By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/dee-ann-durbin">DEE-ANN DURBIN</a> Associated Press

J.M. Smucker Co. plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/artificial-synthetic-food-dyes-natural-fda-sensient-ad9611b1235f2097469508e711e71094">remove artificial colors</a>&nbsp;from its products by the end of 2027.

Orrville, Ohio-based Smucker said Thursday it will also remove synthetic dyes from foods sold to K-12 schools by the 2026-2027 school year.

Smucker said the majority of its products – including its Uncrustables sandwiches – are already free of synthetic dyes. But some products still have them, including sugar-free jams and ice cream toppings.

Smucker said some products from Hostess, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostess-smucker-twinkie-bankruptcy-f37a3ec4028be7eca7cf5e963ce43135">it acquired in 2023</a>, also contain artificial colors. Twinkies are made with Red 40 and Yellow 5, for example, while Snoballs snack cakes are made with Red 40 Lake, a dye combined with aluminum to keep it from dissolving in water.

Smucker joins a growing number of big food companies that have announced plans to eliminate artificial dyes. Earlier this week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nestle-artificial-colors-dyes-534843becc89b62d8ac548f81338ec1b">Nestle</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conagra-artificial-colors-dyes-duncan-hines-3bdf5b4c47c0afd8876b0fbca109f595">Conagra Brands</a>&nbsp;— the parent company of Duncan Hines — both said they would phase out synthetic dyes.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kraft-heinz-dye-ketchup-70a48b9af69583e24755392daf9f1a4a">Kraft Heinz and General Mills</a>&nbsp;made similar pledges last week.

The federal government has stepped up its scrutiny of artificial colors in recent months. In January, days before President Donald Trump took office, the U.S. regulators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-red-dye-no-3-ban-94c3e418584fb1e91ca3b0cbeb3d5a60">banned the dye</a>&nbsp;called Red 3 from the nation’s food supply, nearly 35 years after it was barred from cosmetics because of potential cancer risk.

In April, Trump’s Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-artificial-food-dyes-kennedy-6f6c1aa08aafdae1925718804f360c0b">take steps to eliminate synthetic dyes</a>&nbsp;by the end of 2026, largely by relying on voluntary efforts from the food industry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751118130837.png" alt="Photo courtesy JM Smuckers" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy JM Smuckers</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/dee-ann-durbin">DEE-ANN DURBIN</a> Associated PressJ.M. Smucker Co. plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/artificial-synthetic-food-dyes-natural-fda-sensient-ad9611b1235f2097469508e711e71094">remove artificial colors</a>&nbsp;from its products by the end of 2027.Orrville, Ohio-based Smucker said Thursday it will also remove synthetic dyes from foods sold to K-12 schools by the 2026-2027 school year.Smucker said the majority of its products – including its Uncrustables sandwiches – are already free of synthetic dyes. But some products still have them, including sugar-free jams and ice cream toppings.Smucker said some products from Hostess, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostess-smucker-twinkie-bankruptcy-f37a3ec4028be7eca7cf5e963ce43135">it acquired in 2023</a>, also contain artificial colors. Twinkies are made with Red 40 and Yellow 5, for example, while Snoballs snack cakes are made with Red 40 Lake, a dye combined with aluminum to keep it from dissolving in water.Smucker joins a growing number of big food companies that have announced plans to eliminate artificial dyes. Earlier this week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nestle-artificial-colors-dyes-534843becc89b62d8ac548f81338ec1b">Nestle</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conagra-artificial-colors-dyes-duncan-hines-3bdf5b4c47c0afd8876b0fbca109f595">Conagra Brands</a>&nbsp;— the parent company of Duncan Hines — both said they would phase out synthetic dyes.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kraft-heinz-dye-ketchup-70a48b9af69583e24755392daf9f1a4a">Kraft Heinz and General Mills</a>&nbsp;made similar pledges last week.The federal government has stepped up its scrutiny of artificial colors in recent months. In January, days before President Donald Trump took office, the U.S. regulators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-red-dye-no-3-ban-94c3e418584fb1e91ca3b0cbeb3d5a60">banned the dye</a>&nbsp;called Red 3 from the nation’s food supply, nearly 35 years after it was barred from cosmetics because of potential cancer risk.In April, Trump’s Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-artificial-food-dyes-kennedy-6f6c1aa08aafdae1925718804f360c0b">take steps to eliminate synthetic dyes</a>&nbsp;by the end of 2026, largely by relying on voluntary efforts from the food industry.

J.M. Smucker to remove artificial colors from its jams and other products

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

TOPEKA — A Kansas program aimed at preventing unemployment fraud has been caught in the crosshairs of the Trump administration’s crusade against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

The U.S. Department of Labor in May canceled $400 million in unemployment insurance grants across the country. Included within the grant funding was language that the Trump administration associated with DEI initiatives, such as studying the “equity of the unemployment system” and an “equitable access director.”

A spokesperson for the department said the cuts were “part of the administration’s ongoing effort to remove unlawful DEI programs across government.”

But at the Kansas Department of Labor, the rescission didn’t eliminate any DEI programs.

Instead, it defunded a program that implemented identity verification tools, fraud analytics and safeguards to prevent criminal attacks and system failures, which were crucial in the wake of record volumes of fraudulent claims during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amber Shultz, Kansas labor secretary, wrote a letter Thursday to U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, expressing her “deep concern and disappointment” over the federal government’s decision, which she called “both confusing and contradictory.”

“The rationale of canceling a grant specifically intended to detect and prevent fraud is, frankly, counterproductive,” Shultz said in the letter.

Kansas forfeited $1 million of the $1.7 million total without forewarning.

“Revoking this support now leaves states more vulnerable to the very threats we were all called to confront,” Shultz said.

She called the funding loss “a huge blow,” and said she anticipates that employers and claimants will feel the impacts, which could mean slower claims processes.

The termination notice the state received from the federal government reasoned that the grant “no longer effectuates the department’s priorities for its grant funding.”

Communication between the state and federal departments has been nonexistent. Shultz said in a phone call that she and department staff have been attempting to communicate with the federal department, without any response.

A statement to Kansas Reflector attributed to a U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson said America’s unemployment system is in an “infrastructure crisis, riddled with waste, fraud and abuse.”

The statement said the Biden administration squandered its opportunity to fix the system by focusing “on equitable access rather than advancing access for all Americans in need.”

Shultz said none of the funding for Kansas’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/advisories/uipl-11-23" target="_blank">unemployment insurance fraud prevention grant program</a>&nbsp;was used for DEI initiatives.

The federal department is fulfilling its goal, Shultz said, “if they want fraudsters to have equitable access to our funds.”

A different grant from the U.S. Department of Labor under the Biden administration, called the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/advisories/unemployment-insurance-program-letter-no-23-21" target="_blank">equity grant</a>, gave Kansas more than $4.5 million, which the state used to ensure all Kansans could access the unemployment system. That meant focusing on rural Kansans without broadband access, Shultz said.

With the federal funding, the state fraud prevention program was able to conduct investigations and recover funds lost to fraudulent claims. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kansas and many other states faced extreme volumes of unemployment fraud, largely from international crime rings, which took advantage of aged and vulnerable claims systems. Kansas recently&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/16/kansas-recovers-11-million-in-pandemic-era-fraudulent-unemployment-claims/">recovered $11 million</a>&nbsp;in fraudulent claims, which totaled around 2.4% of the $460 million in state and federal funds lost during the pandemic.

