SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Wichita have arrested a suspect.

A 52-year-old male from Wichita is in custody following a deadly shooting Thursday evening at the American Legion located at 1335 N. Hydraulic in Wichita.

Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a shooting inside the American Legion, 1135 North Hydraulic in Wichita, according t a media release.&nbsp;

First responders found 55-year-old Anthony Grayson from Wichita unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 7:55 p.m.

A second victim, a 56-year-old man, arrived at a hospital by private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the torso. He was reported in serious but stable condition late Friday.

Investigators confirmed that the suspect identified from Sedgwick County booking records as Darrell E. Buckner, Jr., and Grayson were involved in a fight inside the bar. Buckner then left, retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, and returned. Employees attempted to prevent him from reentering, but he pushed past them and went back inside, where another fight broke out. During the altercation, Buckner fired the gun, striking Grayson and the second victim, who was attempting to intervene.

The suspect was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges.

“This is deeply frustrating,” said Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan. “Once again, someone has lost their life, not because of a stranger, but because an argument between friends turned violent. Every act of violence begins with a choice. When someone decides to bring a gun into an argument, that is an intentional act, and that choice destroys lives, families, and neighborhoods.”

Chief Sullivan added that while the department continues to use technology and community partnerships to identify suspects and solve cases quickly, the broader fight against violence requires shared responsibility.

“We have a 96% homicide clearance rate, overall part 1 crime arrests are up 12% compared to this time last year. This reflects our ongoing commitment to victims of violent crimes. But it doesn’t prevent a homicide when the people involved already know each other,” Sullivan said.

“Law enforcement cannot be everywhere,” he continued. “Families, friends, neighbors, and other law enforcement partners all play a role in stopping violence before it happens. When someone decides that they are going out to drink and brings a gun with them, that is an intentional act. That is a choice they made that creates a potential for tragedy."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760102689111.png" alt="Buckner photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Buckner photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Wichita have arrested a suspect.A 52-year-old male from Wichita is in custody following a deadly shooting Thursday evening at the American Legion located at 1335 N. Hydraulic in Wichita.Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a shooting inside the American Legion, 1135 North Hydraulic in Wichita, according t a media release.&nbsp;First responders found 55-year-old Anthony Grayson from Wichita unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 7:55 p.m.A second victim, a 56-year-old man, arrived at a hospital by private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the torso. He was reported in serious but stable condition late Friday.Investigators confirmed that the suspect identified from Sedgwick County booking records as Darrell E. Buckner, Jr., and Grayson were involved in a fight inside the bar. Buckner then left, retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, and returned. Employees attempted to prevent him from reentering, but he pushed past them and went back inside, where another fight broke out. During the altercation, Buckner fired the gun, striking Grayson and the second victim, who was attempting to intervene.The suspect was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges.“This is deeply frustrating,” said Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan. “Once again, someone has lost their life, not because of a stranger, but because an argument between friends turned violent. Every act of violence begins with a choice. When someone decides to bring a gun into an argument, that is an intentional act, and that choice destroys lives, families, and neighborhoods.”Chief Sullivan added that while the department continues to use technology and community partnerships to identify suspects and solve cases quickly, the broader fight against violence requires shared responsibility.“We have a 96% homicide clearance rate, overall part 1 crime arrests are up 12% compared to this time last year. This reflects our ongoing commitment to victims of violent crimes. But it doesn’t prevent a homicide when the people involved already know each other,” Sullivan said.“Law enforcement cannot be everywhere,” he continued. “Families, friends, neighbors, and other law enforcement partners all play a role in stopping violence before it happens. When someone decides that they are going out to drink and brings a gun with them, that is an intentional act. That is a choice they made that creates a potential for tragedy."

Kansas man jailed for deadly fight at American Legion Hall

Red Fern Booksellers has announced their third local Authors Fair will occur, for another chance to meet authors from across the state.

On Sunday, October 19 from&nbsp;3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Red Fern Booksellers (106 S. Santa Fe Ave), Kansan&nbsp;authors expected to make an appearance include: Jamie Bosse, Willa R. Finnegan, Tim (T.D.) Keane, Sherry Krehbiel, Mary L. Schmidt, Julie Stielstra, Michael Travis and Randall Weber.

Each of these authors will have their books available for purchase. Several genres will be represented at this fair, including Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Poetry, and General Fiction.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://redfernbooksellers.com/">here</a> for the Red Fern Booksellers website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759876573973.png" alt="Third local Authors Fair at Red Fern Bookseller on Sunday, October 19 from 300 pm - 500 pm. Courtesy of Red Fern Booksellers" />
 <figcaption>Third local Authors Fair at Red Fern Bookseller on Sunday, October 19 from 300 pm - 500 pm. Courtesy of Red Fern Booksellers</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostRed Fern Booksellers has announced their third local Authors Fair will occur, for another chance to meet authors from across the state.On Sunday, October 19 from&nbsp;3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Red Fern Booksellers (106 S. Santa Fe Ave), Kansan&nbsp;authors expected to make an appearance include: Jamie Bosse, Willa R. Finnegan, Tim (T.D.) Keane, Sherry Krehbiel, Mary L. Schmidt, Julie Stielstra, Michael Travis and Randall Weber.Each of these authors will have their books available for purchase. Several genres will be represented at this fair, including Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Poetry, and General Fiction.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://redfernbooksellers.com/">here</a> for the Red Fern Booksellers website.

Red Fern hosting 3rd local Authors Fair Oct. 19

DICKINSON COUNTY - After a ten month long illegal drug investigation, Dickinson County law enforcement arrested four suspects with a possibility of more.

According to the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office, on December 2024 the Sheriff's Drug Enforcement Unit began the investigation after an alleged distribution of&nbsp;Methamphetamine that occurred in Herington.

This investigation took approximately 10 months, until on Thursday, October 9, 2025, deputies conducted a search warrant at a residence in the 500 Block of South A Street in Herington. Reportedly, the search revealed&nbsp;Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, Cocaine, Marijuana, and other controlled substances inside the home.

Deputies also arrested four people from the home with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Junction City Police Department and the Herington Police Department.&nbsp;

Those suspects arrested were identified as:

- Charles Miller, 48, Woodbine, KS (requested charges:&nbsp;Distribution of Methamphetamine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with the Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Distribution of Controlled Substance using communication facility; No Drug Tax Stamp)

-&nbsp;Tyrone Wynne, 44, Herington, KS (requested charges:&nbsp;Distribution of Methamphetamine; Possession of Methamphetamine with intent to distribute; Distribution of Controlled Substance using communication facility; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with the Intent to Distribute; No Drug Tax Stamp)

-&nbsp;Jessica Christyauntie, 44, Herington, KS (requested charges:&nbsp;Distribution of Methamphetamine; Distribution of Controlled Substance using communication facility; No Drug Tax Stamp)

-&nbsp;AnneMarie Foxx-Cupp, 48, Florence, KS (requested charges:&nbsp;Distribution of Methamphetamine; No Drug Tax Stamp; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute)

Each suspect was booked into the Dickinson County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests, as well as charges are possible.&nbsp;

Anyone with information regarding the use/distribution of illegal drugs or any other crime can contact the Dickinson County Sheriff’s office at (785) 263-4081.

People can submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Dickinson County at 1-888-535-8477 or the Crime Stoppers online/mobile app via <a href="http://www.p3tips.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExb0hCOW41ZWFJMktvSUhjMwEe9ZmBmayRRSkleZWieJwkIWAiLlCLyXYov33cZr7q7kwh4D0ntiU9dQ5JTAY_aem_VllhKqeZ7Pr1AQdMv_Y9Bw" target="_blank">www.p3tips.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760123088985.jpeg" alt="Charles Miller,&nbsp;48, Woodbine, KS (top left).&nbsp;Tyrone Wynne, 44, Herington, KS (top right).&nbsp;Jessica Christyauntie, 44, Herington, KS (bottom left).&nbsp;AnneMarie Foxx-Cupp,&nbsp;48, Florence, KS&nbsp;(bottom right). Courtesy of Dickinson County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Charles Miller,&nbsp;48, Woodbine, KS (top left).&nbsp;Tyrone Wynne, 44, Herington, KS (top right).&nbsp;Jessica Christyauntie, 44, Herington, KS (bottom left).&nbsp;AnneMarie Foxx-Cupp,&nbsp;48, Florence, KS&nbsp;(bottom right). Courtesy of Dickinson County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostDICKINSON COUNTY - After a ten month long illegal drug investigation, Dickinson County law enforcement arrested four suspects with a possibility of more.According to the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office, on December 2024 the Sheriff's Drug Enforcement Unit began the investigation after an alleged distribution of&nbsp;Methamphetamine that occurred in Herington.This investigation took approximately 10 months, until on Thursday, October 9, 2025, deputies conducted a search warrant at a residence in the 500 Block of South A Street in Herington. Reportedly, the search revealed&nbsp;Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, Cocaine, Marijuana, and other controlled substances inside the home.Deputies also arrested four people from the home with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Junction City Police Department and the Herington Police Department.&nbsp;Those suspects arrested were identified as:- Charles Miller, 48, Woodbine, KS (requested charges:&nbsp;Distribution of Methamphetamine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with the Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Distribution of Controlled Substance using communication facility; No Drug Tax Stamp)-&nbsp;Tyrone Wynne, 44, Herington, KS (requested charges:&nbsp;Distribution of Methamphetamine; Possession of Methamphetamine with intent to distribute; Distribution of Controlled Substance using communication facility; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with the Intent to Distribute; No Drug Tax Stamp)-&nbsp;Jessica Christyauntie, 44, Herington, KS (requested charges:&nbsp;Distribution of Methamphetamine; Distribution of Controlled Substance using communication facility; No Drug Tax Stamp)-&nbsp;AnneMarie Foxx-Cupp, 48, Florence, KS (requested charges:&nbsp;Distribution of Methamphetamine; No Drug Tax Stamp; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute)Each suspect was booked into the Dickinson County Jail.The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests, as well as charges are possible.&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding the use/distribution of illegal drugs or any other crime can contact the Dickinson County Sheriff’s office at (785) 263-4081. People can submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Dickinson County at 1-888-535-8477 or the Crime Stoppers online/mobile app via <a href="http://www.p3tips.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExb0hCOW41ZWFJMktvSUhjMwEe9ZmBmayRRSkleZWieJwkIWAiLlCLyXYov33cZr7q7kwh4D0ntiU9dQ5JTAY_aem_VllhKqeZ7Pr1AQdMv_Y9Bw" target="_blank">www.p3tips.com.</a>

