Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins said Trump staffers called him after The Independent published his negative comments about the idea. He says other Republican leaders are also on the call list

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Trump White House is ratcheting up pressure on Missouri Republicans reluctant to pursue a new map that could give the GOP seven of the state’s eight seats in Congress.

Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins of Bowling Green said he received a call Friday afternoon from the White House after staff read his comments&nbsp;published Thursday in The Independent.

“We do redistricting every 10 years,” Perkins said Thursday. “We’ve already done that. To do it again would be out of character with the way Missouri operates.”

During the call Friday, he said, after verifying he was quoted accurately, he was told it was important to President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

“They said ‘well, we’re really going to try to do that’ and that might change the dynamic of it,” Perkins said.

The presumed target for the change is Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City, who has held the 5th District seat since 2005 and was re-elected in November with 60% of the vote.

Cleaver’s office did not respond to an email seeking comment on the White House effort to defeat him by altering his district.

Missouri’s other Democrat, U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell of St. Louis, represents the 1st District.

To achieve a delegation with seven Republicans, Kansas City would need to be sliced into multiple districts instead of being encompassed by one. Neighborhoods heavy with Democratic votes would be added adjoining districts — the 5th shares a border with the 6th District, held by Republican U.S. Rep. Sam Graves of Tarkio, and the 4th District, held by Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Alford of Raymore — or combined with enough Republican votes to make the 5th District a safe GOP seat.

The White House political staff who made the call, Perkins said, told him they would be calling every GOP member of the Missouri House delegation as well as Gov. Mike Kehoe to push the project forward.

Kehoe’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

The reason the White House staff gave for the pressure is that Democrats are looking at redistricting California and Illinois to their advantage, Perkins said.

“That might be true, but I don’t like gerrymandering lines,” Perkins said. “I like things to be clear, concise and compact.”

The internal question for Republicans in the 2022 redistricting debate was whether they could reach for a 7-1 map without putting seats at risk by diluting their voting strength. That intraparty fight mixed with personality clashes in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/12/tempers-fray-as-missouri-senate-republicans-fight-over-congressional-map/">dysfunctional state Senate</a>&nbsp;that put passing any redistricting plan into question up until the final votes.

“To me, the arguments that were good arguments against it two years ago probably are still the same good arguments,” Perkins said Friday. “ But if someone comes up with a plan, we’ll take a look at it.”

The Missouri Freedom Caucus, the faction that clashed repeatedly with Senate GOP leadership, on Friday called for Kehoe to “immediately” call a special session for redistricting and changes to the initiative petition process.

“It’s time this super-majority Republican Party in Missouri grows a spine and actually delivers the Congressional map that reflects the strong conservative values of this great state,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NickBSchroer/status/1948822781061173626" target="_blank">caucus posted on social media</a>.

Other Republican lawmakers on Thursday told The Independent they weren’t excited about another round of redistricting, including Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina and state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit.

O’Laughlin did not respond to messages asking if she, too, had heard from the White House. Cierpiot said he had not.

If Republicans want to move forward, Kehoe could call a special session that would complete maps before the new election year begins. Otherwise, the work would take place in the regular session that begins in January and ends in May.

Democrats could filibuster any bill changing the districts and the only way to get it to a vote in the state Senate would be to use the rule to shut down debate, known as the previous question. It was used twice at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">end of this year’s session</a>, and Democrats have already vowed that Republicans will pay a price for that breach of bipartisanship.

Using it in a special session to gain a political edge for the GOP would make retribution worse, Perkins said.

“Then how does that break down how everything will run come January, because it will have consequences,” Perkins said.

The biggest impetus to move on redistricting, he said, would be a desire to please the president.

“If you’re a Republican state senator, a Republican state representative,” Perkins said, “you don’t want to be on the wrong side of this president.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753559628377.png" alt="Missouri Congressional districts (Missouri Secretary of State’s Office.)" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Congressional districts (Missouri Secretary of State’s Office.)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins said Trump staffers called him after The Independent published his negative comments about the idea. He says other Republican leaders are also on the call list</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Trump White House is ratcheting up pressure on Missouri Republicans reluctant to pursue a new map that could give the GOP seven of the state’s eight seats in Congress.Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins of Bowling Green said he received a call Friday afternoon from the White House after staff read his comments&nbsp;published Thursday in The Independent.“We do redistricting every 10 years,” Perkins said Thursday. “We’ve already done that. To do it again would be out of character with the way Missouri operates.”During the call Friday, he said, after verifying he was quoted accurately, he was told it was important to President Donald Trump.&nbsp;“They said ‘well, we’re really going to try to do that’ and that might change the dynamic of it,” Perkins said.The presumed target for the change is Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City, who has held the 5th District seat since 2005 and was re-elected in November with 60% of the vote.Cleaver’s office did not respond to an email seeking comment on the White House effort to defeat him by altering his district.Missouri’s other Democrat, U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell of St. Louis, represents the 1st District.To achieve a delegation with seven Republicans, Kansas City would need to be sliced into multiple districts instead of being encompassed by one. Neighborhoods heavy with Democratic votes would be added adjoining districts — the 5th shares a border with the 6th District, held by Republican U.S. Rep. Sam Graves of Tarkio, and the 4th District, held by Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Alford of Raymore — or combined with enough Republican votes to make the 5th District a safe GOP seat.The White House political staff who made the call, Perkins said, told him they would be calling every GOP member of the Missouri House delegation as well as Gov. Mike Kehoe to push the project forward.Kehoe’s office did not respond to a request for comment.The reason the White House staff gave for the pressure is that Democrats are looking at redistricting California and Illinois to their advantage, Perkins said.“That might be true, but I don’t like gerrymandering lines,” Perkins said. “I like things to be clear, concise and compact.”The internal question for Republicans in the 2022 redistricting debate was whether they could reach for a 7-1 map without putting seats at risk by diluting their voting strength. That intraparty fight mixed with personality clashes in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/12/tempers-fray-as-missouri-senate-republicans-fight-over-congressional-map/">dysfunctional state Senate</a>&nbsp;that put passing any redistricting plan into question up until the final votes.“To me, the arguments that were good arguments against it two years ago probably are still the same good arguments,” Perkins said Friday. “ But if someone comes up with a plan, we’ll take a look at it.”The Missouri Freedom Caucus, the faction that clashed repeatedly with Senate GOP leadership, on Friday called for Kehoe to “immediately” call a special session for redistricting and changes to the initiative petition process.“It’s time this super-majority Republican Party in Missouri grows a spine and actually delivers the Congressional map that reflects the strong conservative values of this great state,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NickBSchroer/status/1948822781061173626" target="_blank">caucus posted on social media</a>.Other Republican lawmakers on Thursday told The Independent they weren’t excited about another round of redistricting, including Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina and state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit.O’Laughlin did not respond to messages asking if she, too, had heard from the White House. Cierpiot said he had not.If Republicans want to move forward, Kehoe could call a special session that would complete maps before the new election year begins. Otherwise, the work would take place in the regular session that begins in January and ends in May.Democrats could filibuster any bill changing the districts and the only way to get it to a vote in the state Senate would be to use the rule to shut down debate, known as the previous question. It was used twice at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">end of this year’s session</a>, and Democrats have already vowed that Republicans will pay a price for that breach of bipartisanship.Using it in a special session to gain a political edge for the GOP would make retribution worse, Perkins said.“Then how does that break down how everything will run come January, because it will have consequences,” Perkins said.The biggest impetus to move on redistricting, he said, would be a desire to please the president.“If you’re a Republican state senator, a Republican state representative,” Perkins said, “you don’t want to be on the wrong side of this president.”

