SALINE COUNTY, Mo. —Authorities investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting have identified the suspect who died as 23-year-old Francis Alcantar-Chavez of Tempe, Arizona, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. 

Chavez was wanted in connection with a double-homicide that occurred on June 15, in Taylor, Arizona.  He is alleged to have killed his mother and step-father, according to police.

Just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday, MSHP Troopers were notified that the Concordia Police Department was in pursuit of motorcycle driven by a suspect later identified as Chavez who was wanted for an out-of-state homicide, according to a media release from the Patrol.

Police lost sight of the motorcycle near 120th Road south of Interstate 70 in rural Saline County. Additional officers moved into the area to search for the suspect. Just before 8p.m. Troopers in the area saw a motorcycle and rider matching the description of the suspect traveling westbound on 115th Road toward Belmont Avenue.

 The motorcycle crashed into a Trooper's patrol vehicle and the suspect ran from the crash. The Trooper ran after him. The suspect, armed with a handgun, fired at the Trooper striking him bullet resistant vest. The Trooper returned fire striking the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The Trooper was transported to a local hospital&nbsp; for treatment of minor injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750330490158.png" alt="Chavez photo Snowflake-Taylor, Arizona Police" />
 <figcaption>Chavez photo Snowflake-Taylor, Arizona Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY, Mo. —Authorities investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting have identified the suspect who died as 23-year-old Francis Alcantar-Chavez of Tempe, Arizona, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Chavez was wanted in connection with a double-homicide that occurred on June 15, in Taylor, Arizona. He is alleged to have killed his mother and step-father, according to police.Just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday, MSHP Troopers were notified that the Concordia Police Department was in pursuit of motorcycle driven by a suspect later identified as Chavez who was wanted for an out-of-state homicide, according to a media release from the Patrol.Police lost sight of the motorcycle near 120th Road south of Interstate 70 in rural Saline County. Additional officers moved into the area to search for the suspect. Just before 8p.m. Troopers in the area saw a motorcycle and rider matching the description of the suspect traveling westbound on 115th Road toward Belmont Avenue. The motorcycle crashed into a Trooper's patrol vehicle and the suspect ran from the crash. The Trooper ran after him. The suspect, armed with a handgun, fired at the Trooper striking him bullet resistant vest. The Trooper returned fire striking the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The Trooper was transported to a local hospital&nbsp; for treatment of minor injuries.

Patrol IDs homicide suspect killed in officer shooting

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Wednesday to help mediate an end to the conflict between Israel and Iran, suggesting Moscow could help negotiate a settlement that could allow Tehran to pursue a peaceful atomic program while assuaging Israeli security concerns.

Speaking to senior news leaders of international news agencies, Putin noted that "it's a delicate issue," but added that "in my view, a solution could be found."

Asked how Russia would react if Israel kills Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Putin refused to answer, saying that "I don't even want to discuss such a possibility."

Khamenei has rejected U.S. calls for surrender in the face of more Israeli strikes and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause "irreparable damage to them."

Putin said he shared Moscow's proposals with Iran, Israel and the United States.

"We are not imposing anything on anyone; we are simply talking about how we see a possible way out of the situation. But the decision, of course, is up to the political leadership of all these countries, primarily Iran and Israel," he said.

Russia has maintained a delicate balancing act in the Middle East for decades, trying to navigate its warm relations with Israel even as it developed strong economic and military ties with Iran, a policy that could allow Moscow to play power broker.

Putin's comments follow a mediation offer that he made in a call with U.S. President Donald Trump last weekend.

Trump said Wednesday that he told Putin to stay focused on finding an endgame to his own conflict with Ukraine.

"I said, 'Do me a favor, mediate your own,'" Trump said he told Putin. "I said, 'Vladimir, let's mediate Russia first. You can worry about this later.'"

The comments represented a shift for Trump, who earlier this week said he was "open" to Putin's offer to mediate in the Middle East.

Over 200 Russians remain at Iran's nuclear power plant

Putin, meeting with senior news leaders of international news agencies including The Associated Press on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, emphasized that Russia has a trusting relationship with Iran and helped built its first nuclear power plant in Bushehr on the Persian Gulf south of Tehran.

He said that over 200 Russian workers are involved in building two more reactors in Bushehr, adding that "we agreed with the Israeli leadership that their security will be ensured."

Putin emphasized that Tehran hasn't asked Moscow for military assistance, noting the "strategic partnership" treaty between the countries that was signed in January doesn't envision such aid.

In addition to a few air defense systems that Russia supplied to Iran in the past, it also offered previously to help create comprehensive air defenses, but Tehran didn't want it, he said.

"Our proposal was to create a system, not isolated deliveries, but a system," Putin said. "We used to discuss it in the past, but the Iranian side showed little interest."

Israel said that it knocked out Iran's Russia-supplied S-300 air defense missile systems during last year's strikes.

Praise for Trump's push for peace in Ukraine

Putin on Wednesday praised Trump's push for peace in Ukraine, seconding the American leader's repeated claims that the 3-year-old conflict wouldn't have started if he had been in the White House in 2022.

"If Trump had been the president, the conflict indeed might not have erupted," Putin said.

Russia has intensified its aerial campaign in Ukraine recently and stepped up ground attacks along the more than 1,000-kilometer (over 600-mile) front line. Putin has effectively rejected Trump's offer of an immediate 30-day ceasefire, making it conditional on a halt on Ukraine's mobilization effort and a freeze on Western arms supplies.

He said he is open for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but repeated his claim that he lost his legitimacy after his term expired last year — allegations rejected by Kyiv and its allies.

"We are ready for substantive talks on the principles of a settlement," Putin said, noting the previous round of talks had led to an exchange of prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers.

Asked by AP about Russia condemning Israel's strikes on Iran even as Ukrainian civilians are killed in attacks by Moscow, Putin responded that Russia was targeting the country's arms factories.

"The strikes were carried out against military industries, not residential quarters," Putin said.

AP reporters have documented damage to residential buildings in Ukraine, most recently this week. On Wednesday, emergency workers pulled more bodies from the rubble of a nine-story Kyiv apartment building demolished by a Russian attack earlier this week, raising the death toll from the strike on the capital to 28.

Putin vowed that Moscow will achieve its goal to "demilitarize" Ukraine.

"We will not allow Ukraine to have armed forces that would threaten the Russian Federation and its people," he said. "And if we fail to reach a settlement, we will achieve our goals by military means."

He strongly warned Germany against delivering long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, saying that it could draw it into a direct military conflict with Russia but won't help stem Russian advances.

"Our troops are advancing along the entire line of contact," he said, warning Ukraine to accept Russia's terms for a peace deal or face tougher conditions in the future. "If they fail to agree, the situation could change for the worse."

He also dismissed Western warnings of Russia's purported plans to attack NATO countries as "ravings," noting the alliance's military spending far exceed Moscow's defense budget.

Putin has used the annual forum to highlight Russia's economic achievements and seek foreign investment. Western executives, who attended the event in the past, have avoided it after Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, leaving it to business leaders from Asia, Africa and Latin America.