Ten month long illegal drug investigation results in 4 arrests

I am Dr. Trent Davis, and I’m running for re-election to the Salina City Commission.

I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. After high school, I planned to become a Lutheran minister—but life had other plans, and I was blessed instead to become a physician. I have called Salina my home since 1999 and am still actively practicing Neurology. I also serve as a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the KU School of Medicine–Salina, and I’ve been honored to serve on the City Commission since 2014.

My wife, Dr. Pamela B. Davis, is a Radiologist in Salina and also active in activities that build the social fabric of our community. Pam is the sister of Dr. Mace Braxton who started the heart surgery program at SRHC in 1998. We have a blended family of six children, one of whom we sadly lost in September 2024. Our three sons were raised here in Salina and graduated from Salina Central High School; their two older sisters live in the Washington, D.C. area. Our doggie is the famous Halle Berry, nine pounds of Pompoo royalty!

Our families have long emphasized character development, confidence, and education. Among our children are four physicians (three KU graduates!) and one MPH who was ordained a minister in 2024.

My introduction to civic engagement came in the early 2000s, when I helped lead the charge for Kansas’ first Clean Indoor Air Act—banning smoking in local businesses—an initiative that later became state law. Since then, I’ve served on the Salina–Saline County Board of Health (as its last chair before restructuring), as well as the Boards of Salina Community Access TV, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the NAACP, and as President of the SRHC Medical Staff. I also worked on the successful

petition to expand the Saline County Commission from three to five members. Other activities include the Church Council at St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Salina Downtown Lions Club.

Appointed to the City Commission in 2014, I’ve since been re-elected three times. To prepare for my term as Mayor in 2019, I completed KU’s Certified Public Management program to strengthen my communication and analytical skills while serving as Vice Mayor in 2018. I have ardently pushed for economic incentives that have resulted in expansion of Salina’s commercial air service and related aerospace industries.

My favorite color is cerulean blue, my favorite pastime is throwing a Frisbee on the beach, some of my favorite books are The Power of Positive Thinking and Leading When You’re Not in Charge. And, of course, my favorite football team—no surprise—is the Chiefs!

I am a modest person, and my life is full and rewarding, but because I love this city I want to continue the momentum and progress that make Salina such a special place.

Since 2014, I’ve been proud to help guide Salina’s downtown renaissance—from the early talks about a Downtown Fieldhouse, through growing pains, to the vibrant destination we now enjoy.

The Commission’s work often involves balancing big ideas and tough realities—supporting job growth, small business expansion, the arts, housing development, public safety, and infrastructure. Much of it’s work is reactive – issues brought to us, rather than from us -- from neighborhood concerns to complex social challenges like homelessness and public health. I have a calm, steady presence—quick to listen, slow to anger—to navigate it all.

A friend once suggested Salina’s motto could be “Salina … in the Middle of Everywhere.” That “everywhere” reflects more than geography: it’s our diversity,

opportunity, and drive to grow. Salina’s competition isn’t just nearby towns—it’s the world. We need leaders unafraid to engage it.

As I see it, the City Commission is like the old BASF ad: “We don’t make the products you use; we make them better.” Our role is to be the catalyst—helping the people and organizations who make Salina thrive. Government isn’t about grabbing the spotlight, but about creating the conditions where others can shine. And while rules are necessary to protect fairness and safety, it’s our job to recognize when they’re outdated and adapt them for the future.

I want to be your City Commissioner because Salina deserves steady leadership—someone experienced, patient, and committed to managing your tax dollars responsibly. This is a dynamic city, and the Commission faces a constant stream of new challenges. Experience matters and you deserve someone honorable and dependable.

We don’t need single-issue candidates or those quick to shout that their way is the only way. I believe in listening first, learning always, and respecting every viewpoint brought to the table. As my father-in-law wisely said:

“If you have to yell louder, you need a better argument.”

Salina’s future depends on investing wisely—not in a fantasy of “no taxes,” but in sustainable progress that exceeds the length of our terms and serves generations to come. I believe it’s time to focus on our human infrastructure:

· Keeping our kids in school and out of jail

I’ve been here, working with our community to make these goals real. I’d be honored to continue that work.

I appreciate your confidence and your vote—early or on November 4, 2025—to keep Salina moving forward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760106068172.jpeg" alt="Dr. Trent Davis" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Trent Davis</figcaption>
 </figure>By: DR. TRENT DAVIS&nbsp;I am Dr. Trent Davis, and I’m running for re-election to the Salina City Commission.I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. After high school, I planned to become a Lutheran minister—but life had other plans, and I was blessed instead to become a physician. I have called Salina my home since 1999 and am still actively practicing Neurology. I also serve as a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the KU School of Medicine–Salina, and I’ve been honored to serve on the City Commission since 2014.My wife, Dr. Pamela B. Davis, is a Radiologist in Salina and also active in activities that build the social fabric of our community. Pam is the sister of Dr. Mace Braxton who started the heart surgery program at SRHC in 1998. We have a blended family of six children, one of whom we sadly lost in September 2024. Our three sons were raised here in Salina and graduated from Salina Central High School; their two older sisters live in the Washington, D.C. area. Our doggie is the famous Halle Berry, nine pounds of Pompoo royalty!Our families have long emphasized character development, confidence, and education. Among our children are four physicians (three KU graduates!) and one MPH who was ordained a minister in 2024.My introduction to civic engagement came in the early 2000s, when I helped lead the charge for Kansas’ first Clean Indoor Air Act—banning smoking in local businesses—an initiative that later became state law. Since then, I’ve served on the Salina–Saline County Board of Health (as its last chair before restructuring), as well as the Boards of Salina Community Access TV, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the NAACP, and as President of the SRHC Medical Staff. I also worked on the successfulpetition to expand the Saline County Commission from three to five members. Other activities include the Church Council at St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Salina Downtown Lions Club.Appointed to the City Commission in 2014, I’ve since been re-elected three times. To prepare for my term as Mayor in 2019, I completed KU’s Certified Public Management program to strengthen my communication and analytical skills while serving as Vice Mayor in 2018. I have ardently pushed for economic incentives that have resulted in expansion of Salina’s commercial air service and related aerospace industries.My favorite color is cerulean blue, my favorite pastime is throwing a Frisbee on the beach, some of my favorite books are The Power of Positive Thinking and Leading When You’re Not in Charge. And, of course, my favorite football team—no surprise—is the Chiefs!I am a modest person, and my life is full and rewarding, but because I love this city I want to continue the momentum and progress that make Salina such a special place.<h2>My View of the City Commission</h2>Since 2014, I’ve been proud to help guide Salina’s downtown renaissance—from the early talks about a Downtown Fieldhouse, through growing pains, to the vibrant destination we now enjoy.The Commission’s work often involves balancing big ideas and tough realities—supporting job growth, small business expansion, the arts, housing development, public safety, and infrastructure. Much of it’s work is reactive – issues brought to us, rather than from us -- from neighborhood concerns to complex social challenges like homelessness and public health. I have a calm, steady presence—quick to listen, slow to anger—to navigate it all.A friend once suggested Salina’s motto could be “Salina … in the Middle of Everywhere.” That “everywhere” reflects more than geography: it’s our diversity,opportunity, and drive to grow. Salina’s competition isn’t just nearby towns—it’s the world. We need leaders unafraid to engage it.As I see it, the City Commission is like the old BASF ad: “We don’t make the products you use; we make them better.” Our role is to be the catalyst—helping the people and organizations who make Salina thrive. Government isn’t about grabbing the spotlight, but about creating the conditions where others can shine. And while rules are necessary to protect fairness and safety, it’s our job to recognize when they’re outdated and adapt them for the future.<h2>Why Me</h2>I want to be your City Commissioner because Salina deserves steady leadership—someone experienced, patient, and committed to managing your tax dollars responsibly. This is a dynamic city, and the Commission faces a constant stream of new challenges. Experience matters and you deserve someone honorable and dependable.We don’t need single-issue candidates or those quick to shout that their way is the only way. I believe in listening first, learning always, and respecting every viewpoint brought to the table. As my father-in-law wisely said:“If you have to yell louder, you need a better argument.”Salina’s future depends on investing wisely—not in a fantasy of “no taxes,” but in sustainable progress that exceeds the length of our terms and serves generations to come. I believe it’s time to focus on our human infrastructure:· Job training· Living wages· Renters becoming homeowners· Sustainable childcare· Small business entrepreneurship· Ending homelessness· Keeping our kids in school and out of jailI’ve been here, working with our community to make these goals real. I’d be honored to continue that work.I appreciate your confidence and your vote—early or on November 4, 2025—to keep Salina moving forward.Sincerely,Trent W. Davis, M.D.