The federal department’s Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office have pressed states across the country to improve fraud prevention and recovery efforts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751047370676.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, left, and Kansas Department of Labor secretary Amber Shultz, right, announce the launch of the state’s new online unemployment system Nov. 22, 2024, at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, left, and Kansas Department of Labor secretary Amber Shultz, right, announce the launch of the state’s new online unemployment system Nov. 22, 2024, at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Kansas program aimed at preventing unemployment fraud has been caught in the crosshairs of the Trump administration’s crusade against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.The U.S. Department of Labor in May canceled $400 million in unemployment insurance grants across the country. Included within the grant funding was language that the Trump administration associated with DEI initiatives, such as studying the “equity of the unemployment system” and an “equitable access director.”A spokesperson for the department said the cuts were “part of the administration’s ongoing effort to remove unlawful DEI programs across government.”But at the Kansas Department of Labor, the rescission didn’t eliminate any DEI programs.Instead, it defunded a program that implemented identity verification tools, fraud analytics and safeguards to prevent criminal attacks and system failures, which were crucial in the wake of record volumes of fraudulent claims during the COVID-19 pandemic.Amber Shultz, Kansas labor secretary, wrote a letter Thursday to U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, expressing her “deep concern and disappointment” over the federal government’s decision, which she called “both confusing and contradictory.”“The rationale of canceling a grant specifically intended to detect and prevent fraud is, frankly, counterproductive,” Shultz said in the letter.Kansas forfeited $1 million of the $1.7 million total without forewarning.“Revoking this support now leaves states more vulnerable to the very threats we were all called to confront,” Shultz said.She called the funding loss “a huge blow,” and said she anticipates that employers and claimants will feel the impacts, which could mean slower claims processes.The termination notice the state received from the federal government reasoned that the grant “no longer effectuates the department’s priorities for its grant funding.”Communication between the state and federal departments has been nonexistent. Shultz said in a phone call that she and department staff have been attempting to communicate with the federal department, without any response.A statement to Kansas Reflector attributed to a U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson said America’s unemployment system is in an “infrastructure crisis, riddled with waste, fraud and abuse.”The statement said the Biden administration squandered its opportunity to fix the system by focusing “on equitable access rather than advancing access for all Americans in need.”Shultz said none of the funding for Kansas’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/advisories/uipl-11-23" target="_blank">unemployment insurance fraud prevention grant program</a>&nbsp;was used for DEI initiatives.The federal department is fulfilling its goal, Shultz said, “if they want fraudsters to have equitable access to our funds.”A different grant from the U.S. Department of Labor under the Biden administration, called the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/advisories/unemployment-insurance-program-letter-no-23-21" target="_blank">equity grant</a>, gave Kansas more than $4.5 million, which the state used to ensure all Kansans could access the unemployment system. That meant focusing on rural Kansans without broadband access, Shultz said.With the federal funding, the state fraud prevention program was able to conduct investigations and recover funds lost to fraudulent claims. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kansas and many other states faced extreme volumes of unemployment fraud, largely from international crime rings, which took advantage of aged and vulnerable claims systems. Kansas recently&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/16/kansas-recovers-11-million-in-pandemic-era-fraudulent-unemployment-claims/">recovered $11 million</a>&nbsp;in fraudulent claims, which totaled around 2.4% of the $460 million in state and federal funds lost during the pandemic.The federal department’s Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office have pressed states across the country to improve fraud prevention and recovery efforts.

U.S. labor department terminates Kansas unemployment fraud prevention grant because of DEI

BANGKOK (AP) — Washington and Beijing have signed a trade agreement that will make it easier for American firms to obtain magnets and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rare-earths-trump-tariffs-china-trade-war-effd6a7ec64b5830df9d3c76ab9b607a">rare earth minerals</a>&nbsp;from China that are critical to manufacturing and microchip production, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday.

The agreement comes after China retaliated against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariff-economy-trade-court-appeal-e0a2cd2ebc049afce0ebc4959d1cb0be">steep import tariffs</a>&nbsp;imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese goods and moved to slow export of rare earth minerals and magnets much-needed by U.S. industrial interests.

Bessent said on Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping “had a phone call” previously "and then our teams met in London, ironed this out, and I am confident now that we, as agreed, the magnets will flow.”

“Part of the agreement was tariffs coming down and rare earth magnets starting to flow back to the U.S.," Bessent said. "They formed the core of a lot of our industrial base. They were not flowing as fast as previously agreed.”

His comments follow President Donald Trump announcing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-xinjiang-critical-minerals-forced-labor-uyghur-eac368889c299fd304a3b7beefc7469a">two weeks earlier</a>&nbsp;an agreement with China that he said would ease exportation of magnets and rare earth minerals

That pact cleared the way for the trade talks to continue. The U.S. has previously suspended some sales to China of critical U.S. technologies like components used for jet engines and semiconductors. It has also agreed to stop trying to revoke visas of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-students-visas-trump-guidance-social-media-a1f5180ce83560aff66dd65534906697">Chinese nationals on U.S. college campuses</a>.

Bessent added of critical mineral exports: “What we’re seeing here is a de-escalation.”

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Bloomberg TV that the deal was signed earlier this week.

China’s Commerce Ministry said Friday that the two sides had “further confirmed the details of the framework,” when responding to a question about if China was to speed up exports of rare earths to the U.S. and if the U.S. was to remove some restrictions on China.

“China will, in accordance with the law, review and approve eligible export applications for controlled items. In turn, the United States will lift a series of restrictive measures it had imposed on China,” the ministry said.

Initial talks in Geneva in early May led both sides to postpone massive&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/:%20https://apnews.com/article/canada-carney-trade-us-trump-tariffs-4d22145bc3834b65f6e68805ce0cc3e6">tariff hikes</a>&nbsp;that were threatening to freeze much trade between the two countries. Later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-trade-talks-london-e9e87d76a81a5e51294368308d5af47d">talks in London</a>&nbsp;set a framework for negotiations and the deal mentioned by Trump appeared to formalize that agreement — setting the stage for Bessent's comments on Friday.

In London, export controls of the minerals eclipsed tariffs in the trade negotiations after China in April imposed permitting requirements on seven rare earth elements, per a Chinese law that applies to all exports, not just those bound for the U.S. market.

With the permitting process taking 45 days, the new requirement has caused a pause in shipments, threatening to disrupt production of cars, robots, wind turbines and other high-tech products in the U.S. and around the world. The U.S., meanwhile, took restrictive measures on exports of high tech to China.

By the latest agreement, China does not remove the permitting requirement on rare earths but retains the flexibility to dial up or down the approval process as needed.

Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Washington-based think tank Stimson Center, said Beijing has only tightened its overall policy on rare earths but has the discretion on how to implement it. "That’s the Chinese style,” she said. “If all goes well, permit happens. If things go in a wrong direction, like U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, permits gone with wind.”

China also has taken steps recently on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-fentanyl-tariffs-trump-f77abc5dc8cba277a07c0f2cddb9a9e9">the fentanyl issue</a>, announcing last week that it would designate two more substances as precursor chemicals for fentanyl, making them subject to production, transport and export regulations. Trump has demanded that Beijing do more to stop the flow of such precursor ingredients to Mexican drug cartels, which use them to make fentanyl for sale in the U.S. He imposed 20% tariffs on Chinese imports over the fentanyl issue, the biggest part of current 30% across-the-board taxes on Chinese goods.

The agreement struck in May in Geneva called for both sides to scale back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-tariff-trump-xi-trade-london-talks-7db44c1697a7c4cf781e0e1796470625">punitive tariff hikes</a>&nbsp;imposed as Trump escalated his trade war and sharply raised import duties. Some higher tariffs, such as those imposed by Washington related to the trade in fentanyl and duties on aluminum and steel, remain in place.

The rapidly shifting policies are taking a toll on both of the world's two largest economies.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-tariffs-trump-gdp-shrink-86d1f15e66c646ac4ce88ffc0a956942">U.S. economy contracted at a 0.5%</a>&nbsp;annual pace from January through March, partly because imports surged as companies and households rushed to buy foreign goods before Trump could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-tariff-trump-xi-trade-london-talks-7db44c1697a7c4cf781e0e1796470625">impose tariffs on them</a>.

In China, factory profits sank more than 9% from a year earlier in May, with automakers suffering a large share of that drop. They fell more than 1% year-on-year in January-May.

Trump and other U.S. officials have indicated they expect to reach trade deals with many other countries, including India.

“We're going to have deal after deal after deal,” Lutnick said.

