The Rev. John MacArthur, an influential and exacting evangelical preacher, died Monday at the age of 86.

He led Grace Community Church in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Sun Valley for more than five decades. His ministry announced his death on social media. On Sunday, Tom Patton, one of the church's pastors, told the congregation MacArthur had been hospitalized with pneumonia.

MacArthur made news during the coronavirus pandemic for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-194e76be65f3c85c826a365b78d056fb">flouting Los Angeles County’s health orders</a>&nbsp;by holding indoor services for hundreds of congregants and refusing to enforce masking and physical-distancing requirements.

Well before then, his influence had spread far beyond Southern California, where he grew up and took the helm of his nondenominational congregation at age 29.

His Grace to You broadcast ministry circulated his theologically conservative teachings while his many books, including the popular MacArthur Study Bible, were translated into dozens of languages.

“His legacy as a pastor and teacher in the faith will continue to inspire many generations to come,” said Jonathan Falwell, chancellor of Liberty University, where MacArthur had given the convocation address.

Dressed in a suit and tie, he eschewed pop culture references and emotional appeals from the pulpit, even as they became mainstays of modern evangelicalism.

His followers lauded him for his expository preaching, in which he walked them through Scripture line by line. He wanted his sermons to be timeless explanations of the Bible as he interpreted it.

“He could get more out of a Bible verse than anyone I’ve ever known,” evangelical leader Franklin Graham wrote on social media. He called MacArthur one of “America’s great Bible teachers.”

He was “a lion of the pulpit,” wrote the Rev. Al Mohler, a Southern Baptist leader, for the evangelical World magazine. “He was a preacher God used to make other preachers better preachers.”

MacArthur was unafraid to stir controversy for the sake of his beliefs, even deriding fellow evangelicals for what he saw as incorrect teachings and theology, including the growing charismatic wing of Christianity.

He was an outspoken proponent of complementarianism – the belief that men and women have different roles and women should not be pastors. He publicly rebuked two influential evangelical women: the popular Bible teacher Beth Moore and the Rev. Paula White-Cain, a spiritual advisor to President Donald Trump.

During a packed, indoor Sunday morning service at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, MacArthur told applauding congregants that they were not meeting to be rebellious, but because “our Lord has commanded us to come together and worship him.”

The county and the church traded lawsuits, with the latter arguing the COVID-19 mandates violated their constitutional right to religious freedom. In August 2021, the county’s board of supervisors voted to pay $800,000 to Grace Community Church to settle the lawsuit — an outcome MacArthur hailed as a “monumental victory.”

The church has also weathered allegations related to its handling of abuse allegations and its treatment of women leaving abusive marriages.

MacArthur hailed from a long line of pastors, including his father. As part of his ministry, he helped train future church leaders through the Master’s University and the Master’s Seminary, both in Southern California.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and his four adult children, Matt, Marcy, Mark and Melinda, along with 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

MacArthur had suffered from health problems in recent years, including heart and lung procedures.

He spoke about his ill health in a video message to a church leadership conference earlier this year.

“I realize I’m on the last lap,” he said. “That takes on a new meaning when you know you’re on the short end of the candle. I am all thanks and praise to God for everything he’s allowed me to be a part of and everything he’s accomplished by his Word in these years of ministry.”

Associated Press writer Deepa Bharath in Los Angeles contributed.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

By TIFFANY STANLEY Associated PressThe Rev. John MacArthur, an influential and exacting evangelical preacher, died Monday at the age of 86.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is with both sadness and hope that the elders of Grace Community Church announce that Pastor John MacArthur has gone to be with the Lord after 56 years of faithful ministry: <a href="https://t.co/iGJnfPYI6i">https://t.co/iGJnfPYI6i</a> <a href="https://t.co/jWNi7dKUcY">pic.twitter.com/jWNi7dKUcY</a>&mdash; Grace Church (@GraceComChurch) <a href="https://twitter.com/GraceComChurch/status/1944969627735671090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He led Grace Community Church in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Sun Valley for more than five decades. His ministry announced his death on social media. On Sunday, Tom Patton, one of the church's pastors, told the congregation MacArthur had been hospitalized with pneumonia.MacArthur made news during the coronavirus pandemic for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-194e76be65f3c85c826a365b78d056fb">flouting Los Angeles County’s health orders</a>&nbsp;by holding indoor services for hundreds of congregants and refusing to enforce masking and physical-distancing requirements.Well before then, his influence had spread far beyond Southern California, where he grew up and took the helm of his nondenominational congregation at age 29.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our hearts are heavy, yet rejoicing, as we share the news that our beloved pastor and teacher John MacArthur has entered into the presence of the Savior. This evening, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured until his race was run. 2 Timothy 4:1-8 <a href="https://t.co/5JplmC0Dvp">pic.twitter.com/5JplmC0Dvp</a>&mdash; Grace to You (@gracetoyou) <a href="https://twitter.com/gracetoyou/status/1944937107937464752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His Grace to You broadcast ministry circulated his theologically conservative teachings while his many books, including the popular MacArthur Study Bible, were translated into dozens of languages.“His legacy as a pastor and teacher in the faith will continue to inspire many generations to come,” said Jonathan Falwell, chancellor of Liberty University, where MacArthur had given the convocation address.Dressed in a suit and tie, he eschewed pop culture references and emotional appeals from the pulpit, even as they became mainstays of modern evangelicalism.His followers lauded him for his expository preaching, in which he walked them through Scripture line by line. He wanted his sermons to be timeless explanations of the Bible as he interpreted it.“He could get more out of a Bible verse than anyone I’ve ever known,” evangelical leader Franklin Graham wrote on social media. He called MacArthur one of “America’s great Bible teachers.”He was “a lion of the pulpit,” wrote the Rev. Al Mohler, a Southern Baptist leader, for the evangelical World magazine. “He was a preacher God used to make other preachers better preachers.”MacArthur was unafraid to stir controversy for the sake of his beliefs, even deriding fellow evangelicals for what he saw as incorrect teachings and theology, including the growing charismatic wing of Christianity.He was an outspoken proponent of complementarianism – the belief that men and women have different roles and women should not be pastors. He publicly rebuked two influential evangelical women: the popular Bible teacher Beth Moore and the Rev. Paula White-Cain, a spiritual advisor to President Donald Trump.During a packed, indoor Sunday morning service at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, MacArthur told applauding congregants that they were not meeting to be rebellious, but because “our Lord has commanded us to come together and worship him.”The county and the church traded lawsuits, with the latter arguing the COVID-19 mandates violated their constitutional right to religious freedom. In August 2021, the county’s board of supervisors voted to pay $800,000 to Grace Community Church to settle the lawsuit — an outcome MacArthur hailed as a “monumental victory.”The church has also weathered allegations related to its handling of abuse allegations and its treatment of women leaving abusive marriages.MacArthur hailed from a long line of pastors, including his father. As part of his ministry, he helped train future church leaders through the Master’s University and the Master’s Seminary, both in Southern California.He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and his four adult children, Matt, Marcy, Mark and Melinda, along with 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.MacArthur had suffered from health problems in recent years, including heart and lung procedures.He spoke about his ill health in a video message to a church leadership conference earlier this year.“I realize I’m on the last lap,” he said. “That takes on a new meaning when you know you’re on the short end of the candle. I am all thanks and praise to God for everything he’s allowed me to be a part of and everything he’s accomplished by his Word in these years of ministry.”___Associated Press writer Deepa Bharath in Los Angeles contributed.___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Influential evangelical preacher John MacArthur dies at 86

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a wanted Kansas felon on multiple new allegations after a chase and arrest.

Just before 7:30p.m. July 13, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office were driving in the area of NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Lyman Road when they observed a known individual with a warrant for his arrest, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The individual, identified as 35-year-old Anthony A. Bayless, attempted to run from the deputies. The deputies quickly caught up and took him into custody.