Meet City Commission Candidate: Dr. Trent Davis

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

TOPEKA — University of Kansas indigenous studies director Alex Red Corn said a $1.5 million grant would allow a five-year collaboration with tribal nations and school districts in three states to broaden the pipeline of K-12 teachers working in schools serving Native American students.

The difficulty of attracting and retaining teachers to serve Native American students has been fueled from insufficient funding, isolation of rural communities and lack of job-market recruiting.

KU was awarded the grant from the Office of Indian Education in the U.S. Department of Education. The program involves&nbsp;the Southern Plains American Indian Teaching Pathways Project, which is a partnership that included Haskell Indian Nations University, or HINU, in Lawrence.

The goal is to work with Native Nations and school districts in Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma to prepare and mentor 15 teachers in elementary or secondary education.

“We look forward to getting started recruiting folks from Native communities and offer them a funded pathway to full teacher licensure through&nbsp;KU&nbsp;and Haskell and continuing to grow our longstanding partnership with Haskell in new and exciting ways,” said Red Corn, an Osage member, the lead principal investigator on the project and a KU associate professor.

Under the program, researchers plan to recruit individuals who earned or were approaching completion of an associate’s degree and want to pursue teaching certification by earning a bachelor’s degree at HINU or KU.

Upon graduation, these certified teachers would be required to work in Native-serving schools, where they would receive career mentorship from experienced teachers and cultural leaders.

KU officials said students involved in the program would be eligible for financial support in the form of tuition and fees, monthly living stipends, books, laptops and academic conference travel.

“We’re very appreciative of this opportunity from the Office of Indian Education, which is such a critical resource for tribal nations looking to advance sovereignty in education,” Red Corn said.

He said tribe and school partners in the region were eager to participate in work on a sustained program to bolster the teacher-development pipeline.

Project partners on the grant application included HINU, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Osage Nation, Quapaw Nation, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.

Other partners in the teacher development effort would be&nbsp;Royal Valley Schools and South Brown County Schools as well as Daposka Ahnkodapi (Osage Nation School), Darlington Public Schools, Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation Public School and the Tribal Education Departments National Assembly.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760110637518.png" alt="The University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University is collaborating with tribes and schools on a $1.5 million, five-year program to educate and support 15 teachers who would be obligated to teach in Native-serving schools. This image is of a statue on the HINU campus in Lawrence, Kansas, depicting an Apache hoop and pole game player. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University is collaborating with tribes and schools on a $1.5 million, five-year program to educate and support 15 teachers who would be obligated to teach in Native-serving schools. This image is of a statue on the HINU campus in Lawrence, Kansas, depicting an Apache hoop and pole game player. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — University of Kansas indigenous studies director Alex Red Corn said a $1.5 million grant would allow a five-year collaboration with tribal nations and school districts in three states to broaden the pipeline of K-12 teachers working in schools serving Native American students.The difficulty of attracting and retaining teachers to serve Native American students has been fueled from insufficient funding, isolation of rural communities and lack of job-market recruiting.KU was awarded the grant from the Office of Indian Education in the U.S. Department of Education. The program involves&nbsp;the Southern Plains American Indian Teaching Pathways Project, which is a partnership that included Haskell Indian Nations University, or HINU, in Lawrence.The goal is to work with Native Nations and school districts in Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma to prepare and mentor 15 teachers in elementary or secondary education.“We look forward to getting started recruiting folks from Native communities and offer them a funded pathway to full teacher licensure through&nbsp;KU&nbsp;and Haskell and continuing to grow our longstanding partnership with Haskell in new and exciting ways,” said Red Corn, an Osage member, the lead principal investigator on the project and a KU associate professor.Under the program, researchers plan to recruit individuals who earned or were approaching completion of an associate’s degree and want to pursue teaching certification by earning a bachelor’s degree at HINU or KU.Upon graduation, these certified teachers would be required to work in Native-serving schools, where they would receive career mentorship from experienced teachers and cultural leaders.KU officials said students involved in the program would be eligible for financial support in the form of tuition and fees, monthly living stipends, books, laptops and academic conference travel.“We’re very appreciative of this opportunity from the Office of Indian Education, which is such a critical resource for tribal nations looking to advance sovereignty in education,” Red Corn said.He said tribe and school partners in the region were eager to participate in work on a sustained program to bolster the teacher-development pipeline.Project partners on the grant application included HINU, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Osage Nation, Quapaw Nation, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.Other partners in the teacher development effort would be&nbsp;Royal Valley Schools and South Brown County Schools as well as Daposka Ahnkodapi (Osage Nation School), Darlington Public Schools, Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation Public School and the Tribal Education Departments National Assembly.&nbsp;

University of Kansas collaborates on $1.5M grant to train teachers for Native-serving schools

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon wounded by police following a domestic violence call to a home in Wichita will return to court Thursday.

Daniel James Gabor, 31, will attend a plea hearing in Judge&nbsp;Quentin Pittman's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He has been charged with aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated domestic battery, one count of domestic battery, one count of interference with law enforcement, and one count of violating a protection order.

Just before 4:30 a.m., June 20, the Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call with a woman screaming in the background. The open-line call was traced to a moving location, and Wichita police officers were dispatched to what sounded like an active disturbance without a specific location.

By 4:30 a.m., the phone’s signal stopped in the 4600 block of West 37th Street South, where officers responded.

Officers found a vehicle stopped along the side of the street and saw a man later identified as 31-year-old Daniel James Gabor assaulting a woman in the front seat. During the encounter, an officer fired two rounds, striking&nbsp; Gabor in the upper arm. Gabor then drove off with the woman still inside the vehicle.

He later crashed in a construction area near K-42 highway and West Street. Officers responded, provided medical aid, and Sedgwick County EMS transported Gaabor to a Wichita hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers also assisted the woman, who sustained minor injuries but declined transport to a medical facility by EMS.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division investigated both the officer-involved shooting and the original disturbance. Investigators are treating the two incidents as separate but related cases.

Detectives confirmed that Gabor and woman were in a domestic relationship. Gabor has a 2024 conviction for two counts of domestic battery and one count of criminal restraint through Harvey County District Court.

Following his release from the hospital, detectives booked Gabor into the Sedgwick County Jail. He is being held on bonds totaling $375,000, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750427350550.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon wounded by police following a domestic violence call to a home in Wichita will return to court Thursday.Daniel James Gabor, 31, will attend a plea hearing in Judge&nbsp;Quentin Pittman's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He has been charged with aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated domestic battery, one count of domestic battery, one count of interference with law enforcement, and one count of violating a protection order.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750873007733.png" alt="Gabor photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gabor photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 4:30 a.m., June 20, the Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call with a woman screaming in the background. The open-line call was traced to a moving location, and Wichita police officers were dispatched to what sounded like an active disturbance without a specific location.By 4:30 a.m., the phone’s signal stopped in the 4600 block of West 37th Street South, where officers responded.Officers found a vehicle stopped along the side of the street and saw a man later identified as 31-year-old Daniel James Gabor assaulting a woman in the front seat. During the encounter, an officer fired two rounds, striking&nbsp; Gabor in the upper arm. Gabor then drove off with the woman still inside the vehicle.He later crashed in a construction area near K-42 highway and West Street. Officers responded, provided medical aid, and Sedgwick County EMS transported Gaabor to a Wichita hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers also assisted the woman, who sustained minor injuries but declined transport to a medical facility by EMS.Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division investigated both the officer-involved shooting and the original disturbance. Investigators are treating the two incidents as separate but related cases.Detectives confirmed that Gabor and woman were in a domestic relationship. Gabor has a 2024 conviction for two counts of domestic battery and one count of criminal restraint through Harvey County District Court.Following his release from the hospital, detectives booked Gabor into the Sedgwick County Jail. He is being held on bonds totaling $375,000, according to online jail records.