___ Weissert reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Didi Tang contributed from Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751053998692.png" alt="Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, right, shakes hands with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent before their meeting to discuss China-U.S. trade, in London, Monday, June 9. photo&nbsp; released by Xinhua News Agency" />
 <figcaption>Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, right, shakes hands with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent before their meeting to discuss China-U.S. trade, in London, Monday, June 9. photo&nbsp; released by Xinhua News Agency</figcaption>
 </figure>BANGKOK (AP) — Washington and Beijing have signed a trade agreement that will make it easier for American firms to obtain magnets and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rare-earths-trump-tariffs-china-trade-war-effd6a7ec64b5830df9d3c76ab9b607a">rare earth minerals</a>&nbsp;from China that are critical to manufacturing and microchip production, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday.The agreement comes after China retaliated against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariff-economy-trade-court-appeal-e0a2cd2ebc049afce0ebc4959d1cb0be">steep import tariffs</a>&nbsp;imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese goods and moved to slow export of rare earth minerals and magnets much-needed by U.S. industrial interests.Bessent said on Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping “had a phone call” previously "and then our teams met in London, ironed this out, and I am confident now that we, as agreed, the magnets will flow.”“Part of the agreement was tariffs coming down and rare earth magnets starting to flow back to the U.S.," Bessent said. "They formed the core of a lot of our industrial base. They were not flowing as fast as previously agreed.”His comments follow President Donald Trump announcing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-xinjiang-critical-minerals-forced-labor-uyghur-eac368889c299fd304a3b7beefc7469a">two weeks earlier</a>&nbsp;an agreement with China that he said would ease exportation of magnets and rare earth mineralsThat pact cleared the way for the trade talks to continue. The U.S. has previously suspended some sales to China of critical U.S. technologies like components used for jet engines and semiconductors. It has also agreed to stop trying to revoke visas of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-students-visas-trump-guidance-social-media-a1f5180ce83560aff66dd65534906697">Chinese nationals on U.S. college campuses</a>.Bessent added of critical mineral exports: “What we’re seeing here is a de-escalation.”Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Bloomberg TV that the deal was signed earlier this week.China’s Commerce Ministry said Friday that the two sides had “further confirmed the details of the framework,” when responding to a question about if China was to speed up exports of rare earths to the U.S. and if the U.S. was to remove some restrictions on China.“China will, in accordance with the law, review and approve eligible export applications for controlled items. In turn, the United States will lift a series of restrictive measures it had imposed on China,” the ministry said.Initial talks in Geneva in early May led both sides to postpone massive&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/:%20https://apnews.com/article/canada-carney-trade-us-trump-tariffs-4d22145bc3834b65f6e68805ce0cc3e6">tariff hikes</a>&nbsp;that were threatening to freeze much trade between the two countries. Later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-trade-talks-london-e9e87d76a81a5e51294368308d5af47d">talks in London</a>&nbsp;set a framework for negotiations and the deal mentioned by Trump appeared to formalize that agreement — setting the stage for Bessent's comments on Friday.In London, export controls of the minerals eclipsed tariffs in the trade negotiations after China in April imposed permitting requirements on seven rare earth elements, per a Chinese law that applies to all exports, not just those bound for the U.S. market.With the permitting process taking 45 days, the new requirement has caused a pause in shipments, threatening to disrupt production of cars, robots, wind turbines and other high-tech products in the U.S. and around the world. The U.S., meanwhile, took restrictive measures on exports of high tech to China.By the latest agreement, China does not remove the permitting requirement on rare earths but retains the flexibility to dial up or down the approval process as needed.Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Washington-based think tank Stimson Center, said Beijing has only tightened its overall policy on rare earths but has the discretion on how to implement it. "That’s the Chinese style,” she said. “If all goes well, permit happens. If things go in a wrong direction, like U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, permits gone with wind.”China also has taken steps recently on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-fentanyl-tariffs-trump-f77abc5dc8cba277a07c0f2cddb9a9e9">the fentanyl issue</a>, announcing last week that it would designate two more substances as precursor chemicals for fentanyl, making them subject to production, transport and export regulations. Trump has demanded that Beijing do more to stop the flow of such precursor ingredients to Mexican drug cartels, which use them to make fentanyl for sale in the U.S. He imposed 20% tariffs on Chinese imports over the fentanyl issue, the biggest part of current 30% across-the-board taxes on Chinese goods.The agreement struck in May in Geneva called for both sides to scale back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-tariff-trump-xi-trade-london-talks-7db44c1697a7c4cf781e0e1796470625">punitive tariff hikes</a>&nbsp;imposed as Trump escalated his trade war and sharply raised import duties. Some higher tariffs, such as those imposed by Washington related to the trade in fentanyl and duties on aluminum and steel, remain in place.The rapidly shifting policies are taking a toll on both of the world's two largest economies.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-tariffs-trump-gdp-shrink-86d1f15e66c646ac4ce88ffc0a956942">U.S. economy contracted at a 0.5%</a>&nbsp;annual pace from January through March, partly because imports surged as companies and households rushed to buy foreign goods before Trump could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-tariff-trump-xi-trade-london-talks-7db44c1697a7c4cf781e0e1796470625">impose tariffs on them</a>.In China, factory profits sank more than 9% from a year earlier in May, with automakers suffering a large share of that drop. They fell more than 1% year-on-year in January-May.Trump and other U.S. officials have indicated they expect to reach trade deals with many other countries, including India.“We're going to have deal after deal after deal,” Lutnick said.___ Weissert reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Didi Tang contributed from Washington.

New details revealed on historic trade deal between the U.S. and China

PHILLIPS COUNTY —A Phillips County Deputy and suspect died after an exchange of gunfire Friday in Phillipsburg.

At around 9:28 p.m. Friday, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received a report of illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks being detonated at 899 1st Street in Phillipsburg, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department Spokesman Branden Stitt.

&nbsp;Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede responded to the scene and contacted 27-year-old Colton Griffith, a resident of the address and the individual believed responsible for the fireworks.

During the encounter, the undersheriff developed probable cause to arrest Griffith. As the undersheriff attempted to place Griffith in handcuffs, a struggle broke out. Griffith pulled a concealed handgun and opened fire on the deputy.

Despite being struck by gunfire, the undersheriff returned fire and hit Griffith multiple times. Griffith died at the scene.

EMS transported Undersheriff Brandon Gaede to a local hospital. Despite life-saving measures, medical personnel pronounced him dead at 10:24 p.m.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the lead agency in the investigation, is working to determine the full sequence of events that led to the shooting.

Detectives are reviewing evidence and statements from witnesses, medical staff, and others involved. The Sheriff’s Office will release additional information as it becomes available. The case findings will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Gaede is survived by his wife Karlye and 3 young children.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FuFYWCTy9/">&nbsp;Click here to view the Farmer’s State Bank in Phillipsburg</a>&nbsp;is collecting donations for the family.

PHILLIPS COUNTY —Phillips County Deputy Sheriff Brandon Gaede died Friday as the result of an officer involved shooting in Phillipsburg, according to a social media report from the Holdrege, Nebraska Police Department.

On Friday night while responding to a fireworks call on the corner of First Street and E Street in Phillipsburg gunfire was exchanged between  a sheriff's deputy Gaede and a suspect, according to a social media report from Phillips County Sheriff.

The suspect died from the injuries. Deputy Gaede was wounded and transported to a hospital where he died.

Gaede is survived by his wife Karlye and 3 young children.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-gaede-family-after-tragic-loss">&nbsp;Click here to</a> view an online fundraiser for the family.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FuFYWCTy9/">&nbsp;Click here to view the Farmer’s State Bank in Phillipsburg</a>&nbsp;is collecting donations for the family.

The KBI’s Crime Scene Response Team responded, according to KBI spokesperson Natalie Turner. However, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of the investigation, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt.

PHILLIPS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Phillips County.

On Friday night while responding to a fireworks call on the corner of First Street and E Street in Phillipsburg gunfire was exchanged between&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy and suspect, according to a social media report from Phillips County Sheriff. 

The suspect died from the injuries. The deputy was wounded and transported to a hospital.

