Meade and Gray counties.&nbsp;

“The new route reduces the length of the line by 12 miles and avoids 24 parcels of land resulting in fewer landowners being impacted,” a KCC press release said. “The 16-mile Bucklin-Dodge City Line remains unchanged.”

A map showing the new route of the Meade-Dodge City line can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Festar.kcc.ks.gov%252Festar%252FViewFile.aspx%252F20250410102317546.pdf%253FId%3D4560a87d-6cc2-410a-8239-5d3ecc7f61a3%2526utm_medium%3Demail%2526utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%2F1%2F01010196213afb39-3f6c80b3-910d-4f31-92a2-13acace51784-000000%2FLHVZJwat2a5Nhd9oAkr8cg4njDiZ1rTO40QiouMd54I%3D400&amp;data=05%7C02%7CLinda.Berry%40ks.gov%7Ccaa38d20bf6c491cbd6708dd7868088d%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638799110678140200%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=0tU8QIj0qToSrbld3FPpCscXv2cGIa6HbZUCkKu6CvU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.

The Invenergy press release said 1,500 agreements have been executed with landowners for easement rights. More than $105 million is part of executed easement agreements, including $19 million already paid to landowners and an additional $86 million due at construction, the company said. More than 95% of Grain Belt Express Phase 1 main line land acquisition is complete.

“Kansans working to balance household budgets and run businesses want energy that’s affordable and reliable, and that’s what we are getting with Grain Belt Express, all without ratepayers being forced to pay for it,” said Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746648653179.png" alt=" The Grain Belt Express announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday to build a transmission line through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. (Robert Zullo/States Newsroom)" />
                        <figcaption> The Grain Belt Express announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday to build a transmission line through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. (Robert Zullo/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><p>TOPEKA — The Grain Belt Express, an 800-mile electric transmission line to be built through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p><p>The awards were made to Quanta Services of Houston and Kiewit Energy Group Inc. of Omaha. Grain Belt Express&nbsp;is an Invenergy project expected to add 5,000 megawatts of U.S. energy delivery capacity, according to an Invenergy press release. It’s also expected to provide $52 billion in energy cost savings to Americans over 15 years.</p><p>“Quanta Services and Kiewit have strong local presences and expect to source raw materials locally in Kansas and Missouri when possible, including concrete, aggregate, civil materials, conduit, and piping,” the press release said. “Main construction, engineering, and procurement offices for Grain Belt Express Phase 1 will be based out of Overland Park&nbsp;and Lenexa, Kansas.”</p><p>Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said the Grain Belt Express is a multimillion dollar investment that will pay off for Kansans.</p><p>“The selection of contractors and suppliers with a local presence is just one of the many sizable economic benefits Grain Belt Express brings, in addition to greater energy cost savings and reliability,” he said.</p><p>In April, the Kansas Corporation Commission modified the route for one of two transmission lines that will connect wind and solar farms to the Grain Belt Express that was originally planned to run for 46 miles through parts of Ford, Meade and Gray counties.&nbsp;</p><p>“The new route reduces the length of the line by 12 miles and avoids 24 parcels of land resulting in fewer landowners being impacted,” a KCC press release said. “The 16-mile Bucklin-Dodge City Line remains unchanged.”</p><p>A map showing the new route of the Meade-Dodge City line can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Festar.kcc.ks.gov%252Festar%252FViewFile.aspx%252F20250410102317546.pdf%253FId%3D4560a87d-6cc2-410a-8239-5d3ecc7f61a3%2526utm_medium%3Demail%2526utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%2F1%2F01010196213afb39-3f6c80b3-910d-4f31-92a2-13acace51784-000000%2FLHVZJwat2a5Nhd9oAkr8cg4njDiZ1rTO40QiouMd54I%3D400&amp;data=05%7C02%7CLinda.Berry%40ks.gov%7Ccaa38d20bf6c491cbd6708dd7868088d%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638799110678140200%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=0tU8QIj0qToSrbld3FPpCscXv2cGIa6HbZUCkKu6CvU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>The Invenergy press release said 1,500 agreements have been executed with landowners for easement rights. More than $105 million is part of executed easement agreements, including $19 million already paid to landowners and an additional $86 million due at construction, the company said. More than 95% of Grain Belt Express Phase 1 main line land acquisition is complete.</p><p>“Kansans working to balance household budgets and run businesses want energy that’s affordable and reliable, and that’s what we are getting with Grain Belt Express, all without ratepayers being forced to pay for it,” said Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins.</p>

Grain Belt Express awards $1.7B in contracts for transmission line through Kansas, other states

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Most airports around the United States operated smoothly as new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-id-tsa-dhs-air-travel-5005fc6ad2b59bc96d1ee43db08e0ea4">REAL ID</a>&nbsp;requirements took effect Wednesday because travelers without the updated document were still allowed to move through security easily.

