SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged child sex crimes.

On Sept. 3, police arrested 49-year-old Alejandro Beltranena. of Guatemala, is charged with aggravated criminal sodomy, kidnapping, indecent solicitation of a child, and lewd and lascivious behavior, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Since a minor was involved, police released few details on the crime or arrest. Beltranena remains jailed on a $1,500,000, according to the district attorney's office. He is scheduled back in court September 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693961857339.png" alt="Beltranena-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Beltranena-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged child sex crimes.On Sept. 3, police arrested 49-year-old Alejandro Beltranena. of Guatemala, is charged with aggravated criminal sodomy, kidnapping, indecent solicitation of a child, and lewd and lascivious behavior, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Since a minor was involved, police released few details on the crime or arrest. Beltranena remains jailed on a $1,500,000, according to the district attorney's office. He is scheduled back in court September 18.

Man from Guatemala charged with sex crimes in Kansas

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged forgery.

On Monday, police arrested 21-year-old Dreyona K. Seymore of Atchison, on a District Court warrant for forgery and theft, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

These charges are the result of a police investigation focusing on a safety deposit box being fraudulently accessed at a local bank on March 3, 2023 and cash being taken. Seymore is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.&nbsp; 

In October,&nbsp; police arrested her on requested charges of possession of marijuana and speeding.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694006462736.png" alt="Seymore-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Seymore-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged forgery.On Monday, police arrested 21-year-old Dreyona K. Seymore of Atchison, on a District Court warrant for forgery and theft, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.These charges are the result of a police investigation focusing on a safety deposit box being fraudulently accessed at a local bank on March 3, 2023 and cash being taken. Seymore is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.&nbsp; In October,&nbsp; police arrested her on requested charges of possession of marijuana and speeding.&nbsp;

Kan. woman accused of theft from bank safe deposit box

By ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — More than 4 million federal student loan borrowers are enrolled in the Biden administration’s new repayment program, according to figures released Tuesday by the Department of Education.

With the pause of more than three years on federal student loan repayments coming to an end in October, and the Supreme Court’s summer decision to strike down the White House’s one-time debt relief program, the Department of Education has rolled out several repayment and loan forgiveness programs. One of those initiatives is the Saving on A Valuable Education, or SAVE, plan that for some borrowers could result in no monthly payments.

“Our top priority is to support borrowers as they prepare to return to repayment with the tools and resources that they need,” Jason Miller, deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, said on a call with reporters Tuesday.

<a target="_blank" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/08/22/heres-what-to-know-about-new-federal-policies-for-repaying-student-loans/">The new income-driven repayment plan</a>&nbsp;calculates payments based on a borrower’s income and family size and forgives balances after a set number of years. The Department of Education has estimated that most borrowers will save about $1,000 per year under the new plan.

Borrowers who are currently in the Revised Pay as You Earn plan, will automatically be enrolled in the SAVE program.

Democrats, such as U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, are expecting legal challenges.

“While there will be those that will challenge this in court, the administration has carefully crossed the legal t’s and dotted the legal i’s,” Schumer said in a statement following the opening of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/idr/">applications</a>&nbsp;for the SAVE program on Aug. 22.

So far, the states with the highest number of borrowers enrolled in the program are Texas, with 345,800, California with 331,600, Florida with 291,100, New York with 212,800 and Pennsylvania with 170,200.

There are 82,300 borrowers enrolled in Missouri.

James Kvaal, the undersecretary of Education, said no borrowers will owe payments if they make $15 an hour while supporting a family, and that borrowers will not see their balances grow due to unpaid interest “as long as they keep up with their payments.”

“We’re not just lowering payments for today’s borrowers, we’re helping entire families and communities, and we’re making paying for college more affordable for millions of future students,” Kvaal said.

Borrowers who have defaulted on their student loans at any point will be able to enroll into the SAVE program through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/default-fresh-start">Fresh Start program</a>, which is a one-time program for those who have defaulted on federal student loan repayment.

Even though the pause on federal student loans is set to end in October, borrowers will still have a year of leniency to begin repayments, but interest will accrue starting this month. The program starts Oct. 1 and will extend until Sept. 30 of next year.

By ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — More than 4 million federal student loan borrowers are enrolled in the Biden administration’s new repayment program, according to figures released Tuesday by the Department of Education.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Folks, join the 4 million Americans who have already signed up for the most affordable student loan repayment plan ever created, our Administration&#39;s SAVE Plan. Don&#39;t wait – head to <a href="https://t.co/RlyR0iT5yU">https://t.co/RlyR0iT5yU</a>. <a href="https://t.co/dcMJ39NSy1">pic.twitter.com/dcMJ39NSy1</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1699460012161040878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With the pause of more than three years on federal student loan repayments coming to an end in October, and the Supreme Court’s summer decision to strike down the White House’s one-time debt relief program, the Department of Education has rolled out several repayment and loan forgiveness programs. One of those initiatives is the Saving on A Valuable Education, or SAVE, plan that for some borrowers could result in no monthly payments.“Our top priority is to support borrowers as they prepare to return to repayment with the tools and resources that they need,” Jason Miller, deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, said on a call with reporters Tuesday.<a target="_blank" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/08/22/heres-what-to-know-about-new-federal-policies-for-repaying-student-loans/">The new income-driven repayment plan</a>&nbsp;calculates payments based on a borrower’s income and family size and forgives balances after a set number of years. The Department of Education has estimated that most borrowers will save about $1,000 per year under the new plan.Borrowers who are currently in the Revised Pay as You Earn plan, will automatically be enrolled in the SAVE program.Democrats, such as U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, are expecting legal challenges.“While there will be those that will challenge this in court, the administration has carefully crossed the legal t’s and dotted the legal i’s,” Schumer said in a statement following the opening of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/idr/">applications</a>&nbsp;for the SAVE program on Aug. 22.So far, the states with the highest number of borrowers enrolled in the program are Texas, with 345,800, California with 331,600, Florida with 291,100, New York with 212,800 and Pennsylvania with 170,200.There are 82,300 borrowers enrolled in Missouri.James Kvaal, the undersecretary of Education, said no borrowers will owe payments if they make $15 an hour while supporting a family, and that borrowers will not see their balances grow due to unpaid interest “as long as they keep up with their payments.”“We’re not just lowering payments for today’s borrowers, we’re helping entire families and communities, and we’re making paying for college more affordable for millions of future students,” Kvaal said.Borrowers who have defaulted on their student loans at any point will be able to enroll into the SAVE program through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/default-fresh-start">Fresh Start program</a>, which is a one-time program for those who have defaulted on federal student loan repayment.Even though the pause on federal student loans is set to end in October, borrowers will still have a year of leniency to begin repayments, but interest will accrue starting this month. The program starts Oct. 1 and will extend until Sept. 30 of next year.

Millions enrolled in new student loan repayment program

BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on child sex crime allegations.

On Thursday, police in El Dorado conducted an investigation reported by way of a cyber tip, received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), alleging the sexual exploitation of children through the use of electronic devices, according to a media release.

This investigation led to the arrest of 45-year-old Glen Shack in El Dorado and charges have been filed through the Butler County District Court for three counts of aggravated internet trading in child pornography.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694030935139.png" alt="Shack remains jailed in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Shack remains jailed in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on child sex crime allegations.On Thursday, police in El Dorado conducted an investigation reported by way of a cyber tip, received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), alleging the sexual exploitation of children through the use of electronic devices, according to a media release.This investigation led to the arrest of 45-year-old Glen Shack in El Dorado and charges have been filed through the Butler County District Court for three counts of aggravated internet trading in child pornography.

Cyber tip led to arrest of Kansas man for child porn trading

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ceilidhkern/">CEILIDH KERN</a>&nbsp;

The University of Missouri rolled out its first all-electric, autonomous tractor Tuesday, calling it a “revolutionary piece of technology” that could pioneer new agricultural practices and make farming more efficient and sustainable.

The Monarch MK-V tractor, bought with grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the Midwest’s first fully autonomous tractor, according to Christopher Daubert, dean of the MU College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. The tractor will be used for research by CAFNR, the MU College of Engineering, and MU Extension.

The MK-V runs solely on electricity and is equipped with cameras and sensors that allow it to be driven remotely. Its artificial intelligence capabilities are designed to collect data and analyze crop health, allowing the machine to align with future agricultural innovation.