The KBI’s Crime Scene Response Team responded, according to KBI spokesperson Natalie Turner. However, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751127258786.png" alt="Deputy Brandon Gaede-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Brandon Gaede-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPS COUNTY —A Phillips County Deputy and suspect died after an exchange of gunfire Friday in Phillipsburg.At around 9:28 p.m. Friday, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received a report of illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks being detonated at 899 1st Street in Phillipsburg, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department Spokesman Branden Stitt.&nbsp;Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede responded to the scene and contacted 27-year-old Colton Griffith, a resident of the address and the individual believed responsible for the fireworks.During the encounter, the undersheriff developed probable cause to arrest Griffith. As the undersheriff attempted to place Griffith in handcuffs, a struggle broke out. Griffith pulled a concealed handgun and opened fire on the deputy.Despite being struck by gunfire, the undersheriff returned fire and hit Griffith multiple times. Griffith died at the scene.EMS transported Undersheriff Brandon Gaede to a local hospital. Despite life-saving measures, medical personnel pronounced him dead at 10:24 p.m.The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the lead agency in the investigation, is working to determine the full sequence of events that led to the shooting.Detectives are reviewing evidence and statements from witnesses, medical staff, and others involved. The Sheriff’s Office will release additional information as it becomes available. The case findings will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney upon the conclusion of the investigation.Gaede is survived by his wife Karlye and 3 young children.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FuFYWCTy9/">&nbsp;Click here to view the Farmer’s State Bank in Phillipsburg</a>&nbsp;is collecting donations for the family.-----------------PHILLIPS COUNTY —Phillips County Deputy Sheriff Brandon Gaede died Friday as the result of an officer involved shooting in Phillipsburg, according to a social media report from the Holdrege, Nebraska Police Department.On Friday night while responding to a fireworks call on the corner of First Street and E Street in Phillipsburg gunfire was exchanged between a sheriff's deputy Gaede and a suspect, according to a social media report from Phillips County Sheriff.The suspect died from the injuries. Deputy Gaede was wounded and transported to a hospital where he died.Gaede is survived by his wife Karlye and 3 young children.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-gaede-family-after-tragic-loss">&nbsp;Click here to</a> view an online fundraiser for the family.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FuFYWCTy9/">&nbsp;Click here to view the Farmer’s State Bank in Phillipsburg</a>&nbsp;is collecting donations for the family.The KBI’s Crime Scene Response Team responded, according to KBI spokesperson Natalie Turner. However, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of the investigation, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt.-------------PHILLIPS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Phillips County.On Friday night while responding to a fireworks call on the corner of First Street and E Street in Phillipsburg gunfire was exchanged between&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy and suspect, according to a social media report from Phillips County Sheriff. The suspect died from the injuries. The deputy was wounded and transported to a hospital.The KBI’s Crime Scene Response Team responded, according to KBI spokesperson Natalie Turner. However, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp;

NW Kansas deputy wounded in gunfight has died

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor&nbsp;Laura&nbsp;Kelly joined state and local leaders and Walmart leadership Friday to celebrate the grand opening of Walmart's Case-Ready Beef Facility in Olathe.

On social media the governor wrote, "Kansas feeds the nation, and Walmart's first owned and operated case-ready beef facility in Olathe will continue this tradition. I was proud to cut the ribbon at the facility's grand opening, which is creating 600 new jobs for Kansans and long-term growth for the region."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751048121074.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor&nbsp;Laura&nbsp;Kelly joined state and local leaders and Walmart leadership Friday to celebrate the grand opening of Walmart's Case-Ready Beef Facility in Olathe.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751048142172.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>On social media the governor wrote, "Kansas feeds the nation, and Walmart's first owned and operated case-ready beef facility in Olathe will continue this tradition. I was proud to cut the ribbon at the facility's grand opening, which is creating 600 new jobs for Kansans and long-term growth for the region."

600 jobs: Gov. Kelly celebrates opening of new case-ready beef facility

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic efforts in the Senate to prevent President Donald Trump from further escalating with Iran fell short Friday, with Republicans blocking a resolution that marked Congress’ first attempt to reassert its war powers following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

The resolution, authored by Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, aimed to affirm that Trump should seek&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-powers-act-trump-congress-9e6832fb5f5f844acf8992008d3a8d63">authorization from Congress</a>&nbsp;before launching more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-program-military-strikes-trump-f0fc085a2605e7da3e2f47ff9ac0e01d">military action against Iran</a>. Asked Friday if he would bomb Iranian nuclear sites again if he deemed necessary, Trump said, “Sure, without question.”

The measure was defeated in a 53-47 vote in the Republican-held Senate. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.

 One Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, joined Republicans in opposition, while Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote in favor.

Most Republicans have said Iran posed an imminent threat that required decisive action from Trump, and they backed his decision to bomb&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-fordo-us-strike-trump-israel-nuclear-sites-320a85327f94ed7496f09564261f3148">three Iranian nuclear sites</a>&nbsp;last weekend without seeking congressional approval.

“Of course, we can debate the scope and strategy of our military engagements,” said Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn. “But we must not shackle our president in the middle of a crisis when lives are on the line.”

Democrats cast doubt on that justification, arguing the president should have come to Congress first. They also said the president did not update them adequately, with Congress' first briefings taking place Thursday.

“The idea is this: We shouldn’t send our sons and daughters into war unless there’s a political consensus that this is a good idea, this is a national interest,” Kaine said in a Thursday interview with The Associated Press. The resolution, Kaine said, wasn't aimed at restricting the president’s ability to defend against a threat, but that "if it’s offense, let’s really make sure we’re making the right decision.”

In a statement following Friday's vote, Kaine said he was “disappointed that many of my colleagues are not willing to stand up and say Congress" should be a part of a decision to go to war.

Democrats' argument for backing the resolution centered on the War Powers Resolution, passed in the early 1970s, which requires the president “in every possible instance” to “consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces.”

Speaking on the Senate floor ahead of Friday's vote, Paul said he would back the resolution, saying that “despite the tactical success of our strikes, they may end up proving to be a strategic failure.”

“It is unclear if this intervention will fully curtail Iran's nuclear aspirations,” said Paul.

Trump is just the latest in a line of presidents to test the limits of the resolution — though he’s done so at a time when he’s often bristling at the nation's checks and balances.

Trump on Monday sent a letter to Congress — as required by the War Powers Resolution — that said strikes on Iran over the weekend were “limited in scope and purpose” and “designed to minimize casualties, deter future attacks and limit the risk of escalation.”

But following classified briefings with top White House officials this week, some lawmakers remain skeptical about how imminent the threat truly was.

“There was no imminent threat to the United States,” said Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, after Friday’s classified briefings.

“There’s always an Iranian threat to the world. But, I have not seen anything to suggest that the threat from the Iranians was radically different last Saturday than it was two Saturdays ago,” Himes said.

Despite Democratic skepticism, nearly all Republicans applauded Trump’s decision to strike Iran. And for GOP senators, supporting the resolution would have meant rebuking the president at the same time they’re working to pass his major legislative package.

Kaine proposed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6286252716f16d09c23451cf95443c6f">similar resolution</a>&nbsp;in 2020 aimed at limiting Trump’s authority to launch military operations against Iran. Among the eight Republicans who joined Democrats in approving the resolution was Indiana Sen. Todd Young.

After Thursday’s classified briefing for the Senate, Young said he was “confident that Iran was prepared to pose a significant threat” and that, given Trump’s stated goal of no further escalation, “I do not believe this resolution is necessary at this time.”

“Should the Administration’s posture change or events dictate the consideration of additional American military action, Congress should be consulted so we can best support those efforts and weigh in on behalf of our constituents,” Young said in a statement.

Trump has said that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in place. But he and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have verbally sparred in recent days, with the ayatollah warning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-06-26-2025-d09bf2282deea3b2edd63f29c867c058">the U.S.</a>&nbsp;not to launch future strikes on Iran.