He met earlier with former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who now heads the New Development Bank created by the BRICS alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. He is also set to have meetings with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and He's also expected to confer with top officials from China, South Africa and Bahrain and the head of the OPEC group of oil-producing countries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="File photo (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)" />
 <figcaption>File photo (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES JORDAN and HARRIET MORRIS&nbsp;ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Wednesday to help mediate an end to the conflict between Israel and Iran, suggesting Moscow could help negotiate a settlement that could allow Tehran to pursue a peaceful atomic program while assuaging Israeli security concerns.Speaking to senior news leaders of international news agencies, Putin noted that "it's a delicate issue," but added that "in my view, a solution could be found."Asked how Russia would react if Israel kills Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Putin refused to answer, saying that "I don't even want to discuss such a possibility."Khamenei has rejected U.S. calls for surrender in the face of more Israeli strikes and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause "irreparable damage to them."Putin said he shared Moscow's proposals with Iran, Israel and the United States."We are not imposing anything on anyone; we are simply talking about how we see a possible way out of the situation. But the decision, of course, is up to the political leadership of all these countries, primarily Iran and Israel," he said.Russia has maintained a delicate balancing act in the Middle East for decades, trying to navigate its warm relations with Israel even as it developed strong economic and military ties with Iran, a policy that could allow Moscow to play power broker.Putin's comments follow a mediation offer that he made in a call with U.S. President Donald Trump last weekend.Trump said Wednesday that he told Putin to stay focused on finding an endgame to his own conflict with Ukraine."I said, 'Do me a favor, mediate your own,'" Trump said he told Putin. "I said, 'Vladimir, let's mediate Russia first. You can worry about this later.'"The comments represented a shift for Trump, who earlier this week said he was "open" to Putin's offer to mediate in the Middle East.Over 200 Russians remain at Iran's nuclear power plantPutin, meeting with senior news leaders of international news agencies including The Associated Press on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, emphasized that Russia has a trusting relationship with Iran and helped built its first nuclear power plant in Bushehr on the Persian Gulf south of Tehran.He said that over 200 Russian workers are involved in building two more reactors in Bushehr, adding that "we agreed with the Israeli leadership that their security will be ensured."Putin emphasized that Tehran hasn't asked Moscow for military assistance, noting the "strategic partnership" treaty between the countries that was signed in January doesn't envision such aid.In addition to a few air defense systems that Russia supplied to Iran in the past, it also offered previously to help create comprehensive air defenses, but Tehran didn't want it, he said."Our proposal was to create a system, not isolated deliveries, but a system," Putin said. "We used to discuss it in the past, but the Iranian side showed little interest."Israel said that it knocked out Iran's Russia-supplied S-300 air defense missile systems during last year's strikes.Praise for Trump's push for peace in UkrainePutin on Wednesday praised Trump's push for peace in Ukraine, seconding the American leader's repeated claims that the 3-year-old conflict wouldn't have started if he had been in the White House in 2022."If Trump had been the president, the conflict indeed might not have erupted," Putin said.Russia has intensified its aerial campaign in Ukraine recently and stepped up ground attacks along the more than 1,000-kilometer (over 600-mile) front line. Putin has effectively rejected Trump's offer of an immediate 30-day ceasefire, making it conditional on a halt on Ukraine's mobilization effort and a freeze on Western arms supplies.He said he is open for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but repeated his claim that he lost his legitimacy after his term expired last year — allegations rejected by Kyiv and its allies."We are ready for substantive talks on the principles of a settlement," Putin said, noting the previous round of talks had led to an exchange of prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers.Asked by AP about Russia condemning Israel's strikes on Iran even as Ukrainian civilians are killed in attacks by Moscow, Putin responded that Russia was targeting the country's arms factories."The strikes were carried out against military industries, not residential quarters," Putin said.AP reporters have documented damage to residential buildings in Ukraine, most recently this week. On Wednesday, emergency workers pulled more bodies from the rubble of a nine-story Kyiv apartment building demolished by a Russian attack earlier this week, raising the death toll from the strike on the capital to 28.Putin vowed that Moscow will achieve its goal to "demilitarize" Ukraine."We will not allow Ukraine to have armed forces that would threaten the Russian Federation and its people," he said. "And if we fail to reach a settlement, we will achieve our goals by military means."He strongly warned Germany against delivering long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, saying that it could draw it into a direct military conflict with Russia but won't help stem Russian advances."Our troops are advancing along the entire line of contact," he said, warning Ukraine to accept Russia's terms for a peace deal or face tougher conditions in the future. "If they fail to agree, the situation could change for the worse."He also dismissed Western warnings of Russia's purported plans to attack NATO countries as "ravings," noting the alliance's military spending far exceed Moscow's defense budget.Putin has used the annual forum to highlight Russia's economic achievements and seek foreign investment. Western executives, who attended the event in the past, have avoided it after Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, leaving it to business leaders from Asia, Africa and Latin America.He met earlier with former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who now heads the New Development Bank created by the BRICS alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. He is also set to have meetings with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and He's also expected to confer with top officials from China, South Africa and Bahrain and the head of the OPEC group of oil-producing countries.

Putin says Russia could broker a deal between Iran and Israel

LYON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a fatal home explosion in Lyon County.

Just before 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, Emporia emergency crews were dispatched to a report of a house explosion near E 6th Avenue and Weaver Street,&nbsp; according to Christine Torrens with the city of Emporia. 

Emporia Police and Fire Departments responded 1814 E 6th Avenue. The home had collapsed, and was fully engulfed with fire within minutes.

Around 8:30 pm, emergency workers found two bodies within the debris.

Preliminary investigation into the explosion appears to be accidental. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation by the Emporia Fire Department with assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Emporia Police Department. Kansas Gas Service and the Kansas Corporation Commission also responded to the scene for assistance.

Authorities have not released the names of the victims.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750293716487.png" alt="First responders near the scene Wednesday afternoon -photo courtesy KVOE" />
 <figcaption>First responders near the scene Wednesday afternoon -photo courtesy KVOE</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a fatal home explosion in Lyon County.Just before 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, Emporia emergency crews were dispatched to a report of a house explosion near E 6th Avenue and Weaver Street,&nbsp; according to Christine Torrens with the city of Emporia. Emporia Police and Fire Departments responded 1814 E 6th Avenue. The home had collapsed, and was fully engulfed with fire within minutes.Around 8:30 pm, emergency workers found two bodies within the debris.Preliminary investigation into the explosion appears to be accidental. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation by the Emporia Fire Department with assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Emporia Police Department. Kansas Gas Service and the Kansas Corporation Commission also responded to the scene for assistance.Authorities have not released the names of the victims.&nbsp;

2 dead after Kansas home explosion, fire

NEOSHO COUNTY —Two Kansas boys died in an accident Wednesday in Neosho County.

Just after 12:30p.m. the Neosho County 911 Center received a report from the Union Pacific Railroad that two individuals had been struck on the Railroad Bridge south of Erie near 115th Road, according to Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor.

 The Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and members of the St. Paul Fire Department and the Erie Fire Department, and Union Pacific Railroad immediately responded to the scene. 

First responders found 16-year-old Arthur  Pollries of Walnut, Kansas, deceased, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

&nbsp;A thorough search of the area with available personnel was quickly initiated. A local individual was requested to respond to the scene with a drone. Kansas Deparatment of Wildlife and Parks responded with personnel, a drone and boat. KHP sent numerous personnel, helicopter, and search dogs in an attempt to find the body of 12-year-old&nbsp; Kollin&nbsp;Showwalter, of Erie, according to the KHP.