Trump White House pressing Missouri Republicans to redraw congressional map 

It has been another busy week for Kansas Task Force 1 as they continue work following the deadly flooding earlier this month in Texas.

Office of the Kansas Fire Marshal released the latest details on their work.

On July 20, Kansas Task Force 1 spent the day closing out targeted searches. KS-TF1 was reassigned to work with Tennessee-TF2 and Alabama-TF2 in a new search area.

On July 21, KS-TF1 reported to their new Forward Operating Base and were assigned to work with Alabama-TF1 and Illinois-TF1, along with K9s from numerous states.

There were three operational boats, while the rescue teams spent most of the time on land. Areas were searched by Human Remains Detection K9s, and some targeted searches were identified that required divers to explore. 

On July 22, AL-TF1 was assigned to work with KS-TF1 in an area between two dams, one being approximately 30 feet tall, and the other was a drive bridge across the river. Road distance of the search area was seven miles, but river distance was closer to 10 miles. 

KS-TF1 operated in the water and on land and identified one targeted search area requiring K9 follow-up. Multiple trips were made from one end of the search area to the other end and back.

On July 23, KS-TF1 worked directly with the TX-TF1 Statewide Water Program Manager on a targeted search. A K9 from Missouri-TF1, the Search Team Manager from Ohio-TF1, a Skid steer team from TN-TF2, and some contracted heavy equipment operators all worked in unison with each other.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753451702619.png" alt="Photos Kansas Fire Marshal's office" />
 <figcaption>Photos Kansas Fire Marshal's office</figcaption>
 </figure>It has been another busy week for Kansas Task Force 1 as they continue work following the deadly flooding earlier this month in Texas.Office of the Kansas Fire Marshal released the latest details on their work.On July 20, Kansas Task Force 1 spent the day closing out targeted searches. KS-TF1 was reassigned to work with Tennessee-TF2 and Alabama-TF2 in a new search area.On July 21, KS-TF1 reported to their new Forward Operating Base and were assigned to work with Alabama-TF1 and Illinois-TF1, along with K9s from numerous states.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753451716302.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There were three operational boats, while the rescue teams spent most of the time on land. Areas were searched by Human Remains Detection K9s, and some targeted searches were identified that required divers to explore. On July 22, AL-TF1 was assigned to work with KS-TF1 in an area between two dams, one being approximately 30 feet tall, and the other was a drive bridge across the river. Road distance of the search area was seven miles, but river distance was closer to 10 miles. KS-TF1 operated in the water and on land and identified one targeted search area requiring K9 follow-up. Multiple trips were made from one end of the search area to the other end and back.On July 23, KS-TF1 worked directly with the TX-TF1 Statewide Water Program Manager on a targeted search. A K9 from Missouri-TF1, the Search Team Manager from Ohio-TF1, a Skid steer team from TN-TF2, and some contracted heavy equipment operators all worked in unison with each other.&nbsp;

Busy week for Kansas swift-water rescue teams in Texas

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration said Friday it’ll soon release billions in Education Department funding that has been frozen for weeks, delaying disbursements to K-12 schools throughout the country.

The funding — which goes toward migrant education, English-language learning and other programs — was supposed to go out before July 1, but the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administration-tells-states-its-freezing-68-billion-k-12-school-programs" target="_blank">informed schools</a>&nbsp;just one day before that it was instead holding onto $6.8 billion while staff conducted a review. Members of both parties in Congress objected to the move.

The Education Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/some-frozen-federal-funds-schools-released-states-trump-administration" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;$1.3 billion for before- and after-school programs as well as summer programs in mid-July, but the rest of the funding remained stalled.

Madi Biedermann, a Department of Education spokesperson, wrote in an email to States Newsroom that the White House budget office “has completed its review” of the remaining accounts and “has directed the Department to release all formula funds.”

The administration will begin sending that money to school districts next week, Biedermann wrote.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, wrote in a statement the “funds are essential to the operation of Maine’s public schools, supporting everything from classroom instruction to adult education.”

“I am pleased that following outreach from my colleagues and me, the Administration has agreed to release these highly-anticipated resources,” Collins wrote. “I will continue working to ensure that education funds are delivered without delay so that schools have adequate time to plan their finances for the upcoming school year, allowing students to arrive back to class this fall to properly-funded schools.”

Collins and nine other Republican senators&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-members-us-senate-protest-trump-freeze-68b-school-funding" target="_blank">wrote a letter</a>&nbsp;to Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought earlier this month asking him to “faithfully implement” the spending law Congress approved in March.

“The decision to withhold this funding is contrary to President (Donald) Trump’s goal of returning K-12 education to the states,” the GOP senators wrote. “This funding goes directly to states and local school districts, where local leaders decide how this funding is spent, because as we know, local communities know how to best serve students and families.

“Withholding this funding denies states and communities the opportunity to pursue localized initiatives to support students and their families.”

West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, chairwoman of the appropriations subcommittee that funds the Education Department, wrote in a statement released Friday she was glad to see the funding unfrozen.