White House officials have said they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-06-23-2025-63d873b977642a40986d1f1dee5c4b37">expect to restart talks</a>&nbsp;soon with Iran, though nothing has been scheduled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750540951558.png" alt="FILE PHOTO -- The B-2 Spirit (U.S. Air Force photo by Bobbie Garcia)" />
 <figcaption>FILE PHOTO -- The B-2 Spirit (U.S. Air Force photo by Bobbie Garcia)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic efforts in the Senate to prevent President Donald Trump from further escalating with Iran fell short Friday, with Republicans blocking a resolution that marked Congress’ first attempt to reassert its war powers following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.The resolution, authored by Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, aimed to affirm that Trump should seek&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-powers-act-trump-congress-9e6832fb5f5f844acf8992008d3a8d63">authorization from Congress</a>&nbsp;before launching more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-program-military-strikes-trump-f0fc085a2605e7da3e2f47ff9ac0e01d">military action against Iran</a>. Asked Friday if he would bomb Iranian nuclear sites again if he deemed necessary, Trump said, “Sure, without question.”The measure was defeated in a 53-47 vote in the Republican-held Senate. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority. One Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, joined Republicans in opposition, while Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote in favor.Most Republicans have said Iran posed an imminent threat that required decisive action from Trump, and they backed his decision to bomb&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-fordo-us-strike-trump-israel-nuclear-sites-320a85327f94ed7496f09564261f3148">three Iranian nuclear sites</a>&nbsp;last weekend without seeking congressional approval.“Of course, we can debate the scope and strategy of our military engagements,” said Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn. “But we must not shackle our president in the middle of a crisis when lives are on the line.”Democrats cast doubt on that justification, arguing the president should have come to Congress first. They also said the president did not update them adequately, with Congress' first briefings taking place Thursday.“The idea is this: We shouldn’t send our sons and daughters into war unless there’s a political consensus that this is a good idea, this is a national interest,” Kaine said in a Thursday interview with The Associated Press. The resolution, Kaine said, wasn't aimed at restricting the president’s ability to defend against a threat, but that "if it’s offense, let’s really make sure we’re making the right decision.”In a statement following Friday's vote, Kaine said he was “disappointed that many of my colleagues are not willing to stand up and say Congress" should be a part of a decision to go to war.Democrats' argument for backing the resolution centered on the War Powers Resolution, passed in the early 1970s, which requires the president “in every possible instance” to “consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces.”Speaking on the Senate floor ahead of Friday's vote, Paul said he would back the resolution, saying that “despite the tactical success of our strikes, they may end up proving to be a strategic failure.”“It is unclear if this intervention will fully curtail Iran's nuclear aspirations,” said Paul.Trump is just the latest in a line of presidents to test the limits of the resolution — though he’s done so at a time when he’s often bristling at the nation's checks and balances.Trump on Monday sent a letter to Congress — as required by the War Powers Resolution — that said strikes on Iran over the weekend were “limited in scope and purpose” and “designed to minimize casualties, deter future attacks and limit the risk of escalation.”But following classified briefings with top White House officials this week, some lawmakers remain skeptical about how imminent the threat truly was.“There was no imminent threat to the United States,” said Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, after Friday’s classified briefings.“There’s always an Iranian threat to the world. But, I have not seen anything to suggest that the threat from the Iranians was radically different last Saturday than it was two Saturdays ago,” Himes said.Despite Democratic skepticism, nearly all Republicans applauded Trump’s decision to strike Iran. And for GOP senators, supporting the resolution would have meant rebuking the president at the same time they’re working to pass his major legislative package.Kaine proposed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6286252716f16d09c23451cf95443c6f">similar resolution</a>&nbsp;in 2020 aimed at limiting Trump’s authority to launch military operations against Iran. Among the eight Republicans who joined Democrats in approving the resolution was Indiana Sen. Todd Young.After Thursday’s classified briefing for the Senate, Young said he was “confident that Iran was prepared to pose a significant threat” and that, given Trump’s stated goal of no further escalation, “I do not believe this resolution is necessary at this time.”“Should the Administration’s posture change or events dictate the consideration of additional American military action, Congress should be consulted so we can best support those efforts and weigh in on behalf of our constituents,” Young said in a statement.Trump has said that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in place. But he and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have verbally sparred in recent days, with the ayatollah warning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-06-26-2025-d09bf2282deea3b2edd63f29c867c058">the U.S.</a>&nbsp;not to launch future strikes on Iran.White House officials have said they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-06-23-2025-63d873b977642a40986d1f1dee5c4b37">expect to restart talks</a>&nbsp;soon with Iran, though nothing has been scheduled.

Moran, Marshall help Senate reject effort to restrain Trump on Iran

JACKSON COUNTY—A 12-year-old died in an accident just before 8p.m. Thursday in Jackson County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the boy from Raytown was driving a Monster Moto 80CC mini bike southbound at East 62nd Street and Arlington Avenue. The vehicle traveled off the road, struck a curb and a building.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene and released to the Jackson County Medical Examiner. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

JACKSON COUNTY—A 12-year-old died in an accident just before 8p.m. Thursday in Jackson County, Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the boy from Raytown was driving a Monster Moto 80CC mini bike southbound at East 62nd Street and Arlington Avenue. The vehicle traveled off the road, struck a curb and a building.&nbsp; &nbsp;The boy was pronounced dead at the scene and released to the Jackson County Medical Examiner. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

12-year-old killed in Kansas City area mini bike crash

TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with committing an assault on Tribal land.

According to court documents, Wesley Reel Bennett, 23, of Topeka was indicted on one count of assaults within maritime and territorial jurisdiction, according to the United State's Attorney.

In June 2025, Bennett is accused of assaulting and seriously injuring a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation within the confines of its Tribal territory.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting is prosecuting the case

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750968787684.png" alt="Bennett is being held in Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Bennett is being held in Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with committing an assault on Tribal land.According to court documents, Wesley Reel Bennett, 23, of Topeka was indicted on one count of assaults within maritime and territorial jurisdiction, according to the United State's Attorney.In June 2025, Bennett is accused of assaulting and seriously injuring a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation within the confines of its Tribal territory.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police Department are investigating the case.Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting is prosecuting the case

Indictment: Kansas man committed  assault on Tribal land

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man who admitted killing his wife and her boyfriend in 2023 is going to prison.

On Friday, Charles Crawford, 63, received two consecutive life sentences&nbsp; for the murders of Vanessa Crawford, 50, and Donald Eckert, 58, on July 25, 2023, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.

Crawford will not be eligible for parole until 2073.

In December Crawford entered a "no contest" plea to two counts of first-degree felony murder.&nbsp;

"The sentencing of Charles Crawford to two life terms provides a measure of justice for Vanessa Crawford and Donald Eckert, and their families," stated District Attorney Marc Bennett.

The District Attorney's office acknowledges the critical role of the Wichita Police Department. "This conviction and sentence are a testament to the diligent work of the Wichita Police Department whose swift response and thorough investigation were critical in apprehending Crawford and building a strong case. "We especially want to thank Detective Addie Perkins for her tireless efforts in this case."

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man who admitted killing his wife and her boyfriend in 2023 is scheduled for sentencing Friday.

In February, 63-year-old Charles Crawford of Wichita,&nbsp; told Judge Jeffrey Goering he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea in the case, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In December, Crawford pled no contest to two counts of 1st&nbsp;degree murder for&nbsp;the deaths of his 50-year-old wife Vanessa Crawford and her 58-year-old boyfriend Donald Eckert.

Judge Goering will announce his decision on the request for a change of plea Friday.

In July of 2023, a woman dropping off her child at an in-home daycare saw the two homicide victims through a window of a home in the 1100 Block of North Woodrow in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. The victims were identified as Vanessa Crawford and Donald Eckert both of Wichita.

While the investigation was taking place on the scene, Charles Crawford arrived with a gun pointed at his own head. Officers took cover for safety and immediately requested the assistance of SWAT and Crisis Negotiators. A standoff ensued with Crawford but it ended peacefully when he surrendered and was taken into custody

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690372152213.png" alt="Crawford photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Crawford photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man who admitted killing his wife and her boyfriend in 2023 is going to prison.On Friday, Charles Crawford, 63, received two consecutive life sentences&nbsp; for the murders of Vanessa Crawford, 50, and Donald Eckert, 58, on July 25, 2023, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.Crawford will not be eligible for parole until 2073.In December Crawford entered a "no contest" plea to two counts of first-degree felony murder.&nbsp;"The sentencing of Charles Crawford to two life terms provides a measure of justice for Vanessa Crawford and Donald Eckert, and their families," stated District Attorney Marc Bennett.The District Attorney's office acknowledges the critical role of the Wichita Police Department. "This conviction and sentence are a testament to the diligent work of the Wichita Police Department whose swift response and thorough investigation were critical in apprehending Crawford and building a strong case. "We especially want to thank Detective Addie Perkins for her tireless efforts in this case."-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man who admitted killing his wife and her boyfriend in 2023 is scheduled for sentencing Friday.In February, 63-year-old Charles Crawford of Wichita,&nbsp; told Judge Jeffrey Goering he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea in the case, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In December, Crawford pled no contest to two counts of 1st&nbsp;degree murder for&nbsp;the deaths of his 50-year-old wife Vanessa Crawford and her 58-year-old boyfriend Donald Eckert.Judge Goering will announce his decision on the request for a change of plea Friday.In July of 2023, a woman dropping off her child at an in-home daycare saw the two homicide victims through a window of a home in the 1100 Block of North Woodrow in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. The victims were identified as Vanessa Crawford and Donald Eckert both of Wichita.While the investigation was taking place on the scene, Charles Crawford arrived with a gun pointed at his own head. Officers took cover for safety and immediately requested the assistance of SWAT and Crisis Negotiators. A standoff ensued with Crawford but it ended peacefully when he surrendered and was taken into custody

Prison: Kansas man killed his estranged wife and her boyfriend

The Supreme Court on Friday issued decisions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-redistricting-lgbtq-6a22130b823b407c714a8528bd2d1796">the final six cases that were left on its docket</a>&nbsp;for the summer, including emergency appeals relating to Trump’s agenda.