Plea hearing for Kan. felon injured in officer involved shooting

An alleged assault on a woman results in a man facing numerous charges.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on the early morning hours of Thursday, a 33-year old woman reported she had been assaulted by a 36-year old man identified as, Elier Diaz-Brito.

Reportedly, the woman has a relationship with Diaz-Brito and both were at&nbsp;Shady Lady’s Gentleman Club (1540 West Old 40 Hwy) at about 2:00 am when the assault happened. The victim added Diaz-Brito stole her phone and damaged her vehicle.

Deputies with the assistance of Salina Police, later located and arrested Diaz-Brito. He was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:

Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated Battery, Criminal Damage to Property and Driving without a license

The victim received injuries that did not require immediate medical treatment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760017646367.jpeg" alt="Diaz Brito, Elier Ricardo. Courtesy of Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Diaz Brito, Elier Ricardo. Courtesy of Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostAn alleged assault on a woman results in a man facing numerous charges.According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on the early morning hours of Thursday, a 33-year old woman reported she had been assaulted by a 36-year old man identified as, Elier Diaz-Brito.Reportedly, the woman has a relationship with Diaz-Brito and both were at&nbsp;Shady Lady’s Gentleman Club (1540 West Old 40 Hwy) at about 2:00 am when the assault happened. The victim added Diaz-Brito stole her phone and damaged her vehicle.Deputies with the assistance of Salina Police, later located and arrested Diaz-Brito. He was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated Battery, Criminal Damage to Property and Driving without a licenseThe victim received injuries that did not require immediate medical treatment.

Alleged assault on woman results in man facing numerous charges

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a>,&nbsp; AP Transportation&nbsp;and&nbsp;Airlines Writers

The federal government shutdown has entered its second week, and already shortages of air traffic controllers have strained operations and disrupted flights at some U.S. airports.

Reagan National Airport became the latest this week to report delays because of staffing issues on Wednesday. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-delays-government-shutdown-air-traffic-3c6f0add8d591119b583b5cc4c581bdf">earlier in the week</a>&nbsp;there were also problems at airports in Chicago, Newark, Denver and Nashville, and the tower even had to shut down for several hours in Burbank, California.

Experts, as well as union leaders representing air traffic controllers and security screeners, warn that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/air-traffic-controllers-duffy-shutdown-stress-3bc9c88f7b2af413dee41720f6980b5d">the impact</a>&nbsp;could grow significantly worse if the shutdown continues and employees start to miss paychecks.

Here is what to know about your rights as a passenger and what you can do if delays and cancellations start piling up:

It is better to be stuck at home or in a hotel than to be stranded in an airport terminal, so use the airline’s app or flight websites to make sure that your flight is still on before heading to the airport. This&nbsp;<a href="https://nasstatus.faa.gov/" target="_blank">FAA site</a>&nbsp;can be checked to see if there are widespread delays at your airport.

Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, suggests also closely monitoring the news if you have upcoming travel plans.

“A deal, in theory, could come through Congress any day now, and that could put all of this doubt lingering over air travel to an end pretty quickly,” Potter said.

If you are already at the airport, it is time to find another flight. Get in line to speak to a customer service representative, and call or go online to connect to the airline’s reservations staff. It also helps to reach out on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, because airlines might respond quickly there.

Airlines will rebook you on a later flight for no additional charge. The good news right now is that this is not a peak travel time, so travelers stand a better chance of finding seats. But the busy holiday season is right around the corner, and at those peak times, passengers might have to wait days for a seat on a new flight.

If these problems do become more widespread, you might consider whether it makes sense to travel by train, car or bus instead. But there is really no way to predict when and where a staff shortage might happen, and the ongoing shortage of controllers is so critical that even a small number of absences can cause problems.

Potter said the shutdown is different from when a single airline is having problems and travelers can just pick another carrier. This is creating problems for entire airports at once.

“As these problems expand and spread the longer the shutdown drags on, it’s unlikely that there will be one airline running on time if the rest of the them are failing,” he said. “It’s going to affect the entire system over time.”

Can I ask to be booked on another airline?

You can, but airlines aren’t required to put you on another carrier’s flight. Some airlines, including the biggest ones except Southwest and the discount airlines, say they can put you on a partner airline. But even then it is often hit or miss.

Jeff Klee, the CEO of CheapAir.com, has recommended researching alternate flights while you wait to talk to an agent.

If you no longer want to take the trip, or have found another way of getting to your destination, the airline is legally required to refund your money, even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. It doesn’t matter why the flight was canceled.

“If the airline cancels your flight, you can say, ‘Alright. I will take a refund and get my money back,’ ” Potter said. “The important piece is that you get your payment returned to you. You’re not just settling for an airline voucher that may expire in a year or less.”

You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you didn’t get to use.

U.S. airlines are not required to pay additional cash compensation and cover lodging and meals for passengers who are stranded, even if a flight cancellation or a severe delay is the airline’s fault.

The Biden administration had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/airlines-compensation-biden-administration-rules-3e1d8f6c47328c274161a4cdb0910c64">proposed a rule</a>&nbsp;that would have changed that and required airlines to pay passengers for delays and cancellations in more circumstances, with compensation proposed between about $200 and as high as $775. But the Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-delays-cancellations-compensation-52d65b39d2cf063c43885e71bf88317c">scrapped that last month</a>, and the airlines praised him for doing so.

Each airline is different. The U.S. Department of Transportation has a site that lets consumers see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard" target="_blank">commitments that each carrier makes</a>&nbsp;for refunds and covering other expenses when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

Travel insurance might help if you bought a policy when you booked or used a travel credit card that offers that product, but Potter said you shouldn’t assume you will be covered even if you have insurance. Check the fine print to see if you are covered in situations like this when a shortage of workers causes flight disruptions.

If many flights are canceled, airline agents will soon be overwhelmed by requests. If you’re traveling in a group with someone who has a higher status in the airline’s loyalty program, call using their frequent flyer number. You may get quicker service.

You also can try calling your airline’s international support number, which is usually listed online and may have shorter wait times.

Be nice. The agent is likely helping other frustrated travelers, too, and yelling won’t make them more willing to help. Remember, the cancellation isn’t their fault.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758745641926.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a>,&nbsp; AP Transportation&nbsp;and&nbsp;Airlines WritersThe federal government shutdown has entered its second week, and already shortages of air traffic controllers have strained operations and disrupted flights at some U.S. airports.Reagan National Airport became the latest this week to report delays because of staffing issues on Wednesday. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-delays-government-shutdown-air-traffic-3c6f0add8d591119b583b5cc4c581bdf">earlier in the week</a>&nbsp;there were also problems at airports in Chicago, Newark, Denver and Nashville, and the tower even had to shut down for several hours in Burbank, California.Experts, as well as union leaders representing air traffic controllers and security screeners, warn that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/air-traffic-controllers-duffy-shutdown-stress-3bc9c88f7b2af413dee41720f6980b5d">the impact</a>&nbsp;could grow significantly worse if the shutdown continues and employees start to miss paychecks.Here is what to know about your rights as a passenger and what you can do if delays and cancellations start piling up:<h2>Check before going to the airport</h2>It is better to be stuck at home or in a hotel than to be stranded in an airport terminal, so use the airline’s app or flight websites to make sure that your flight is still on before heading to the airport. This&nbsp;<a href="https://nasstatus.faa.gov/" target="_blank">FAA site</a>&nbsp;can be checked to see if there are widespread delays at your airport.Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, suggests also closely monitoring the news if you have upcoming travel plans.“A deal, in theory, could come through Congress any day now, and that could put all of this doubt lingering over air travel to an end pretty quickly,” Potter said.<h2>My flight was canceled. Now what?</h2>If you are already at the airport, it is time to find another flight. Get in line to speak to a customer service representative, and call or go online to connect to the airline’s reservations staff. It also helps to reach out on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, because airlines might respond quickly there.Airlines will rebook you on a later flight for no additional charge. The good news right now is that this is not a peak travel time, so travelers stand a better chance of finding seats. But the busy holiday season is right around the corner, and at those peak times, passengers might have to wait days for a seat on a new flight.<h2>Consider other travel options</h2>If these problems do become more widespread, you might consider whether it makes sense to travel by train, car or bus instead. But there is really no way to predict when and where a staff shortage might happen, and the ongoing shortage of controllers is so critical that even a small number of absences can cause problems.Potter said the shutdown is different from when a single airline is having problems and travelers can just pick another carrier. This is creating problems for entire airports at once.“As these problems expand and spread the longer the shutdown drags on, it’s unlikely that there will be one airline running on time if the rest of the them are failing,” he said. “It’s going to affect the entire system over time.”<h2>Can I ask to be booked on another airline?</h2>You can, but airlines aren’t required to put you on another carrier’s flight. Some airlines, including the biggest ones except Southwest and the discount airlines, say they can put you on a partner airline. But even then it is often hit or miss.Jeff Klee, the CEO of CheapAir.com, has recommended researching alternate flights while you wait to talk to an agent.<h2>Am I owed a refund?</h2>If you no longer want to take the trip, or have found another way of getting to your destination, the airline is legally required to refund your money, even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. It doesn’t matter why the flight was canceled.“If the airline cancels your flight, you can say, ‘Alright. I will take a refund and get my money back,’ ” Potter said. “The important piece is that you get your payment returned to you. You’re not just settling for an airline voucher that may expire in a year or less.”You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you didn’t get to use.<h2>Can I get compensation?</h2>U.S. airlines are not required to pay additional cash compensation and cover lodging and meals for passengers who are stranded, even if a flight cancellation or a severe delay is the airline’s fault.The Biden administration had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/airlines-compensation-biden-administration-rules-3e1d8f6c47328c274161a4cdb0910c64">proposed a rule</a>&nbsp;that would have changed that and required airlines to pay passengers for delays and cancellations in more circumstances, with compensation proposed between about $200 and as high as $775. But the Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-delays-cancellations-compensation-52d65b39d2cf063c43885e71bf88317c">scrapped that last month</a>, and the airlines praised him for doing so.<h2>What airlines will cover</h2>Each airline is different. The U.S. Department of Transportation has a site that lets consumers see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard" target="_blank">commitments that each carrier makes</a>&nbsp;for refunds and covering other expenses when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.<h2>Other tips</h2>Travel insurance might help if you bought a policy when you booked or used a travel credit card that offers that product, but Potter said you shouldn’t assume you will be covered even if you have insurance. Check the fine print to see if you are covered in situations like this when a shortage of workers causes flight disruptions.If many flights are canceled, airline agents will soon be overwhelmed by requests. If you’re traveling in a group with someone who has a higher status in the airline’s loyalty program, call using their frequent flyer number. You may get quicker service.You also can try calling your airline’s international support number, which is usually listed online and may have shorter wait times.Be nice. The agent is likely helping other frustrated travelers, too, and yelling won’t make them more willing to help. Remember, the cancellation isn’t their fault.