Kent Shannon, a CAFNR professor specializing in agricultural systems and technology, piloted the tractor for Tuesday’s demonstration. He said the MK-V was well-suited for smaller-scale farms, including his own.

“It provides some opportunities that a traditional tractor wouldn’t,” he said. “I can see me using this on a beef cattle farm at home.”

The tractor does come with a high price tag: A standard model starts at about $89,000, more than twice the price of a traditional tractor of the same size, Shannon said.

Even so, he emphasized that the total value of the tractor has yet to be fully understood, meaning that the price might actually be affordable given the advanced capabilities it offers.

“If I went to the local dealership, yeah, I’d find something a lot cheaper than this,” he said. “But if you think about agriculture as a whole, it’s not exorbitant.”

“You might even think it was more than $90,000 for a tractor like this,” he added. “You’ve got to think of all of the technologies on it — there’s no other tractor of this stature that has both electric and autonomy capability.”

Sazzad Rifat, a PhD student at MU studying biosystems engineering, said he looks forward to learning about the tractor’s autonomous driving features and its ability to maneuver around obstacles.

To better understand the MK-V’s technologies, university researchers are interested in exploring its ability to support farmers with disabilities.

Findings from this research, as well as information about the MK-V, will be shared with farmers through MU Extension’s AgrAbility program, which helps farmers with disabilities overcome challenges.

For Missouri’s small-scale farms, this tractor’s technological capability could be revolutionary, said Dan Downing, a water quality expert with MU Extension in a news release.

A more sophisticated hydraulic system and engine reduce emissions that may interfere with farm conditions, Downing said. The tractor also scores very well environmentally on air and water quality measurements.

Because of the nascency of this new technology, no state subsidies are yet available to help farmers pay for it, according to Teng Lim, a professor at MU Extension. There is, however, a “good chance” of future state support, he said.

This story originally appeared in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/mu-unveils-the-first-fully-electric-autonomous-tractor-in-the-midwest/article_6d1f4dea-4c27-11ee-b22d-e3a740636d5f.html#tncms-source=Featured">the Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694017307494.png" alt="William Lee, left, and Kent Shannon look at the tractor before the demonstration on Monday at Sanborn Field in Columbia (Kate Cassady/Missourian)." />
 <figcaption>William Lee, left, and Kent Shannon look at the tractor before the demonstration on Monday at Sanborn Field in Columbia (Kate Cassady/Missourian).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ceilidhkern/">CEILIDH KERN</a>&nbsp;The University of Missouri rolled out its first all-electric, autonomous tractor Tuesday, calling it a “revolutionary piece of technology” that could pioneer new agricultural practices and make farming more efficient and sustainable.The Monarch MK-V tractor, bought with grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the Midwest’s first fully autonomous tractor, according to Christopher Daubert, dean of the MU College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. The tractor will be used for research by CAFNR, the MU College of Engineering, and MU Extension.The MK-V runs solely on electricity and is equipped with cameras and sensors that allow it to be driven remotely. Its artificial intelligence capabilities are designed to collect data and analyze crop health, allowing the machine to align with future agricultural innovation.Kent Shannon, a CAFNR professor specializing in agricultural systems and technology, piloted the tractor for Tuesday’s demonstration. He said the MK-V was well-suited for smaller-scale farms, including his own.“It provides some opportunities that a traditional tractor wouldn’t,” he said. “I can see me using this on a beef cattle farm at home.”The tractor does come with a high price tag: A standard model starts at about $89,000, more than twice the price of a traditional tractor of the same size, Shannon said.Even so, he emphasized that the total value of the tractor has yet to be fully understood, meaning that the price might actually be affordable given the advanced capabilities it offers.“If I went to the local dealership, yeah, I’d find something a lot cheaper than this,” he said. “But if you think about agriculture as a whole, it’s not exorbitant.”“You might even think it was more than $90,000 for a tractor like this,” he added. “You’ve got to think of all of the technologies on it — there’s no other tractor of this stature that has both electric and autonomy capability.”Sazzad Rifat, a PhD student at MU studying biosystems engineering, said he looks forward to learning about the tractor’s autonomous driving features and its ability to maneuver around obstacles.To better understand the MK-V’s technologies, university researchers are interested in exploring its ability to support farmers with disabilities.Findings from this research, as well as information about the MK-V, will be shared with farmers through MU Extension’s AgrAbility program, which helps farmers with disabilities overcome challenges.For Missouri’s small-scale farms, this tractor’s technological capability could be revolutionary, said Dan Downing, a water quality expert with MU Extension in a news release.A more sophisticated hydraulic system and engine reduce emissions that may interfere with farm conditions, Downing said. The tractor also scores very well environmentally on air and water quality measurements.Because of the nascency of this new technology, no state subsidies are yet available to help farmers pay for it, according to Teng Lim, a professor at MU Extension. There is, however, a “good chance” of future state support, he said.This story originally appeared in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/mu-unveils-the-first-fully-electric-autonomous-tractor-in-the-midwest/article_6d1f4dea-4c27-11ee-b22d-e3a740636d5f.html#tncms-source=Featured">the Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

First fully electric, autonomous tractor in the Midwest unveiled

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government is taking a big step toward forcing a defiant Tennessee company to recall 52 million air bag inflators that could explode, hurl shrapnel and injure or kill people.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday said it has made an initial decision that the inflators made by ARC Automotive Inc., and under license by another company, are defective. The agency scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 5, a required step before seeking a court-ordered recall.

In May the agency asked ARC to recall the inflators, which it says are responsible for at least seven injuries and two deaths in the U.S. and Canada since 2009. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/air-bag-inflators-recall-tennessee-nhtsa-c10c943d69230763b68b6aa93e68eaf0">ARC has refused to issue a full-scale recall, setting the stage for the possible court fight.</a>

Messages were left Tuesday seeking comment from ARC. The company maintains that no safety defect exists, that NHTSA’s demand is based on a hypothesis rather than technical conclusions, and that the agency has no authority to order a parts manufacturer to announce recalls.

NHTSA is trying to force ARC to recall inflators in driver and passenger front air bags from at least a dozen automakers. Neither ARC nor the auto industry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/air-bag-deflators-explode-crash-arc-nhtsa-8393a55574147c712d11d62f50ff249f">has released a full list of vehicle models with the kind of air bag inflators that have exploded.</a>&nbsp;But at least 33 million of the 284 million vehicles on U.S. roads are believed to contain them.

Owners of vehicles made by at least a dozen automakers — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Hyundai and Kia — are left to wonder anxiously whether their vehicles contain driver or front passenger inflators made by ARC.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576782225717.png" alt="Image National Highway Traffic Safety Admin" />
 <figcaption>Image National Highway Traffic Safety Admin</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government is taking a big step toward forcing a defiant Tennessee company to recall 52 million air bag inflators that could explode, hurl shrapnel and injure or kill people.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday said it has made an initial decision that the inflators made by ARC Automotive Inc., and under license by another company, are defective. The agency scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 5, a required step before seeking a court-ordered recall.In May the agency asked ARC to recall the inflators, which it says are responsible for at least seven injuries and two deaths in the U.S. and Canada since 2009. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/air-bag-inflators-recall-tennessee-nhtsa-c10c943d69230763b68b6aa93e68eaf0">ARC has refused to issue a full-scale recall, setting the stage for the possible court fight.</a>Messages were left Tuesday seeking comment from ARC. The company maintains that no safety defect exists, that NHTSA’s demand is based on a hypothesis rather than technical conclusions, and that the agency has no authority to order a parts manufacturer to announce recalls.NHTSA is trying to force ARC to recall inflators in driver and passenger front air bags from at least a dozen automakers. Neither ARC nor the auto industry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/air-bag-deflators-explode-crash-arc-nhtsa-8393a55574147c712d11d62f50ff249f">has released a full list of vehicle models with the kind of air bag inflators that have exploded.</a>&nbsp;But at least 33 million of the 284 million vehicles on U.S. roads are believed to contain them.Owners of vehicles made by at least a dozen automakers — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Hyundai and Kia — are left to wonder anxiously whether their vehicles contain driver or front passenger inflators made by ARC.

US to force recall of 52 million air bag inflators that can explode

MCPHERSON COUNTY —The victim found at Maxwell State Lake on Saturday has been identified as 61-year-old Randy B. Gepner of McPherson, according to the McPherson County Sheriff's office.