A divided&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;ruled that individual judges lack the authority to grant nationwide injunctions, but the decision left unclear the fate of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;’s restrictions on birthright citizenship.

(Click below to watch the full press conference)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751042330519.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>The Supreme Court on Friday issued decisions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-redistricting-lgbtq-6a22130b823b407c714a8528bd2d1796">the final six cases that were left on its docket</a>&nbsp;for the summer, including emergency appeals relating to Trump’s agenda.A divided&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;ruled that individual judges lack the authority to grant nationwide injunctions, but the decision left unclear the fate of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;’s restrictions on birthright citizenship.(Click below to watch the full press conference)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump Holds a Press Briefing, June 27, 2025 <a href="https://t.co/4BE57TB6e5">https://t.co/4BE57TB6e5</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1938625348129739251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Supreme Court Monumental Victory 🇺🇸 &quot;Thanks to this decision, we can now promptly file to proceed with numerous policies that have been wrongly enjoined on a nationwide basis.&quot; - <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/tdFqP0ESVz">pic.twitter.com/tdFqP0ESVz</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1938634814606934393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;This is really also a decision based on common sense. It didn&#39;t work the other way. It was a disaster where somebody from a certain location in a very liberal state or a liberal judge or liberal group of judges could tie up a country for years.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MFcAIjKIVG">pic.twitter.com/MFcAIjKIVG</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938630127367405710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;This really brings back the Constitution. This is what it&#39;s all about... the Constitution has been brought back.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/KMmx0e0C8d">pic.twitter.com/KMmx0e0C8d</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938629850174038075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Thanks to this decision, we can now promptly file to proceed with numerous policies that have been wrongly enjoined on a nationwide basis&quot; — such as ending birthright citizenship, ending sanctuary city funding, suspending refugee resettlement, and many more priorities. <a href="https://t.co/Oa4KNNRsor">pic.twitter.com/Oa4KNNRsor</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938628445053096278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 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">President Trump: “Should we keep this going?” Press: “YES!!!” President Trump: “This is the opposite of Biden!” TRANSPARENCY! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/2XCxfKDCkl">pic.twitter.com/2XCxfKDCkl</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1938637864322929115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;I think the ruling was a great ruling, and I think it&#39;s a great ruling for parents... they lost control of the schools. They lost control of their child, and this is a tremendous victory for parents.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Pla2qrLE36">https://t.co/Pla2qrLE36</a> <a href="https://t.co/jqySSHA8QM">pic.twitter.com/jqySSHA8QM</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938631684284432695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a>: &quot;35 of the 40 nationwide injunctions filed against this President ... came from Maryland, D.C., Massachusetts, California, and Washington. That&#39;s CRAZY.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xffC32Wjvk">pic.twitter.com/xffC32Wjvk</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938629547928506391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a>: &quot;Americans are finally getting what they voted for. No longer will we have rogue judges striking down <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>&#39; policies across the entire nation — NO LONGER!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/rqLMAgVKj9">pic.twitter.com/rqLMAgVKj9</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938627972874854848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 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">The White House press corps has a question for President Trump .. <a href="https://t.co/WTneHzVQjb">pic.twitter.com/WTneHzVQjb</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1938642896145559709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump victory lap on Supreme Court decisions

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office has identified the individual found deceased in Sedgwick County Park on June 18 as 31-year-old Michael Etchingham, according to a statement from sheriff's department spokesman Braden Stitt.

The Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center confirmed Etchingham’s identity. He had been reported missing to the Wichita Police Department by a family member on May 14. Detectives believe he was homeless and living in a secluded area in the northwest section of the park near 21st Street North and Ridge Road.

Although the body was found in an advanced state of decomposition, the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death to be suicide based on evidence collected at the scene and through the course of the Sheriff’s Office investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750295151133.png" alt="Google Map" />
 <figcaption>Google Map</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office has identified the individual found deceased in Sedgwick County Park on June 18 as 31-year-old Michael Etchingham, according to a statement from sheriff's department spokesman Braden Stitt.The Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center confirmed Etchingham’s identity. He had been reported missing to the Wichita Police Department by a family member on May 14. Detectives believe he was homeless and living in a secluded area in the northwest section of the park near 21st Street North and Ridge Road.Although the body was found in an advanced state of decomposition, the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death to be suicide based on evidence collected at the scene and through the course of the Sheriff’s Office investigation.

Sheriff IDs body of man found near campsite in Kansas park

By DAMIAN J. TROISE and ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writers

U.S. stocks closed at an all-time high Friday, another milestone in the market's remarkable recovery from a springtime plunge caused by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0">fears that the Trump administration's trade policies</a>&nbsp;could harm the economy.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5%, finishing above its previous record set in February. The key measure of Wall Street’s health fell nearly 20% from February 19 through April 8.

The market's complete turnaround from its deep swoon happened in about half the time that it normally takes, said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA.

“Investors will breathe a sigh of relief,” he said.

The Nasdaq composite gained 0.5% and set its own all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1%.

President Donald Trump’s decision Friday to halt trade talks with Canada threatened to derail Wall Street’s run to a record, but the market steadied after the S&amp;P 500 briefly turned negative.

The gains on Friday were broad, with nearly every sector within the S&amp;P 500 rising.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nike-china-tariff-trump-f84fe37e11dbf4b439d8655d3533380c">Nike soared 15.2%</a>&nbsp;for the biggest gain in the market, despite warning of a steep hit from tariffs.

The broader market has seemingly shaken off fears about the Israel-Iran war disrupting the global supply of crude oil and sending prices higher.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-06-27-2025-e30d8ae4e3c6d13e4cfb562c35dd744b">A ceasefire between the two nations</a>&nbsp;is still in place.

The price of crude oil in the U.S. fell 0.4% to $65.52 a barrel. Prices have fallen back to pre-conflict levels.

Investors are also monitoring potential progress on trade conflicts between the U.S. and its trading partners, specifically China. The two countries have signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-trade-earths-tariffs-trump-463ae8d6ccba15b56c7d4d31d3fc42a1">trade deal</a>&nbsp;that will make it easier for American firms to obtain magnets and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rare-earths-trump-tariffs-china-trade-war-effd6a7ec64b5830df9d3c76ab9b607a">rare earth minerals</a>&nbsp;from China that are critical to manufacturing and microchip production, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday.

China’s Commerce Ministry also said that the two sides had “further confirmed the details of the framework” for their trade talks. But its statement did not explicitly mention an agreement to ensure U.S. access to rare earths, and instead said it will review and approve “eligible export applications for controlled items.”

An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-spending-a79d36a04c4ce1e264bc86098e4f5583">update on inflation Friday showed prices ticked higher</a>&nbsp;in May, though the rate mostly matched economists' projections.

Inflation remains a big concern for businesses and consumers. Trump’s on-again-off-again tariff policy has made it difficult for companies to make financial forecasts. It has also put more pressure on consumers worried about already stubborn inflation. A long list of businesses from carmakers to retailers have warned that higher import taxes will likely hurt their revenues and profits.

The U.S. has 10% baseline tariffs on all imported goods, along with higher rates for Chinese goods and other import taxes on steel and autos. The economy and consumers have remained somewhat resilient, though analysts and economists expect to see the impact grow as import taxes continue to work their way through businesses to consumers.

“While we also would have expected to already be seeing a bit more passthrough into the inflation statistics, we still expect these impacts to show up in a more meaningful way in the next few months,” said Greg Wilensky, head of U.S. fixed income and portfolio manager at Janus Henderson.