What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled during the US government shutdown

Domestic argument leads to the arrest of man after allegedly threatening two people with a knife.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Tuesday afternoon, officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Pawnee for a domestic disturbance. Reportedly, a man was swinging a knife at two family members inside a home. SPD stated the man was in a 'mental health crisis.'

SPD stated before the incident happened, the man got into an argument with both the relatives over a bracelet situation. No one was physically harmed during and after the argument.

Officers arrested 60-year old, Saladin Bass. He was transported to Salina Regional Health Center to be evaluated and was then booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:

Aggravated Assault, Criminal Threat, Obstruction and Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759931237968.jpeg" alt="Bass, Saladin Hasam. Courtesy of Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Bass, Saladin Hasam. Courtesy of Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostDomestic argument leads to the arrest of man after allegedly threatening two people with a knife.According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Tuesday afternoon, officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Pawnee for a domestic disturbance. Reportedly, a man was swinging a knife at two family members inside a home. SPD stated the man was in a 'mental health crisis.'SPD stated before the incident happened, the man got into an argument with both the relatives over a bracelet situation. No one was physically harmed during and after the argument.Officers arrested 60-year old, Saladin Bass. He was transported to Salina Regional Health Center to be evaluated and was then booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:Aggravated Assault, Criminal Threat, Obstruction and Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia.

Domestic argument and knife threat results in arrest 

A male suspect was arrested after breaking into a home and was shortly located by a robotic device, used by law enforcement.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Tuesday at around 6:00 am, a resident in the 500 block of Jupiter called police when they heard glass breaking at their neighbor's home. Subsequently, the owner reported their home had been broken into. The homeowner was not sure of the suspect's whereabouts and exited the house.

Afterwards, officers were dispatched to the house and deployed a robot to locate the suspect. Through the camera on the robot, officers found the suspect in the basement and sleeping on a couch. The suspect was then arrested.

The suspect identified was 33-year old, Julius Eagle Feather-Johnson. Eagle Feather-Johnson was taken to Salina Regional Health Center to be evaluated, before he was booked into the Saline County Jail for the following requested charges:

Battery of Law Enforcement Officer, Interference with Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Trespass and Criminal Damage to Property.

SPD added Eagle Feather-Johnson, seemed to be 'very intoxicated' during the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759931328000.jpeg" alt="Eagle Feather Johnson, Julius Dakota. Courtesy of Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Feather Johnson, Julius Dakota. Courtesy of Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostA male suspect was arrested after breaking into a home and was shortly located by a robotic device, used by law enforcement.According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Tuesday at around 6:00 am, a resident in the 500 block of Jupiter called police when they heard glass breaking at their neighbor's home. Subsequently, the owner reported their home had been broken into. The homeowner was not sure of the suspect's whereabouts and exited the house.Afterwards, officers were dispatched to the house and deployed a robot to locate the suspect. Through the camera on the robot, officers found the suspect in the basement and sleeping on a couch. The suspect was then arrested.The suspect identified was 33-year old, Julius Eagle Feather-Johnson. Eagle Feather-Johnson was taken to Salina Regional Health Center to be evaluated, before he was booked into the Saline County Jail for the following requested charges:Battery of Law Enforcement Officer, Interference with Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Trespass and Criminal Damage to Property.SPD added Eagle Feather-Johnson, seemed to be 'very intoxicated' during the arrest.

Male suspect trespasses home and located by robotic device before arrest

BOSTON (AP) — Joan B. Kennedy, the former wife of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy who endured a troubled marriage marked by family tragedies, her husband’s infidelities and her own decades-long struggles with alcoholism and mental health, died on Wednesday. She was 89.

The former Joan Bennett, one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-7a9e69a087baf9e69eff0ad345bf47e7">last remaining members of a family generation</a>&nbsp;that included President John F. Kennedy, was a model and classically-trained pianist when she married Ted Kennedy in 1958.

Their lives would change unimaginably&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e418fe3d9b9044feb395cb3cbbced7a6">over the next decade</a>&nbsp;and a half. Brother-in-law John F. Kennedy was elected president in 1960 and assassinated three years later. Brother-in-law Robert F. Kennedy served as attorney general under JFK, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1964 and assassinated while seeking the presidency.

Her husband was elected to the U.S. Senate and became among the country’s most respected legislators despite initial misgivings that he was capitalizing on his family connections. But Ted Kennedy also lived through scandals of his own making. In 1969, the car he was driving plunged off a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island, killing his young female passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne.

Kennedy, who swam to safety and waited hours before alerting police, later pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. Chappaquiddick shadowed him for the rest of his life, weighing against his own chances for the presidency.

Joan Kennedy had three children with her husband, but also had miscarriages, including one shortly after the Chappaquiddick accident. She stood by her husband through the scandal, but their estrangement was nearly impossible to hide by the time of his unsuccessful effort to defeat President Jimmy Carter in the 1980 Democratic primaries. They had been separated by then, and would later divorce. One bumper sticker from the campaign read “Vote for Jimmy Carter, Free Joan Kennedy.”

Her death comes about a year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethel-kennedy-dies-00eb88951db24e0cada9bd48b66ad8ea">Ethel Kennedy,</a>&nbsp;the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, died at the age of 96, having raised their 11 children after he was assassinated, and remaining dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter.

Virginia Joan Bennett was born into a prominent Bronxville, N.Y., family and as a teen she worked as a model in TV ads. She was a classmate of Jean Kennedy, the future senator’s sister, at Manhattanville College, where her exceptional beauty caught Ted Kennedy’s eye when he visited the campus for a building dedication in 1957.

They married a year later, but Joan Kennedy struggled from the start to fit in to the high-powered family.

“Joan was shy and a really reserved person, and the Kennedys aren’t,” Adam Clymer, author of “Edward M. Kennedy: A Biography” said in an 2005 interview with the AP.

Her love of piano would be a trademark for much of her life. She was known for opening her husband's campaign rallies with a piano serenade and, after they divorced, touring with orchestras around the world. Her family said she would combine her masterful playing with a message about the transformational potential of the arts and the need for equitable arts education.

In a 1992 Associated Press interview, she recalled playing piano for brother-in-law Bobby when he ran for president in 1968. “He took me with him and encouraged me,” she said. “He had a theme, ‘This Land Is Your Land,’ the Woody Guthrie song. I’d play that on the piano and everybody would come in, feeling really great about everything.”

“It seems like a long time ago, but it’s part of my memories,” she said, while promoting a book she wrote, which was a guide to appreciating classical music.

She also talked in the interview about how music helped her get through some difficult times, including the deaths of Jack and Bobby Kennedy, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-ddcdb608829b468685eaa722a4a24361">her son Ted Jr.</a>&nbsp;lost his leg to cancer and her separation and divorce from Ted Kennedy.