During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics. Bayless of Topeka was&nbsp; booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body,&nbsp;Interference with law enforcement and a Topeka bench warrants for his arrest.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for burglary and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752597899023.png" alt="Bayless has previous convictions for burglary and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Bayless has previous convictions for burglary and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a wanted Kansas felon on multiple new allegations after a chase and arrest.Just before 7:30p.m. July 13, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office were driving in the area of NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Lyman Road when they observed a known individual with a warrant for his arrest, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The individual, identified as 35-year-old Anthony A. Bayless, attempted to run from the deputies. The deputies quickly caught up and took him into custody.During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics. Bayless of Topeka was&nbsp; booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body,&nbsp;Interference with law enforcement and a Topeka bench warrants for his arrest.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for burglary and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Wanted Kansas felon captured after running from arrest

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans were exploring changes Tuesday to President Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-spending-cuts-rescissions-doge-699a224a72d025537df03629eb1a06df">request</a>&nbsp;to cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved spending targeted by his Department of Government Efficiency, signaling potential difficulties ahead of an important test vote.

The president is looking to claw back $1.1 billion of funding authority from&nbsp;<a href="https://cpb.org/aboutcpb">the Corporation for Public Broadcasting</a>&nbsp;and about $8.3 billion from foreign aid programs that aim to fight famine and disease and promote global stability. Congress has until Friday to get a bill to the president's desk for his signature or the spending stands.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said some GOP senators would like to see “modest changes” to the bill. He'll need nearly every Republican senator on board to get the package approved, but some are questioning the severity of the cuts to public media and to a global health program known as PEPFAR that has saved millions of lives since it was established under then-President George W. Bush.

“We’re trying to find out if there’s a path forward that gets us 51 (votes) and stays consistent with what the White House proposed in terms of a rescissions package,” Thune told reporters.

Republicans were expected to hear directly from Russ Vought, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, during their weekly conference luncheon on Tuesday as the White House worked to address their concerns.

The White House campaign to win over potential holdouts was already having some success. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., tweeted that he would vote to support the measure after working with the administration to “find Green New Deal money that could be reallocated to continue grants to tribal radio stations without interruption.”

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the Republican chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said she still had questions about what the administration was seeking to cut from global health programs.

Other senators are worried that the cuts to public media could decimate many of the 1,500 local radio and television stations around the country that rely on some federal funding to operate. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting distributes more than 70% of its funding to those stations.

Democrats are expected to unanimously oppose the package. They see the president’s request as an effort to erode&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-filibusters-gun-politics-government-and-politics-93c53b3aa8d2b91d3c2d5884f3cdf139">the Senate filibuster</a>. They also warn it’s absurd to expect them to work with Republicans on bipartisan spending measures if Republicans turn around a few months later and use their majority to cut the parts they don’t like.

“It shreds the appropriations process,” said Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine who caucuses with Democrats. “The Appropriations Committee, and indeed this body becomes a rubber stamp for whatever the administration wants.”

If senators vote to take up the bill, it sets up the potential for 10 hours of debate plus votes on scores of potentially thorny amendments in what is known as a vote-a-rama. The House has already shown its support for the president’s request with a mostly party line 214-212 vote, but if the Senate amends the bill, it will have to go back to the House for another vote.

“We're encouraging our Senate partners over there to get the job done and to pass it as it is,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday. “That's what we did.”

Republicans who vote against the measure also face the prospect of incurring Trump's wrath. He has issued a warning on his social media site directly aimed at individual Senate Republicans who may be considering voting against the rescissions package. He said it was important that all Republicans adhere to the bill and in particular defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

“Any Republican that votes to allow this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not have my support or Endorsement,” he said.

Congressional correspondent Lisa Mascaro and staff writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752606245570.png" alt="Google imag" />
 <figcaption>Google imag</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans were exploring changes Tuesday to President Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-spending-cuts-rescissions-doge-699a224a72d025537df03629eb1a06df">request</a>&nbsp;to cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved spending targeted by his Department of Government Efficiency, signaling potential difficulties ahead of an important test vote.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSchumer</a> on cuts to public media: &quot;Gutting bipartisan investments and hurting America&#39;s standing throughout the world is not popular. Losing access to local news, radio and weather alerts, particularly in rural areas, is not popular.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/l329OIb0Yy">pic.twitter.com/l329OIb0Yy</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1945196674638327960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The president is looking to claw back $1.1 billion of funding authority from&nbsp;<a href="https://cpb.org/aboutcpb">the Corporation for Public Broadcasting</a>&nbsp;and about $8.3 billion from foreign aid programs that aim to fight famine and disease and promote global stability. Congress has until Friday to get a bill to the president's desk for his signature or the spending stands.Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said some GOP senators would like to see “modest changes” to the bill. He'll need nearly every Republican senator on board to get the package approved, but some are questioning the severity of the cuts to public media and to a global health program known as PEPFAR that has saved millions of lives since it was established under then-President George W. Bush.“We’re trying to find out if there’s a path forward that gets us 51 (votes) and stays consistent with what the White House proposed in terms of a rescissions package,” Thune told reporters.Republicans were expected to hear directly from Russ Vought, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, during their weekly conference luncheon on Tuesday as the White House worked to address their concerns.The White House campaign to win over potential holdouts was already having some success. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., tweeted that he would vote to support the measure after working with the administration to “find Green New Deal money that could be reallocated to continue grants to tribal radio stations without interruption.”Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the Republican chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said she still had questions about what the administration was seeking to cut from global health programs.Other senators are worried that the cuts to public media could decimate many of the 1,500 local radio and television stations around the country that rely on some federal funding to operate. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting distributes more than 70% of its funding to those stations.Democrats are expected to unanimously oppose the package. They see the president’s request as an effort to erode&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-filibusters-gun-politics-government-and-politics-93c53b3aa8d2b91d3c2d5884f3cdf139">the Senate filibuster</a>. They also warn it’s absurd to expect them to work with Republicans on bipartisan spending measures if Republicans turn around a few months later and use their majority to cut the parts they don’t like.“It shreds the appropriations process,” said Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine who caucuses with Democrats. “The Appropriations Committee, and indeed this body becomes a rubber stamp for whatever the administration wants.”If senators vote to take up the bill, it sets up the potential for 10 hours of debate plus votes on scores of potentially thorny amendments in what is known as a vote-a-rama. The House has already shown its support for the president’s request with a mostly party line 214-212 vote, but if the Senate amends the bill, it will have to go back to the House for another vote.“We're encouraging our Senate partners over there to get the job done and to pass it as it is,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday. “That's what we did.”Republicans who vote against the measure also face the prospect of incurring Trump's wrath. He has issued a warning on his social media site directly aimed at individual Senate Republicans who may be considering voting against the rescissions package. He said it was important that all Republicans adhere to the bill and in particular defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.“Any Republican that votes to allow this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not have my support or Endorsement,” he said.____Congressional correspondent Lisa Mascaro and staff writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.

Battle over funding for Public Broadcasting begins in U.S. Senate

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —A Kansas game warden and K9 partner are being praised for their efforts to find a missing elderly woman in Montgomery County.

Just after 1p.m. Monday, the Montgomery County Sheriff requested Game Warden Austin and K-9 Kai to help locate a missing elderly woman who had wandered off in a remote section of property, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens.

With the heat index exceeding 90 degrees Kai was deployed in the area and within minutes a track was located. A few moments later Kai was able to locate the missing woman. Kai was rewarded with his favorite toy and a nap in the air conditioning.&nbsp; The woman was given water and released to EMS.&nbsp; The KDWP released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752587512498.png" alt="Photos KDWP Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photos KDWP Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —A Kansas game warden and K9 partner are being praised for their efforts to find a missing elderly woman in Montgomery County.Just after 1p.m. Monday, the Montgomery County Sheriff requested Game Warden Austin and K-9 Kai to help locate a missing elderly woman who had wandered off in a remote section of property, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752587492405.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With the heat index exceeding 90 degrees Kai was deployed in the area and within minutes a track was located. A few moments later Kai was able to locate the missing woman. Kai was rewarded with his favorite toy and a nap in the air conditioning.&nbsp; The woman was given water and released to EMS.&nbsp; The KDWP released no additional details.