The threat of more severe tariffs continues to hang over the economy. The current pause on a round of retaliatory tariffs against a long list of nations is set to expire in July. Failure to negotiate deals or further postpone the tariffs could once again rattle investors and consumers.

The Federal Reserve is monitoring the tariff situation with a big focus on inflation. The rate of inflation has been stubbornly sitting just above the central bank's target of 2%. In a report Friday, its preferred gauge, the personal consumption expenditures index, rose to 2.3% in May. That's up from 2.1% the previous month.

The Fed cut interest rates three times in late 2024 following a historic series of rate hikes to cool inflation. The PCE was as high as 7.2% in 2022 while the more commonly used consumer price index hit 9.1%.

The Fed hasn't cut rates so far in 2025 over worries that tariffs could reignite inflation and hamper the economy. Economists still expect at least two rate cuts before the end of the year.

Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.24% late Thursday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do, edged up to 3.74% from late Thursday.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 32.05 points to 6,173.07. The Dow gained 432.43 points to 43,819.27, and the Nasdaq added 105.55 points to 20,273.46.

Stocks in Europe were mostly higher, while stocks in Asia finished mixed.

By DAMIAN J. TROISE and ALEX VEIGA AP Business WritersU.S. stocks closed at an all-time high Friday, another milestone in the market's remarkable recovery from a springtime plunge caused by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0">fears that the Trump administration's trade policies</a>&nbsp;could harm the economy.The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5%, finishing above its previous record set in February. The key measure of Wall Street’s health fell nearly 20% from February 19 through April 8.The market's complete turnaround from its deep swoon happened in about half the time that it normally takes, said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA.“Investors will breathe a sigh of relief,” he said.The Nasdaq composite gained 0.5% and set its own all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1%.President Donald Trump’s decision Friday to halt trade talks with Canada threatened to derail Wall Street’s run to a record, but the market steadied after the S&amp;P 500 briefly turned negative.The gains on Friday were broad, with nearly every sector within the S&amp;P 500 rising.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nike-china-tariff-trump-f84fe37e11dbf4b439d8655d3533380c">Nike soared 15.2%</a>&nbsp;for the biggest gain in the market, despite warning of a steep hit from tariffs.The broader market has seemingly shaken off fears about the Israel-Iran war disrupting the global supply of crude oil and sending prices higher.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-06-27-2025-e30d8ae4e3c6d13e4cfb562c35dd744b">A ceasefire between the two nations</a>&nbsp;is still in place.The price of crude oil in the U.S. fell 0.4% to $65.52 a barrel. Prices have fallen back to pre-conflict levels.Investors are also monitoring potential progress on trade conflicts between the U.S. and its trading partners, specifically China. The two countries have signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-trade-earths-tariffs-trump-463ae8d6ccba15b56c7d4d31d3fc42a1">trade deal</a>&nbsp;that will make it easier for American firms to obtain magnets and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rare-earths-trump-tariffs-china-trade-war-effd6a7ec64b5830df9d3c76ab9b607a">rare earth minerals</a>&nbsp;from China that are critical to manufacturing and microchip production, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday.China’s Commerce Ministry also said that the two sides had “further confirmed the details of the framework” for their trade talks. But its statement did not explicitly mention an agreement to ensure U.S. access to rare earths, and instead said it will review and approve “eligible export applications for controlled items.”An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-spending-a79d36a04c4ce1e264bc86098e4f5583">update on inflation Friday showed prices ticked higher</a>&nbsp;in May, though the rate mostly matched economists' projections.Inflation remains a big concern for businesses and consumers. Trump’s on-again-off-again tariff policy has made it difficult for companies to make financial forecasts. It has also put more pressure on consumers worried about already stubborn inflation. A long list of businesses from carmakers to retailers have warned that higher import taxes will likely hurt their revenues and profits.The U.S. has 10% baseline tariffs on all imported goods, along with higher rates for Chinese goods and other import taxes on steel and autos. The economy and consumers have remained somewhat resilient, though analysts and economists expect to see the impact grow as import taxes continue to work their way through businesses to consumers.“While we also would have expected to already be seeing a bit more passthrough into the inflation statistics, we still expect these impacts to show up in a more meaningful way in the next few months,” said Greg Wilensky, head of U.S. fixed income and portfolio manager at Janus Henderson.The threat of more severe tariffs continues to hang over the economy. The current pause on a round of retaliatory tariffs against a long list of nations is set to expire in July. Failure to negotiate deals or further postpone the tariffs could once again rattle investors and consumers.The Federal Reserve is monitoring the tariff situation with a big focus on inflation. The rate of inflation has been stubbornly sitting just above the central bank's target of 2%. In a report Friday, its preferred gauge, the personal consumption expenditures index, rose to 2.3% in May. That's up from 2.1% the previous month.The Fed cut interest rates three times in late 2024 following a historic series of rate hikes to cool inflation. The PCE was as high as 7.2% in 2022 while the more commonly used consumer price index hit 9.1%.The Fed hasn't cut rates so far in 2025 over worries that tariffs could reignite inflation and hamper the economy. Economists still expect at least two rate cuts before the end of the year.Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.24% late Thursday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do, edged up to 3.74% from late Thursday.All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 32.05 points to 6,173.07. The Dow gained 432.43 points to 43,819.27, and the Nasdaq added 105.55 points to 20,273.46.Stocks in Europe were mostly higher, while stocks in Asia finished mixed.__

US stocks close at an all-time high just months after plunging on tariff fears

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hays native is coming home with his own Western feature film, "Was Once a Hero," at the same theatre where he grew up watching classic movies.

The film will screen at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $13.99 and are available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-fox-theatre-32076173407">online</a> in advance and at the door on both days.

Paige Smith took on multiple roles in the film, as co-writer, co-producer, costume designer and assistant director, after Dan Searles, whom he met at a film festival, approached him with a short script.

"I wrote the first draft based on his outline and then the two of us sort of molded it to our preference," Smith said.

The story centers on a veteran battling PTSD and dementia who sets out on a final journey and forms an unexpected bond along the way. It was primarily shot in Maryland with a small crew and a budget of less than $200,000.

The film stars Darby Hinton as Malcom Hunter and includes performances by Rebecca Holden, Robert Carradine and John Carter Cash. Smith also appears in the film as an actor.

"We really want to push the idea that family comes from anywhere. You can be yourself and still be loved by others who maybe come from somewhere different. ... We come together through diversity and through the tragedies in our lives," he said.

Smith will attend the screening to introduce the film and be available to answer questions.

Smith graduated from Hays High School in 1994 and later attended Kansas State University, where he initially studied biology before transitioning to theater, drawing inspiration from his family.

"As a kid, I watched my dad work on books and bounce ideas off people around him. It's very inspiring to watch somebody go for it," Smith said. "My brother was an actor as well. I watched him go for it and give it a shot."

Smith moved to Chicago after college, where he worked in local theater and began gaining television experience. He later moved to Los Angeles to continue building his career in acting and writing.

Smith has created several short films, including one that won Best Action/Adventure at Comic-Con in San Diego. He has also acted in and been involved in television series such as "Chicago Fire," "Chicago Med," "Shameless," "Goliath" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."

He said most of those roles were “day jobs” and that breaking into the industry was difficult. This led him to create his own projects, which are now set to screen at the same theater he visited as a kid.

"Being able to go full circle and see a movie that I made in the theatre where I grew up watching movies is incredible and quite possibly once in a lifetime for me. It means the world to me," Smith said.

Filming took just a few weeks, but the whole process, from development through post-production and editing, took three years to complete.