“The programs are ones that enjoy longstanding, bipartisan support like after-school and summer programs that provide learning and enrichment opportunities for school aged children, which also enables their parents to work and contribute to local economies, and programs to support adult learners working to gain employment skills, earn workforce certifications, or transition into postsecondary education,” Capito wrote. “That’s why it’s important we continue to protect and support these programs.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753487786830.png" alt=" The Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building in Washington, D.C., in a file photo from November 2024. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption> The Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building in Washington, D.C., in a file photo from November 2024. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — The Trump administration said Friday it’ll soon release billions in Education Department funding that has been frozen for weeks, delaying disbursements to K-12 schools throughout the country.The funding — which goes toward migrant education, English-language learning and other programs — was supposed to go out before July 1, but the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administration-tells-states-its-freezing-68-billion-k-12-school-programs" target="_blank">informed schools</a>&nbsp;just one day before that it was instead holding onto $6.8 billion while staff conducted a review. Members of both parties in Congress objected to the move.The Education Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/some-frozen-federal-funds-schools-released-states-trump-administration" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;$1.3 billion for before- and after-school programs as well as summer programs in mid-July, but the rest of the funding remained stalled.Madi Biedermann, a Department of Education spokesperson, wrote in an email to States Newsroom that the White House budget office “has completed its review” of the remaining accounts and “has directed the Department to release all formula funds.”The administration will begin sending that money to school districts next week, Biedermann wrote.<h2>Appropriators cheer</h2>Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, wrote in a statement the “funds are essential to the operation of Maine’s public schools, supporting everything from classroom instruction to adult education.”“I am pleased that following outreach from my colleagues and me, the Administration has agreed to release these highly-anticipated resources,” Collins wrote. “I will continue working to ensure that education funds are delivered without delay so that schools have adequate time to plan their finances for the upcoming school year, allowing students to arrive back to class this fall to properly-funded schools.”Collins and nine other Republican senators&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-members-us-senate-protest-trump-freeze-68b-school-funding" target="_blank">wrote a letter</a>&nbsp;to Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought earlier this month asking him to “faithfully implement” the spending law Congress approved in March.“The decision to withhold this funding is contrary to President (Donald) Trump’s goal of returning K-12 education to the states,” the GOP senators wrote. “This funding goes directly to states and local school districts, where local leaders decide how this funding is spent, because as we know, local communities know how to best serve students and families.“Withholding this funding denies states and communities the opportunity to pursue localized initiatives to support students and their families.”West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, chairwoman of the appropriations subcommittee that funds the Education Department, wrote in a statement released Friday she was glad to see the funding unfrozen.“The programs are ones that enjoy longstanding, bipartisan support like after-school and summer programs that provide learning and enrichment opportunities for school aged children, which also enables their parents to work and contribute to local economies, and programs to support adult learners working to gain employment skills, earn workforce certifications, or transition into postsecondary education,” Capito wrote. “That’s why it’s important we continue to protect and support these programs.”

US Education Department to unfreeze contested K-12 funds

Early Friday in al Bab, Aleppo Governate, Syria, U.S. Forces conducted a raid resulting in the death of senior ISIS Leader, Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani, and his two adult ISIS-affiliated sons, Abdallah Dhiya al-Hardani and Abd al-Rahman Dhiya Zawba al-Hardani, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

These ISIS individuals posed a threat to US and Coalition Forces, as well as the new Syrian Government. Three women and three children were also on the target and were unharmed.

“We will continue to relentlessly pursue ISIS terrorists wherever they are. ISIS terrorists are not safe where they sleep, where they operate, and where they hide. Alongside our partners and allies, U.S.  Central Command is committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS terrorists that threaten the region, our allies, and our homeland,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, U.S. Central Command Commander.

Early Friday in al Bab, Aleppo Governate, Syria, U.S. Forces conducted a raid resulting in the death of senior ISIS Leader, Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani, and his two adult ISIS-affiliated sons, Abdallah Dhiya al-Hardani and Abd al-Rahman Dhiya Zawba al-Hardani, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.These ISIS individuals posed a threat to US and Coalition Forces, as well as the new Syrian Government. Three women and three children were also on the target and were unharmed.“We will continue to relentlessly pursue ISIS terrorists wherever they are. ISIS terrorists are not safe where they sleep, where they operate, and where they hide. Alongside our partners and allies, U.S. Central Command is committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS terrorists that threaten the region, our allies, and our homeland,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, U.S. Central Command Commander.

U.S. forces kill senior ISIS leader in Syria

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces charges in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in south Kansas City last week.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2675/ComplaintRedacted-WilliamsMarcus_Redacted">Marcus M. Williams</a>, 26,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2674/PCStatement-Redacted-WilliamsMarcus">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to an apartment in south Kansas City on July 15 on a reported shooting. The defendant opened the door of the apartment and police observed the victim lying on her back with blood coming from her head. When detectives interviewed the defendant, he said he and the victim were arguing and wrestling over a gun. He said that during the altercation, the victim fell to the ground and that his finger must have been on the trigger at some point as they were fighting. He said she never touched the firearm during the struggle. The gun went off and struck the victim in the head. He said he contacted the police after realizing what happened.&nbsp;

The defendant is in custody on a $200,000/10% bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753218985747.png" alt="Williams photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces charges in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in south Kansas City last week.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2675/ComplaintRedacted-WilliamsMarcus_Redacted">Marcus M. Williams</a>, 26,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2674/PCStatement-Redacted-WilliamsMarcus">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to an apartment in south Kansas City on July 15 on a reported shooting. The defendant opened the door of the apartment and police observed the victim lying on her back with blood coming from her head. When detectives interviewed the defendant, he said he and the victim were arguing and wrestling over a gun. He said that during the altercation, the victim fell to the ground and that his finger must have been on the trigger at some point as they were fighting. He said she never touched the firearm during the struggle. The gun went off and struck the victim in the head. He said he contacted the police after realizing what happened.&nbsp;The defendant is in custody on a $200,000/10% bond.&nbsp;

Police: KC man called police after shooting victim in the head

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Occupational  Safety Health Administration is investigating a fatal trench collapse that occurred in Kansas City, Kansas on Thursday afternoon.&nbsp; The victim has been identified as 54-year-old&nbsp;Francisco Rodriguez, according to Kansas City, Kansas Police.

Just after 2p.m. Thursday, the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department responded to 16th Street and Metropolitan Avenue following reports of a worker missing at a fiber optic installation site, according to a statement from the department..

Coworkers became concerned when they noticed an excavator at the site had stopped moving and the operator was nowhere to be seen.&nbsp;

When they checked the trench, workers found that it had collapsed. The trench was 16 to 18 feet wide and as deep as 25 feet in some areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;KCKPD’s Major Case Unit has opened a death investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753438020709.png" alt="Crews on the scene of the tragedy -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene of the tragedy -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Occupational Safety Health Administration is investigating a fatal trench collapse that occurred in Kansas City, Kansas on Thursday afternoon.&nbsp; The victim has been identified as 54-year-old&nbsp;Francisco Rodriguez, according to Kansas City, Kansas Police.Just after 2p.m. Thursday, the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department responded to 16th Street and Metropolitan Avenue following reports of a worker missing at a fiber optic installation site, according to a statement from the department..Coworkers became concerned when they noticed an excavator at the site had stopped moving and the operator was nowhere to be seen.&nbsp;When they checked the trench, workers found that it had collapsed. The trench was 16 to 18 feet wide and as deep as 25 feet in some areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;KCKPD’s Major Case Unit has opened a death investigation.