Those without the IDs were given pieces of paper informing them that going forward they would need to present REAL ID or other federally accepted ID for air travel within the U.S. It includes a QR code travelers can use to see a list of acceptable identifications.

“The ID you presented is NOT REAL ID-compliant,” the paper reads. “You will need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification for your next flight or you may expect delays.”

Suzy Roberts, a traveler who didn't have a REAL ID, passed through security without a hitch at Oakland airport in Northern California. Officials gave her the TSA handout, advised her to call the DMV to make an appointment, and said she might have to go through extra screening.

“I’m going through — they’re just gonna do extra security and they’ll take my photo,” Roberts explained as she waited for her bag to be screened before her flight to Los Angeles.

The relative calm at airports was bolstered by the fact that 81% of travelers already have REAL IDs, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

“I feel pretty well prepared. I’ve had real ID for a while,” he said as he prepared to return home to Kansas City from Philadelphia.

The new requirement for domestic flights has been the subject of much discussion on social media in recent weeks, with people expressing confusion about whether they can travel without a REAL ID, sharing details about wait times and seeking advice on how to meet the requirements.

Airport security checkpoints also accepted passports and tribal identification as usual.

No lines at the airport, lines to get IDs

Many airports reported wait times of a few minutes at security checkpoints on their websites on Wednesday morning. LaGuardia Airport in New York City reported no wait at one TSA PreCheck checkpoint and wait times ranging from 2 to 11 minutes in the general lines. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s website showed wait times at its security checkpoints ranging from 5 to 16 minutes.

Nashville International Airport posted on social media that wait times were less than 20 minutes on Wednesday morning, but urged travels to help keep things running smoothly by brining a REAL ID.

The day ahead of the deadline, people lined up at government offices across the country to secure their compliant IDs. In Chicago, officials established a Real ID Supercenter for walk-in appointments, while officials in California and elsewhere planned to continue offering extended hours for the crush of appointments.

Michael Aceto waited in line at a DMV in King of Prussia, in the Philadelphia suburbs, for about two and a half hours Tuesday before getting his REAL ID.

“It’s a pain in the butt. It’s really a lot of time. Everybody’s got to take off from work to be here,” he said. “It’s a big waste of time as far as I’m concerned.”

Travelers without REAL ID still will be able to fly

Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;told a congressional panel on Tuesday that those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step."

There's already an extra screening process in place for people who lose or forget their IDs while traveling.