Kan. game warden and K9 help locate missing, elderly woman

Defense lawyer seeks concurrent sentences, claims state failed to protect victim

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 — Mickel Cherry interrupted his confession to smothering and sexually assaulting a child to ask a Topeka police detective to execute him.

Video of that October 2023 interrogation, recordings of questioning by other law enforcement officers and a series of letters written by the defendant while in custody at the Shawnee County Jail were presented Monday by the district attorney to build the foundation for sentencing Cherry to consecutive 25-year-to-life terms for the murder of 5-year-old Zoey Felix.

“Shoot me in my head,” Cherry urged Detective Cory Deedrick, hours after law enforcement descended on the Topeka crime scene and began undermining Cherry’s false allegation that a Hispanic man in black clothing attacked the girl.

“I never wanted to hurt her,” said Cherry, who tapped his forehead on a desk. “I wasn’t myself when it happened. I just want to f***ing die.”

In the jailhouse letters placed into evidence, Cherry asserted his mind was slipping deeper into a dark void. He sought family forgiveness for his actions. In hard-to-read script, he said he was preparing for his own death. He wrote that he was haunted by the voice of a child who had started referring to her part-time babysitter as an “uncle.”

“I still hear her voice calling me, ‘Why uncle?’ ” one of Cherry’s letters said.

Cherry, 27, avoided capital punishment by entering guilty pleas in late 2024 to first-degree felony murder and rape of the 63-pound child with a bubbly personality.

The remaining legal battle in the prosecution of Cherry centers on what minimum length of time must elapse before he could be considered for parole from a Kansas prison. The answer could come Tuesday from District Judge Jessica Heinen on the hearing’s second day.

The judge must decide whether Cherry received concurrent or consecutive “hard 25” sentences.

District Attorney Mike Kagay’s sentencing brief said there was no rigid blueprint for determining when consecutive sentencing was appropriate, but case law suggested it was acceptable when “not arbitrary or based on an error.”

“Kansas courts defer heavily to the sentencing judge’s discretion, especially when the record reflects heinous crimes or distinct criminal conduct justifying a consecutive sentence,” he said.

Defense attorney Peter Conley said records from the Texas foster care system showed Cherry’s abusive upbringing before and while placed in the Texas foster care system should be taken into account and allow for the sentences on the murder and rape charges to run at the same time.

Conley said the Kansas Department for Children and Families&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/11/kansas-defense-attorney-says-states-child-protection-system-failed-murdered-5-year-old-girl/">investigated Zoey’s welfare seven times</a>&nbsp;but didn’t do what was necessary to place the girl in protective custody.

“The failures of these systems increased her vulnerability,” Conley said.

He said he attempted to subpoena a DCF records custodian to testify on Monday, but nobody from the state agency responded.

In a separate matter, the district attorney’s office denounced a presentencing brief filed by Conley that concluded Kagay’s office had directed DCF not to proceed with a child-in-need-of-care investigation into Zoey’s well-being.

Attorney Keith Henderson, on behalf of the district attorney, said Conley’s statement was “factually and legally inaccurate” and fell “far below the standard of candor and integrity expected of an officer of the court.”

“Defense counsels’ statements in that portion of their brief are dangerous and disingenuous,” wrote Henderson, who sought a correction. “They are unworthy of a member of the bar.”

In court, Conley said the statement in the defense brief needed to be clarified to say either the district attorney or law enforcement officers in Topeka were complicit in the decision not to proceed with a process that could have saved Zoey from harm.

Aimee Slusser, who described herself as a mentor to Zoey, said during a victim impact statement that she didn’t want squabbling about Cherry’s mental health challenges to be the focus of sentencing.

“I want everyone to remember who she was,” Slusser told the court. “This is about a little girl’s life.”

During the hearing, several people in the gallery wept while law enforcement officers and medical personnel presented evidence drawn from telephone records, interviews with witnesses and forensic examinations.

Cherry wore yellow jail coveralls and was shackled with chains that remained on despite the presence of six law enforcement officers in the courtroom. He periodically slumped forward to peer at the floor and tilted his head back to stare at ceiling lights. There were times when Cherry nodded his head as if agreeing with the prosecution.

Law enforcement narrated a triangulated set of surveillance videos taken from the perspective of a grocery store, fuel station and restaurant.

Witnesses filled in blanks of a five-hour period that began when Zoey’s father, Ezequiel Felix, entrusted her to Cherry’s care. One segment of the video captured Zoey and Cherry walking side-by-side. It ended with Cherry carrying the girl’s lifeless body, apparently from the two-tent homeless camp, to the gas station where the girl’s father worked.

Next to gasoline pumps, a good Samaritan and later a Topeka emergency crew responding to a 911 call attempted CPR. She was pronounced dead at Stormont Vail Health.

Cherry was questioned by Topeka officers at the scene, where a police body camera first recorded Cherry blaming a Hispanic man for harming the girl while she slept in a blue car. He claimed to have ran the man off. He asserted that he found Zoey not breathing inside the vehicle.

Cherry, who wasn’t wearing a shirt, was asked about a spot of blood that appeared on his stomach.

“I honestly don’t know,” he said. “I have a condition that sometimes I bleed from the belly button.”

He later admitted under questioning by police at the station that the story blaming an unknown assailant was a lie and his assault on Zoey occurred in a tent where homeless people had taken refuge. He said he suffocated the girl with a pillow.