Police: Man dead after trench collapse at Kansas worksite 

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

TOPEKA — Emporia State University president Ken Hush announced his retirement Thursday, nodding at past and future challenges in higher education.

Hush, an Emporia State graduate, wrote in an email to alumni, staff and students that his last day will be Dec. 17. He plans to stay involved, he said.

“For more than a decade, higher education has faced significant challenges and pressure to change – this will not only continue but will increase in the future,” he wrote. “There will be winners and losers. Those who are able to adjust will survive; those who don’t won’t… without additional funding.”

Hush’s tenure lasted around four years, beginning in late 2021. He served those early months as interim president. Not long after the Kansas Board of Regents officially named Hush as Emporia State’s 18th president in June 2022, the university fired 30 tenured or tenure-track professors to cut costs. Hush signed the professors’ termination letters while offering&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/emporia-state-university-awarded-bonuses-to-68-faculty-after-firing-tenured-professors/">bonuses</a>&nbsp;to others.

Eleven of the fired professors&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/13/fired-emporia-state-university-professors-file-lawsuit-allege-conspiracy-against-tenure/">sued</a>&nbsp;Hush and others in 2023 in federal court.

Before he worked as a university president, Hush was a business executive who worked in top-level positions at Koch Minerals and Carbon. He has two daughters, both of whom live in Michigan. He graduated from Emporia State in 1982, majoring in business administration and marketing and playing on the nationally-ranked men’s tennis team.

During Hush’s tenure, Emporia State faced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/26/emporia-state-university-defends-changes-ahead-of-declining-enrollment-report/">declining enrollment</a>&nbsp;and increasing demand for online courses, which he said “created outdated organizations, inefficiencies and waste which caused deficits and financial instability for institutions across the nation.”

However, the university has turned a corner, Hush said. He called the past few years “the most transformative era” in the university’s history.

Enrollment increased 16% at Emporia State last year, and the university was the only one in the state that has not raised tuition in the past two years.

“We established a unique mentality and have completely changed our culture from the top down and from the bottom up,” he said. “Our leadership team has been re-educated and now operates from a lens of data, analysis, financial responsibility and accountability.”

Hush touted bringing in $30 million to correct a $19 million budget deficit, creating an organization that is “fiscally clean, operationally efficient and organizationally sound.” On two occasions, the Kansas Legislature earmarked millions for Emporia State: $9 million in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/12/emporia-state-university-forges-new-identity-with-9m-earmark-from-kansas-legislature/">2023</a>&nbsp;and another $9 million in 2024.

Hush wrote in the email he intends to continue his involvement with Emporia State as a fundraiser.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753465941808.png" alt=" After the official announcement of Ken Hush being voted the next president of Emporia State University, Hush spent time talking with the faculty, staff, students and community members who attended the June 22, 2022, event. (Margaret Mellott/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> After the official announcement of Ken Hush being voted the next president of Emporia State University, Hush spent time talking with the faculty, staff, students and community members who attended the June 22, 2022, event. (Margaret Mellott/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Emporia State University president Ken Hush announced his retirement Thursday, nodding at past and future challenges in higher education.Hush, an Emporia State graduate, wrote in an email to alumni, staff and students that his last day will be Dec. 17. He plans to stay involved, he said.“For more than a decade, higher education has faced significant challenges and pressure to change – this will not only continue but will increase in the future,” he wrote. “There will be winners and losers. Those who are able to adjust will survive; those who don’t won’t… without additional funding.”Hush’s tenure lasted around four years, beginning in late 2021. He served those early months as interim president. Not long after the Kansas Board of Regents officially named Hush as Emporia State’s 18th president in June 2022, the university fired 30 tenured or tenure-track professors to cut costs. Hush signed the professors’ termination letters while offering&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/emporia-state-university-awarded-bonuses-to-68-faculty-after-firing-tenured-professors/">bonuses</a>&nbsp;to others.Eleven of the fired professors&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/13/fired-emporia-state-university-professors-file-lawsuit-allege-conspiracy-against-tenure/">sued</a>&nbsp;Hush and others in 2023 in federal court.Before he worked as a university president, Hush was a business executive who worked in top-level positions at Koch Minerals and Carbon. He has two daughters, both of whom live in Michigan. He graduated from Emporia State in 1982, majoring in business administration and marketing and playing on the nationally-ranked men’s tennis team.During Hush’s tenure, Emporia State faced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/26/emporia-state-university-defends-changes-ahead-of-declining-enrollment-report/">declining enrollment</a>&nbsp;and increasing demand for online courses, which he said “created outdated organizations, inefficiencies and waste which caused deficits and financial instability for institutions across the nation.”However, the university has turned a corner, Hush said. He called the past few years “the most transformative era” in the university’s history.Enrollment increased 16% at Emporia State last year, and the university was the only one in the state that has not raised tuition in the past two years.“We established a unique mentality and have completely changed our culture from the top down and from the bottom up,” he said. “Our leadership team has been re-educated and now operates from a lens of data, analysis, financial responsibility and accountability.”Hush touted bringing in $30 million to correct a $19 million budget deficit, creating an organization that is “fiscally clean, operationally efficient and organizationally sound.” On two occasions, the Kansas Legislature earmarked millions for Emporia State: $9 million in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/12/emporia-state-university-forges-new-identity-with-9m-earmark-from-kansas-legislature/">2023</a>&nbsp;and another $9 million in 2024.Hush wrote in the email he intends to continue his involvement with Emporia State as a fundraiser.

Emporia State University president who oversaw firings to step down

COWLEY COUNTY—Authorities have identified human remains found by a pond in rural Cowley County earlier this week.

According to Cowley County Sheriff Dave Feletti, an autopsy was performed on the remains. The body has been identified as that of 39-year-old Emile Porterfield-Hill. 

Hill had been reported missing from Sumner County July 17. The manner of death has been ruled as pending investigation, but early indications do not show any signs of obvious acute injuries, according to Sheriff Faletti.

Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, deputies with the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a private residence in the Southwest portion of Cowley County for the report of a possible human body by a pond, according to Sheriff&nbsp; Faletti.

When Deputies arrived, the homeowner took them to the location where the remains were located. The Arkansas City Fire Department assisted by retrieving the remains.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753461479714.png" alt="Emile Porterfield-Hill courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Emile Porterfield-Hill courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—Authorities have identified human remains found by a pond in rural Cowley County earlier this week.According to Cowley County Sheriff Dave Feletti, an autopsy was performed on the remains. The body has been identified as that of 39-year-old Emile Porterfield-Hill. Hill had been reported missing from Sumner County July 17. The manner of death has been ruled as pending investigation, but early indications do not show any signs of obvious acute injuries, according to Sheriff Faletti.Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, deputies with the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a private residence in the Southwest portion of Cowley County for the report of a possible human body by a pond, according to Sheriff&nbsp; Faletti.When Deputies arrived, the homeowner took them to the location where the remains were located. The Arkansas City Fire Department assisted by retrieving the remains.