“I do advise listening to music when you're in grief,” she said. “Music has give me a lot of courage to carry on.”

In a statement, former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-mental-health-spokane-patrick-kennedy-c3192a14ea12469c9e106f20c53b5be4">Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island</a>&nbsp;praised his mother for her courage and talent.

“Besides being a loving mother, talented musician, and instrumental partner to my father as he launched his successful political career, Mom was a power of example to millions of people with mental health conditions,” his statement said. “She will be missed not just by the entire Kennedy Family, but by the arts community in the City of Boston and the many people whose lives that she touched.”

She also became one of the first women to publicly acknowledge her struggles with alcoholism and depression.

“I will always admire my mother for the way that she faced up to her challenges with grace, courage, humility, and honesty,” Ted Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. “She taught me how to be more truthful with myself and how careful listening is a more powerful communication skill than public speaking.”

After Chappaquiddick, her drinking worsened. A series of drunken driving arrests led to stays in alcohol treatment programs. Then in 2005, a passerby found her passed out on a Boston sidewalk in the rain, and she was hospitalized with a concussion and broken shoulder. Her children intervened, with Ted Jr. obtaining a court-ordered guardianship for his mother’s care.

Maria Shriver praised her cousins for doing “a great job caring for her, respecting her privacy, and loving her.”

“She courageously shared what it was like to lose a child, get divorced from a famous man, and carry on. Her life was challenging, but she persevered,” the daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver posted in a eulogy for her aunt. “As a young girl, I marveled at her grace, her beauty, her elegance. As a woman, I respected her grit, her resilience, her perseverance.”

Joan Kennedy is survived by her two sons, nine grandchildren, a great-grandchild and nearly 30 nieces and nephews. Her daughter, Kara, died in 2011.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759933811580.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Joan B. Kennedy, the former wife of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy who endured a troubled marriage marked by family tragedies, her husband’s infidelities and her own decades-long struggles with alcoholism and mental health, died on Wednesday. She was 89.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My beloved aunt Joan Bennett Kennedy, former wife of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), classical pianist, music teacher, and advocate for mental health and addiction services, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Boston, Massachusetts yesterday at the age… <a href="https://t.co/a7B145a3Ay">pic.twitter.com/a7B145a3Ay</a>&mdash; Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1975982333166555553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The former Joan Bennett, one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-7a9e69a087baf9e69eff0ad345bf47e7">last remaining members of a family generation</a>&nbsp;that included President John F. Kennedy, was a model and classically-trained pianist when she married Ted Kennedy in 1958.Their lives would change unimaginably&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e418fe3d9b9044feb395cb3cbbced7a6">over the next decade</a>&nbsp;and a half. Brother-in-law John F. Kennedy was elected president in 1960 and assassinated three years later. Brother-in-law Robert F. Kennedy served as attorney general under JFK, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1964 and assassinated while seeking the presidency.Her husband was elected to the U.S. Senate and became among the country’s most respected legislators despite initial misgivings that he was capitalizing on his family connections. But Ted Kennedy also lived through scandals of his own making. In 1969, the car he was driving plunged off a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island, killing his young female passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne.Kennedy, who swam to safety and waited hours before alerting police, later pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. Chappaquiddick shadowed him for the rest of his life, weighing against his own chances for the presidency.Joan Kennedy had three children with her husband, but also had miscarriages, including one shortly after the Chappaquiddick accident. She stood by her husband through the scandal, but their estrangement was nearly impossible to hide by the time of his unsuccessful effort to defeat President Jimmy Carter in the 1980 Democratic primaries. They had been separated by then, and would later divorce. One bumper sticker from the campaign read “Vote for Jimmy Carter, Free Joan Kennedy.”Her death comes about a year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethel-kennedy-dies-00eb88951db24e0cada9bd48b66ad8ea">Ethel Kennedy,</a>&nbsp;the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, died at the age of 96, having raised their 11 children after he was assassinated, and remaining dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter.Virginia Joan Bennett was born into a prominent Bronxville, N.Y., family and as a teen she worked as a model in TV ads. She was a classmate of Jean Kennedy, the future senator’s sister, at Manhattanville College, where her exceptional beauty caught Ted Kennedy’s eye when he visited the campus for a building dedication in 1957.They married a year later, but Joan Kennedy struggled from the start to fit in to the high-powered family.“Joan was shy and a really reserved person, and the Kennedys aren’t,” Adam Clymer, author of “Edward M. Kennedy: A Biography” said in an 2005 interview with the AP.Her love of piano would be a trademark for much of her life. She was known for opening her husband's campaign rallies with a piano serenade and, after they divorced, touring with orchestras around the world. Her family said she would combine her masterful playing with a message about the transformational potential of the arts and the need for equitable arts education.In a 1992 Associated Press interview, she recalled playing piano for brother-in-law Bobby when he ran for president in 1968. “He took me with him and encouraged me,” she said. “He had a theme, ‘This Land Is Your Land,’ the Woody Guthrie song. I’d play that on the piano and everybody would come in, feeling really great about everything.”“It seems like a long time ago, but it’s part of my memories,” she said, while promoting a book she wrote, which was a guide to appreciating classical music.She also talked in the interview about how music helped her get through some difficult times, including the deaths of Jack and Bobby Kennedy, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-ddcdb608829b468685eaa722a4a24361">her son Ted Jr.</a>&nbsp;lost his leg to cancer and her separation and divorce from Ted Kennedy.“I do advise listening to music when you're in grief,” she said. “Music has give me a lot of courage to carry on.”In a statement, former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-mental-health-spokane-patrick-kennedy-c3192a14ea12469c9e106f20c53b5be4">Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island</a>&nbsp;praised his mother for her courage and talent.“Besides being a loving mother, talented musician, and instrumental partner to my father as he launched his successful political career, Mom was a power of example to millions of people with mental health conditions,” his statement said. “She will be missed not just by the entire Kennedy Family, but by the arts community in the City of Boston and the many people whose lives that she touched.”She also became one of the first women to publicly acknowledge her struggles with alcoholism and depression.“I will always admire my mother for the way that she faced up to her challenges with grace, courage, humility, and honesty,” Ted Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. “She taught me how to be more truthful with myself and how careful listening is a more powerful communication skill than public speaking.”After Chappaquiddick, her drinking worsened. A series of drunken driving arrests led to stays in alcohol treatment programs. Then in 2005, a passerby found her passed out on a Boston sidewalk in the rain, and she was hospitalized with a concussion and broken shoulder. Her children intervened, with Ted Jr. obtaining a court-ordered guardianship for his mother’s care.Maria Shriver praised her cousins for doing “a great job caring for her, respecting her privacy, and loving her.”“She courageously shared what it was like to lose a child, get divorced from a famous man, and carry on. Her life was challenging, but she persevered,” the daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver posted in a eulogy for her aunt. “As a young girl, I marveled at her grace, her beauty, her elegance. As a woman, I respected her grit, her resilience, her perseverance.”Joan Kennedy is survived by her two sons, nine grandchildren, a great-grandchild and nearly 30 nieces and nephews. Her daughter, Kara, died in 2011.

Joan Kennedy, first wife of Sen. Edward Kennedy, has died

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.&nbsp;

Just after 12:30p.m.&nbsp;October 5, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff's office conducted a traffic stop on a gray Dodge Durango with a stolen license plate in the 2000 block of SE California Avenue, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, illegal narcotics and multiple stolen items were located.

Deputies arrested 47-year-old Tashara D. Yeargin-Charles of Topeka and she was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; identity theft, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into the human body, Possession of stolen property, Vehicles; display plate not assigned, Vehicle liability insurance and Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759850096982.png" alt="Yeargin-Charles photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Yeargin-Charles photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.&nbsp;Just after 12:30p.m.&nbsp;October 5, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff's office conducted a traffic stop on a gray Dodge Durango with a stolen license plate in the 2000 block of SE California Avenue, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, illegal narcotics and multiple stolen items were located.Deputies arrested 47-year-old Tashara D. Yeargin-Charles of Topeka and she was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; identity theft, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into the human body, Possession of stolen property, Vehicles; display plate not assigned, Vehicle liability insurance and Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license.

Sheriff: Kansas woman jailed for alleged ID theft

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A 23-year-old man identified as Knowledge McPherson of Wichita has died from injuries sustained in the shooting on Oct. 1 during a fight in a convenience store parking lot in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

A 16-year-old juvenile suspect of Wichita remains in custody.

Just before 3a.m. on Sept. 30, police responded to a report of a shooting in the QuikTrip parking lot at Pawnee and Meridian in Wichita. Investigators determined several people were involved in an argument that turned physical. During the altercation, the 16-year-old suspect pulled out a firearm and shot McPherson.