“Something came over me and I did the unimaginable,” Cherry told Detective Deedrick. “Something I thought I’d never do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696600819324.png" alt="Zoey Felix -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Zoey Felix -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Defense lawyer seeks concurrent sentences, claims state failed to protect victim</h2>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 — Mickel Cherry interrupted his confession to smothering and sexually assaulting a child to ask a Topeka police detective to execute him.Video of that October 2023 interrogation, recordings of questioning by other law enforcement officers and a series of letters written by the defendant while in custody at the Shawnee County Jail were presented Monday by the district attorney to build the foundation for sentencing Cherry to consecutive 25-year-to-life terms for the murder of 5-year-old Zoey Felix.“Shoot me in my head,” Cherry urged Detective Cory Deedrick, hours after law enforcement descended on the Topeka crime scene and began undermining Cherry’s false allegation that a Hispanic man in black clothing attacked the girl.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696342029742.png" alt="Mickel Cherry as shown in his Shawnee County booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Mickel Cherry as shown in his Shawnee County booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“I never wanted to hurt her,” said Cherry, who tapped his forehead on a desk. “I wasn’t myself when it happened. I just want to f***ing die.”In the jailhouse letters placed into evidence, Cherry asserted his mind was slipping deeper into a dark void. He sought family forgiveness for his actions. In hard-to-read script, he said he was preparing for his own death. He wrote that he was haunted by the voice of a child who had started referring to her part-time babysitter as an “uncle.”“I still hear her voice calling me, ‘Why uncle?’ ” one of Cherry’s letters said.Cherry, 27, avoided capital punishment by entering guilty pleas in late 2024 to first-degree felony murder and rape of the 63-pound child with a bubbly personality.The remaining legal battle in the prosecution of Cherry centers on what minimum length of time must elapse before he could be considered for parole from a Kansas prison. The answer could come Tuesday from District Judge Jessica Heinen on the hearing’s second day.<h2>The legal battle</h2>The judge must decide whether Cherry received concurrent or consecutive “hard 25” sentences.District Attorney Mike Kagay’s sentencing brief said there was no rigid blueprint for determining when consecutive sentencing was appropriate, but case law suggested it was acceptable when “not arbitrary or based on an error.”“Kansas courts defer heavily to the sentencing judge’s discretion, especially when the record reflects heinous crimes or distinct criminal conduct justifying a consecutive sentence,” he said.Defense attorney Peter Conley said records from the Texas foster care system showed Cherry’s abusive upbringing before and while placed in the Texas foster care system should be taken into account and allow for the sentences on the murder and rape charges to run at the same time.Conley said the Kansas Department for Children and Families&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/11/kansas-defense-attorney-says-states-child-protection-system-failed-murdered-5-year-old-girl/">investigated Zoey’s welfare seven times</a>&nbsp;but didn’t do what was necessary to place the girl in protective custody.“The failures of these systems increased her vulnerability,” Conley said.He said he attempted to subpoena a DCF records custodian to testify on Monday, but nobody from the state agency responded.In a separate matter, the district attorney’s office denounced a presentencing brief filed by Conley that concluded Kagay’s office had directed DCF not to proceed with a child-in-need-of-care investigation into Zoey’s well-being.Attorney Keith Henderson, on behalf of the district attorney, said Conley’s statement was “factually and legally inaccurate” and fell “far below the standard of candor and integrity expected of an officer of the court.”“Defense counsels’ statements in that portion of their brief are dangerous and disingenuous,” wrote Henderson, who sought a correction. “They are unworthy of a member of the bar.”In court, Conley said the statement in the defense brief needed to be clarified to say either the district attorney or law enforcement officers in Topeka were complicit in the decision not to proceed with a process that could have saved Zoey from harm.<h2>Focusing on Zoey</h2>Aimee Slusser, who described herself as a mentor to Zoey, said during a victim impact statement that she didn’t want squabbling about Cherry’s mental health challenges to be the focus of sentencing.“I want everyone to remember who she was,” Slusser told the court. “This is about a little girl’s life.”During the hearing, several people in the gallery wept while law enforcement officers and medical personnel presented evidence drawn from telephone records, interviews with witnesses and forensic examinations.Cherry wore yellow jail coveralls and was shackled with chains that remained on despite the presence of six law enforcement officers in the courtroom. He periodically slumped forward to peer at the floor and tilted his head back to stare at ceiling lights. There were times when Cherry nodded his head as if agreeing with the prosecution.Law enforcement narrated a triangulated set of surveillance videos taken from the perspective of a grocery store, fuel station and restaurant.Witnesses filled in blanks of a five-hour period that began when Zoey’s father, Ezequiel Felix, entrusted her to Cherry’s care. One segment of the video captured Zoey and Cherry walking side-by-side. It ended with Cherry carrying the girl’s lifeless body, apparently from the two-tent homeless camp, to the gas station where the girl’s father worked.Next to gasoline pumps, a good Samaritan and later a Topeka emergency crew responding to a 911 call attempted CPR. She was pronounced dead at Stormont Vail Health.Cherry was questioned by Topeka officers at the scene, where a police body camera first recorded Cherry blaming a Hispanic man for harming the girl while she slept in a blue car. He claimed to have ran the man off. He asserted that he found Zoey not breathing inside the vehicle.Cherry, who wasn’t wearing a shirt, was asked about a spot of blood that appeared on his stomach.“I honestly don’t know,” he said. “I have a condition that sometimes I bleed from the belly button.”He later admitted under questioning by police at the station that the story blaming an unknown assailant was a lie and his assault on Zoey occurred in a tent where homeless people had taken refuge. He said he suffocated the girl with a pillow.“Something came over me and I did the unimaginable,” Cherry told Detective Deedrick. “Something I thought I’d never do.”

Prosecutors argue for consecutive 25-year sentences in murder of 5-year-old Kansas girl

WASHINGTON (AP) — Education Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/linda-mcmahon-education-confirmation-hearing-417b1d36f9347b8279798fd311d211dc">Linda McMahon</a>&nbsp;is expected to move quickly now that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-education-layoffs-9370415531185092341b16a6bfea9344">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;has cleared the way for the Trump administration to continue unwinding her department.

The justices on Monday paused a lower court order that had halted nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-layoffs-job-cuts-linda-mcmahon-ce9f6a8a63972aede0d8fbdf057ab788">1,400 layoffs</a>&nbsp;and had called into question the legality of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-patriot-missiles-kellogg-ca8cda9b417737188c471390bc312a5d">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;plan to outsource the department’s operations to other agencies.

Now, Trump and McMahon are free to execute the layoffs and break up the department’s work among other federal agencies. Trump had campaigned on closing the department, and McMahon has said the department has one “final mission” to turn over its power to the states.

“The Federal Government has been running our Education System into the ground, but we are going to turn it all around by giving the Power back to the PEOPLE,” Trump said late Monday in a post on Truth Social. “Thank you to the United States Supreme Court!”

Department lawyers have already previewed McMahon’s next steps in court filings.

What happens with student loans, civil rights cases

Trump and McMahon have acknowledged only Congress has authority to close the Education Department fully, but both have suggested its core functions could be parceled out to different federal agencies.

Among the most important decisions is where to put management of federal student loans, a $1.6 trillion portfolio affecting nearly 43 million borrowers.

Trump in March suggested the Small Business Administration would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-shut-down-mcmahon-37e3eceb8f7ae93e488ea33f8d970786">take on federal student loans</a>, but a June court filing indicated the Treasury Department is expected to take over the work. The Education Department said it had been negotiating a contract with Treasury but paused discussions when the court intervened. That work is now expected to proceed in coming days.

Under a separate arrangement, nine Education Department workers already have been detailed to Treasury, according to a court filing.

The department had also recently struck a deal to outsource the management of several grant programs for workforce training and adult education to the Department of Labor. The Education Department agreed to send $2.6 billion to Labor to oversee grants, which are distributed to states to be passed down to schools and colleges.

Combining workforce training programs at Education and Labor would “provide a coordinated federal education and workforce system,” according to the agreement.

Additional agreements are expected to follow with other agencies. At her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/linda-mcmahon-education-confirmation-hearing-417b1d36f9347b8279798fd311d211dc">Senate confirmation hearing</a>, McMahon suggested that enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act could be handled by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hhs-layoffs-restructuring-maha-rfk-7adbc357bf25b2c92b94e012ba3d8316">Department of Health and Human Services</a>. Civil rights work could be managed by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-bondi-904822e788fa02fd6bd5c8181d0c9c08">Justice Department</a>, she said.

Democracy Forward, which represents plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said it will pursue “every legal option” to fight for children. The group’s federal court case is proceeding, but the Supreme Court’s emergency decision means the Education Department is allowed to downsize in the meantime.

“No court in the nation — not even the Supreme Court — has found that what the administration is doing is lawful,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of the group, in a statement.

Trump campaigned on a promise to close the agency, and in March ordered it to be wound down “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law.” McMahon had already started a dramatic downsizing, laying off about 1,400 workers.

Education Department employees targeted by the layoffs have been on paid leave since March, according to a union that represents some of the agency’s staff. The lower court order had prevented the department from fully terminating them, though none had been allowed to return to work, according to the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252. Without the lower court order, the workers would have been terminated in early June.

The absence of those staffers already had caused problems in the office that handles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-default-repayment-plans-fff521f5f3a24afbe30739b96d2e6b67">student loans</a>, said Melanie Storey, president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. College financial aid staffers reported delays and breakdowns in federal systems — such as an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-education-department-outage-layoffs-5afb5a0a1b51bbe50e5961a63b419041">hours-long outage</a>&nbsp;on StudentAid.gov the day after departmental layoffs. Communication with the Education Department eroded, Storey said.

“It is concerning that the Court is allowing the Trump administration to continue with its planned reduction in force, given what we know about the early impact of those cuts on delivering much-needed financial assistance to students seeking a postsecondary education,” Storey said.