Body found near rural pond identified as missing Kan. woman

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a deadly knife attack in Kansas City have identified the victim as 54-year-old Tyrone Bates,&nbsp;according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just after 3a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of Admiral on a reported knife attack, according Gonzalez.

Upon arrival, responding officers were flagged down by a man advising someone had been attacked and needed help. Officers located a victim, later identified as Bates, lying in an apartment complex parking lot unresponsive and suffering from multiple apparent stab wounds. 

EMS responded to the scene and declared the victim deceased. Preliminary investigation is believed this occurred as the result of an argument. Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753373395409.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a deadly knife attack in Kansas City have identified the victim as 54-year-old Tyrone Bates,&nbsp;according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Just after 3a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of Admiral on a reported knife attack, according Gonzalez.Upon arrival, responding officers were flagged down by a man advising someone had been attacked and needed help. Officers located a victim, later identified as Bates, lying in an apartment complex parking lot unresponsive and suffering from multiple apparent stab wounds. EMS responded to the scene and declared the victim deceased. Preliminary investigation is believed this occurred as the result of an argument. Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect details.

Man dies after knife attack in KC apartment complex parking lot 

Washington –&nbsp;On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) applauded the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcement from&nbsp;Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins&nbsp;that, as part of its planned reorganization, Kansas City will become the second largest beneficiary of the restructuring.

This reorganization is part of a larger, government-wide process being undertaken by the Trump administration to return federal agencies to their primary functions, eliminate redundancy and waste, and preserve the critical services these agencies provide to taxpayers.

“There are no stronger champions for American farmers and ranchers than Secretary Rollins and President Trump,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“Today’s announcements build on President Trump’s efforts in his first Administration to move those who work closest with our farmers and ranchers to our nation’s heartland. This is putting Farmer’s First.”

“American agriculture feeds, clothes, and fuels this nation and the world, and it is long past time the Department better serve the great and patriotic farmers, ranchers, and producers we are mandated to support. President Trump was elected to make real change in Washington, and we are doing just that by moving our key services outside the beltway and into great American cities across the country,”&nbsp;said Secretary Rollins. “We will do so through a transparent and common-sense process that preserves USDA’s critical health and public safety services the American public relies on. We will do right by the great American people who we serve and with respect to the thousands of hardworking USDA employees who so nobly serve their country.”

In the case of the USDA, today’s announcement will:

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/sm-1078-015.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read the full Secretary Memorandum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739466218531.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and then Ag Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and then Ag Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington –&nbsp;On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) applauded the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcement from&nbsp;Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins&nbsp;that, as part of its planned reorganization, Kansas City will become the second largest beneficiary of the restructuring.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecRollins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRollins</a> on moving USDA staff out of DC to be closer to farmers: &quot;This is literally what <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> has tasked his Cabinet to do — to deconstruct the Administrative State... This is aligned with our Founding Fathers&#39; vision... where the government should be closer to the people.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/9NmCJmkoSW">pic.twitter.com/9NmCJmkoSW</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1948753886728052876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We will do right by the great American people we serve and also to the thousands of hardworking USDA employees who so nobly serve our country! <a href="https://t.co/nixjsoU1er">https://t.co/nixjsoU1er</a>&mdash; Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRollins/status/1948401133375901847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This reorganization is part of a larger, government-wide process being undertaken by the Trump administration to return federal agencies to their primary functions, eliminate redundancy and waste, and preserve the critical services these agencies provide to taxpayers.“There are no stronger champions for American farmers and ranchers than Secretary Rollins and President Trump,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“Today’s announcements build on President Trump’s efforts in his first Administration to move those who work closest with our farmers and ranchers to our nation’s heartland. This is putting Farmer’s First.”“American agriculture feeds, clothes, and fuels this nation and the world, and it is long past time the Department better serve the great and patriotic farmers, ranchers, and producers we are mandated to support. President Trump was elected to make real change in Washington, and we are doing just that by moving our key services outside the beltway and into great American cities across the country,”&nbsp;said Secretary Rollins. “We will do so through a transparent and common-sense process that preserves USDA’s critical health and public safety services the American public relies on. We will do right by the great American people who we serve and with respect to the thousands of hardworking USDA employees who so nobly serve their country.”In the case of the USDA, today’s announcement will:<ul>
 <li>Ensure the size of the USDA’s workforce aligns with available financial resources and agricultural priorities</li><li>Bring USDA closer to its customers</li><li>Eliminate management layers and bureaucracy</li><li>Consolidate redundant support functions</li>
 </ul>Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/sm-1078-015.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read the full Secretary Memorandum.

Kansas City will become the 2nd largest beneficiary of USDA restructuring

McPherson College celebrated the opening of the new Campus Commons with a ribbon cutting and car reveal ceremony on Thursday.

 Student government representatives Kenya McCain and EJ Landrum along with the board of trustees cut the ribbon at the Commons entrance. Trustee and longtime supporter of the college Dr. Richard Lundquist with president Michael Schneider revealed the 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona hanging from inside the Commons atrium.&nbsp;

McPherson College celebrated the opening of the new Campus Commons with a ribbon cutting and car reveal ceremony on Thursday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q1fV94Ygdqs?si=ma7224bW5rFWFZ_T&amp;start=667" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> Student government representatives Kenya McCain and EJ Landrum along with the board of trustees cut the ribbon at the Commons entrance. Trustee and longtime supporter of the college Dr. Richard Lundquist with president Michael Schneider revealed the 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona hanging from inside the Commons atrium.&nbsp;

🎥'72 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona hangs in new McPherson College student commons

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal officer shooting involving members of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.&nbsp;

Just after 2p.m. Thursday the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department received a 911 call about a suspicions man near Emmanuel Cleaver II and The Paseo, according to a statement from the MSHP Troop A.