Preliminary investigations indicate Gepner was involved in a single vehicle accident that resulted in his vehicle entering the water. Gepner was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Initial cause of death has been listed as drowning, according to the sheriff's office.

MCPHERSON COUNTY— According to a social media post from the McPherson County Sheriff's office, Saturday morning, the Sheriff's Office responded to Maxwell State Lake for a report of a found body. The body is an adult white male and is a victim of apparent drowning.

Deputies are working to confirm the identity of the victim and notifying next of kin. Canton PD/Fire/EMS and Kansas Department of Wildlife &amp; Parks are assisting in the investigation.

The sheriff released no additional details.

MCPHERSON COUNTY —The victim found at Maxwell State Lake on Saturday has been identified as 61-year-old Randy B. Gepner of McPherson, according to the McPherson County Sheriff's office.Preliminary investigations indicate Gepner was involved in a single vehicle accident that resulted in his vehicle entering the water. Gepner was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the accident.Initial cause of death has been listed as drowning, according to the sheriff's office.-------------MCPHERSON COUNTY— According to a social media post from the McPherson County Sheriff's office, Saturday morning, the Sheriff's Office responded to Maxwell State Lake for a report of a found body. The body is an adult white male and is a victim of apparent drowning.Deputies are working to confirm the identity of the victim and notifying next of kin. Canton PD/Fire/EMS and Kansas Department of Wildlife &amp; Parks are assisting in the investigation.The sheriff released no additional details.

Sheriff: Man who drowned at Kan. state lake was in a vehicle crash

KANSAS CITY —Last week, scammers took thousands from an elderly man, according to a social media report from KCPD.&nbsp; It could have been much worse. He had lots of cash still on him.

A concerned gas station clerk called 911 and told law enforcement the man was putting hundreds of dollars into a Bitcoin machine. He was on the phone.

At the scene, police met with the gas station manager. Moving forward, the bank will call the daughter when large withdrawals are attempted. 

If you’re concerned about a family member falling prey to this type of scam, consider getting on the bank account to be notified for large withdrawals. In this case, the man believed he was talking to the bank and was moving his money to keep it "safe."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693332092723.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Last week, scammers took thousands from an elderly man, according to a social media report from KCPD.&nbsp; It could have been much worse. He had lots of cash still on him.A concerned gas station clerk called 911 and told law enforcement the man was putting hundreds of dollars into a Bitcoin machine. He was on the phone.At the scene, police met with the gas station manager. Moving forward, the bank will call the daughter when large withdrawals are attempted. If you’re concerned about a family member falling prey to this type of scam, consider getting on the bank account to be notified for large withdrawals. In this case, the man believed he was talking to the bank and was moving his money to keep it "safe."

KCPD: Man lost thousands to scammer

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent knife attack and have a suspect in custody.

On Tuesday morning, police responded to report of a stabbing at 16th and Plum in Hutchinson, according to a media release.

First responders found one victim with multiple stab wounds. EMS transported the victim to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and later to St. Francis in Wichita for treatment of their injuries. The victim was reported in stable condition.

The investigation revealed there was an argument between the victim and 25-year-old Felipe Augustine Deleon, which ended with him stabbing the victim multiple times. 

Deleon also allegedly battered the victim on Monday night.

&nbsp;Police arrested Deleon and he in in custody at the Reno County Correctional Facility on requested charge of Attempted 1st Degree Murder and Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694011182045.png" alt="DeLeon-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>DeLeon-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent knife attack and have a suspect in custody.On Tuesday morning, police responded to report of a stabbing at 16th and Plum in Hutchinson, according to a media release.First responders found one victim with multiple stab wounds. EMS transported the victim to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and later to St. Francis in Wichita for treatment of their injuries. The victim was reported in stable condition.The investigation revealed there was an argument between the victim and 25-year-old Felipe Augustine Deleon, which ended with him stabbing the victim multiple times. Deleon also allegedly battered the victim on Monday night.&nbsp;Police arrested Deleon and he in in custody at the Reno County Correctional Facility on requested charge of Attempted 1st Degree Murder and Theft.

Kan. man accused of attempted murder, theft for violent attack

NESS COUNTY– The Ness County Attorney says that a deputy who fatally shot a man in August outside a home in Ramson is immune from prosecution under Kansas law.

On Friday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (KBI) presented its findings to the Ness County Attorney’s Office following a formal investigation into an Officer Involved Shooting occurring the morning of August 8, according to a statement from Ness County Attorney Jacob Gayer.

At approximately 8:36 a.m. August 8, a call was routed, in the E911 system, to Trego County dispatch. The caller informed Trego County dispatchers he was in Ransom Kansas and was wanting to self-harm. 

Trego County advised Ness County Dispatch. Ness County Sheriff, Brandon Mitchell, was able to establish a line of communication with the then unknown caller which resulted in Deputies locating the individual at a private residence in the city of Ransom, Kansas. 

Deputies of the Ness County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area and were able to establish a perimeter around the home.

At approximately 9:49 a.m. a man later identified as Jesse L. Nicholls, 46, of Ransom, exited the residence in possession of a black semiautomatic handgun. Sheriff Mitchell, initially, was able to obtain compliance from Nicholls who placed the handgun on the ground but still within his reach. 

Negotiations to surrender to law enforcement continued by Sheriff Mitchell but ultimately the subject returned to the handgun, retrieving the firearm, and cycling a round into the chamber of the weapon.

Nicholls charged towards Deputies before discharging, towards officers, a single round. A member of the Ness County Sheriff’s Office returned fire striking Nicholls who dropped the firearm. 

Medical personnel and members of the Sheriff’s Office began immediate life saving measures ultimately proving unsuccessful.&nbsp; Nicholls died of hiss injuries sustained in the incident. 

The Kansas Bureau of Investigations was requested to conduct an investigation into the Officer Involved Shooting. 

“After reviewing the reports from the KBI, the body worn cameras and taking into consideration the information available to the deputy at the time, Ness County Attorney Jacob Gayer ruled, in his professional opinion, the deputy was entitled under current Kansas law to use deadly force for the purposes of selfdefense. 

"First, the deputy had a sincere and honest belief that their life was in danger and that it was necessary to use deadly force to defend themself. Secondly, a reasonable person in the deputy’s circumstances could have reasonably perceived the use of deadly force was necessary."

"Charges are not appropriate against the deputy in the death of Jesse L. Nicholls, on August 8."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691576725429.png" alt="-KBI on the scene in Ness City August 8-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>-KBI on the scene in Ness City August 8-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>NESS COUNTY– The Ness County Attorney says that a deputy who fatally shot a man in August outside a home in Ramson is immune from prosecution under Kansas law.On Friday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (KBI) presented its findings to the Ness County Attorney’s Office following a formal investigation into an Officer Involved Shooting occurring the morning of August 8, according to a statement from Ness County Attorney Jacob Gayer.At approximately 8:36 a.m. August 8, a call was routed, in the E911 system, to Trego County dispatch. The caller informed Trego County dispatchers he was in Ransom Kansas and was wanting to self-harm. Trego County advised Ness County Dispatch. Ness County Sheriff, Brandon Mitchell, was able to establish a line of communication with the then unknown caller which resulted in Deputies locating the individual at a private residence in the city of Ransom, Kansas. Deputies of the Ness County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area and were able to establish a perimeter around the home.At approximately 9:49 a.m. a man later identified as Jesse L. Nicholls, 46, of Ransom, exited the residence in possession of a black semiautomatic handgun. Sheriff Mitchell, initially, was able to obtain compliance from Nicholls who placed the handgun on the ground but still within his reach. Negotiations to surrender to law enforcement continued by Sheriff Mitchell but ultimately the subject returned to the handgun, retrieving the firearm, and cycling a round into the chamber of the weapon.Nicholls charged towards Deputies before discharging, towards officers, a single round. A member of the Ness County Sheriff’s Office returned fire striking Nicholls who dropped the firearm. Medical personnel and members of the Sheriff’s Office began immediate life saving measures ultimately proving unsuccessful.&nbsp; Nicholls died of hiss injuries sustained in the incident. The Kansas Bureau of Investigations was requested to conduct an investigation into the Officer Involved Shooting. “After reviewing the reports from the KBI, the body worn cameras and taking into consideration the information available to the deputy at the time, Ness County Attorney Jacob Gayer ruled, in his professional opinion, the deputy was entitled under current Kansas law to use deadly force for the purposes of selfdefense. "First, the deputy had a sincere and honest belief that their life was in danger and that it was necessary to use deadly force to defend themself. Secondly, a reasonable person in the deputy’s circumstances could have reasonably perceived the use of deadly force was necessary.""Charges are not appropriate against the deputy in the death of Jesse L. Nicholls, on August 8."