Gutting the Education Department will hinder the government’s ability to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-layoffs-closure-c7cddd1dbf310dadcd70e003d62a6df0">enforce civil rights laws</a>, especially for girls, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students and students of color, said Gaylynn Burroughs, vice president at the National Women’s Law Center. Laid-off staff in the Office of Civil Rights were handling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-layoffs-civil-rights-8cbf463cce765f497c10d688ab4d51e1">thousands of cases</a>.

“Without enough staff and resources, students will face more barriers to educational opportunity and have fewer places to turn to when their rights are violated,” Burroughs said in a statement. “This is part of a coordinated plan by the Trump administration to dismantle the federal government and roll back hard-won civil rights protections.”

AP education writers Annie Ma and Cheyanne Mumphrey contributed reporting.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Education Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/linda-mcmahon-education-confirmation-hearing-417b1d36f9347b8279798fd311d211dc">Linda McMahon</a>&nbsp;is expected to move quickly now that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-education-layoffs-9370415531185092341b16a6bfea9344">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;has cleared the way for the Trump administration to continue unwinding her department.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’re on it, Mr. President! <a href="https://t.co/URGYOsvHXN">https://t.co/URGYOsvHXN</a>&mdash; Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) <a href="https://twitter.com/EDSecMcMahon/status/1944912417718460436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The justices on Monday paused a lower court order that had halted nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-layoffs-job-cuts-linda-mcmahon-ce9f6a8a63972aede0d8fbdf057ab788">1,400 layoffs</a>&nbsp;and had called into question the legality of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-patriot-missiles-kellogg-ca8cda9b417737188c471390bc312a5d">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;plan to outsource the department’s operations to other agencies.Now, Trump and McMahon are free to execute the layoffs and break up the department’s work among other federal agencies. Trump had campaigned on closing the department, and McMahon has said the department has one “final mission” to turn over its power to the states.“The Federal Government has been running our Education System into the ground, but we are going to turn it all around by giving the Power back to the PEOPLE,” Trump said late Monday in a post on Truth Social. “Thank you to the United States Supreme Court!”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752532757011.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Department lawyers have already previewed McMahon’s next steps in court filings.<h2>What happens with student loans, civil rights cases</h2>Trump and McMahon have acknowledged only Congress has authority to close the Education Department fully, but both have suggested its core functions could be parceled out to different federal agencies.Among the most important decisions is where to put management of federal student loans, a $1.6 trillion portfolio affecting nearly 43 million borrowers.Trump in March suggested the Small Business Administration would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-shut-down-mcmahon-37e3eceb8f7ae93e488ea33f8d970786">take on federal student loans</a>, but a June court filing indicated the Treasury Department is expected to take over the work. The Education Department said it had been negotiating a contract with Treasury but paused discussions when the court intervened. That work is now expected to proceed in coming days.Under a separate arrangement, nine Education Department workers already have been detailed to Treasury, according to a court filing.The department had also recently struck a deal to outsource the management of several grant programs for workforce training and adult education to the Department of Labor. The Education Department agreed to send $2.6 billion to Labor to oversee grants, which are distributed to states to be passed down to schools and colleges.Combining workforce training programs at Education and Labor would “provide a coordinated federal education and workforce system,” according to the agreement.Additional agreements are expected to follow with other agencies. At her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/linda-mcmahon-education-confirmation-hearing-417b1d36f9347b8279798fd311d211dc">Senate confirmation hearing</a>, McMahon suggested that enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act could be handled by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hhs-layoffs-restructuring-maha-rfk-7adbc357bf25b2c92b94e012ba3d8316">Department of Health and Human Services</a>. Civil rights work could be managed by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-bondi-904822e788fa02fd6bd5c8181d0c9c08">Justice Department</a>, she said.Democracy Forward, which represents plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said it will pursue “every legal option” to fight for children. The group’s federal court case is proceeding, but the Supreme Court’s emergency decision means the Education Department is allowed to downsize in the meantime.“No court in the nation — not even the Supreme Court — has found that what the administration is doing is lawful,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of the group, in a statement.<h2>Laying off staff</h2>Trump campaigned on a promise to close the agency, and in March ordered it to be wound down “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law.” McMahon had already started a dramatic downsizing, laying off about 1,400 workers.Education Department employees targeted by the layoffs have been on paid leave since March, according to a union that represents some of the agency’s staff. The lower court order had prevented the department from fully terminating them, though none had been allowed to return to work, according to the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252. Without the lower court order, the workers would have been terminated in early June.The absence of those staffers already had caused problems in the office that handles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-default-repayment-plans-fff521f5f3a24afbe30739b96d2e6b67">student loans</a>, said Melanie Storey, president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. College financial aid staffers reported delays and breakdowns in federal systems — such as an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-education-department-outage-layoffs-5afb5a0a1b51bbe50e5961a63b419041">hours-long outage</a>&nbsp;on StudentAid.gov the day after departmental layoffs. Communication with the Education Department eroded, Storey said.“It is concerning that the Court is allowing the Trump administration to continue with its planned reduction in force, given what we know about the early impact of those cuts on delivering much-needed financial assistance to students seeking a postsecondary education,” Storey said.Gutting the Education Department will hinder the government’s ability to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-layoffs-closure-c7cddd1dbf310dadcd70e003d62a6df0">enforce civil rights laws</a>, especially for girls, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students and students of color, said Gaylynn Burroughs, vice president at the National Women’s Law Center. Laid-off staff in the Office of Civil Rights were handling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-layoffs-civil-rights-8cbf463cce765f497c10d688ab4d51e1">thousands of cases</a>.“Without enough staff and resources, students will face more barriers to educational opportunity and have fewer places to turn to when their rights are violated,” Burroughs said in a statement. “This is part of a coordinated plan by the Trump administration to dismantle the federal government and roll back hard-won civil rights protections.”___AP education writers Annie Ma and Cheyanne Mumphrey contributed reporting.___

Trump responds to Supreme Court victory on effort to close Education Dept.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a Kansas convenience store robbery are asking for help to identify a suspect.&nbsp;

The robbery occurred July 7 a convenience store in the 500 block of North Seneca in Wichita, according to a social media report from Wichita Police.

The suspect left in the silver vehicle. Police released security camera images on Monday.

&nbsp;If you know this suspect, please contact Detectives at 316-268-4407 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752541434145.png" alt="Image Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a Kansas convenience store robbery are asking for help to identify a suspect.&nbsp;The robbery occurred July 7 a convenience store in the 500 block of North Seneca in Wichita, according to a social media report from Wichita Police.

The suspect left in the silver vehicle. Police released security camera images on Monday.&nbsp;If you know this suspect, please contact Detectives at 316-268-4407 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111

Police ask for help to ID Kansas robbery suspect

FINNEY COUNTY—The Garden City Police Department issued an alert Monday to notify the public they are aware of recent social media posts raising concerns and suggesting child abductions or attempted abductions linked to human trafficking in Garden City and southwest Kansas. 

"While human trafficking remains a serious concern that warrants vigilance, we have not received any legitimate reports of these incidents occurring locally nor have any arrests been made in connection with these claims."

"Furthermore, these posts appear to be resurfaced or have circulated before. As always, if you have a concern about any suspicious activity occurring in Garden City, please call police at (620) 276-1300 or 911 if it is an emergency."

Please do not report suspected crimes through social media or share posts about crimes that may cause fear and panic without verifying the validity of the post first. Let’s continue to look out for one another, and stay safe and vigilant.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752524999386.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—The Garden City Police Department issued an alert Monday to notify the public they are aware of recent social media posts raising concerns and suggesting child abductions or attempted abductions linked to human trafficking in Garden City and southwest Kansas. "While human trafficking remains a serious concern that warrants vigilance, we have not received any legitimate reports of these incidents occurring locally nor have any arrests been made in connection with these claims." "Furthermore, these posts appear to be resurfaced or have circulated before. As always, if you have a concern about any suspicious activity occurring in Garden City, please call police at (620) 276-1300 or 911 if it is an emergency."Please do not report suspected crimes through social media or share posts about crimes that may cause fear and panic without verifying the validity of the post first. Let’s continue to look out for one another, and stay safe and vigilant.&nbsp;

Police: Social media posts on human trafficking in SW Kan. are false

WASHINGTON — On Monday, the Department of Justice released Guidance to ensure compliance with President Trump’s Executive Order No. 14224, which establishes English as the official language of the United States of America. 