You can learn more about Smith on his <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5812325/?ref_=tt_cst_2_2">IMDb page</a>&nbsp;and about "Was Once a Hero"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19715532/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696678689.jpeg" alt="Cast and production members on the set of 'Was Once a Hero'. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cast and production members on the set of 'Was Once a Hero'. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Hays native is coming home with his own Western feature film, "Was Once a Hero," at the same theatre where he grew up watching classic movies.The film will screen at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $13.99 and are available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-fox-theatre-32076173407">online</a> in advance and at the door on both days.Paige Smith took on multiple roles in the film, as co-writer, co-producer, costume designer and assistant director, after Dan Searles, whom he met at a film festival, approached him with a short script."I wrote the first draft based on his outline and then the two of us sort of molded it to our preference," Smith said.The story centers on a veteran battling PTSD and dementia who sets out on a final journey and forms an unexpected bond along the way. It was primarily shot in Maryland with a small crew and a budget of less than $200,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696866837.jpeg" alt="Cast and production members of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cast and production members of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696939851.jpeg" alt="Cast and production members on the set of "Was Once a Hero" filming a scene. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cast and production members on the set of "Was Once a Hero" filming a scene. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696908901.jpeg" alt="Cast members on the set of "Was Once a Hero."Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cast members on the set of "Was Once a Hero."Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696819937.jpeg" alt="Darby Hinton as Malcom Hunter on the set of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Darby Hinton as Malcom Hunter on the set of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The film stars Darby Hinton as Malcom Hunter and includes performances by Rebecca Holden, Robert Carradine and John Carter Cash. Smith also appears in the film as an actor."We really want to push the idea that family comes from anywhere. You can be yourself and still be loved by others who maybe come from somewhere different. ... We come together through diversity and through the tragedies in our lives," he said.Smith will attend the screening to introduce the film and be available to answer questions.Smith graduated from Hays High School in 1994 and later attended Kansas State University, where he initially studied biology before transitioning to theater, drawing inspiration from his family."As a kid, I watched my dad work on books and bounce ideas off people around him. It's very inspiring to watch somebody go for it," Smith said. "My brother was an actor as well. I watched him go for it and give it a shot."Smith moved to Chicago after college, where he worked in local theater and began gaining television experience. He later moved to Los Angeles to continue building his career in acting and writing.Smith has created several short films, including one that won Best Action/Adventure at Comic-Con in San Diego. He has also acted in and been involved in television series such as "Chicago Fire," "Chicago Med," "Shameless," "Goliath" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."He said most of those roles were “day jobs” and that breaking into the industry was difficult. This led him to create his own projects, which are now set to screen at the same theater he visited as a kid."Being able to go full circle and see a movie that I made in the theatre where I grew up watching movies is incredible and quite possibly once in a lifetime for me. It means the world to me," Smith said.Filming took just a few weeks, but the whole process, from development through post-production and editing, took three years to complete.You can learn more about Smith on his <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5812325/?ref_=tt_cst_2_2">IMDb page</a>&nbsp;and about "Was Once a Hero"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19715532/">here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750697710259.jpeg" alt="Paige Smith of Hays, co-writer, co-producer, costume designer, actor and assistant director of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Paige Smith of Hays, co-writer, co-producer, costume designer, actor and assistant director of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

NW Kan. native to screen western film 'Was Once a Hero' in Hays

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly has sent two letters to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting extensions to submit requests for major presidential disasters for the public assistance program for the incident periods of June 3-7, 2025, and June 17-18, 2025, according to a media release from the Adjutant General’s Department.

For the June 3-7 incident, Governor Kelly has requested an extension to Aug. 6, 2025, for the severe thunderstorms, accompanied by large hail, damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes and torrential rainfall resulting in areal flooding as well as flooding along rivers, creeks, and streams.

For the June 17-18 incident, Governor Kelly has requested an extension to Aug. 17, 2025, for the severe thunderstorms, accompanied by large hail, damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes and torrential rainfall resulting in areal flooding, as well as flooding along rivers, creeks, and streams.

“These extensions are required due to challenges in gathering data on sustained damages that will strain local budgets to repair,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am seeking time to collect data and validate all legitimate expenses to aid local governments in restoring the infrastructure so vital to the safety and wellbeing of Kansans.”

Governor Kelly made the request to allow more time for preliminary damage assessments to seek federal assistance through the Public Assistance Program as well as time to review the assessment data. The program provides funds on a cost-share basis to repair damaged public infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751052596147.png" alt="NWS Dodge City image from storms on June 5" />
 <figcaption>NWS Dodge City image from storms on June 5</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly has sent two letters to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting extensions to submit requests for major presidential disasters for the public assistance program for the incident periods of June 3-7, 2025, and June 17-18, 2025, according to a media release from the Adjutant General’s Department.For the June 3-7 incident, Governor Kelly has requested an extension to Aug. 6, 2025, for the severe thunderstorms, accompanied by large hail, damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes and torrential rainfall resulting in areal flooding as well as flooding along rivers, creeks, and streams.For the June 17-18 incident, Governor Kelly has requested an extension to Aug. 17, 2025, for the severe thunderstorms, accompanied by large hail, damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes and torrential rainfall resulting in areal flooding, as well as flooding along rivers, creeks, and streams.“These extensions are required due to challenges in gathering data on sustained damages that will strain local budgets to repair,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am seeking time to collect data and validate all legitimate expenses to aid local governments in restoring the infrastructure so vital to the safety and wellbeing of Kansans.”Governor Kelly made the request to allow more time for preliminary damage assessments to seek federal assistance through the Public Assistance Program as well as time to review the assessment data. The program provides funds on a cost-share basis to repair damaged public infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.

Kan. gov. requests extensions to file for severe storms disaster declarations

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22LINDSAY%20WHITEHURST%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By LINDSAY WHITEHURST&nbsp;</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Friday upheld a Texas law aimed at blocking children under 18 from seeing online pornography.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/23-1122_3e04.pdf">Click here to read the full Supreme Court ruling</a>

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/23-1122">Click here to listen </a>to the oral argument from January

Nearly half all states have passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/porn-age-verification-utah-8f8f4960ad1ec4afc5d59fd7d34c3b9d">similar age verification laws</a>&nbsp;as smartphones and other devices make it easier to access&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pornography">online porn</a>, including hardcore obscene material.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25985319-free-speech-coalition-v-paxton/">The 6-3 ruling</a>&nbsp;comes after an adult-entertainment industry trade group called the Free Speech Coalition challenged the Texas law. The court split along ideological lines.

The group said the law puts an unfair free-speech burden on adults by requiring them to submit personal information that could be vulnerable to hacking or tracking. It agreed, though, that children under 18 shouldn’t be seeing porn.

A leading adult-content website, Pornhub, has stopped operating in several states, citing the technical and privacy hurdles in complying with the laws.

The Supreme Court has confronted the issue before. In 1996, it struck down parts of a law banning explicit material viewable by kids online. A divided court also ruled against a different federal law aimed at stopping kids from being exposed to porn in 2004 but said less restrictive measures like content filtering are constitutional.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706036605430.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22LINDSAY%20WHITEHURST%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By LINDSAY WHITEHURST&nbsp;</a>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Friday upheld a Texas law aimed at blocking children under 18 from seeing online pornography.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/23-1122_3e04.pdf">Click here to read the full Supreme Court ruling</a><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/23-1122">Click here to listen </a>to the oral argument from JanuaryNearly half all states have passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/porn-age-verification-utah-8f8f4960ad1ec4afc5d59fd7d34c3b9d">similar age verification laws</a>&nbsp;as smartphones and other devices make it easier to access&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pornography">online porn</a>, including hardcore obscene material.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25985319-free-speech-coalition-v-paxton/">The 6-3 ruling</a>&nbsp;comes after an adult-entertainment industry trade group called the Free Speech Coalition challenged the Texas law. The court split along ideological lines.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751040262939.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The group said the law puts an unfair free-speech burden on adults by requiring them to submit personal information that could be vulnerable to hacking or tracking. It agreed, though, that children under 18 shouldn’t be seeing porn.A leading adult-content website, Pornhub, has stopped operating in several states, citing the technical and privacy hurdles in complying with the laws.The Supreme Court has confronted the issue before. In 1996, it struck down parts of a law banning explicit material viewable by kids online. A divided court also ruled against a different federal law aimed at stopping kids from being exposed to porn in 2004 but said less restrictive measures like content filtering are constitutional.Texas argues that technology has improved significantly in the last 20 years, allowing online platforms to easily check users’ ages with a quick picture. Those requirements are more like ID checks at brick-and-mortar adult stores that were upheld by the Supreme Court in the 1960s, the state said.District courts initially blocked laws in Indiana and Tennessee as well as Texas, but appeals courts reversed the decisions and let the laws take effect.___Associated Press writer Jonathan Mattise in Nashville contributed to this report.