A passerby attempted life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported McPherson to a local hospital. He underwent surgery and was listed in extremely critical condition before succumbing to his injuries&nbsp;

The 16-year-old suspect was initially booked into juvenile detention on requested charges of Criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied building, Juvenile in possession of a firearm and Aggravated battery

Charges will be amended after consultation with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed his frustration with the ongoing violence involving juveniles and firearms.

“This has got to stop. It is unacceptable for juveniles to have access to guns,” Sullivan said. “Picking up a firearm to solve a temporary problem is not the answer. Too many lives are being destroyed by these reckless choices.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759266282958.png" alt="Police on the scene early October 1, photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene early October 1, photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A 23-year-old man identified as Knowledge McPherson of Wichita has died from injuries sustained in the shooting on Oct. 1 during a fight in a convenience store parking lot in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police.A 16-year-old juvenile suspect of Wichita remains in custody.Just before 3a.m. on Sept. 30, police responded to a report of a shooting in the QuikTrip parking lot at Pawnee and Meridian in Wichita. Investigators determined several people were involved in an argument that turned physical. During the altercation, the 16-year-old suspect pulled out a firearm and shot McPherson.A passerby attempted life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported McPherson to a local hospital. He underwent surgery and was listed in extremely critical condition before succumbing to his injuries&nbsp;The 16-year-old suspect was initially booked into juvenile detention on requested charges of Criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied building, Juvenile in possession of a firearm and Aggravated batteryCharges will be amended after consultation with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed his frustration with the ongoing violence involving juveniles and firearms.“This has got to stop. It is unacceptable for juveniles to have access to guns,” Sullivan said. “Picking up a firearm to solve a temporary problem is not the answer. Too many lives are being destroyed by these reckless choices.”

Police:  Kan. man shot by boy in parking lot fight has died

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with sex crimes involving a runaway teen was back in court Friday.

Samuel Loredo, 22, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sodomy and one count each of indecent liberties with a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and aggravated interference with parental custody before&nbsp;Judge Quentin Pittman, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's ofice.

Just after noon November 18, 2024 law enforcement in Murray, Kentucky informed the Wichita Police Department that a 14-year-old runaway may be in Wichita based on their investigation, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

Wichita police responded to the area of 2300 N Woodlawn in Wichita where it was believed that the child may have been. Patrol and Investigations began working together to find additional information to locate the juvenile and determine the circumstances around their presence in Wichita.

Throughout the afternoon and the evening detectives with the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit worked to conduct additional interviews. Through those interviews, detectives determined that Loredo was communicating with the 14-year-old and arranged for the juvenile to travel to Wichita.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested&nbsp; Loredo, and booked him into Sedgwick County Jail.

Officers with the Wichita Police Department NET team located the juvenile wandering the area.&nbsp; &nbsp;Loredo is scheduled for sentencing on November 14.&nbsp;Loredo remains in the Sedgwick County jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732208663228.png" alt="Loredo photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Loredo photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with sex crimes involving a runaway teen was back in court Friday.Samuel Loredo, 22, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sodomy and one count each of indecent liberties with a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and aggravated interference with parental custody before&nbsp;Judge Quentin Pittman, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's ofice.Just after noon November 18, 2024 law enforcement in Murray, Kentucky informed the Wichita Police Department that a 14-year-old runaway may be in Wichita based on their investigation, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.Wichita police responded to the area of 2300 N Woodlawn in Wichita where it was believed that the child may have been. Patrol and Investigations began working together to find additional information to locate the juvenile and determine the circumstances around their presence in Wichita.Throughout the afternoon and the evening detectives with the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit worked to conduct additional interviews. Through those interviews, detectives determined that Loredo was communicating with the 14-year-old and arranged for the juvenile to travel to Wichita.As a result of the investigation, police arrested&nbsp; Loredo, and booked him into Sedgwick County Jail.Officers with the Wichita Police Department NET team located the juvenile wandering the area.&nbsp; &nbsp;Loredo is scheduled for sentencing on November 14.&nbsp;Loredo remains in the Sedgwick County jail.

Kan. man enters plea in sex assault of runaway 14-year-old

A witness report of a man acting&nbsp;suspiciously when entering a vehicle, results in arrest.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Saturday, October 4 at around 8:00 pm, a witness reported of a man acting suspiciously as he was getting into a white 2005 Honda CRV in the 100 block of S. 5th.

After the report, an officer in the area located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was identified as 27-year old, Buddy Redding and he was arrested without incident.

SPD contacted the owner of the vehicle (64-year old female) and she stated that Redding was not supposed to be operating it.

The victim stated the key fob was accidentally left inside the vehicle before it was stolen.

Redding was booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of Attempted Theft, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759696710306.jpeg" alt="Redding, Buddy Aron. Courtesy of Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Redding, Buddy Aron. Courtesy of Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostA witness report of a man acting&nbsp;suspiciously when entering a vehicle, results in arrest.According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Saturday, October 4 at around 8:00 pm, a witness reported of a man acting suspiciously as he was getting into a white 2005 Honda CRV in the 100 block of S. 5th.After the report, an officer in the area located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was identified as 27-year old, Buddy Redding and he was arrested without incident.SPD contacted the owner of the vehicle (64-year old female) and she stated that Redding was not supposed to be operating it.The victim stated the key fob was accidentally left inside the vehicle before it was stolen.Redding was booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of Attempted Theft, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia.

Stolen vehicle in North Salina results in arrest 

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Monday began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-lgbtq-tariffs-birthright-citizenship-6454b491b6b232ee424fe61823866bb4">a new term</a>&nbsp;that will have a sharp focus on President Donald Trump's robust assertion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-weaponizing-government-second-term-54ab244ccb2328d116a498bbaeb680ef">executive power</a>.

Pivotal cases on voting and the rights of LGBTQ people also are on the agenda. On Tuesday, the justices will hear arguments over bans passed by nearly half of U.S. states on therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.

Chief Justice John Roberts formally opened the term Monday as the court rejected more than 800 pending appeals, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-epstein-maxwell-appeal-a4ba832cd2a23a2c499cef23f1e30927">a challenge by Ghislaine Maxwell</a>&nbsp;to her conviction for luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein.

In its first arguments, the court also appeared to be inclined to rule against a criminal defendant from Texas in a case about the constitutional right to a lawyer. Approaching an overnight break in the defendant's testimony, the trial judge ordered defense lawyers not to talk to their client about his testimony.

A major thrust of the next 10 months, however, is expected to be the justices' evaluation of Trump's expansive claims of presidential power.

The court's conservative majority has so far been receptive, at least in preliminary rulings, to many emergency appeals from Trump's Republican administration. But there could be more skepticism when the court conducts in-depth examinations of some Trump policies, including the president's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-court-ruling-trade-1c5a02ad38597c3629eff5977490813a">imposition of tariffs</a>&nbsp;and his desired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-ruling-appeals-trump-immigration-70632486a2ae41f7c98d97b1f7399368">restrictions on birthright citizenship</a>.

The justices are hearing a pivotal case for Trump’s economic agenda in early November as they consider the legality of many of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-d1d0dd6ddd83e2c1df1598e468b839f5">his sweeping tariffs</a>. Two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-court-ruling-trade-1c5a02ad38597c3629eff5977490813a">lower courts</a>&nbsp;have found the Republican president does not have the power to unilaterally impose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tariffs">wide-ranging tariffs</a>&nbsp;under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45618">an emergency powers law</a>.

In December, the justices will take up Trump's power to fire independent agency members at will, a case that probably will lead the court to overturn, or drastically narrow,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/humphreys-executor-supreme-court-trump-independent-agencies-8facfe6107fa94b28f391734d1620fe4">a 90-year-old decision</a>. It required a cause, like neglect of duty, before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/1900-1940/295us602">a president could remove</a>&nbsp;the Senate-confirmed officials from their jobs.