Consistent with the Executive Order, the Department of Justice will lead a coordinated effort across federal agencies to minimize non-essential multilingual services, redirect resources toward English-language education and assimilation, and ensure legal compliance with the Executive Order through targeted measures where necessary.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1407776/dl?inline=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Click here to read the</a> full guidance document.

"As President Trump has made clear, English is the official language of the United States," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "The Department of Justice will lead the effort to codify the President’s Executive Order and eliminate wasteful virtue-signaling policies across government agencies to promote assimilation over division."

"President Trump’s Executive Order marks a pivotal step toward unifying our nation through a common language and enhancing efficiency in federal operations," said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. "The Department of Justice ensures that while we respect linguistic diversity, our federal resources will prioritize English proficiency to empower new Americans and strengthen civic unity.”

While leaving room for linguistic diversity that exists in private and community spheres, this Guidance will help streamline federal processes, reduce administrative burdens, and increase operational efficiency across agencies by removing extensive translation services and de-prioritizing multilingualism over English proficiency. Implementing the Executive Order will enhance social and economic integration, offer new Americans a vital pathway for civic engagement, and further bind Americans together with a shared language.

President Trump’s Executive Order rescinds Executive Order No. 13,166, signed by President Clinton on August 16, 2000. Executive Order No. 13,166 directed agencies to enhance access to federal programs for persons with limited English proficiency and required tailored guidance for recipients of federal funding—straining federal resources and impeding the assimilation of new Americans.

This is the latest Guidance issued by the Department of Justice to implement and administer President Trump’s agenda.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752522208272.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — On Monday, the Department of Justice released Guidance to ensure compliance with President Trump’s Executive Order No. 14224, which establishes English as the official language of the United States of America. Consistent with the Executive Order, the Department of Justice will lead a coordinated effort across federal agencies to minimize non-essential multilingual services, redirect resources toward English-language education and assimilation, and ensure legal compliance with the Executive Order through targeted measures where necessary.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1407776/dl?inline=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Click here to read the</a> full guidance document."As President Trump has made clear, English is the official language of the United States," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "The Department of Justice will lead the effort to codify the President’s Executive Order and eliminate wasteful virtue-signaling policies across government agencies to promote assimilation over division.""President Trump’s Executive Order marks a pivotal step toward unifying our nation through a common language and enhancing efficiency in federal operations," said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. "The Department of Justice ensures that while we respect linguistic diversity, our federal resources will prioritize English proficiency to empower new Americans and strengthen civic unity.”While leaving room for linguistic diversity that exists in private and community spheres, this Guidance will help streamline federal processes, reduce administrative burdens, and increase operational efficiency across agencies by removing extensive translation services and de-prioritizing multilingualism over English proficiency. Implementing the Executive Order will enhance social and economic integration, offer new Americans a vital pathway for civic engagement, and further bind Americans together with a shared language.President Trump’s Executive Order rescinds Executive Order No. 13,166, signed by President Clinton on August 16, 2000. Executive Order No. 13,166 directed agencies to enhance access to federal programs for persons with limited English proficiency and required tailored guidance for recipients of federal funding—straining federal resources and impeding the assimilation of new Americans.This is the latest Guidance issued by the Department of Justice to implement and administer President Trump’s agenda.

Read new DOJ guidance on implementing English as official language of the US

A 23-year-old Hutchinson man is facing a long list of charges after allegedly committing two armed robberies, leading officers on a pursuit, and barricading himself inside an occupied home Sunday evening.

According to the Hutchinson Police Department, officers were dispatched around 7:19 p.m. on July 13 to a business in the 500 block of East 17th Avenue for an armed robbery. By the time officers arrived, the suspect had already fled. Officers and deputies with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office began searching the area.

Just over 20 minutes later, at about 7:41 p.m., police were called to a second armed robbery at a business in the 400 block of East 4th Avenue. Investigators say the suspect description matched the first incident.

At approximately 7:52 p.m., officers located the suspect vehicle near 17th Avenue and Plum Street. When a deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, leading to a pursuit that ended when the suspect crashed into a residence in the 400 block of East 18th Avenue. The suspect then fled into an occupied home but was quickly taken into custody.

Police say the vehicle used in the robberies was reported stolen earlier that day from the 1600 block of Center Street.

Malachi J. Sims, 23, was arrested and booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility. He faces numerous charges:• Aggravated Robbery; Dangerous Weapon (2 counts)• Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (2 counts)• Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500 (2 counts)• Theft; Motor Vehicle: $1,500 to $24,999• Aggravated Assault of LEO; with Deadly Weapon• Aggravated Battery on LEO; Physical Contact with County Officer• Aggravated Battery on LEO; Physical Contact with City Officer• Aggravated Burglary; Dwelling for Felony, Flee and Elude; Commission of Felony• Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case•Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence• Felony Criminal Damage to Property; &gt;$25,000• DUI; 2nd Conviction• Possession of Marijuana• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia• MVA; Failure to Report an Accident, Leave the Scene of an Accident• Ignition Interlock; Operate Without• Alcohol; Illegal Transportation• Possession of Opiates, Narcotics, or Certain Stimulants; 1 prior conviction

No injuries were reported during the incidents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752544193285.jpeg" alt="Malachi J. Sims-photo Reno County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Malachi J. Sims-photo Reno County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;A 23-year-old Hutchinson man is facing a long list of charges after allegedly committing two armed robberies, leading officers on a pursuit, and barricading himself inside an occupied home Sunday evening.According to the Hutchinson Police Department, officers were dispatched around 7:19 p.m. on July 13 to a business in the 500 block of East 17th Avenue for an armed robbery. By the time officers arrived, the suspect had already fled. Officers and deputies with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office began searching the area.Just over 20 minutes later, at about 7:41 p.m., police were called to a second armed robbery at a business in the 400 block of East 4th Avenue. Investigators say the suspect description matched the first incident.At approximately 7:52 p.m., officers located the suspect vehicle near 17th Avenue and Plum Street. When a deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, leading to a pursuit that ended when the suspect crashed into a residence in the 400 block of East 18th Avenue. The suspect then fled into an occupied home but was quickly taken into custody.Police say the vehicle used in the robberies was reported stolen earlier that day from the 1600 block of Center Street.Malachi J. Sims, 23, was arrested and booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility. He faces numerous charges:• Aggravated Robbery; Dangerous Weapon (2 counts)• Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (2 counts)• Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500 (2 counts)• Theft; Motor Vehicle: $1,500 to $24,999• Aggravated Assault of LEO; with Deadly Weapon• Aggravated Battery on LEO; Physical Contact with County Officer• Aggravated Battery on LEO; Physical Contact with City Officer• Aggravated Burglary; Dwelling for Felony, Flee and Elude; Commission of Felony• Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case•Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence• Felony Criminal Damage to Property; &gt;$25,000• DUI; 2nd Conviction• Possession of Marijuana• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia• MVA; Failure to Report an Accident, Leave the Scene of an Accident• Ignition Interlock; Operate Without• Alcohol; Illegal Transportation• Possession of Opiates, Narcotics, or Certain Stimulants; 1 prior convictionNo injuries were reported during the incidents.

Kansas armed robbery suspect captured after chase, crash

Danone U.S. is voluntarily recalling YoCrunch® products sold at retail stores nationwide due to the potential presence of plastic pieces in the dome topper.