The suspect was reported to be armed with a handgun and had allegedly pointed the gun at an aubulance. Officers arrived of scene at 2:21p.m. and made contact with the suspect. Officers gave commands to take him into custody. He did not comply with officer's commands and at 2:23p.m officers advised shots had been fired.&nbsp; The suspect, who was taken into custody, provided medical aid and&nbsp; and transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries later died. No officers were injured. Investigators recovered a weapon at the scene.&nbsp;

At the conclusion of the investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol., the report will be turned over to the Jackson County Attorney's office for review.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police did not release the name of the suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753394726730.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal officer shooting involving members of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.&nbsp;Just after 2p.m. Thursday the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department received a 911 call about a suspicions man near Emmanuel Cleaver II and The Paseo, according to a statement from the MSHP Troop A.The suspect was reported to be armed with a handgun and had allegedly pointed the gun at an aubulance. Officers arrived of scene at 2:21p.m. and made contact with the suspect. Officers gave commands to take him into custody. He did not comply with officer's commands and at 2:23p.m officers advised shots had been fired.&nbsp; The suspect, who was taken into custody, provided medical aid and&nbsp; and transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries later died. No officers were injured. Investigators recovered a weapon at the scene.&nbsp;At the conclusion of the investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol., the report will be turned over to the Jackson County Attorney's office for review.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police did not release the name of the suspect.

Suspect who pointed gun at ambulance died in officer shooting

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753406454439.png" alt="Image courtesy White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House video</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> to Fed Chair Jerome Powell on the exorbitant cost overruns of their palace-like HQ renovation: &quot;It looks like it&#39;s about $3.1 billion. It went up a little bit — or a lot.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/5Hv8EUPm0m">pic.twitter.com/5Hv8EUPm0m</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1948477094901809404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our Builder-in-Chief <a href="https://t.co/myzy9AAfZf">pic.twitter.com/myzy9AAfZf</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1948518460591329516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 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/Z7ykUQe4EV">pic.twitter.com/Z7ykUQe4EV</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1948494722571407744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> has arrived at the Federal Reserve <a href="https://t.co/bkyMQs1dmg">pic.twitter.com/bkyMQs1dmg</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1948475823788371979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President, Fed Chair bicker in public over building renovation costs

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a July 15, homicide have made an arrest.

Just before 7p.m. July 15, police&nbsp;were patrolling near the Central Park Community Center,&nbsp;1534 SW Clay Street, Topeka, when they located a suspicious vehicle. 

Further investigation of the vehicle led to the discovery of a deceased man later identified as 72-year-old Terry Keller, according to Assistant Topeka Police Chief Mike Cross. The following day police indicated Keller's death was a homicide.

&nbsp;As the result of a digital canvas of the neighborhood, police have identified a person of interest. On Wednesday, police arrested Wisdom Curls, 24 of Topeka and transferred him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 1st degree;&nbsp;Intentional and premeditated, Aggravated Robbery and Criminal possession of a weapon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753373968639.png" alt="Curls photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Curls photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a July 15, homicide have made an arrest.Just before 7p.m. July 15, police&nbsp;were patrolling near the Central Park Community Center,&nbsp;1534 SW Clay Street, Topeka, when they located a suspicious vehicle. Further investigation of the vehicle led to the discovery of a deceased man later identified as 72-year-old Terry Keller, according to Assistant Topeka Police Chief Mike Cross. The following day police indicated Keller's death was a homicide.&nbsp;As the result of a digital canvas of the neighborhood, police have identified a person of interest. On Wednesday, police arrested Wisdom Curls, 24 of Topeka and transferred him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 1st degree;&nbsp;Intentional and premeditated, Aggravated Robbery and Criminal possession of a weapon.

Police: 72-year-old  killed in Kansas armed robbery

BOURBON COUNTY&nbsp;–The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Fort Scott Police Department arrested a Fort Scott man for alleged child sex crimes.

&nbsp;Just after&nbsp; 1 p.m. on Wednesday, KBI agents and the Fort Scott Police Department arrested 24-year-old Micheal Olkowski, of Fort Scott. Olkowski on requested charges of sexual exploitation of a child and aggravated internet trading in child pornography after a search warrant was conducted at 920 W. Park Avenue in Fort Scott, according to a media release from the KBI.

The KBI Child Victims Unit began investigating after multiple cyber tips were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in July.

Following the arrest, Olkowski was booked into the Bourbon County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.&nbsp;Anonymous tips can be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

&nbsp;The case is expected to be prosecuted by the Bourbon County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753387895744.png" alt="Olkowski photo Bourbon Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Olkowski photo Bourbon Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BOURBON COUNTY&nbsp;–The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Fort Scott Police Department arrested a Fort Scott man for alleged child sex crimes.&nbsp;Just after&nbsp; 1 p.m. on Wednesday, KBI agents and the Fort Scott Police Department arrested 24-year-old Micheal Olkowski, of Fort Scott. Olkowski on requested charges of sexual exploitation of a child and aggravated internet trading in child pornography after a search warrant was conducted at 920 W. Park Avenue in Fort Scott, according to a media release from the KBI.The KBI Child Victims Unit began investigating after multiple cyber tips were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in July.Following the arrest, Olkowski was booked into the Bourbon County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.&nbsp;Anonymous tips can be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.&nbsp;The case is expected to be prosecuted by the Bourbon County Attorney’s Office.

Kansas man accused of internet trading in child porn

Name of Product: HydroTech 5/8-inch Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses

Hazard: The recalled hoses can burst, posing an impact hazard and a risk of temporarily impaired hearing.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled hoses. Consumers that purchased products from Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Home Depot or Walmart should bring their hoses to those stores to return them for a full refund.

Consumers who purchased products from other retailers should cut off the regulator-end of their hose and contact Winston Products for a full refund. To receive the refund, consumers should submit photos of the cut hose, showing the date code location with the consumer’s initials and the date written in permanent marker on the regulator, to Winston Product’s online form at&nbsp;<a href="https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall">https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall</a>.&nbsp;

The firm has received at least 222 reports of the hoses bursting, resulting in at least 29 injuries, including one bone bruise, two sprains and five reports of temporarily impaired hearing from the sound of the hose bursting.

Sold At:Ace Hardware, Amazon, Do It Best, Home Depot, Target, Walmart and other stores nationwide and online from January 2021 through April 2025 for between $20 and $136.Importer(s):

This recall involves HydroTech 5/8-inch Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses manufactured on or before August 31, 2024. The hoses were sold in lengths of 25, 50, 60, 75, 100 and 200 feet in various colors. Date code markings are located on the end of the hose that attaches to the spigot, visible when the black rubber washer is removed. Hoses with no markings or a marking ending in -211, -212, -213, -214, -221, -222, -223, -224, -231, -232, -233, -234, -241, -242 or -243 are included in this recall. On some hose packages, the manufacture date is listed in the month-year format. For example, 0824 is August 2024 and is included in this recall.