Prosecutor declines to file charges in fatal Kan. officer shooting

MARION (AP) —Police officers who raided a small Kansas newspaper's offices last month didn't follow the requirements of the search warrant to only seize computers that had been directly involved in suspected identity theft, according to the newspaper's lawyer.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-first-amendment-f8f375dbf48b93fc15c12893b8b49f37">Authorities released</a>&nbsp;data to the newspaper last week showing police spent 1 hour and 20 minutes fruitlessly searching one computer for signs it was used to look up the driving record of a local restaurant owner and the status of her driver's license on the Kansas Department of Revenue's site. No evidence was found. But the&nbsp;<a href="http://marionrecord.com/">Marion County Record</a>&nbsp;'s attorney Bernie Rhodes said Tuesday that police seized that computer and then took all the other computers in the newsroom along with two reporters' cell phones without checking to see if any of those devices were involved.

“So it’s a complete and total sham, which is, in my view, simply more evidence that this so-called search was just a pretense to intimidate the newspaper,” Rhodes said.

The Record's publisher, Eric Meyer, whose home was also searched on Aug. 11 along with the home of a city council member, has said he thinks the the search was motivated by the newspaper's investigation of Police Chief Gideon Cody's background with the Kansas City Police Department before he was hired in Marion earlier this year.

Cody didn't respond to email questions from The Associated Press on Tuesday. He defended the search initially, but hasn't said much publicly since the Kansas Bureau of Investigation took over the case. He said in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/newspaper-raid-kansas-affidavit-07d9c856894892bff13cb014248ec866">affidavits</a>&nbsp;used to obtain the search warrants that he had probable cause to believe the newspaper and City Council member Ruth Herbel, whose home was also raided, had violated state laws against identity theft or computer crimes.

Police had said in court documents that investigators believed the newspaper may have acted illegally to obtain personal information about a local restaurant owner. But a spokesman for the Kansas Department of Revenue has said the search a reporter did after they received some information from a tipster was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-marion-county-record-ce9a8b98f05e2c4faef14e7ad6948316">legal</a>.

The KBI hasn't offered updates on its investigation or when it might turn over its findings to the local prosecutor in the central Kansas town of about 1,900 people.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-mother-raid-video-4427af3241da82767deb76028836cffd">Video of the raid</a>&nbsp;on the home of publisher Eric Meyer shows how distraught his 98-year-old mother became as officers searched through their belongings. Meyer said he believes that stress contributed to the death of his mother, Joan Meyer, a day later.

The raids have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-kansas-newspaper-raid-aca057365ea3925328a69acd615c9893">sharply criticized</a>&nbsp;nationally because of the implications for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-marion-county-record-bead3f49d323c784d40154067141dc7c">press protections</a>&nbsp;outlined in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. But now Rhodes said he believes there were also violations of the Fourth Amendment's restrictions on unreasonable searches.

In the search warrant, the judge directed police to “conduct a preview search of all located digital communications devices and digital storage media to exclude from seizure those which have not been involved in the identity theft.”

Rhodes said the data reviewed by his forensic expert shows that didn't happen. Rhodes is still gathering evidence for the lawsuit he plans to file on the newspaper's behalf, but one of the Record's reporters already filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-reporter-lawsuit-12f03fbd2821630b6d531d6b743047c9">her own lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against police.

Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey didn't immediately respond to questions Tuesday about the search warrants. But a few days after the raids,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-kansas-newspaper-police-raid-51993acb6d3769184d28f81dbee66c43">he said</a>, there wasn't enough evidence to justify the searches so he ordered authorities to return everything they seized.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-marion-county-record-bead3f49d323c784d40154067141dc7c">Legal experts believe</a>&nbsp;the raid on the newspaper violated a federal privacy law or a state law shielding journalists from having to identify sources or turn over unpublished material to law enforcement.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marionks.net/city-council">City Council</a>&nbsp;was holding another meeting Tuesday afternoon, but didn't plan to discuss the raids at all other than to hear public comments about it. Mayor David Mayfield the city's attorney advised him not to talk about the KBI's criminal investigation.

“When the investigation is completed by them, the council will then decide if any action needs to be taken,” Mayfield said in a text message to The Associated Press.

Mayfield said he believes that if there was anything wrong with the searches then the judge should have never approved the warrants, but once they were approved he believes police acted properly.

“It’s my understanding that the police served a valid search warrant that was issued,” he said.

But Mayfield said he really doesn't know everything that happened because when Cody told him he was investigating a City Council member “I told him I did not want to know any details.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692219843330.png" alt="-Police had said in court documents that investigators believed the newspaper may have acted illegally to obtain personal information about a local restaurant owner.-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>-Police had said in court documents that investigators believed the newspaper may have acted illegally to obtain personal information about a local restaurant owner.-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>MARION (AP) —Police officers who raided a small Kansas newspaper's offices last month didn't follow the requirements of the search warrant to only seize computers that had been directly involved in suspected identity theft, according to the newspaper's lawyer.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-first-amendment-f8f375dbf48b93fc15c12893b8b49f37">Authorities released</a>&nbsp;data to the newspaper last week showing police spent 1 hour and 20 minutes fruitlessly searching one computer for signs it was used to look up the driving record of a local restaurant owner and the status of her driver's license on the Kansas Department of Revenue's site. No evidence was found. But the&nbsp;<a href="http://marionrecord.com/">Marion County Record</a>&nbsp;'s attorney Bernie Rhodes said Tuesday that police seized that computer and then took all the other computers in the newsroom along with two reporters' cell phones without checking to see if any of those devices were involved.“So it’s a complete and total sham, which is, in my view, simply more evidence that this so-called search was just a pretense to intimidate the newspaper,” Rhodes said.The Record's publisher, Eric Meyer, whose home was also searched on Aug. 11 along with the home of a city council member, has said he thinks the the search was motivated by the newspaper's investigation of Police Chief Gideon Cody's background with the Kansas City Police Department before he was hired in Marion earlier this year.Cody didn't respond to email questions from The Associated Press on Tuesday. He defended the search initially, but hasn't said much publicly since the Kansas Bureau of Investigation took over the case. He said in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/newspaper-raid-kansas-affidavit-07d9c856894892bff13cb014248ec866">affidavits</a>&nbsp;used to obtain the search warrants that he had probable cause to believe the newspaper and City Council member Ruth Herbel, whose home was also raided, had violated state laws against identity theft or computer crimes.Police had said in court documents that investigators believed the newspaper may have acted illegally to obtain personal information about a local restaurant owner. But a spokesman for the Kansas Department of Revenue has said the search a reporter did after they received some information from a tipster was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-marion-county-record-ce9a8b98f05e2c4faef14e7ad6948316">legal</a>.The KBI hasn't offered updates on its investigation or when it might turn over its findings to the local prosecutor in the central Kansas town of about 1,900 people.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-mother-raid-video-4427af3241da82767deb76028836cffd">Video of the raid</a>&nbsp;on the home of publisher Eric Meyer shows how distraught his 98-year-old mother became as officers searched through their belongings. Meyer said he believes that stress contributed to the death of his mother, Joan Meyer, a day later.The raids have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-kansas-newspaper-raid-aca057365ea3925328a69acd615c9893">sharply criticized</a>&nbsp;nationally because of the implications for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-marion-county-record-bead3f49d323c784d40154067141dc7c">press protections</a>&nbsp;outlined in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. But now Rhodes said he believes there were also violations of the Fourth Amendment's restrictions on unreasonable searches.In the search warrant, the judge directed police to “conduct a preview search of all located digital communications devices and digital storage media to exclude from seizure those which have not been involved in the identity theft.”Rhodes said the data reviewed by his forensic expert shows that didn't happen. Rhodes is still gathering evidence for the lawsuit he plans to file on the newspaper's behalf, but one of the Record's reporters already filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-reporter-lawsuit-12f03fbd2821630b6d531d6b743047c9">her own lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against police.Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey didn't immediately respond to questions Tuesday about the search warrants. But a few days after the raids,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-kansas-newspaper-police-raid-51993acb6d3769184d28f81dbee66c43">he said</a>, there wasn't enough evidence to justify the searches so he ordered authorities to return everything they seized.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-marion-county-record-bead3f49d323c784d40154067141dc7c">Legal experts believe</a>&nbsp;the raid on the newspaper violated a federal privacy law or a state law shielding journalists from having to identify sources or turn over unpublished material to law enforcement.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marionks.net/city-council">City Council</a>&nbsp;was holding another meeting Tuesday afternoon, but didn't plan to discuss the raids at all other than to hear public comments about it. Mayor David Mayfield the city's attorney advised him not to talk about the KBI's criminal investigation.“When the investigation is completed by them, the council will then decide if any action needs to be taken,” Mayfield said in a text message to The Associated Press.Mayfield said he believes that if there was anything wrong with the searches then the judge should have never approved the warrants, but once they were approved he believes police acted properly.“It’s my understanding that the police served a valid search warrant that was issued,” he said.But Mayfield said he really doesn't know everything that happened because when Cody told him he was investigating a City Council member “I told him I did not want to know any details.”