 If consumed, the plastic pieces could potentially cause a choking response. The issue is isolated only to the separately packaged topper and does not impact the separately packaged yogurt. This recall applies to all flavors and sizes of YoCrunch® products currently in-market, as summarized on the table below.

Consumer complaints have reported the presence of plastic pieces in the toppers, which have the potential to cause choking. The plastic pieces are transparent, may have sharp edges, and could present a risk to consumers because some pieces are between 7 and 25 mm in length. This voluntary recall was initiated on&nbsp;July 11, 2025, and is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company is working swiftly with retail partners to remove the impacted product from shelves, while it works to address the issue and bring back the YoCrunch® products so many people enjoy.

Danone U.S., the makers of YoCrunch, takes every consumer experience seriously and is initiating this voluntary recall in line with its commitment to product quality and consumer safety.

Consumers who have purchased the affected YoCrunch® products should not consume them. For information on refunds, please contact the YoCrunch® Consumer Care Line at 1-877-344-4886. Consumer Care specialists are available to speak live Monday - Friday,&nbsp;9am to 6pm ET.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752574434288.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Danone U.S. is voluntarily recalling YoCrunch® products sold at retail stores nationwide due to the potential presence of plastic pieces in the dome topper. If consumed, the plastic pieces could potentially cause a choking response. The issue is isolated only to the separately packaged topper and does not impact the separately packaged yogurt. This recall applies to all flavors and sizes of YoCrunch® products currently in-market, as summarized on the table below.Consumer complaints have reported the presence of plastic pieces in the toppers, which have the potential to cause choking. The plastic pieces are transparent, may have sharp edges, and could present a risk to consumers because some pieces are between 7 and 25 mm in length. This voluntary recall was initiated on&nbsp;July 11, 2025, and is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company is working swiftly with retail partners to remove the impacted product from shelves, while it works to address the issue and bring back the YoCrunch® products so many people enjoy.Danone U.S., the makers of YoCrunch, takes every consumer experience seriously and is initiating this voluntary recall in line with its commitment to product quality and consumer safety.Consumers who have purchased the affected YoCrunch® products should not consume them. For information on refunds, please contact the YoCrunch® Consumer Care Line at 1-877-344-4886. Consumer Care specialists are available to speak live Monday - Friday,&nbsp;9am to 6pm ET.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752574621391.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

YoCrunch yogurt products recalled over potential choking risk

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces felony charges in connection with a homicide that took place in 2022.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2669/Green-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Maurice Green</a>, 21, faces 2nd Degree Murder and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2668/Green-PCREDACTED-1">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to the area of East 10th Street and Olive Street on Jan. 26, 2022, and located the deceased victim in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.&nbsp;

Based on witness reports and cellphone records, two suspects, one later identified as Green, approached the vehicle the victim was sitting in and opened fire into the vehicle.

In the street near the crime scene, detectives found a single black and white Nike sandal. Green's DNA was later found on the sandal, and he acknowledged the sandal belonged to him.

Green was almost 18 years old when the murder occurred and was certified to stand trial as an adult. He is being held without bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752446078416.png" alt="Green photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Green photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces felony charges in connection with a homicide that took place in 2022.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2669/Green-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Maurice Green</a>, 21, faces 2nd Degree Murder and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2668/Green-PCREDACTED-1">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to the area of East 10th Street and Olive Street on Jan. 26, 2022, and located the deceased victim in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.&nbsp;Based on witness reports and cellphone records, two suspects, one later identified as Green, approached the vehicle the victim was sitting in and opened fire into the vehicle.In the street near the crime scene, detectives found a single black and white Nike sandal. Green's DNA was later found on the sandal, and he acknowledged the sandal belonged to him.Green was almost 18 years old when the murder occurred and was certified to stand trial as an adult. He is being held without bond.&nbsp;

DNA on sandal led to charges in 3-year-old KC murder case

LOS ANGELES (AP) — NFL Hall of Famer John Elway won't be charged after his business partner Jeffrey Sperbeck was fatally injured falling out of his golf cart at a Southern California golf resort community last April, authorities said Monday.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that investigators found nothing criminal and ruled it a tragic accident.

“Consequently, no criminal charges will be filed at this time, and the case will be documented as an accidental death,” the statement said.

Sperbeck, Elway's partner and former agent, died after suffering an injury when he tumbled out of the golf cart driven by the former quarterback on April 26 at The Madison Club in La Quinta, east of Los Angeles. Sperbeck was 62.

Sperbeck’s cause of death was “blunt force trauma” and the manner of death was an accident that occurred when the “passenger fell from the golf cart,” the county coroner’s report said.

Elway didn't immediately comment on the findings. He said in an April statement that he was devastated by the death of his close friend.

“There are no words to truly express the profound sadness I feel with the sudden loss of someone who has meant so much to me,” Elway said at the time.

Elway's April statement did not address his presence at the scene.

Sperbeck began managing Elway in 1990, when Elway was quarterback for the Denver Broncos. He represented more than 100 NFL players during a three-decade career as an agent and business adviser.

He was best known as Elway’s partner who helped manage the Hall of Famer’s extensive off-field business empire, which included restaurants, car dealerships and a winery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752542117467.jpeg" alt="FILE - Denver Broncos consultant John Elway looks on against the Houston Texans during an NFL football game, Sept. 18, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Denver Broncos consultant John Elway looks on against the Houston Texans during an NFL football game, Sept. 18, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — NFL Hall of Famer John Elway won't be charged after his business partner Jeffrey Sperbeck was fatally injured falling out of his golf cart at a Southern California golf resort community last April, authorities said Monday.The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that investigators found nothing criminal and ruled it a tragic accident.“Consequently, no criminal charges will be filed at this time, and the case will be documented as an accidental death,” the statement said.Sperbeck, Elway's partner and former agent, died after suffering an injury when he tumbled out of the golf cart driven by the former quarterback on April 26 at The Madison Club in La Quinta, east of Los Angeles. Sperbeck was 62.Sperbeck’s cause of death was “blunt force trauma” and the manner of death was an accident that occurred when the “passenger fell from the golf cart,” the county coroner’s report said.Elway didn't immediately comment on the findings. He said in an April statement that he was devastated by the death of his close friend.“There are no words to truly express the profound sadness I feel with the sudden loss of someone who has meant so much to me,” Elway said at the time.Elway's April statement did not address his presence at the scene.Sperbeck began managing Elway in 1990, when Elway was quarterback for the Denver Broncos. He represented more than 100 NFL players during a three-decade career as an agent and business adviser.He was best known as Elway’s partner who helped manage the Hall of Famer’s extensive off-field business empire, which included restaurants, car dealerships and a winery.

Sheriff makes ruling in death of NFL legend John Elway's former agent

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 11:30p.m. July 10,&nbsp; a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2009 Lexus for multiple alleged traffic violations near U.S. 75 Highway and 214th Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jermaine Hinnant, 54, and passenger as&nbsp;Viola Praylow, 58, both of Topeka.

During the course of the traffic stop probable cause was established to search the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of illegal drugs, and narcotics.

Viola Praylow was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony interference with law enforcement, possession of crack/cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

Viola Praylow was also arrested for two felony warrants. One through Shawnee County, Kansas for probation violation with the original charge being theft; 2 prior convictions in 5 years. One through Douglas County, Kansas for theft, and contributing to a child misconduct; encourage to commit traffic infraction.