After reviewing the Engine Camera footage and physical evidence, the two children were on the bridge and unable to outrun the train. Unfortunately after reviewing the footage and physical evidence at the scene, the search went from hopeful rescue effort to a recovery effort.

The Neosho River is currently rising, nearly bank full, with a very swift current, and full of debris. Due to extremely dangerous condition.

The recovery will resume in Thursday. The sheriff's department has specialized swift water teams coming to assist with the ongoing search, according to Sheriff Taylor.

NEOSHO COUNTY —Two Kansas boys died in an accident Wednesday in Neosho County.Just after 12:30p.m. the Neosho County 911 Center received a report from the Union Pacific Railroad that two individuals had been struck on the Railroad Bridge south of Erie near 115th Road, according to Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor. The Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and members of the St. Paul Fire Department and the Erie Fire Department, and Union Pacific Railroad immediately responded to the scene. First responders found 16-year-old Arthur Pollries of Walnut, Kansas, deceased, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;A thorough search of the area with available personnel was quickly initiated. A local individual was requested to respond to the scene with a drone. Kansas Deparatment of Wildlife and Parks responded with personnel, a drone and boat. KHP sent numerous personnel, helicopter, and search dogs in an attempt to find the body of 12-year-old&nbsp; Kollin&nbsp;Showwalter, of Erie, according to the KHP.After reviewing the Engine Camera footage and physical evidence, the two children were on the bridge and unable to outrun the train. Unfortunately after reviewing the footage and physical evidence at the scene, the search went from hopeful rescue effort to a recovery effort.The Neosho River is currently rising, nearly bank full, with a very swift current, and full of debris. Due to extremely dangerous condition.The recovery will resume in Thursday. The sheriff's department has specialized swift water teams coming to assist with the ongoing search, according to Sheriff Taylor..

Train struck and killed 2 Kansas boys on river bridge

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Senate unanimously passes resolution calling on streaming services to carry C-SPAN. <a href="https://t.co/TpM05yvPHs">pic.twitter.com/TpM05yvPHs</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1935424808814035031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Senate unanimously passes resolution calling on streaming services to carry C-SPAN. <a href="https://t.co/iQfi8ZuvOz">pic.twitter.com/iQfi8ZuvOz</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1935419849494126703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Senate passes resolution asking streaming services to carry C-SPAN

It was 160 years ago that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed — after the Civil War's end and two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

The resulting Juneteenth holiday — its name combining "June" and "nineteenth" — has only grown in one-and-a-half centuries. In 2021, President Joe Biden designated it a federal holiday — expanding its recognition beyond Black America.

This year will be the first Juneteenth under President Donald Trump's second administration, which has banned diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, or DEI, in the federal government. This has included removing Black American history content from federal websites. Trump officials have also discouraged some federal agencies from recognizing other racial heritage celebrations.

Still, many people anticipate getting Juneteenth off work. There are a plethora of street festivals, fairs, concerts and other events planned throughout the week leading into the holiday. But with the current political climate, some may wonder if their company will honor it.

"I don't think anyone should be intimidated or obligated into not celebrating the day," said Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. "I've not heard of anyone being denied. I think it would be absolutely reprehensible."

People who never gave the occasion more than a passing thought may be asking themselves, is there a "right" way to celebrate Juneteenth?

For beginners and those brushing up on history, here are some answers:

Is Juneteenth more of a solemn day of remembrance or a party?

It depends on what you want. Juneteenth festivities are rooted in cookouts and picnics. Originally celebrated as Black Americans' true Independence Day, outdoor events allowed for large, raucous reunions among formerly enslaved family, many of whom had been separated. The gatherings were especially revolutionary because they were free of restrictive measures, known as "Black Codes," enforced in Confederate states. Codes controlled whether liberated slaves could vote, buy property, gather for worship and other aspects of daily life.

Last year, the White House kicked things off early with a concert on the South Lawn for Juneteenth and Black Music Month. The atmosphere was primarily festive with Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black vice president, dancing on stage with gospel singer Kirk Franklin.

Plans for a Juneteenth event or proclamation this year had not been decided, according to the White House press office.

Others may choose to treat Juneteenth as a day of rest and remembrance. That can mean doing community service, attending an education panel or taking time off.

"The most important thing everyone should do is be able to quickly answer the question 'What is Juneteenth?'" Morial said.

What if you've never celebrated Juneteenth?

Dr. David Anderson, a Black pastor and CEO of Gracism Global, a consulting firm helping leaders navigate conversations bridging divides across race and culture, never did anything on Juneteenth in his youth. He didn't learn about it until his 30s.

"I think many folks haven't known about it — who are even my color as an African American male. Even if you heard about it and knew about it, you didn't celebrate it," Anderson said. "It was like just a part of history. It wasn't a celebration of history."

For many African Americans, the farther away from Texas that they grew up increased the likelihood they didn't have big Juneteenth celebrations regularly. In the South, the day can vary based on when word of Emancipation reached each state.

What kind of public Juneteenth events are taking place?

Search online and you will find gatherings nationwide varying in scope and tone. Some are more carnival-esque festivals with food trucks, arts and crafts and parades. Within those festivals, you'll likely find information on health care, finance and community resources. There also are concerts and fashion shows to highlight Black creativity. There will also be panels to educate about Juneteenth's history.

The National Park Service is again making entry into all sites free on the holiday, according to its website.

Are there special Juneteenth decorations or foods?

The red, black and green African Liberation Flag, also known as the Pan-African flag, has historically been displayed at both Black History Month and Juneteenth celebrations. Red represents bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors. Black symbolizes Black people. Green represents richness of the land in Africa.

More people, however, have leaned into the Juneteenth flag created in 1997 by activist Ben Haith, who founded the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation. Like the American flag, it is red, white and blue to indicate those freed are also Americans. The five-point white star in the middle is a tribute to Juneteenth's birthplace of Texas. It is encircled by another white starry line that represents the spreading of freedom.

Aside from barbecue, the color red has been a through line for Juneteenth food for generations. Red symbolizes the bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors. A Juneteenth menu might incorporate items like barbecued ribs or other red meat, watermelon and red velvet cake. Drinks like fruit punch and red Kool-Aid may make an appearance at the table.

In recent years, Juneteenth has become more commercialized with national chains selling Juneteenth party supplies, T-shirts and other merchandise. However, this year, Juneteenth items appear to be fewer or only online. Morial says he would be disappointed if companies decided selling Juneteenth items out in the open was too risky because of politics. At the same time, it might be a good opportunity for consumers.

"I would also encourage people to go online and look for an African American vendor," Morial said. "If you got to participate in that (commercialism), that's what I would do."

Does how you celebrate Juneteenth matter if you aren't Black?

Dr. Karida Brown, a sociology professor at Emory University whose research focuses on race, said there's no reason to feel awkward about wanting to recognize Juneteenth just because you have no personal ties or you're not Black. In fact, embrace it.

"I would reframe that and challenge my non-Black folks who want to lean into Juneteenth and celebrate," Brown said. "It absolutely is your history. It absolutely is a part of your experience. ... Isn't this all of our history? The good, the bad, the ugly, the story of emancipation and freedom for your Black brothers and sisters under the Constitution of the law."

What are other names used to refer to Juneteenth?

Over the decades, Juneteenth has also been called Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Black Fourth of July and second Independence Day among others.