Lawyer: Police didn't follow warrant in Kan. newspaper office search

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two juveniles for an alleged threat to a Kansas middle school.

Just after noon Tuesday,&nbsp;the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from an individual&nbsp;at&nbsp;Washburn Rural Middle School,&nbsp;5620 SW 61st St, Topeka, that referenced a bomb and bringing a gun to school, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Multiple&nbsp;law enforcement officers and K9 units from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Shawnee County&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office and Topeka Police Department&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;responded.

Through investigation, it was determined that&nbsp;two&nbsp;12-year-old boys were responsible for the call and&nbsp;the&nbsp;statements made to an emergency dispatcher.&nbsp;

Investigators&nbsp;were able to determine&nbsp;that there was&nbsp;no active threat to Washburn Rural students or the&nbsp;general&nbsp;public. 

This&nbsp;matter will continue to be investigated&nbsp;by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;and then forwarded&nbsp;to the Shawnee County District Attorney&nbsp;for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693964332604.png" alt="Investigators were able to determine that there was no active threat to Washburn Rural students or the general public.-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Investigators were able to determine that there was no active threat to Washburn Rural students or the general public.-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two juveniles for an alleged threat to a Kansas middle school.Just after noon Tuesday,&nbsp;the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from an individual&nbsp;at&nbsp;Washburn Rural Middle School,&nbsp;5620 SW 61st St, Topeka, that referenced a bomb and bringing a gun to school, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Multiple&nbsp;law enforcement officers and K9 units from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Shawnee County&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office and Topeka Police Department&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;responded.Through investigation, it was determined that&nbsp;two&nbsp;12-year-old boys were responsible for the call and&nbsp;the&nbsp;statements made to an emergency dispatcher.&nbsp;Investigators&nbsp;were able to determine&nbsp;that there was&nbsp;no active threat to Washburn Rural students or the&nbsp;general&nbsp;public. This&nbsp;matter will continue to be investigated&nbsp;by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;and then forwarded&nbsp;to the Shawnee County District Attorney&nbsp;for review.

Sheriff: 12-year-olds called in bomb, gun threat at Kan. middle school

BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Butler County.

On Sunday evening, police responded to report of an unattended death at a home the 1700 Block of Robbins Street in Augusta, according to Augusts Director of Public Safety Todd Ackerman.

After further investigating, police determined the incident was a homicide that occurred sometime between Saturday night and Sunday night.&nbsp;

Police have not released the victim's name or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694019724772.png" alt="Police determined the incident was a homicide that occurred sometime between Saturday night and Sunday night.-photo courtesy KWCH&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Police determined the incident was a homicide that occurred sometime between Saturday night and Sunday night.-photo courtesy KWCH&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Butler County.On Sunday evening, police responded to report of an unattended death at a home the 1700 Block of Robbins Street in Augusta, according to Augusts Director of Public Safety Todd Ackerman.After further investigating, police determined the incident was a homicide that occurred sometime between Saturday night and Sunday night.&nbsp;Police have not released the victim's name or additional details.

Police investigate homicide at home in Butler County

TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Tuesday, Governor&nbsp;Laura&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;welcomed U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona to Topeka to kick off his “Back to School Bus Tour 2023: Raise the Bar.” Governor&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;and Secretary Cardona toured the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC) to learn more about how Kansas public schools are preparing students for the modern workforce.&nbsp;

“I was pleased to welcome Secretary Cardona to Kansas to showcase how the Sunflower State continues to prioritize our students, families, and teachers,”&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Laura&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“We’ve fully funded public schools for five years in a row – making it possible for more students to engage in the kind of hands-on learning that will prepare them for future success.”&nbsp;

The tour was led by Topeka USD 501 Superintendent Tiffany Anderson, TCALC Principal Dustin Dick, and Zack Buffington, a Topeka West High School. They were joined by Randy Watson, Commissioner of the Kansas Department of Education.&nbsp;

Created through business partnerships, TCALC is a high school program designed for juniors and seniors to explore professions in a hands-on learning environment and prepare for high-demand careers after graduation. Students are mentored by employers and exposed directly to careers they are interested in pursuing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The tour related to an announcement Governor&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;made in July that Kansas has been selected to participate in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) Policy Academy to Advance Youth Apprenticeship. Through the Policy Academy, Kansas will develop a strategy to expand apprenticeship opportunities to youth ages 16 and older to help them build the skills needed for the modern workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693927678460.png" alt="The tour related to an announcement Governor Kelly made in July that Kansas has been selected to participate in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) Policy Academy to Advance Youth Apprenticeship.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The tour related to an announcement Governor Kelly made in July that Kansas has been selected to participate in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) Policy Academy to Advance Youth Apprenticeship.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Tuesday, Governor&nbsp;Laura&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;welcomed U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona to Topeka to kick off his “Back to School Bus Tour 2023: Raise the Bar.” Governor&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;and Secretary Cardona toured the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC) to learn more about how Kansas public schools are preparing students for the modern workforce.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EdBusTour23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EdBusTour23</a> — Let’s do this! <a href="https://t.co/5ID7NZPP78">pic.twitter.com/5ID7NZPP78</a>&mdash; Secretary Miguel Cardona (@SecCardona) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecCardona/status/1699062994385383783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I was pleased to welcome Secretary Cardona to Kansas to showcase how the Sunflower State continues to prioritize our students, families, and teachers,”&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Laura&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“We’ve fully funded public schools for five years in a row – making it possible for more students to engage in the kind of hands-on learning that will prepare them for future success.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693927651794.png" alt="Randy Watson, Commissioner of the Kansas Department of Education, Gov. Kelly and&nbsp; Secretary Cardona-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Randy Watson, Commissioner of the Kansas Department of Education, Gov. Kelly and&nbsp; Secretary Cardona-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The tour was led by Topeka USD 501 Superintendent Tiffany Anderson, TCALC Principal Dustin Dick, and Zack Buffington, a Topeka West High School. They were joined by Randy Watson, Commissioner of the Kansas Department of Education.&nbsp;Created through business partnerships, TCALC is a high school program designed for juniors and seniors to explore professions in a hands-on learning environment and prepare for high-demand careers after graduation. Students are mentored by employers and exposed directly to careers they are interested in pursuing.&nbsp;&nbsp;The tour related to an announcement Governor&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;made in July that Kansas has been selected to participate in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) Policy Academy to Advance Youth Apprenticeship. Through the Policy Academy, Kansas will develop a strategy to expand apprenticeship opportunities to youth ages 16 and older to help them build the skills needed for the modern workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥Back to School Bus Tour: U.S. Ed Secretary visits Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement and fire investigators continue to work intentionally set house fires in Topeka. After four arson fire arrests in August, officials reported two more arson fires so far this week.

Just after&nbsp; 10 a.m., Monday, crews responded to a house fire at 3110 SW 30th Terrrace in Topeka, according to Fire Department Spokesperson Rosie Nichols. 

Firefightgers found a small fire in the basement and were quickly able to extinguish it. All occupants self-evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire department and no injuries reported. 

Just after 3 a.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a second fire at the home. When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the house. Firefighters began attacking the fire from the outside of the house. No occupants were found in the house.&nbsp;

A preliminary investigation determined the fire was intentionally set, according to Nicnols. The total estimated loss from this incident is $80,000, with $75,000 associated with structural loss and $5,000 associated with content loss.