Winston Products toll-free at 888-412-2396 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:HydrotechVoluntaryRecall@hydrotechproducts.com">HydrotechVoluntaryRecall@hydrotechproducts.com</a>, or go to&nbsp;<a href="https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall">https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://hydrotechproducts.com/">https://hydrotechproducts.com/</a>&nbsp;and click on "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL INFORMATION" at the top of the page for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753380204342.png" alt="Photo CPSC" />
 <figcaption>Photo CPSC</figcaption>
 </figure>Name of Product: HydroTech 5/8-inch Expandable Burst-Proof HosesHazard: The recalled hoses can burst, posing an impact hazard and a risk of temporarily impaired hearing.Remedy: RefundRecall Date: July 24, 2025Units: About 3.6 millionemedy:Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled hoses. Consumers that purchased products from Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Home Depot or Walmart should bring their hoses to those stores to return them for a full refund.Consumers who purchased products from other retailers should cut off the regulator-end of their hose and contact Winston Products for a full refund. To receive the refund, consumers should submit photos of the cut hose, showing the date code location with the consumer’s initials and the date written in permanent marker on the regulator, to Winston Product’s online form at&nbsp;<a href="https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall">https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall</a>.&nbsp;Incidents/Injuries:The firm has received at least 222 reports of the hoses bursting, resulting in at least 29 injuries, including one bone bruise, two sprains and five reports of temporarily impaired hearing from the sound of the hose bursting.Sold At:Ace Hardware, Amazon, Do It Best, Home Depot, Target, Walmart and other stores nationwide and online from January 2021 through April 2025 for between $20 and $136.Importer(s):Winston Products, of Glenwillow, OhioThis recall involves HydroTech 5/8-inch Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses manufactured on or before August 31, 2024. The hoses were sold in lengths of 25, 50, 60, 75, 100 and 200 feet in various colors. Date code markings are located on the end of the hose that attaches to the spigot, visible when the black rubber washer is removed. Hoses with no markings or a marking ending in -211, -212, -213, -214, -221, -222, -223, -224, -231, -232, -233, -234, -241, -242 or -243 are included in this recall. On some hose packages, the manufacture date is listed in the month-year format. For example, 0824 is August 2024 and is included in this recall.Winston Products toll-free at 888-412-2396 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:HydrotechVoluntaryRecall@hydrotechproducts.com">HydrotechVoluntaryRecall@hydrotechproducts.com</a>, or go to&nbsp;<a href="https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall">https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://hydrotechproducts.com/">https://hydrotechproducts.com/</a>&nbsp;and click on "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL INFORMATION" at the top of the page for more information.

HydroTech hoses recalled: Hundreds burst, 29 people injured

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a>

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is suing the national Planned Parenthood organization over its claims regarding the abortion drug mifepristone.

Bailey filed the lawsuit against the Planned Parenthood Federation of America on Wednesday in Cole County Circuit Court.

The lawsuit argues Planned Parenthood’s national organization has misled consumers about the safety of mifepristone, which is used in a regimen with another drug to expel a pregnancy.

The lawsuit seeks more than $1.8 million in civil penalties, up to $1,000 in damages or restitution for every Missouri woman Planned Parenthood provided abortion pills to in the past five years, reimbursement to the state for Medicaid and other taxpayer-funded emergency care resulting from abortion pill complications, and a court order for Planned Parenthood to stop certain advertisements for mifepristone.

Mifepristone is a drug used for medication abortions. Planned Parenthood says the drug is safe and effective, but Bailey points to a small percentage of patients who need emergency care after having a medication abortion.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration information and label for the medication says it can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections or bleeding, but that label also says U.S. clinical studies found serious adverse effects in less than 0.5% of patients.

Bailey’s lawsuit points to that label, along with other studies that say 4.6% of women who undergo a medication abortion may need emergency care after the procedure.

The lawsuit takes aim at Planned Parenthood’s comparison between mifepristone and other common medications like Tylenol, penicillin and Viagra. An archived page from Planned Parenthood’s website, which is linked in the lawsuit, said medication abortions are safer than those over-the-counter drugs.

The lawsuit says that claim is misleading, if not false, for reasons including the abortion pill and the other drugs having different uses.

While Bailey’s lawsuit doesn’t directly target Missouri’s Planned Parenthood affiliates, the lawsuit says Planned Parenthood’s advertisements for the abortion pill directs consumers to Missouri’s Planned Parenthood locations.

Medication abortions are not currently available at Missouri Planned Parenthood locations. Planned Parenthood Great Plains President and CEO Emily Wales said in a March statement that the abortion pill hasn’t been available in Missouri since 2018. Bailey’s lawsuit concerns medication abortions women from Missouri have undergone since 2020.

Since the lawsuit does not target abortions performed in Missouri, but abortions Missouri women have received, it applies to out-of-state medication abortions.

In the roughly two and a half years between the overturning of Roe v. Wade and abortions becoming available in Missouri again, Missouri residents had to go to other states like Kansas or Illinois, where abortion was legal, to obtain medication abortions.

“Planned Parenthood’s false advertising has a national reach,” Bailey said in a press release, “including targeted claims against Missouri women.”

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/attorney-general-sues-planned-parenthood-claims-it-misled-patients-over-safety-of-abortion-pill/article_ccab6146-3b98-523d-96ca-9310b4d7567d.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582813176978.jpeg" alt=" Mifepristone / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Mifepristone / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a>Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is suing the national Planned Parenthood organization over its claims regarding the abortion drug mifepristone.Bailey filed the lawsuit against the Planned Parenthood Federation of America on Wednesday in Cole County Circuit Court.The lawsuit argues Planned Parenthood’s national organization has misled consumers about the safety of mifepristone, which is used in a regimen with another drug to expel a pregnancy.The lawsuit seeks more than $1.8 million in civil penalties, up to $1,000 in damages or restitution for every Missouri woman Planned Parenthood provided abortion pills to in the past five years, reimbursement to the state for Medicaid and other taxpayer-funded emergency care resulting from abortion pill complications, and a court order for Planned Parenthood to stop certain advertisements for mifepristone.Mifepristone is a drug used for medication abortions. Planned Parenthood says the drug is safe and effective, but Bailey points to a small percentage of patients who need emergency care after having a medication abortion.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration information and label for the medication says it can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections or bleeding, but that label also says U.S. clinical studies found serious adverse effects in less than 0.5% of patients.Bailey’s lawsuit points to that label, along with other studies that say 4.6% of women who undergo a medication abortion may need emergency care after the procedure.The lawsuit takes aim at Planned Parenthood’s comparison between mifepristone and other common medications like Tylenol, penicillin and Viagra. An archived page from Planned Parenthood’s website, which is linked in the lawsuit, said medication abortions are safer than those over-the-counter drugs.The lawsuit says that claim is misleading, if not false, for reasons including the abortion pill and the other drugs having different uses.While Bailey’s lawsuit doesn’t directly target Missouri’s Planned Parenthood affiliates, the lawsuit says Planned Parenthood’s advertisements for the abortion pill directs consumers to Missouri’s Planned Parenthood locations.Medication abortions are not currently available at Missouri Planned Parenthood locations. Planned Parenthood Great Plains President and CEO Emily Wales said in a March statement that the abortion pill hasn’t been available in Missouri since 2018. Bailey’s lawsuit concerns medication abortions women from Missouri have undergone since 2020.Since the lawsuit does not target abortions performed in Missouri, but abortions Missouri women have received, it applies to out-of-state medication abortions.In the roughly two and a half years between the overturning of Roe v. Wade and abortions becoming available in Missouri again, Missouri residents had to go to other states like Kansas or Illinois, where abortion was legal, to obtain medication abortions.“Planned Parenthood’s false advertising has a national reach,” Bailey said in a press release, “including targeted claims against Missouri women.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/attorney-general-sues-planned-parenthood-claims-it-misled-patients-over-safety-of-abortion-pill/article_ccab6146-3b98-523d-96ca-9310b4d7567d.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Missouri AG sues Planned Parenthood, claims it misled patients over safety of abortion pill