"Because 1776, Fourth of July, where we're celebrating freedom and liberty and all of that, that did not include my descendants," Brown said. "Black people in America were still enslaved. So that that holiday always comes with a bittersweet tinge to it."

It's typical to wish people a "Happy Juneteenth" or "Happy Teenth," according to Alan Freeman, a comedian who has organized a June 19 comedy show at Club 68, which local media has described as the last Black bar and club on Galveston Island. The day after he will host a stand-up comedy and jazz show at his Houston restaurant and lounge, the Frisky Whisky.

"You know how at Christmas people will say 'Merry Christmas' to each other and not even know each other?" Freeman said. "You can get a 'Merry Christmas' from everybody. This is the same way."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749955980250.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By TERRY TANG Associated PressIt was 160 years ago that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed — after the Civil War's end and two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.The resulting Juneteenth holiday — its name combining "June" and "nineteenth" — has only grown in one-and-a-half centuries. In 2021, President Joe Biden designated it a federal holiday — expanding its recognition beyond Black America.This year will be the first Juneteenth under President Donald Trump's second administration, which has banned diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, or DEI, in the federal government. This has included removing Black American history content from federal websites. Trump officials have also discouraged some federal agencies from recognizing other racial heritage celebrations.Still, many people anticipate getting Juneteenth off work. There are a plethora of street festivals, fairs, concerts and other events planned throughout the week leading into the holiday. But with the current political climate, some may wonder if their company will honor it."I don't think anyone should be intimidated or obligated into not celebrating the day," said Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. "I've not heard of anyone being denied. I think it would be absolutely reprehensible."People who never gave the occasion more than a passing thought may be asking themselves, is there a "right" way to celebrate Juneteenth?For beginners and those brushing up on history, here are some answers:Is Juneteenth more of a solemn day of remembrance or a party?It depends on what you want. Juneteenth festivities are rooted in cookouts and picnics. Originally celebrated as Black Americans' true Independence Day, outdoor events allowed for large, raucous reunions among formerly enslaved family, many of whom had been separated. The gatherings were especially revolutionary because they were free of restrictive measures, known as "Black Codes," enforced in Confederate states. Codes controlled whether liberated slaves could vote, buy property, gather for worship and other aspects of daily life.Last year, the White House kicked things off early with a concert on the South Lawn for Juneteenth and Black Music Month. The atmosphere was primarily festive with Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black vice president, dancing on stage with gospel singer Kirk Franklin.Plans for a Juneteenth event or proclamation this year had not been decided, according to the White House press office.Others may choose to treat Juneteenth as a day of rest and remembrance. That can mean doing community service, attending an education panel or taking time off."The most important thing everyone should do is be able to quickly answer the question 'What is Juneteenth?'" Morial said.What if you've never celebrated Juneteenth?Dr. David Anderson, a Black pastor and CEO of Gracism Global, a consulting firm helping leaders navigate conversations bridging divides across race and culture, never did anything on Juneteenth in his youth. He didn't learn about it until his 30s."I think many folks haven't known about it — who are even my color as an African American male. Even if you heard about it and knew about it, you didn't celebrate it," Anderson said. "It was like just a part of history. It wasn't a celebration of history."For many African Americans, the farther away from Texas that they grew up increased the likelihood they didn't have big Juneteenth celebrations regularly. In the South, the day can vary based on when word of Emancipation reached each state.What kind of public Juneteenth events are taking place?Search online and you will find gatherings nationwide varying in scope and tone. Some are more carnival-esque festivals with food trucks, arts and crafts and parades. Within those festivals, you'll likely find information on health care, finance and community resources. There also are concerts and fashion shows to highlight Black creativity. There will also be panels to educate about Juneteenth's history.The National Park Service is again making entry into all sites free on the holiday, according to its website.Are there special Juneteenth decorations or foods?The red, black and green African Liberation Flag, also known as the Pan-African flag, has historically been displayed at both Black History Month and Juneteenth celebrations. Red represents bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors. Black symbolizes Black people. Green represents richness of the land in Africa.More people, however, have leaned into the Juneteenth flag created in 1997 by activist Ben Haith, who founded the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation. Like the American flag, it is red, white and blue to indicate those freed are also Americans. The five-point white star in the middle is a tribute to Juneteenth's birthplace of Texas. It is encircled by another white starry line that represents the spreading of freedom.Aside from barbecue, the color red has been a through line for Juneteenth food for generations. Red symbolizes the bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors. A Juneteenth menu might incorporate items like barbecued ribs or other red meat, watermelon and red velvet cake. Drinks like fruit punch and red Kool-Aid may make an appearance at the table.In recent years, Juneteenth has become more commercialized with national chains selling Juneteenth party supplies, T-shirts and other merchandise. However, this year, Juneteenth items appear to be fewer or only online. Morial says he would be disappointed if companies decided selling Juneteenth items out in the open was too risky because of politics. At the same time, it might be a good opportunity for consumers."I would also encourage people to go online and look for an African American vendor," Morial said. "If you got to participate in that (commercialism), that's what I would do."Does how you celebrate Juneteenth matter if you aren't Black?Dr. Karida Brown, a sociology professor at Emory University whose research focuses on race, said there's no reason to feel awkward about wanting to recognize Juneteenth just because you have no personal ties or you're not Black. In fact, embrace it."I would reframe that and challenge my non-Black folks who want to lean into Juneteenth and celebrate," Brown said. "It absolutely is your history. It absolutely is a part of your experience. ... Isn't this all of our history? The good, the bad, the ugly, the story of emancipation and freedom for your Black brothers and sisters under the Constitution of the law."What are other names used to refer to Juneteenth?Over the decades, Juneteenth has also been called Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Black Fourth of July and second Independence Day among others."Because 1776, Fourth of July, where we're celebrating freedom and liberty and all of that, that did not include my descendants," Brown said. "Black people in America were still enslaved. So that that holiday always comes with a bittersweet tinge to it."Is there a proper Juneteenth greeting?It's typical to wish people a "Happy Juneteenth" or "Happy Teenth," according to Alan Freeman, a comedian who has organized a June 19 comedy show at Club 68, which local media has described as the last Black bar and club on Galveston Island. The day after he will host a stand-up comedy and jazz show at his Houston restaurant and lounge, the Frisky Whisky."You know how at Christmas people will say 'Merry Christmas' to each other and not even know each other?" Freeman said. "You can get a 'Merry Christmas' from everybody. This is the same way."

A guide to the Juneteenth holiday and how to celebrate it

WASHINGTON– FreshRealm establishments in San Clemente, Calif., Montezuma, Ga., and Indianapolis, Ind., are recalling chicken fettuccine alfredo products that may be adulterated with an outbreak strain of&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes&nbsp;(Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Tuesday. Out of an abundance of caution, the company is voluntarily recalling all products produced prior to June 17, 2025, that are available in commerce under the following brand names.

The following ready-to-eat products were shipped to Kroger and Walmart retail locations nationwide&nbsp;

The products bear the USDA mark of inspection on the product label as well as establishment numbers “EST. P-50784,” “EST. P-47770,” or “EST. P-47718” printed on the side of the packaging.

FSIS and public health partners are investigating an outbreak of&nbsp;Lm&nbsp;that currently includes 17 ill people in 13 states. As of June 17, 2025, there have been three reported deaths and one fetal loss associated with this outbreak. The outbreak strain of&nbsp;Lm&nbsp;was isolated from ill people on dates ranging from August 2024 – May 2025. 