<p>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Most airports around the United States operated smoothly as new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-id-tsa-dhs-air-travel-5005fc6ad2b59bc96d1ee43db08e0ea4">REAL ID</a>&nbsp;requirements took effect Wednesday because travelers without the updated document were still allowed to move through security easily.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Real ID enforcement is officially in effect—thanks for helping things run smoothly so far, KC! Flying soon? Make sure your ID is compliant: <a href="https://t.co/0EgqLgvOOL">https://t.co/0EgqLgvOOL</a> <a href="https://t.co/orLMoV1M1w">pic.twitter.com/orLMoV1M1w</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City International Airport (@Fly_KansasCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fly_KansasCity/status/1920195731412967925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Starting TODAY, May 7, you will need a Real ID to fly. Real IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. <br><br>If you plan to fly, make sure you get a Real ID so you won’t face travel delays! <a href="https://t.co/5Q95SK4a17">pic.twitter.com/5Q95SK4a17</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/1920193741718970611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">TSA operations at <a href="https://twitter.com/Fly_Nashville?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Fly_Nashville</a> running smoothly this morning, with only a small number of passengers without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification. Summer travel is just around the corner, and passengers should plan to get one soon to avoid checkpoint delays! <a href="https://t.co/HozQb520Yi">pic.twitter.com/HozQb520Yi</a></p>&mdash; TSA Southeast (@TSA_Southeast) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSA_Southeast/status/1920111626037981622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Those without the IDs were given pieces of paper informing them that going forward they would need to present REAL ID or other federally accepted ID for air travel within the U.S. It includes a QR code travelers can use to see a list of acceptable identifications.</p><p>“The ID you presented is NOT REAL ID-compliant,” the paper reads. “You will need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification for your next flight or you may expect delays.”</p><p>Suzy Roberts, a traveler who didn't have a REAL ID, passed through security without a hitch at Oakland airport in Northern California. Officials gave her the TSA handout, advised her to call the DMV to make an appointment, and said she might have to go through extra screening.</p><p>“I’m going through — they’re just gonna do extra security and they’ll take my photo,” Roberts explained as she waited for her bag to be screened before her flight to Los Angeles.</p><p>The relative calm at airports was bolstered by the fact that 81% of travelers already have REAL IDs, according to the Department of Homeland Security.</p><p>Nathan Carter was one of them.</p><p>“I feel pretty well prepared. I’ve had real ID for a while,” he said as he prepared to return home to Kansas City from Philadelphia.</p><p>The new requirement for domestic flights has been the subject of much discussion on social media in recent weeks, with people expressing confusion about whether they can travel without a REAL ID, sharing details about wait times and seeking advice on how to meet the requirements.</p><p>Airport security checkpoints also accepted passports and tribal identification as usual.</p><h2>No lines at the airport, lines to get IDs</h2><p>Many airports reported wait times of a few minutes at security checkpoints on their websites on Wednesday morning. LaGuardia Airport in New York City reported no wait at one TSA PreCheck checkpoint and wait times ranging from 2 to 11 minutes in the general lines. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s website showed wait times at its security checkpoints ranging from 5 to 16 minutes.</p><p>Nashville International Airport posted on social media that wait times were less than 20 minutes on Wednesday morning, but urged travels to help keep things running smoothly by brining a REAL ID.</p><p>The day ahead of the deadline, people lined up at government offices across the country to secure their compliant IDs. In Chicago, officials established a Real ID Supercenter for walk-in appointments, while officials in California and elsewhere planned to continue offering extended hours for the crush of appointments.</p><p>Michael Aceto waited in line at a DMV in King of Prussia, in the Philadelphia suburbs, for about two and a half hours Tuesday before getting his REAL ID.</p><p>“It’s a pain in the butt. It’s really a lot of time. Everybody’s got to take off from work to be here,” he said. “It’s a big waste of time as far as I’m concerned.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746552902581.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Travelers without REAL ID still will be able to fly</h2><p>Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;told a congressional panel on Tuesday that those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step."</p><p>There's already an extra screening process in place for people who lose or forget their IDs while traveling.</p><p>It wasn't clear Wednesday how many people without REAL IDs were facing extra screening beyond being handed the TSA flier.</p><p>REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that Homeland Security says is a more secure form of identification. It was a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission and signed into law in 2005. It was supposed to be rolled out in 2008 but the implementation had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-i-need-real-id-7911495d6643b02c205d496a9af4e322">repeatedly delayed</a>.</p><p>¨The whole idea here is to better validate those individuals that were encountering a checkpoint to ensure they are who exactly they say they are,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director in New Jersey.</p><p>If people without REAL IDs give themselves extra time, he said, they likely shouldn't miss their flights. "I do not have a belief that this will cause people to miss their flights if they take that additional time in.”</p><h2>REAL ID also will be needed for certain federal facilities</h2><p>Besides serving as a valid form of identification to fly domestically, people will also need a REAL ID to access certain federal buildings and facilities.