The outcome appears to be in little doubt because the conservatives have allowed the firings to take effect while the case plays out, even after lower-court judges found the firings illegal. The three liberal justices on the nine-member court have dissented each time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672235865420.png" alt="Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Monday began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-lgbtq-tariffs-birthright-citizenship-6454b491b6b232ee424fe61823866bb4">a new term</a>&nbsp;that will have a sharp focus on President Donald Trump's robust assertion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-weaponizing-government-second-term-54ab244ccb2328d116a498bbaeb680ef">executive power</a>.Pivotal cases on voting and the rights of LGBTQ people also are on the agenda. On Tuesday, the justices will hear arguments over bans passed by nearly half of U.S. states on therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.Chief Justice John Roberts formally opened the term Monday as the court rejected more than 800 pending appeals, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-epstein-maxwell-appeal-a4ba832cd2a23a2c499cef23f1e30927">a challenge by Ghislaine Maxwell</a>&nbsp;to her conviction for luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein.In its first arguments, the court also appeared to be inclined to rule against a criminal defendant from Texas in a case about the constitutional right to a lawyer. Approaching an overnight break in the defendant's testimony, the trial judge ordered defense lawyers not to talk to their client about his testimony.A major thrust of the next 10 months, however, is expected to be the justices' evaluation of Trump's expansive claims of presidential power.The court's conservative majority has so far been receptive, at least in preliminary rulings, to many emergency appeals from Trump's Republican administration. But there could be more skepticism when the court conducts in-depth examinations of some Trump policies, including the president's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-court-ruling-trade-1c5a02ad38597c3629eff5977490813a">imposition of tariffs</a>&nbsp;and his desired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-ruling-appeals-trump-immigration-70632486a2ae41f7c98d97b1f7399368">restrictions on birthright citizenship</a>.The justices are hearing a pivotal case for Trump’s economic agenda in early November as they consider the legality of many of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-d1d0dd6ddd83e2c1df1598e468b839f5">his sweeping tariffs</a>. Two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-court-ruling-trade-1c5a02ad38597c3629eff5977490813a">lower courts</a>&nbsp;have found the Republican president does not have the power to unilaterally impose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tariffs">wide-ranging tariffs</a>&nbsp;under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45618">an emergency powers law</a>.In December, the justices will take up Trump's power to fire independent agency members at will, a case that probably will lead the court to overturn, or drastically narrow,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/humphreys-executor-supreme-court-trump-independent-agencies-8facfe6107fa94b28f391734d1620fe4">a 90-year-old decision</a>. It required a cause, like neglect of duty, before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/1900-1940/295us602">a president could remove</a>&nbsp;the Senate-confirmed officials from their jobs.The outcome appears to be in little doubt because the conservatives have allowed the firings to take effect while the case plays out, even after lower-court judges found the firings illegal. The three liberal justices on the nine-member court have dissented each time.Another case that has arrived at the court but has yet to be considered involves Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-meaning-and-value-of-american-citizenship/">executive order</a>&nbsp;denying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-6d282d34b7aa1e992390499504ad5c7d">birthright citizenship</a>&nbsp;to children born in the United States to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-trump-executive-order-immigrants-fc7dd75ba1fb0a10f56b2a85b92dbe53">parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily</a>.The administration has appealed lower-court rulings blocking the order as unconstitutional, or likely so, flouting more than 125 years of general understanding and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/1850-1900/169us649">an 1898 Supreme Court ruling</a>. The case could be argued in the late winter or early spring.WASHINGTON (AP) — A monumental&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;term begins Monday with major tests of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-weaponizing-government-second-term-54ab244ccb2328d116a498bbaeb680ef">presidential power</a>&nbsp;on the agenda along with pivotal cases on voting and the rights of LGBTQ people.The court's conservative majority has so far been receptive, at least in preliminary rulings, to many of President Donald Trump's aggressive assertions of authority. Liberal Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ketanji-brown-jackson">Ketanji Brown Jackson</a>&nbsp;invoked the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/25a103_kh7p.pdf#page=16">Calvin and Hobbes comic strip</a>&nbsp;after one such decision allowing the cut of $783 million in research funding."This is Calvinball jurisprudence with a twist,” Jackson wrote. “Calvinball has only one rule: There are no fixed rules. We seem to have two: that one, and this administration always wins.”The conservative justices could be more skeptical when they conduct an in-depth examination of some Trump policies, including the president's imposition of tariffs and his desired restrictions on birthright citizenship.If the same conservative-liberal split that has marked so many of Trump's emergency appeals endures, "we are in for one of the most polarizing terms yet,” said Irv Gornstein, executive director of the Supreme Court Institute at Georgetown University’s law school.The justices will pass judgment in the next 10 months on some of Trump's most controversial efforts.<h2>3 major cases on presidential power are on the docket</h2>The justices are hearing a pivotal case for Trump’s economic agenda in early November as they consider the legality of many of his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-d1d0dd6ddd83e2c1df1598e468b839f5">sweeping tariffs</a>. Two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-court-ruling-trade-1c5a02ad38597c3629eff5977490813a">lower courts</a>&nbsp;have found the Republican president does not have the power to unilaterally impose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tariffs">wide-ranging tariffs</a>&nbsp;under an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45618">emergency powers law</a>.States and small businesses argue Trump cannot usurp Congress’s taxation powers by declaring national emergencies and using tariffs to address them.The administration, though, says the law does give the president the power to regulate importation, and that includes tariffs. Four dissenting judges on a federal appeals court in Washington bought that argument, mapping out a possible legal path at the high court.In December, the justices will take up Trump's power to fire independent agency members at will, a case that probably will lead the court to overturn, or drastically narrow,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/humphreys-executor-supreme-court-trump-independent-agencies-8facfe6107fa94b28f391734d1620fe4">a 90-year-old decision</a>. It required a cause, like neglect of duty, before a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/1900-1940/295us602">president could remove</a>&nbsp;the Senate-confirmed officials from their jobs.The outcome appears to be in little doubt because the conservatives have allowed the firings to take effect while the case plays out, even after lower-court judges found the firings illegal. The three liberal justices have dissented each time.Another case that has arrived at the court but has yet to be considered involves Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-meaning-and-value-of-american-citizenship/">executive order</a>&nbsp;denying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-6d282d34b7aa1e992390499504ad5c7d">birthright citizenship</a>&nbsp;to children born in the United States to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-trump-executive-order-immigrants-fc7dd75ba1fb0a10f56b2a85b92dbe53">parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily</a>.The administration has appealed lower-court rulings blocking the order as unconstitutional, or likely so, flouting more than 125 years of general understanding and an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/1850-1900/169us649">1898 Supreme Court ruling</a>. The case could be argued in the late winter or early spring.<h2>The court could hand Republicans significant victories on voting rights and campaign finance</h2>The future of electoral districts with majorities of Black, Hispanic or Native American voters hangs in the balance in a case about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-louisiana-redistricting-majority-black-districts-ea09df430fa850d4eb7497ae1be9667d">congressional redistricting in Louisiana</a>&nbsp;that will be argued in mid-October.The Republican-led state has abandoned its defense of a political map that elected two Black members of Congress. Instead, Louisiana wants the court to reject any consideration of race in redistricting in a case that could bring major changes to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-act-60th-anniversary-supreme-court-d2bf2ff47a6c1b574e6e351d1fb46528">Voting Rights Act</a>.Chief Justice John Roberts and the other five conservative justices have been skeptical of the consideration of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-affirmative-action-college-race-f83d6318017ec9b9029b12ee2256e744">race in public life</a>, including a decision in 2023 that ended affirmative action in college admissions.Louisiana's position would allow it and other Republican-controlled states in the South to draw new political maps that eliminate virtually all majority Black House districts, which have been Democratic strongholds, voting rights experts say.The justices failed to decide the case in June after hearing arguments during its last term. The court does not need to go as far as Louisiana wants to reject the congressional map.But a second round of arguments is a rare occurrence at the Supreme Court, and sometimes presages a major change by the justices. The Citizens United decision in 2010 that led to dramatic increases in independent spending in U.S. elections came after it was argued a second time.Republicans, including the Trump administration, also are behind a drive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-political-party-spending-a6b43b10ae73e58cc2e7af581b91ec76">to wipe away limits</a>&nbsp;on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates for Congress and president.The justices are reviewing an appellate ruling that upheld a provision of federal election law that is more than 50 years old. Democrats had asked the court to leave the law in place, and the Supreme Court upheld it in 2001.But Roberts, who just marked his 20th anniversary as chief justice, has led a court that has struck down one campaign finance regulation after another.No date for arguments has been set.<h2>Transgender women and girls face a test over their participation on school sports teams</h2>More than two dozen states have enacted laws barring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-athletes-title-ix-schools-3871f87d332fb229c07ad16aa3d3cca8">transgender women and girls</a>&nbsp;from participating in certain sports competitions.The justices are hearing cases from Idaho and West Virginia, where transgender athletes won lower court rulings.The Supreme Court in June upheld a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-health-care-trump-79fc6f3bbdab2e92d6f0184201a468a9">ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth</a>, but pointedly did not decide any broader issues about transgender rights.They quickly agreed to take up the state appeals, which raised questions under the Constitution's guarantee of equal treatment and the federal law known as Title IX that dramatically expanded the participation of girls and women in sports in public schools and colleges.The court has yet to set an argument date.<h2>Justice Samuel Alito is most likely possible retirement in 2026</h2>Alito turns 76 in April, young by Supreme Court standards. But he might not want to stay around and gamble on the possibility of Democrats flipping the Senate in next year's elections and seeing a Democrat capture the White House two years later.Retiring next summer would allow Trump to name a similarly conservative but much younger replacement who would almost certainly win confirmation from the Republican-led Senate.For close watchers of the court, Alito has done only one thing out of the ordinary: signed a contract to write a book that is expected out next year. Even as his junior colleagues have moved quickly to sign book deals. Alito, by contrast, waited nearly 20 years.He did not respond to a request for comment for this story.Alito is not the oldest justice. Clarence Thomas is 77, but he has shown no signs of leaving, certainly not before he is set to become the longest-serving justice in U.S. history in 2028.