The fire spread to an adjacent single-family home at 3120 SW 30th Terrace. Two occupants were able escape unharmed.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Monday, crews responded to a house fire at 2625 SE California Avenue in Topeka. First arriving fire crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the one-and-a-half story house.&nbsp;&nbsp;Crews performed a primary search and found no occupants.

An investigation determined this fire was also intentionally set. The total estimated loss from this incident is $22,000, all of which is associated with structural loss.

Investigators found no working smoke detectors located within these homes.&nbsp; Police have not reported any suspect details or an arrest for the fires.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693942757788.png" alt="Crews on the scene at 3110 SW 30th Terrrace in Topeka-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene at 3110 SW 30th Terrrace in Topeka-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement and fire investigators continue to work intentionally set house fires in Topeka. After four arson fire arrests in August, officials reported two more arson fires so far this week.Just after&nbsp; 10 a.m., Monday, crews responded to a house fire at 3110 SW 30th Terrrace in Topeka, according to Fire Department Spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Firefightgers found a small fire in the basement and were quickly able to extinguish it. All occupants self-evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire department and no injuries reported. Just after 3 a.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a second fire at the home. When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the house. Firefighters began attacking the fire from the outside of the house. No occupants were found in the house.&nbsp;A preliminary investigation determined the fire was intentionally set, according to Nicnols. The total estimated loss from this incident is $80,000, with $75,000 associated with structural loss and $5,000 associated with content loss.The fire spread to an adjacent single-family home at 3120 SW 30th Terrace. Two occupants were able escape unharmed.Just after 11:30 p.m. Monday, crews responded to a house fire at 2625 SE California Avenue in Topeka. First arriving fire crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the one-and-a-half story house.&nbsp;&nbsp;Crews performed a primary search and found no occupants.An investigation determined this fire was also intentionally set. The total estimated loss from this incident is $22,000, all of which is associated with structural loss.Investigators found no working smoke detectors located within these homes.&nbsp; Police have not reported any suspect details or an arrest for the fires.

Two more arson fires at homes in Topeka

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was sentenced Tuesday to 22 years in prison for orchestrating his far-right extremist group’s attack on the U.S. Capitol in a failed bid to stop the transfer of presidential power after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">Donald Trump lost the 2020 election.</a>

Tarrio’s sentence is the longest so far among more than 1,100 Capitol riot cases, topping the 18-year sentences that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-b3ed4556a3dec577539c4181639f666c">Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-jan-6-proud-boys-prison-sentence-58173200af1664716cbaec8ed2c2a145">one-time Proud Boys leader Ethan Nordean</a>&nbsp;each received after juries convicted them of seditious conspiracy and other charges.

It comes as the Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-indictment-1a5ae1a0ea35492e1e347e28867a7d3f">prepares to put Trump on trial</a>&nbsp;at the same courthouse in Washington on charges that the then-president illegally schemed to cling to power that he knew had been stripped away by voters.

The Tarrio case — and hundreds of others like it — function as a vivid reminder of the violent chaos fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">Trump’s lies around the election</a>&nbsp;and the extent to which his false claims helped inspire right-wing extremists who ultimately stormed the Capitol to thwart the peaceful transfer of power.

Rising to speak before the sentence was handed down, Tarrio pleaded for leniency, describing Jan. 6 as a “national embarrassment,” and apologizing to the police officers who defended the Capitol and the lawmakers who fled in fear. His voice cracked as he expressed remorse for letting down his family and vowed that he is done with politics.

“I am not a political zealot. Inflicting harm or changing the results of the election was not my goal,” Tarrio said.

“Please show me mercy,” he said, adding, “I ask you that you not take my 40s from me.”

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, who was appointed to the bench by Trump, said Tarrio was motivated by "revolutionary zeal" to lead the conspiracy that resulted in “200 men, amped up for battle, encircling the Capitol.” Noting that Tarrio had not previously shown any public remorse for his crimes, the judge said a stiff punishment was necessary to deter future political violence.

"It can't happen again. It can’t happen again,” the judge repeated.

Standing before the judge in orange jail garb, Tarrio lowered his head after the sentence was read, then squared his shoulders and put his hands before his back.

Prosecutors had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-proud-boys-sentencing-aa8fd5e8acbc5d173e6e462974014bc7">sought 33 years behind bars</a>&nbsp;for Tarrio, describing him as the ringleader of a plot to use violence to shatter the cornerstone of American democracy and overturn the election victory by Joe Biden, a Democrat, over Trump, the Republican incumbent.

Prosecutor Conor Mulroe told the judge that the Proud Boys came dangerously close to succeeding in their plot to stop the transfer of presidential power — and noted that “it didn’t take rifles or explosives.”

“There was a very real possibility we were going to wake up on Jan. 7 in a full-blown constitutional crisis,” Mulroe said, with “300 million Americans having no idea who the next president would be or how it would be decided.”

The prosecutor urged the judge to ensure that “consequences are abundantly clear to anyone who might be unhappy with the results of 2024, 2028, 2032 or any future election for as long as this case is remembered.”

Tarrio wasn’t in Washington, D.C, when Proud Boys members joined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">thousands of Trump supporters</a>, who smashed windows, beat police officers and poured into the House and Senate chambers as lawmakers met to certify Biden’s victory. But prosecutors say the 39-year-old Miami resident organized and led the Proud Boys’ assault from afar, inspiring followers with his charisma and penchant for propaganda.

Tarrio had been arrested two days before the Capitol riot on charges that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-politics-race-and-ethnicity-district-of-columbia-4ec2c696a58253b95ef76e5c18aa5ada">defaced a Black Lives Matter banner</a>&nbsp;during an earlier rally in the nation’s capital, and he had complied with a judge’s order to leave the city after his arrest.

The judge agreed with prosecutors that the Proud Boys’ crimes could be punished as “terrorism” — increasing the recommended sentence under federal guidelines. But he ultimately sentenced the Proud Boys to prison terms shorter than what prosecutors were seeking.

The backbone of the government’s case was hundreds of messages exchanged by Proud Boys in the days leading up to Jan. 6 that prosecutors say showed how the extremists saw themselves as revolutionaries and celebrated the Capitol attack, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-capitol-siege-lawmakers-trauma-04e29724aa6017180259385642c1b990">sent lawmakers running into hiding</a>.

As Proud Boys swarmed the Capitol, Tarrio cheered them on from afar, writing on social media, “Do what must be done.” In a Proud Boys encrypted group chat later that day someone asked what they should do next. Tarrio responded, “Do it again.”

“Make no mistake,” Tarrio wrote in another message. “We did this.”

Tarrio’s lawyers denied the Proud Boys had any plan to attack the Capitol or stop the certification of Biden’s victory. They argued that prosecutors used Tarrio as a scapegoat for Trump, who spoke at the “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House on Jan. 6 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-capitol-siege-media-e79eb5164613d6718e9f4502eb471f27">urged his supporters to “fight like hell.”</a>