The same outbreak strain was isolated from a routine chicken fettuccine alfredo sample collected by FSIS in a FreshRealm establishment in March 2025. The lot of chicken fettuccine alfredo represented by this sample was held during sampling, destroyed, and never entered commerce. The subsequent investigations at the establishment that produced this product, and into the product ingredients, have not identified the source of contamination. 

FSIS also used purchase records from two ill people to trace purchased chicken fettuccine alfredo products to FreshRealm establishments. An additional two ill people verbally described chicken fettuccine alfredo products they purchased. FSIS identified products produced by FreshRealm that matched the descriptions during follow-up at the retail stores where they shopped. This investigation is ongoing. FSIS is sharing what is currently known regarding products associated with the outbreak as the agency continues to work with public health partners to identify whether a specific ingredient in the chicken fettucine alfredo may be the source of this strain of&nbsp;Lm.

Consumption of food contaminated with&nbsp;Lm&nbsp;can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, people outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. People in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls">www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls</a>.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their meat products, including fresh and frozen, and to only consume premade meals like chicken fettuccine alfredo that has been cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees F. The only way to confirm that premade meals are cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart">https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart</a>.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact FreshRealm’s customer service at 888-244-1562. Media can contact Mary Beth Lowell, Director of Internal Communications, FreshRealm, at 425-531-0122 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:marybeth.lowell@freshrealm.com">marybeth.lowell@freshrealm.com</a>.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:MPHotline@usda.gov">MPHotline@usda.gov</a>. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffoodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov%2FeCCF%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CMelissa.Cordell%40usda.gov%7C2ffd2d584176447889ea08dbb48bd749%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638302284933732023%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Jx%2BVgXbvTA0YVfEYBwKrSu9MQne%2BUQZ3bT04yRxlrAI%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750253967577.png" alt="Image USDA" />
 <figcaption>Image USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON– FreshRealm establishments in San Clemente, Calif., Montezuma, Ga., and Indianapolis, Ind., are recalling chicken fettuccine alfredo products that may be adulterated with an outbreak strain of&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes&nbsp;(Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Tuesday. Out of an abundance of caution, the company is voluntarily recalling all products produced prior to June 17, 2025, that are available in commerce under the following brand names.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750253948292.png" alt="Image USDA" />
 <figcaption>Image USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>The following ready-to-eat products were shipped to Kroger and Walmart retail locations nationwide&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>32.8-oz. tray packages containing “MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE Tender Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, White Meat Chicken and Shaved Parmesan Cheese” with best-by date 06/27/25 or prior.&nbsp;</li><li>12.3 oz. tray packages containing “MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE Tender Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, White Meat Chicken, Broccoli and Shaved Parmesan Cheese” with best-by date 06/26/25 or prior.&nbsp;</li><li>12.5 oz. tray packages containing “HOME CHEF Heat &amp; Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with pasta, grilled white meat chicken, and Parmesan cheese” with best-by date 06/19/25 or prior.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The products bear the USDA mark of inspection on the product label as well as establishment numbers “EST. P-50784,” “EST. P-47770,” or “EST. P-47718” printed on the side of the packaging.FSIS and public health partners are investigating an outbreak of&nbsp;Lm&nbsp;that currently includes 17 ill people in 13 states. As of June 17, 2025, there have been three reported deaths and one fetal loss associated with this outbreak. The outbreak strain of&nbsp;Lm&nbsp;was isolated from ill people on dates ranging from August 2024 – May 2025. The same outbreak strain was isolated from a routine chicken fettuccine alfredo sample collected by FSIS in a FreshRealm establishment in March 2025. The lot of chicken fettuccine alfredo represented by this sample was held during sampling, destroyed, and never entered commerce. The subsequent investigations at the establishment that produced this product, and into the product ingredients, have not identified the source of contamination. FSIS also used purchase records from two ill people to trace purchased chicken fettuccine alfredo products to FreshRealm establishments. An additional two ill people verbally described chicken fettuccine alfredo products they purchased. FSIS identified products produced by FreshRealm that matched the descriptions during follow-up at the retail stores where they shopped. This investigation is ongoing. FSIS is sharing what is currently known regarding products associated with the outbreak as the agency continues to work with public health partners to identify whether a specific ingredient in the chicken fettucine alfredo may be the source of this strain of&nbsp;Lm.Consumption of food contaminated with&nbsp;Lm&nbsp;can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, people outside these risk groups are affected.Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. People in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls">www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls</a>.FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their meat products, including fresh and frozen, and to only consume premade meals like chicken fettuccine alfredo that has been cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees F. The only way to confirm that premade meals are cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart">https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart</a>.Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact FreshRealm’s customer service at 888-244-1562. Media can contact Mary Beth Lowell, Director of Internal Communications, FreshRealm, at 425-531-0122 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:marybeth.lowell@freshrealm.com">marybeth.lowell@freshrealm.com</a>.Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:MPHotline@usda.gov">MPHotline@usda.gov</a>. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffoodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov%2FeCCF%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CMelissa.Cordell%40usda.gov%7C2ffd2d584176447889ea08dbb48bd749%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638302284933732023%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Jx%2BVgXbvTA0YVfEYBwKrSu9MQne%2BUQZ3bT04yRxlrAI%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/</a>.

Meals sold at Walmart and Kroger recalled amid deadly listeria outbreak

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.

A Dodge Challenger was westbound on Winner Road just east of Ewing, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. The car traveled off the road to the right up onto the sidewalk and struck a pedestrian who walking westbound on the sidewalk. 

After impact, the car continued westbound on the sidewalk, struck a metal light pole, traveled through a fence and down the grassy embankment located on the north side of Winner Road.

The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Dodge was uninjured in the collision. The investigation is to include suspected impairment of the driver, according to DiMartino.

This is fatality #34 compared to #48 at this time in 2024. 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.A Dodge Challenger was westbound on Winner Road just east of Ewing, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. The car traveled off the road to the right up onto the sidewalk and struck a pedestrian who walking westbound on the sidewalk. After impact, the car continued westbound on the sidewalk, struck a metal light pole, traveled through a fence and down the grassy embankment located on the north side of Winner Road.The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Dodge was uninjured in the collision. The investigation is to include suspected impairment of the driver, according to DiMartino.This is fatality #34 compared to #48 at this time in 2024.

KCPD: Alcohol a possible factor in crash that killed pedestrian

KANSAS CITY—A man is facing multiple charges&nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting that also left two others injured in Independence, Missouri.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2654/CordatoRobert---Complaint-Packet">Robert L. Cordato</a>, 42,&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Murder, two counts of 1st Degree Assault, 1st Degree Burglary, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and four counts of Armed Criminal Action, according to the Jackson County Prosectutor's office.