</p><p>State government offices that issue driver's licenses and state IDs have seen a significant increase in demand for REAL ID and some have extended their office hours to meet the demand. Some officials have recommended people delay getting REAL ID compliant licenses and cards if they don't have flights planned in the next few months.</p><p>“Wait until after the current rush,” said Erin Johnson, a spokesperson with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.</p><p>--------------</p><p>Associated Press writers Terry Chea in Oakland, California, and Tassanee Vejpongsa in Philadelphia contributed to this report.</p><p>------------</p><p>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-id-tsa-dhs-air-travel-5005fc6ad2b59bc96d1ee43db08e0ea4">REAL ID</a>&nbsp;requirements for those flying within the United States began Wednesday after nearly 20 years of delays.</p><p>Many airports reported wait times of a few minutes at security checkpoints on their websites on Wednesday morning, although some had longer waits. LaGuardia Airport reported no wait at one TSA Precheck checkpoint and wait times ranging from 2 to 11 minutes in the general lines. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s website showed wait times at its security checkpoints ranging from 5 to 16 minutes.</p><p>Nashville International Airport reported a wait time of less than 20 minutes on Wednesday morning.</p><p>“The Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID policy is now in effect, and we are pleased to share that the TSA lines are moving efficiently,” the airport said in a social media post. “You can help ensure that continues by bringing your REAL ID if you have it when you are coming to the airport.”</p><p>The day ahead of the deadline, people lined up at government offices across the country to secure their compliant IDs. In Chicago, officials established a Real ID Supercenter for walk-in appointments, while officials in California and elsewhere planned to continue offering extended hours for the crush of appointments.</p><p>“I’m here today so I won’t be right on the deadline, which is tomorrow," said Marion Henderson, who applied for her REAL ID on Tuesday in Jackson, Mississippi.</p><h2>Travelers without REAL ID still will be able to fly</h2><p>Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-id-travelers-security-deadline-homeland-289d84d3c10d96546270ff0e8ca80436">Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday assured people who don't yet have a REAL ID but need to take a domestic flight Wednesday that they will be able to fly after clearing additional identity checks.</p><p>Some complained about the need to secure the ID after waiting in line for hours.</p><p>Michael Aceto waited in line at a DMV in King of Prussia, in the Philadelphia suburbs, for about two and a half hours Tuesday before getting his REAL ID.</p><p>“It’s a pain in the butt. It’s really a lot of time. Everybody’s got to take off from work to be here," he said. "It’s a big waste of time as far as I’m concerned.”</p><p>The Transportation Security Administration warned people who don’t have identification that complies with REAL ID requirements to arrive early at the airport and be prepared for advanced screening to avoid causing delays.</p><p>People shared images on social media of a red flier they say TSA gave travelers without REAL ID.</p><p>“The ID you presented is NOT REAL ID-compliant,” the flier reads. “You will need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification for your next flight or you may expect delays.”</p><p>It includes a QR code travelers can use to see a list of acceptable identifications.</p><h2>New requirements prompt questions and advice</h2><p>The new requirements have been the subject of many Reddit threads and Facebook group discussions in recent weeks, with numerous people expressing confusion about whether they can travel without a REAL ID, sharing details about wait times and seeking advice on how to meet the requirements.</p><p>Noem told a congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have REAL IDs. She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification, like they have already been doing.</p><p>Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” Noem said.</p><p>“But people will be allowed to fly,” she said. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”</p><p>REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that Homeland Security says is a more secure form of identification. It was a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission and signed into law in 2005. It was supposed to be rolled out in 2008 but the implementation had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-i-need-real-id-7911495d6643b02c205d496a9af4e322">repeatedly delayed</a>.</p><p>¨The whole idea here is to better validate those individuals that were encountering a checkpoint to ensure they are who exactly they say they are,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director in New Jersey.</p><p>Carter said those without a REAL ID should give themselves extra time to clear security.</p><p>“If they do that, I do not have a belief that this will cause people to miss their flights if they take that additional time in,” he said.</p><h2>REAL ID also will be needed for certain federal facilities</h2><p>Besides serving as a valid form of identification to fly domestically, people will also need a REAL ID to access certain federal buildings and facilities.</p><p>State government offices that issue driver's licenses and state IDs have seen a significant increase in demand for REAL ID and some have extended their office hours to meet the demand. Some officials have recommended people wait for a while to get REAL ID compliant licenses and cards if they don't have flights planned in the next few months.</p><p>“We are encouraging people who have passports or other REAL ID-compliant documents and people who don’t have travel plans in the next few months to wait until after the current rush to apply for a REAL ID,” said Erin Johnson, a spokesperson with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.</p><p>Johnson said that the department has seen a significant increase in demand for REAL ID in recent weeks. In February, there were more than 48,000 applications for a REAL ID; that has nearly doubled to over 99,000 in April, she said.</p><p>___</p><p>Associated Press writers Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., Janie Har in San Francisco and Joseph Frederick in Newark, New Jersey, and Tassanee Vejpongsa in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, contributed to this story.</p>