Tarrio is the final Proud Boys leader convicted of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-legal-proceedings-united-states-government-violence-proud-boys-0eedce46cf5375f3417f4a9c968a8e62">seditious conspiracy</a>&nbsp;to receive his punishment. Three fellow Proud Boys found guilty by a Washington jury of the rarely used sedition charge were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 15 to 18 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614042711157.png" alt="Rising to speak before the sentence was handed down, Tarrio pleaded for leniency, describing Jan. 6 as a “national embarrassment,” and apologizing to the police officers who defended the Capitol and the lawmakers who fled in fear.-photo courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rising to speak before the sentence was handed down, Tarrio pleaded for leniency, describing Jan. 6 as a “national embarrassment,” and apologizing to the police officers who defended the Capitol and the lawmakers who fled in fear.-photo courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was sentenced Tuesday to 22 years in prison for orchestrating his far-right extremist group’s attack on the U.S. Capitol in a failed bid to stop the transfer of presidential power after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">Donald Trump lost the 2020 election.</a>Tarrio’s sentence is the longest so far among more than 1,100 Capitol riot cases, topping the 18-year sentences that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-b3ed4556a3dec577539c4181639f666c">Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-jan-6-proud-boys-prison-sentence-58173200af1664716cbaec8ed2c2a145">one-time Proud Boys leader Ethan Nordean</a>&nbsp;each received after juries convicted them of seditious conspiracy and other charges.It comes as the Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-indictment-1a5ae1a0ea35492e1e347e28867a7d3f">prepares to put Trump on trial</a>&nbsp;at the same courthouse in Washington on charges that the then-president illegally schemed to cling to power that he knew had been stripped away by voters.The Tarrio case — and hundreds of others like it — function as a vivid reminder of the violent chaos fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">Trump’s lies around the election</a>&nbsp;and the extent to which his false claims helped inspire right-wing extremists who ultimately stormed the Capitol to thwart the peaceful transfer of power.Rising to speak before the sentence was handed down, Tarrio pleaded for leniency, describing Jan. 6 as a “national embarrassment,” and apologizing to the police officers who defended the Capitol and the lawmakers who fled in fear. His voice cracked as he expressed remorse for letting down his family and vowed that he is done with politics.“I am not a political zealot. Inflicting harm or changing the results of the election was not my goal,” Tarrio said.“Please show me mercy,” he said, adding, “I ask you that you not take my 40s from me.”U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, who was appointed to the bench by Trump, said Tarrio was motivated by "revolutionary zeal" to lead the conspiracy that resulted in “200 men, amped up for battle, encircling the Capitol.” Noting that Tarrio had not previously shown any public remorse for his crimes, the judge said a stiff punishment was necessary to deter future political violence."It can't happen again. It can’t happen again,” the judge repeated.Standing before the judge in orange jail garb, Tarrio lowered his head after the sentence was read, then squared his shoulders and put his hands before his back.Prosecutors had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-proud-boys-sentencing-aa8fd5e8acbc5d173e6e462974014bc7">sought 33 years behind bars</a>&nbsp;for Tarrio, describing him as the ringleader of a plot to use violence to shatter the cornerstone of American democracy and overturn the election victory by Joe Biden, a Democrat, over Trump, the Republican incumbent.Prosecutor Conor Mulroe told the judge that the Proud Boys came dangerously close to succeeding in their plot to stop the transfer of presidential power — and noted that “it didn’t take rifles or explosives.”“There was a very real possibility we were going to wake up on Jan. 7 in a full-blown constitutional crisis,” Mulroe said, with “300 million Americans having no idea who the next president would be or how it would be decided.”The prosecutor urged the judge to ensure that “consequences are abundantly clear to anyone who might be unhappy with the results of 2024, 2028, 2032 or any future election for as long as this case is remembered.”Tarrio wasn’t in Washington, D.C, when Proud Boys members joined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">thousands of Trump supporters</a>, who smashed windows, beat police officers and poured into the House and Senate chambers as lawmakers met to certify Biden’s victory. But prosecutors say the 39-year-old Miami resident organized and led the Proud Boys’ assault from afar, inspiring followers with his charisma and penchant for propaganda.Tarrio had been arrested two days before the Capitol riot on charges that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-politics-race-and-ethnicity-district-of-columbia-4ec2c696a58253b95ef76e5c18aa5ada">defaced a Black Lives Matter banner</a>&nbsp;during an earlier rally in the nation’s capital, and he had complied with a judge’s order to leave the city after his arrest.The judge agreed with prosecutors that the Proud Boys’ crimes could be punished as “terrorism” — increasing the recommended sentence under federal guidelines. But he ultimately sentenced the Proud Boys to prison terms shorter than what prosecutors were seeking.The backbone of the government’s case was hundreds of messages exchanged by Proud Boys in the days leading up to Jan. 6 that prosecutors say showed how the extremists saw themselves as revolutionaries and celebrated the Capitol attack, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-capitol-siege-lawmakers-trauma-04e29724aa6017180259385642c1b990">sent lawmakers running into hiding</a>.As Proud Boys swarmed the Capitol, Tarrio cheered them on from afar, writing on social media, “Do what must be done.” In a Proud Boys encrypted group chat later that day someone asked what they should do next. Tarrio responded, “Do it again.”“Make no mistake,” Tarrio wrote in another message. “We did this.”Tarrio’s lawyers denied the Proud Boys had any plan to attack the Capitol or stop the certification of Biden’s victory. They argued that prosecutors used Tarrio as a scapegoat for Trump, who spoke at the “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House on Jan. 6 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-capitol-siege-media-e79eb5164613d6718e9f4502eb471f27">urged his supporters to “fight like hell.”</a>Tarrio is the final Proud Boys leader convicted of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-legal-proceedings-united-states-government-violence-proud-boys-0eedce46cf5375f3417f4a9c968a8e62">seditious conspiracy</a>&nbsp;to receive his punishment. Three fellow Proud Boys found guilty by a Washington jury of the rarely used sedition charge were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 15 to 18 years.

Proud Boys’ leader apologizes before sentenced for Jan. 6 conspiracy

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a weekend arrest.

Just after 10:30 p.m. Sept. 2, a sheriff's deputy came in contact with Wendell Akins, 63, Ellinwood who was stopped at 250 N. Main Street in Hoisington, according Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

Akins had an outstanding felony warrant issued by the Barton County District Court. The warrant was for felony DUI, failing to stop at an injury accident and driving while suspended. During the course of the arrest, the deputy located a bag containing suspected methamphetamine as well as drug paraphernalia.

Akins was transported to the Barton County jail without incident and booked on the warrant which has a $40,000 bond as well as requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Those charges have a $10,000 bond, according to Bellendir.

Akins&nbsp;has numerous previous convictions for DUI and for driving while suspended, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693929217022.jpeg" alt="Akins has numerous previous convictions for DUI and for driving while suspended, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Akins has numerous previous convictions for DUI and for driving while suspended, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a weekend arrest.Just after 10:30 p.m. Sept. 2, a sheriff's deputy came in contact with Wendell Akins, 63, Ellinwood who was stopped at 250 N. Main Street in Hoisington, according Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.Akins had an outstanding felony warrant issued by the Barton County District Court. The warrant was for felony DUI, failing to stop at an injury accident and driving while suspended. During the course of the arrest, the deputy located a bag containing suspected methamphetamine as well as drug paraphernalia.Akins was transported to the Barton County jail without incident and booked on the warrant which has a $40,000 bond as well as requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Those charges have a $10,000 bond, according to Bellendir.Akins&nbsp;has numerous previous convictions for DUI and for driving while suspended, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. felon with multiple DUI convictions was transporting meth

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a collision that fatally injured 56-year-old Sue Towles of Wichita.

Just before 9p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the 2900 block of South Oliver for a vehicle vs. bicyclist collision, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders located Towles unconscious and not breathing. EMS pronounced her deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed Towles was riding her bicycle southbound on Oliver in Wichita on the curb lane when a southbound&nbsp;1997 Pontiac Bonneville driven by a 58-year-old man from Wichita struck her.

The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and is cooperating with authorities. The investigation of the circumstances of the collision is ongoing, according to Rebolledo.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a collision that fatally injured 56-year-old Sue Towles of Wichita.Just before 9p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the 2900 block of South Oliver for a vehicle vs. bicyclist collision, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders located Towles unconscious and not breathing. EMS pronounced her deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed Towles was riding her bicycle southbound on Oliver in Wichita on the curb lane when a southbound&nbsp;1997 Pontiac Bonneville driven by a 58-year-old man from Wichita struck her.The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and is cooperating with authorities. The investigation of the circumstances of the collision is ongoing, according to Rebolledo.

Police: Kansas bicyclist dies after struck by car

WASHINGTON (AP) — The attending physician to Congress said Thursday that he had cleared Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell to continue with his planned schedule after evaluating an incident in which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-gop-leader-mcconnell-health-freeze-up-c5b43745251daa0bb63636ceff4edce2">McConnell appeared to freeze up</a>&nbsp;at an event in Kentucky.

But the health episode — his second in public this summer — has fueled quiet concern among Republican senators and intense speculation about his ability to remain as leader. The famously guarded McConnell called several of his deputies in leadership after the Wednesday health episode. But the longest-serving Senate party leader is still revealing little about his health condition, even to his closest colleagues.

McConnell, 81, appeared to freeze up and remained silent for about 30 seconds during a news conference Wednesday, almost a month after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-freeze-senate-fall-republican-leader-f18008b314c5907ba0111f6891c9a0d3">a similar incident in Washington</a>. In March, McConnell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-senate-concussion-hospital-release-b72a2b49260926d84a12cf94c1cfb944">suffered a concussion and broke a rib</a>&nbsp;after falling and hitting his head after a dinner event at a hotel.