On June 12, police were dispatched to a shooting at a residence in Independence and located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. An additional victim was found deceased in the kitchen.&nbsp;

Detectives determined based on witness reports that Cordato entered the residence and shot the victim in the kitchen and then shot the other two victims in a room where additional juveniles were also present.&nbsp;

When police arrested Cordato the following day, he was in possession of methamphetamine. He has also been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.&nbsp;

Cordato is in custody and bond has been set at $750,000 cash only.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750193270826.png" alt="Cordato photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Cordato photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A man is facing multiple charges&nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting that also left two others injured in Independence, Missouri.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2654/CordatoRobert---Complaint-Packet">Robert L. Cordato</a>, 42,&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Murder, two counts of 1st Degree Assault, 1st Degree Burglary, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and four counts of Armed Criminal Action, according to the Jackson County Prosectutor's office.On June 12, police were dispatched to a shooting at a residence in Independence and located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. An additional victim was found deceased in the kitchen.&nbsp;Detectives determined based on witness reports that Cordato entered the residence and shot the victim in the kitchen and then shot the other two victims in a room where additional juveniles were also present.&nbsp;When police arrested Cordato the following day, he was in possession of methamphetamine. He has also been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.&nbsp;Cordato is in custody and bond has been set at $750,000 cash only.&nbsp;

Man shot 3 victims in front of children in KC area home 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a body in an advanced state of decomposition was discovered Wednesday afternoon in Sedgwick County Park.

At approximately 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, a park employee called 911 to report a possible deceased person in a thick grass-covered area in the northwest section of the park near 21st Street North and Ridge Road, according Deputy Branden Stitt.

Sedgwick County Sheriff’s deputies, along with the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS, responded and found a body near a single campsite outside a tent. Due to the condition of the remains, detectives have not been able to immediately determine the decedent’s age or gender. The advanced decomposition has also prevented them from identifying any visible signs of injury.

Deputies found personal belongings near the body. The Sheriff’s Office is working with the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office to positively identify the remains. Detectives are also reviewing a missing person case reported in the area, though it is too early to confirm any connection.

The Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death, as well as estimate when the death occurred.

Anyone who has recently visited Sedgwick County Park and believes they may have information that could assist detectives is encouraged to contact the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 316-660-5300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750295151133.png" alt="Google Map" />
 <figcaption>Google Map</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a body in an advanced state of decomposition was discovered Wednesday afternoon in Sedgwick County Park.At approximately 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, a park employee called 911 to report a possible deceased person in a thick grass-covered area in the northwest section of the park near 21st Street North and Ridge Road, according Deputy Branden Stitt.Sedgwick County Sheriff’s deputies, along with the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS, responded and found a body near a single campsite outside a tent. Due to the condition of the remains, detectives have not been able to immediately determine the decedent’s age or gender. The advanced decomposition has also prevented them from identifying any visible signs of injury.Deputies found personal belongings near the body. The Sheriff’s Office is working with the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office to positively identify the remains. Detectives are also reviewing a missing person case reported in the area, though it is too early to confirm any connection.The Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death, as well as estimate when the death occurred.Anyone who has recently visited Sedgwick County Park and believes they may have information that could assist detectives is encouraged to contact the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 316-660-5300.

Sheriff: Body found near campsite in Kansas park

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A man was arrested in Hays after a Houston-based civilian group conducted a sting operation.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said 45-year-old Lucan Wayne Paramore of Plainville, Kansas, was arrested for electronic solicitation after allegedly attempting to meet someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl for sex.

Scheibler said the case came to the department’s attention on June 16 after a group called Predator Poachers lured Paramore to Big Creek Crossing at 2918 Vine St.

Scheibler said no actual minor was ever at risk, as the group that provided information to responding officers had been posing as a child online.

Alex Rosen is with Predator Poachers and posted a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/iFightForKids/status/1934737035425882446">video on social media</a>&nbsp;showing Hays officers arresting Paramore.

According to the video caption, Paramore allegedly carved the nonexistent minor’s name into his arm as a display of affection.

Paramore was booked into the Ellis County Jail, where he remains in custody. Scheibler said all parties are innocent until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750252426070.png" alt="Paramore photo Ellis Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Paramore photo Ellis Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA man was arrested in Hays after a Houston-based civilian group conducted a sting operation.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Lucan Paramount of Plainville, Kansas traveled to the mall in Hays to meet a 13 year old girl for sex. He carved the decoys name on his arm to profess his love to her. <a href="https://t.co/VpK4TVwIMk">pic.twitter.com/VpK4TVwIMk</a>&mdash; Alex Rosen (@iFightForKids) <a href="https://twitter.com/iFightForKids/status/1934737035425882446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said 45-year-old Lucan Wayne Paramore of Plainville, Kansas, was arrested for electronic solicitation after allegedly attempting to meet someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl for sex.Scheibler said the case came to the department’s attention on June 16 after a group called Predator Poachers lured Paramore to Big Creek Crossing at 2918 Vine St.Scheibler said no actual minor was ever at risk, as the group that provided information to responding officers had been posing as a child online.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750255967655.png" alt="Image of Paramore's arrest from the online video" />
 <figcaption>Image of Paramore's arrest from the online video</figcaption>
 </figure>Alex Rosen is with Predator Poachers and posted a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/iFightForKids/status/1934737035425882446">video on social media</a>&nbsp;showing Hays officers arresting Paramore.According to the video caption, Paramore allegedly carved the nonexistent minor’s name into his arm as a display of affection.Paramore was booked into the Ellis County Jail, where he remains in custody. Scheibler said all parties are innocent until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.

🎥Police: NW Kan. man attempted to meet minor for sex

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750268276007.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;The White House opened about 1800... and I&#39;ve always said, &#39;Why doesn&#39;t it have a flagpole from the grass?&#39; ... This is about the largest you&#39;ll ever see... We&#39;re about to lift it, and we also have one going on the front, or the north.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/2c8jsLuCGS">pic.twitter.com/2c8jsLuCGS</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1935336846604558790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump on new flag poles at the White House: &quot;These are the best poles anywhere in the country, or the world actually.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JkWuo40zyN">pic.twitter.com/JkWuo40zyN</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1935338113389195481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750257361875.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A new flag pole is raised on the South Lawn of the White House. <a href="https://t.co/TKQpSQJ2Ko">pic.twitter.com/TKQpSQJ2Ko</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1935348717936071006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Happening Now—President Trump stops by to say hello and thank the workers who are installing the Beautiful American Flagpole on the South Lawn of the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a>… <a href="https://t.co/QXtcdp35bu">pic.twitter.com/QXtcdp35bu</a>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1935349139291914441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump speaking to the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a> press pool on the South Lawn as the flagpole is installed… <a href="https://t.co/F9eGy0ViEx">pic.twitter.com/F9eGy0ViEx</a>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1935350108813410774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750268324911.png" alt="Photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/ravicGkEh3">https://t.co/ravicGkEh3</a> <a href="https://t.co/ULvnETTWi8">pic.twitter.com/ULvnETTWi8</a>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1935395446710747603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">View from the roof of the White House of the new flag being raised! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/9AgpbWTWg4">pic.twitter.com/9AgpbWTWg4</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1935410080179945685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/i5yGc8GbSA">pic.twitter.com/i5yGc8GbSA</a>&mdash; House Republicans (@HouseGOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP/status/1935422118155665799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump shows off  new ‘magnificent’ flagpoles at the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. State Department said Wednesday it is restarting the suspended process for foreigners applying for student visas but all applicants will now be required to unlock their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-visa-applicants-social-media-d871408efca521e2dee038da2f22f8c7">social media accounts for government review</a>.

The department said consular officers will be on the lookout for posts and messages that could be deemed hostile to the United States, its government, culture, institutions or founding principles.