Jermaine Hinnant was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, no ignition interlock device when required, driving while suspended, driving with expired registration, operate motor vehicle with no insurance, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752504476865.png" alt="Hinnant photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Hinnant photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 11:30p.m. July 10,&nbsp; a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2009 Lexus for multiple alleged traffic violations near U.S. 75 Highway and 214th Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jermaine Hinnant, 54, and passenger as&nbsp;Viola Praylow, 58, both of Topeka.During the course of the traffic stop probable cause was established to search the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of illegal drugs, and narcotics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752504404683.png" alt="Praylow photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Praylow photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Viola Praylow was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony interference with law enforcement, possession of crack/cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.Viola Praylow was also arrested for two felony warrants. One through Shawnee County, Kansas for probation violation with the original charge being theft; 2 prior convictions in 5 years. One through Douglas County, Kansas for theft, and contributing to a child misconduct; encourage to commit traffic infraction.Jermaine Hinnant was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, no ignition interlock device when required, driving while suspended, driving with expired registration, operate motor vehicle with no insurance, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kansas woman with a history crime accused of theft, cocaine possession

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is allowing President Donald Trump to put his plan to dismantle the Education Department back on track — and to go through with laying off nearly 1,400 employees.

With the three liberal justices in dissent, the court on Monday paused an order from U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston, who issued a preliminary injunction reversing the layoffs and calling into question the broader plan. The layoffs “will likely cripple the department,” Joun wrote. A federal appeals court refused to put the order on hold while the administration appealed.

The high court action enables the administration to resume work on winding down the department, one of Trump's biggest campaign promises.

The court did not explain its decision in favor of Trump, as is customary in emergency appeals. But in dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor complained that her colleagues were enabling legally questionable action on the part of the administration.

“When the Executive publicly announces its intent to break the law, and then executes on that promise, it is the Judiciary’s duty to check that lawlessness, not expedite it,” Sotomayor wrote for herself and Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elena Kagan.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said it’s a “shame” it took the Supreme Court’s intervention to let Trump’s plan move ahead.

“Today, the Supreme Court again confirmed the obvious: the President of the United States, as the head of the Executive Branch, has the ultimate authority to make decisions about staffing levels, administrative organization, and day-to-day operations of federal agencies,” McMahon said in a statement.

The Supreme Court has handed Trump one victory after another in his effort to remake the federal government, after lower courts have found the administration's actions probably violate federal law. Last week, the justices cleared the way for Trump's plan to significantly reduce the size of the federal workforce. On the education front, the high court has previously allowed cuts in teacher-training grants to go forward.

Separately on Monday, more than 20 states sued the administration over billions of dollars in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-summer-school-english-language-grants-fac670e8f60fab397fbd68dfed866ea1">frozen education funding</a>&nbsp;for after-school care, summer programs and more.

Education Department employees who were targeted by the layoffs have been on paid leave since March, according to a union that represents some of the agency’s staff.

Joun’s order had prevented the department from fully terminating them, though none had been allowed to return to work, according to the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252. Without Joun’s order, the workers would have been terminated in early June.

The Education Department had said earlier in June that it was “actively assessing how to reintegrate” the employees. A department email asked them to share whether they had gained other employment, saying the request was meant to “support a smooth and informed return to duty.”

The current case involves two consolidated lawsuits that said Trump’s plan amounted to an illegal closure of the Education Department.

One suit was filed by the Somerville and Easthampton school districts in Massachusetts along with the American Federation of Teachers and other education groups. The other legal action was filed by a coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general.

The suits argued that layoffs left the department unable to carry out responsibilities required by Congress, including duties to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-disability-civil-rights-complaint-218a04f50bcf21cb02175e8565a3a287">support special education</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-education-department-outage-layoffs-5afb5a0a1b51bbe50e5961a63b419041">distribute financial aid</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-civil-rights-special-education-antisemitism-764c1298a4ba856ce793249cdb57e6d6">enforce civil rights laws</a>.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is allowing President Donald Trump to put his plan to dismantle the Education Department back on track — and to go through with laying off nearly 1,400 employees.With the three liberal justices in dissent, the court on Monday paused an order from U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston, who issued a preliminary injunction reversing the layoffs and calling into question the broader plan. The layoffs “will likely cripple the department,” Joun wrote. A federal appeals court refused to put the order on hold while the administration appealed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752532757011.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The high court action enables the administration to resume work on winding down the department, one of Trump's biggest campaign promises.The court did not explain its decision in favor of Trump, as is customary in emergency appeals. But in dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor complained that her colleagues were enabling legally questionable action on the part of the administration.“When the Executive publicly announces its intent to break the law, and then executes on that promise, it is the Judiciary’s duty to check that lawlessness, not expedite it,” Sotomayor wrote for herself and Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elena Kagan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745271542976.png" alt="File photo U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon&nbsp; (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon&nbsp; (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>Education Secretary Linda McMahon said it’s a “shame” it took the Supreme Court’s intervention to let Trump’s plan move ahead.“Today, the Supreme Court again confirmed the obvious: the President of the United States, as the head of the Executive Branch, has the ultimate authority to make decisions about staffing levels, administrative organization, and day-to-day operations of federal agencies,” McMahon said in a statement.The Supreme Court has handed Trump one victory after another in his effort to remake the federal government, after lower courts have found the administration's actions probably violate federal law. Last week, the justices cleared the way for Trump's plan to significantly reduce the size of the federal workforce. On the education front, the high court has previously allowed cuts in teacher-training grants to go forward.Separately on Monday, more than 20 states sued the administration over billions of dollars in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-summer-school-english-language-grants-fac670e8f60fab397fbd68dfed866ea1">frozen education funding</a>&nbsp;for after-school care, summer programs and more.Education Department employees who were targeted by the layoffs have been on paid leave since March, according to a union that represents some of the agency’s staff.Joun’s order had prevented the department from fully terminating them, though none had been allowed to return to work, according to the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252. Without Joun’s order, the workers would have been terminated in early June.The Education Department had said earlier in June that it was “actively assessing how to reintegrate” the employees. A department email asked them to share whether they had gained other employment, saying the request was meant to “support a smooth and informed return to duty.”The current case involves two consolidated lawsuits that said Trump’s plan amounted to an illegal closure of the Education Department.One suit was filed by the Somerville and Easthampton school districts in Massachusetts along with the American Federation of Teachers and other education groups. The other legal action was filed by a coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general.The suits argued that layoffs left the department unable to carry out responsibilities required by Congress, including duties to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-disability-civil-rights-complaint-218a04f50bcf21cb02175e8565a3a287">support special education</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-education-department-outage-layoffs-5afb5a0a1b51bbe50e5961a63b419041">distribute financial aid</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-civil-rights-special-education-antisemitism-764c1298a4ba856ce793249cdb57e6d6">enforce civil rights laws</a>.

Read the order: Supreme Court votes in favor of Dept. of Education layoffs

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A recently announced candidate for Hays City Commission was arrested on a charge of alleged blackmail Friday.

According to district court records, 23-year-old Samuel Emerson Allen of Hays allegedly tried to obtain $50 by threatening to share nude photos or videos of someone obtained through a dating app on June 27.

Blackmail is a level 4 person felony in Kansas. Public records said the court ordered Allen’s arrest with an appearance bond set at $40,000.

Ellis County booking records show Allen was booked for failure to appear. Ellis County Attorney Aaron J. Cunningham was contacted but declined to comment.

Allen announced his candidacy for the Hays City Commission in the 2025 municipal election on June 23 and is completing his degree in political science at Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750345202754.jpeg" alt="Samuel Allen courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Samuel Allen courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA recently announced candidate for Hays City Commission was arrested on a charge of alleged blackmail Friday.According to district court records, 23-year-old Samuel Emerson Allen of Hays allegedly tried to obtain $50 by threatening to share nude photos or videos of someone obtained through a dating app on June 27.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752585035279.png" alt="Allen as shown in his Ellis County Jail booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Allen as shown in his Ellis County Jail booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Blackmail is a level 4 person felony in Kansas. Public records said the court ordered Allen’s arrest with an appearance bond set at $40,000.Ellis County booking records show Allen was booked for failure to appear. Ellis County Attorney Aaron J. Cunningham was contacted but declined to comment.Allen announced his candidacy for the Hays City Commission in the 2025 municipal election on June 23 and is completing his degree in political science at Fort Hays State University.