The Kentucky Republican's office released a statement from Dr. Brian Monahan saying that he had consulted with McConnell and his neurology team and cleared the senator to continue with his schedule. He did not say if he had examined McConnell personally, and he did not provide any additional details or a diagnosis.

"After evaluating yesterday’s incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned," the short statement read. “Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration.”

McConnell’s office has only said that he was feeling “momentarily lightheaded" when he froze up on Wednesday. An aide eventually came to his assistance and repeated questions for him, and he gave brief answers before leaving the room. The episode was strikingly similar to the incident in July, when he froze mid-sentence for around 20 seconds before fellow Republicans and an aide came to his assistance and led him back to his office. He then returned to the news conference and answered additional questions.

President Joe Biden said he spoke to McConnell on Thursday and the senator “was his old self on the telephone.”

“It’s not at all unusual to have a response that sometimes happens to Mitch when you’ve had a severe concussion,” the president said during a visit to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “It’s part of the recovery, and so I’m confident he’s going to be back to his old self.”

The Senate is scheduled to convene next week after the month-long August break, and there are certain to be questions from McConnell's colleagues about his health, which has visibly declined since the concussion in March. His speaking has been more halting, and he has walked more slowly and carefully.

The lack of information from McConnell and his doctors has prompted more questions on Capitol Hill about whether he will run for reelection in 2026 and who may succeed him as GOP leader. But the discussion has remained behind closed doors, for now, with most fellow Republican senators publicly supportive.

“I talked to Sen. McConnell yesterday and he seemed to be doing fine,” said Texas Sen. John Cornyn on Thursday after an event in his home state. “I don’t know what the underlying issue is, but we all wish him well. We know he’s had a fall, and a concussion, and I think this may be part of the recovery process from that. But I served with him for a long time now, he’s been my mentor, and basically everything I’ve learned about the United States Senate I’ve learned from him.”

Cornyn added that he expects McConnell “will continue as long as he can and wants to.”

As McConnell’s former top deputy, Cornyn is one of several senators who could be in the running to replace him. Speculation has also centered around South Dakota Sen. John Thune, who is currently McConnell’s No. 2, and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, who is the No. 3 Republican and the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference.

McConnell called all three men on Wednesday after the episode, along with West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Montana Sen. Steve Daines, who also serve on McConnell’s leadership team.

In the calls, McConnell gave the senators reassurances about his health. A spokeswoman for Cornyn, Natalie Yezbick, said McConnell “shared that he was doing well.” A spokesman for Thune, Ryan Wrasse, said McConnell “sounded like his usual self and was in good spirits.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693945010291.png" alt="U.S. Capitol Attending Physician on Senator Mitch McConnell: "There is no evidence that you have seizure disorder or that you have experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinson's disease." -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Capitol Attending Physician on Senator Mitch McConnell: "There is no evidence that you have seizure disorder or that you have experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinson's disease." -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The attending physician to Congress said Thursday that he had cleared Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell to continue with his planned schedule after evaluating an incident in which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-gop-leader-mcconnell-health-freeze-up-c5b43745251daa0bb63636ceff4edce2">McConnell appeared to freeze up</a>&nbsp;at an event in Kentucky.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Senator Mitch McConnell: &quot;One particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week. But I assure you August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the Commonwealth.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/g5jegvZml6">https://t.co/g5jegvZml6</a> <a href="https://t.co/9UYKmC42Ry">pic.twitter.com/9UYKmC42Ry</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1699147978009895162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But the health episode — his second in public this summer — has fueled quiet concern among Republican senators and intense speculation about his ability to remain as leader. The famously guarded McConnell called several of his deputies in leadership after the Wednesday health episode. But the longest-serving Senate party leader is still revealing little about his health condition, even to his closest colleagues.McConnell, 81, appeared to freeze up and remained silent for about 30 seconds during a news conference Wednesday, almost a month after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-freeze-senate-fall-republican-leader-f18008b314c5907ba0111f6891c9a0d3">a similar incident in Washington</a>. In March, McConnell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-senate-concussion-hospital-release-b72a2b49260926d84a12cf94c1cfb944">suffered a concussion and broke a rib</a>&nbsp;after falling and hitting his head after a dinner event at a hotel.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell appears to have a health issue while speaking during a press conference in the U.S. Capitol. About 12 minutes later, the Minority Leader returned to the press conference and, when asked about what happened, said, &quot;I&#39;m fine.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/EU7zDzGT0m">pic.twitter.com/EU7zDzGT0m</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1684278322098761728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Kentucky Republican's office released a statement from Dr. Brian Monahan saying that he had consulted with McConnell and his neurology team and cleared the senator to continue with his schedule. He did not say if he had examined McConnell personally, and he did not provide any additional details or a diagnosis."After evaluating yesterday’s incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned," the short statement read. “Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration.”McConnell’s office has only said that he was feeling “momentarily lightheaded" when he froze up on Wednesday. An aide eventually came to his assistance and repeated questions for him, and he gave brief answers before leaving the room. The episode was strikingly similar to the incident in July, when he froze mid-sentence for around 20 seconds before fellow Republicans and an aide came to his assistance and led him back to his office. He then returned to the news conference and answered additional questions.President Joe Biden said he spoke to McConnell on Thursday and the senator “was his old self on the telephone.”“It’s not at all unusual to have a response that sometimes happens to Mitch when you’ve had a severe concussion,” the president said during a visit to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “It’s part of the recovery, and so I’m confident he’s going to be back to his old self.”The Senate is scheduled to convene next week after the month-long August break, and there are certain to be questions from McConnell's colleagues about his health, which has visibly declined since the concussion in March. His speaking has been more halting, and he has walked more slowly and carefully.The lack of information from McConnell and his doctors has prompted more questions on Capitol Hill about whether he will run for reelection in 2026 and who may succeed him as GOP leader. But the discussion has remained behind closed doors, for now, with most fellow Republican senators publicly supportive.“I talked to Sen. McConnell yesterday and he seemed to be doing fine,” said Texas Sen. John Cornyn on Thursday after an event in his home state. “I don’t know what the underlying issue is, but we all wish him well. We know he’s had a fall, and a concussion, and I think this may be part of the recovery process from that. But I served with him for a long time now, he’s been my mentor, and basically everything I’ve learned about the United States Senate I’ve learned from him.”Cornyn added that he expects McConnell “will continue as long as he can and wants to.”As McConnell’s former top deputy, Cornyn is one of several senators who could be in the running to replace him. Speculation has also centered around South Dakota Sen. John Thune, who is currently McConnell’s No. 2, and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, who is the No. 3 Republican and the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference.McConnell called all three men on Wednesday after the episode, along with West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Montana Sen. Steve Daines, who also serve on McConnell’s leadership team.In the calls, McConnell gave the senators reassurances about his health. A spokeswoman for Cornyn, Natalie Yezbick, said McConnell “shared that he was doing well.” A spokesman for Thune, Ryan Wrasse, said McConnell “sounded like his usual self and was in good spirits.”Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, another McConnell ally, said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that she had spoken to him Thursday. “Leader Mitch McConnell called me this afternoon to discuss the resumption of Senate business next week,” she wrote. “He is fully prepared to continue leading our caucus when the Senate resumes session on Tuesday.”Longtime McConnell friend and adviser Scott Jennings says he spent much of August with McConnell in Kentucky and noted that the GOP leader has kept a robust schedule, speaking frequently to the public and press. McConnell had just given a 20-minute speech with no issues when he froze up on Wednesday in response to a reporter's question about whether he would run for re-election in 2026.Jennings said McConnell is "relatively private person when it comes to personal matters like that” and always has been. He pushed back on critics who say McConnell is too old to serve in his position.“Two things are being conflated, his age and his recovery from this concussion,” Jennings said.Still, many of his colleagues want more information. After McConnell's first public freeze-up in July, Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said the job of leader calls for more transparency than it would for others.“We should find out, you know, fairly soon what happened and how serious it is,” Cramer said then. “But I don’t have to tell you, Mitch is also, as an individual, a pretty private guy. So we’ll see.”McConnell was elected to the Senate in 1984 and as GOP leader in 2007. He became the longest-serving party leader in the Senate at the beginning of the year.He had polio in his early childhood and he has long acknowledged some difficulty as an adult in climbing stairs. In addition to his fall in March, McConnell also tripped and fell four years ago at his home in Kentucky, causing a shoulder fracture that required surgery.