In a notice made public Wednesday, the department said it had rescinded its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-china-student-visa-republicans-056bb72cd0f06f6ea0148c3bbcac9be6">May suspension of student visa processing</a>&nbsp;but said new applicants who refuse to set their social media accounts to “public” and allow them to be reviewed may be rejected. It said a refusal to do so could be a sign they are trying to evade the requirement or hide their online activity.

The Trump administration last month temporarily halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-students-visas-terminated-trump-sevis-9f85c3c58a4b74c354df0d7d993cf34c">foreign students</a>&nbsp;hoping to study in the U.S. while preparing to expand the screening of their activity on social media, officials said.

Students around the world have been waiting anxiously for U.S. consulates to reopen appointments for visa interviews, as the window left to book their travel and make housing arrangements narrows ahead of the start of the school year.

Students from China, India, Mexico and the Philippines have posted on social media sites that they have been refreshing visa booking websites and closely watching press briefings of the State Department to get any indication of when appointment bookings might resume.

“Under new guidance, consular officers will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting of all student and exchange visitor applicants,” the department said in a statement.

“To facilitate this vetting” applicants “will be asked to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to ‘public,’” it said. “The enhanced social media vetting will ensure we are properly screening every single person attempting to visit our country.”

In internal guidance sent to consular officers, the department said they should be looking for “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746019461996.png" alt="Student Visa image courtesy SUNY Schenectady" />
 <figcaption>Student Visa image courtesy SUNY Schenectady</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. State Department said Wednesday it is restarting the suspended process for foreigners applying for student visas but all applicants will now be required to unlock their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-visa-applicants-social-media-d871408efca521e2dee038da2f22f8c7">social media accounts for government review</a>.The department said consular officers will be on the lookout for posts and messages that could be deemed hostile to the United States, its government, culture, institutions or founding principles.In a notice made public Wednesday, the department said it had rescinded its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-china-student-visa-republicans-056bb72cd0f06f6ea0148c3bbcac9be6">May suspension of student visa processing</a>&nbsp;but said new applicants who refuse to set their social media accounts to “public” and allow them to be reviewed may be rejected. It said a refusal to do so could be a sign they are trying to evade the requirement or hide their online activity.The Trump administration last month temporarily halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-students-visas-terminated-trump-sevis-9f85c3c58a4b74c354df0d7d993cf34c">foreign students</a>&nbsp;hoping to study in the U.S. while preparing to expand the screening of their activity on social media, officials said.Students around the world have been waiting anxiously for U.S. consulates to reopen appointments for visa interviews, as the window left to book their travel and make housing arrangements narrows ahead of the start of the school year.Students from China, India, Mexico and the Philippines have posted on social media sites that they have been refreshing visa booking websites and closely watching press briefings of the State Department to get any indication of when appointment bookings might resume.“Under new guidance, consular officers will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting of all student and exchange visitor applicants,” the department said in a statement.“To facilitate this vetting” applicants “will be asked to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to ‘public,’” it said. “The enhanced social media vetting will ensure we are properly screening every single person attempting to visit our country.”In internal guidance sent to consular officers, the department said they should be looking for “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States.”

US resumes visas for foreign students but demands access to social media 

TOPEKA —The Kansas Department of Health this week reported new cases of measles over the past week in the state for a total of 79 cases in 11 counties.

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. logged fewer than 30&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-vaccine-mmr-covid-exemptions-87cbfe44d8599b68408861f9b62421ed">measles cases</a>&nbsp;last week as Ohio health officials confirmed three outbreaks in two counties were over.

There have been 1,197 confirmed measles cases this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Health officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas, where the nation's biggest outbreak</a>&nbsp;raged during the late winter and spring, confirmed two cases in the last week.

There are three other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mexico-canada-ontario-0956a30c043b030ae79bc9f67c6ce89c">major outbreaks</a>&nbsp;in North America. The longest, in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/M/24/measles-ontario-epi-summary.pdf?rev=3d8451977cd34084a8b494a6a11b4f1a&amp;sc_lang=en&amp;hash=48D1A6D0D037B39BD421AAF060204EE0">2,083 cases</a>&nbsp;from mid-October through June 10. The province logged its first death June 5 in a baby who got congenital measles but also had other preexisting conditions.

Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has sickened&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alberta.ca/measles">868 as of Thursday</a>. And the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-measles-vaccines-misinformation-mmr-mennonites-misinformation-ea6158b9a4d513b20f33cbc09034e5c2">Mexican state of Chihuahua</a>&nbsp;had 2,179 measles cases and four deaths as of Friday, according to data from the state health ministry.

Other U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">states with active outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— which the CDC defines as three or more related cases — include Kansas Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota and Oklahoma.

In the U.S.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">two elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">epicenter in West Texas</a>&nbsp;and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">adult in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;have died of measles this year. All were unvaccinated.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-vaccines-autism-measles-obesity-food-dye-f26089856550e978d28fd25b653d8103">preventable through vaccines</a>, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.

How many measles cases are there in Texas?

There are a total of 744 cases across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">35 counties, most of them in West Texas</a>, state health officials said Tuesday.

Throughout the outbreak, 96 people have been hospitalized.

<a href="https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-2025">State health officials estimated</a>&nbsp;less than 1% of cases — fewer than 10 — are actively infectious. Fifty-five percent of Texas’ cases are in Gaines County, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has had 411 cases since late January — just under 2% of the county’s residents.

The April 3 death in Texas was an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">8-year-old child,</a>&nbsp;according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-measles-outbreak-rfk-jr-ben-edwards-2dd7c79d47c64ad2e6d4a4ac3c87ec1f">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;Local health officials said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of “what the child’s doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.” A unvaccinated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">child with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February; Kennedy said the child was 6.

How many measles cases are there in New Mexico?

New Mexico held steady Friday with a total of 81 cases.

Seven people have been hospitalized since the outbreak started. Most of the state’s cases are in Lea County. Sandoval County near Albuquerque has six cases, Eddy County has three, Doña Ana County has two. Chaves, Curry and San Juan counties have one each.

An unvaccinated adult died of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related illness March 6</a>. The person did not seek medical care.

Oklahoma stayed steady Friday with a total of 16 confirmed and three probable cases.

The state health department is not releasing which counties have cases.

Arizona has four cases in Navajo County. They are linked to a single source, the county health department said June 9. All four were unvaccinated and had a history of recent international travel.

Colorado has seen a total of 15 measles cases in 2025, which includes one outbreak of eight related cases.

The outbreak is linked to a Turkish Airlines flight that landed at Denver International Airport in mid-May, and includes four cases in Arapahoe County, three in El Paso County and one in Denver, plus a person who doesn't live in Colorado.

Health officials confirmed an unrelated case Friday in a Boulder County resident. The person was fully vaccinated but had "recently traveled to Europe, where there are a large number of measles cases,” the state health department said. Officials are monitoring exposures sites in Boulder and Denver.

Other counties that have seen measles this year include Archuleta and Pueblo.

Illinois health officials confirmed a four-case outbreak on May 5 in the far southern part of the state. It grew to eight cases as of June 6, but no new cases were reported in the following week, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The state's other two cases so far this year were in Cook County, and are unrelated to the southern Illinois outbreak.

Montana had 20 measles cases as of Tuesday. Twelve were in Gallatin County, which is where the first cases showed up — Montana’s first in 35 years.

Flathead and Yellowstone counties had two cases each, and Hill County had four cases.

There are outbreaks in neighboring North Dakota and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

How many cases are there in North Dakota?

North Dakota, which hadn't seen measles since 2011, was up to 34 cases as of June 6, but has held steady since. Two of the people have been hospitalized, and all of the people with confirmed cases were not vaccinated.

There were 16 cases in Williams County in western North Dakota on the Montana border. On the eastern side of the state, there were 10 cases in Grand Forks County and seven cases in Cass County. Burke County, in northwest North Dakota on the border of Saskatchewan, Canada, had one case.

Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?

Measles cases also have been reported this year in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

Earlier outbreaks in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania were declared over by health officials after six weeks of no new cases. Tennessee’s outbreak also appears to be over.

Cases and outbreaks in the U.S. are frequently traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. The CDC said in May that more than twice as many measles have come from outside of the U.S. compared to May of last year, and most of those are in unvaccinated Americans returning home. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles.

What do you need to know about the MMR vaccine?

The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.

Getting another MMR shot as an adult is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says. People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said.

People who have documentation that they had measles are immune, and those born before 1957 generally don’t need the shots because so many children got measles back then that they have “presumptive immunity."

Measles has a harder time spreading through communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — due to “herd immunity.” But childhood vaccination rates have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">declined nationwide</a>&nbsp;since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743085628490.png" alt="Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The Kansas Department of Health this week reported new cases of measles over the past week in the state for a total of 79 cases in 11 counties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750280026458.png" alt="KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Associated Press, the U.S. logged fewer than 30&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-vaccine-mmr-covid-exemptions-87cbfe44d8599b68408861f9b62421ed">measles cases</a>&nbsp;last week as Ohio health officials confirmed three outbreaks in two counties were over.There have been 1,197 confirmed measles cases this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Health officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas, where the nation's biggest outbreak</a>&nbsp;raged during the late winter and spring, confirmed two cases in the last week.There are three other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mexico-canada-ontario-0956a30c043b030ae79bc9f67c6ce89c">major outbreaks</a>&nbsp;in North America. The longest, in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/M/24/measles-ontario-epi-summary.pdf?rev=3d8451977cd34084a8b494a6a11b4f1a&amp;sc_lang=en&amp;hash=48D1A6D0D037B39BD421AAF060204EE0">2,083 cases</a>&nbsp;from mid-October through June 10. The province logged its first death June 5 in a baby who got congenital measles but also had other preexisting conditions.Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has sickened&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alberta.ca/measles">868 as of Thursday</a>. And the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-measles-vaccines-misinformation-mmr-mennonites-misinformation-ea6158b9a4d513b20f33cbc09034e5c2">Mexican state of Chihuahua</a>&nbsp;had 2,179 measles cases and four deaths as of Friday, according to data from the state health ministry.Other U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">states with active outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— which the CDC defines as three or more related cases — include Kansas Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota and Oklahoma.In the U.S.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">two elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">epicenter in West Texas</a>&nbsp;and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">adult in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;have died of measles this year. All were unvaccinated.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-vaccines-autism-measles-obesity-food-dye-f26089856550e978d28fd25b653d8103">preventable through vaccines</a>, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.<h2>How many measles cases are there in Texas?</h2>There are a total of 744 cases across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">35 counties, most of them in West Texas</a>, state health officials said Tuesday.Throughout the outbreak, 96 people have been hospitalized.<a href="https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-2025">State health officials estimated</a>&nbsp;less than 1% of cases — fewer than 10 — are actively infectious. Fifty-five percent of Texas’ cases are in Gaines County, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has had 411 cases since late January — just under 2% of the county’s residents.The April 3 death in Texas was an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">8-year-old child,</a>&nbsp;according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-measles-outbreak-rfk-jr-ben-edwards-2dd7c79d47c64ad2e6d4a4ac3c87ec1f">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;Local health officials said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of “what the child’s doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.” A unvaccinated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">child with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February; Kennedy said the child was 6.<h2>How many measles cases are there in New Mexico?</h2>New Mexico held steady Friday with a total of 81 cases.Seven people have been hospitalized since the outbreak started. Most of the state’s cases are in Lea County. Sandoval County near Albuquerque has six cases, Eddy County has three, Doña Ana County has two. Chaves, Curry and San Juan counties have one each.An unvaccinated adult died of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related illness March 6</a>. The person did not seek medical care.<h2>How many cases are there in Oklahoma?</h2>Oklahoma stayed steady Friday with a total of 16 confirmed and three probable cases.The state health department is not releasing which counties have cases.<h2>How many cases are there in Arizona?</h2>Arizona has four cases in Navajo County. They are linked to a single source, the county health department said June 9. All four were unvaccinated and had a history of recent international travel.<h2>How many cases are there in Colorado?</h2>Colorado has seen a total of 15 measles cases in 2025, which includes one outbreak of eight related cases.The outbreak is linked to a Turkish Airlines flight that landed at Denver International Airport in mid-May, and includes four cases in Arapahoe County, three in El Paso County and one in Denver, plus a person who doesn't live in Colorado.Health officials confirmed an unrelated case Friday in a Boulder County resident. The person was fully vaccinated but had "recently traveled to Europe, where there are a large number of measles cases,” the state health department said. Officials are monitoring exposures sites in Boulder and Denver.Other counties that have seen measles this year include Archuleta and Pueblo.<h2>How many cases are there in Illinois?</h2>Illinois health officials confirmed a four-case outbreak on May 5 in the far southern part of the state. It grew to eight cases as of June 6, but no new cases were reported in the following week, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.The state's other two cases so far this year were in Cook County, and are unrelated to the southern Illinois outbreak.<h2>How many cases are there in Montana?</h2>Montana had 20 measles cases as of Tuesday. Twelve were in Gallatin County, which is where the first cases showed up — Montana’s first in 35 years.Flathead and Yellowstone counties had two cases each, and Hill County had four cases.There are outbreaks in neighboring North Dakota and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.<h2>How many cases are there in North Dakota?</h2>North Dakota, which hadn't seen measles since 2011, was up to 34 cases as of June 6, but has held steady since. Two of the people have been hospitalized, and all of the people with confirmed cases were not vaccinated.There were 16 cases in Williams County in western North Dakota on the Montana border. On the eastern side of the state, there were 10 cases in Grand Forks County and seven cases in Cass County. Burke County, in northwest North Dakota on the border of Saskatchewan, Canada, had one case.<h2>Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?</h2>Measles cases also have been reported this year in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.Earlier outbreaks in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania were declared over by health officials after six weeks of no new cases. Tennessee’s outbreak also appears to be over.Cases and outbreaks in the U.S. are frequently traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. The CDC said in May that more than twice as many measles have come from outside of the U.S. compared to May of last year, and most of those are in unvaccinated Americans returning home. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles.<h2>What do you need to know about the MMR vaccine?</h2>The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.Getting another MMR shot as an adult is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says. People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said.People who have documentation that they had measles are immune, and those born before 1957 generally don’t need the shots because so many children got measles back then that they have “presumptive immunity."Measles has a harder time spreading through communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — due to “herd immunity.” But childhood vaccination rates have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">declined nationwide</a>&nbsp;since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.<h2>What are the symptoms of measles?</h2>Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.<h2>How can you treat measles?</h2>There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.