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753374239472.png" alt="Hulk Hogan spoke on the final night of the Republican National Convention last July-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Hulk Hogan spoke on the final night of the Republican National Convention last July-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.&mdash; WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1948414335153230023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FClearwaterPolice%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0272xskH6HPZZSAZefBwY23wP1UjQgC1dJjALZMEbkSHrLxhoG8dSZRnPG7YKFWhtml&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="469" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/HulkHogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HulkHogan</a>: &quot;As an entertainer I try to stay out of politics, but after everything that&#39;s happened to our country over the past four years and after everything that happened last weekend I can no longer stay silent...Donald Trump is a real American hero!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UxM0ZieYfM">pic.twitter.com/UxM0ZieYfM</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1814113807662567834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From 2024 RNC. Watch the full video here: <a href="https://t.co/10hAILirT9">https://t.co/10hAILirT9</a> <a href="https://t.co/lsr2lFymhn">https://t.co/lsr2lFymhn</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1948426827858354619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">An American Legend. <a href="https://t.co/DVQuR2YIxJ">pic.twitter.com/DVQuR2YIxJ</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1948419594827235760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Hulk Hogan, pro westling superstar, dead at 71

WICHITA, KAN. – A Georgia man was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered forever banned from hunting and fishing in Kansas after illegally hunting game, according to the United State's Attorney.

Matt Jennings, 35, of Bowdon, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal taking of a white tail deer in interstate commerce, according to court documents.

On November 11, 2022, Jennings killed an antlered deer near Florence, Kansas. His antlered deer tag did not allow him to take a deer in this part of the state. The next day the Jennings drove to Oklahoma where he fraudulently registered the kill in Oklahoma using an Oklahoma electronic tag.

On November 19, 2022, the Jennings killed another antlered deer near Wakeeney. Although he had a valid tag for that area of Kansas, killing of a second antlered deer in the same year is a violation of state law. He illegally exceeded the bag limit of one antlered deer per season.

Jennings hosts a hunting show titled “The Game”. These two illegal hunts were featured as part of his show.

A federal judge ordered Jennings to pay $15,000 in restitution to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, pay a $10,000 fine, and forfeit the antlers from the white tail deer he illegally hunted.

During his five-year probation, Jennings is prohibited from guiding, hunting, trapping, fishing, or being with anyone engaged in those activities in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks investigated the case with assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Missouri Department of Conservation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753309370799.png" alt="Matt Jennings as seen in a video from his online show" />
 <figcaption>Matt Jennings as seen in a video from his online show</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Georgia man was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered forever banned from hunting and fishing in Kansas after illegally hunting game, according to the United State's Attorney.Matt Jennings, 35, of Bowdon, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal taking of a white tail deer in interstate commerce, according to court documents.On November 11, 2022, Jennings killed an antlered deer near Florence, Kansas. His antlered deer tag did not allow him to take a deer in this part of the state. The next day the Jennings drove to Oklahoma where he fraudulently registered the kill in Oklahoma using an Oklahoma electronic tag.On November 19, 2022, the Jennings killed another antlered deer near Wakeeney. Although he had a valid tag for that area of Kansas, killing of a second antlered deer in the same year is a violation of state law. He illegally exceeded the bag limit of one antlered deer per season.Jennings hosts a hunting show titled “The Game”. These two illegal hunts were featured as part of his show.A federal judge ordered Jennings to pay $15,000 in restitution to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, pay a $10,000 fine, and forfeit the antlers from the white tail deer he illegally hunted.During his five-year probation, Jennings is prohibited from guiding, hunting, trapping, fishing, or being with anyone engaged in those activities in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks investigated the case with assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Missouri Department of Conservation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

Hunting show host receives lifetime hunting ban in Kansas 

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a homicide that occurred earlier this month in Kansas City have identified the victim as 51-year-old Jorge Grageda,&nbsp; according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez

just after 5a.m. July 5, police were dispatched to the&nbsp;100&nbsp;block&nbsp;of&nbsp;N&nbsp;Belliare on reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers were directed to the rear&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;nearby residence where a victim later identified as Jorge Grageda was located suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. 

Emergency aid was immediately rendered by responding&nbsp;officers until EMS arrived on scene. EMS declared him deceased at that time. Preliminary investigation indicates this occurred as a result&nbsp;of&nbsp;an argument that escalated to gunfire.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751741015533.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a homicide that occurred earlier this month in Kansas City have identified the victim as 51-year-old Jorge Grageda,&nbsp; according to Officer Alayna Gonzalezjust after 5a.m. July 5, police were dispatched to the&nbsp;100&nbsp;block&nbsp;of&nbsp;N&nbsp;Belliare on reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers were directed to the rear&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;nearby residence where a victim later identified as Jorge Grageda was located suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency aid was immediately rendered by responding&nbsp;officers until EMS arrived on scene. EMS declared him deceased at that time. Preliminary investigation indicates this occurred as a result&nbsp;of&nbsp;an argument that escalated to gunfire.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

KCPD: 51-year-old died after argument led to gunfire

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a large commercial building in Kansas City.

Just after noon Wednesday, crews responded to a reported fire in a large commercial building in the 7400 block of E. 12th Street in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;

 Evacuating employees stated that there was a fire in the roof line. KCFD quickly deployed units to the interior and to the roof to investigate. Upon investigation it was discovered that a roof top air handling unit had caught fire and had began to spread into the roof line and structure.

 KCFD quickly got the fire under control and checked for fire extension. No injuries were reported. All employees were able to evacuate.

 Quick action by employees using extinguishers to contain the fire and rapid response of KCFD, worked together to avoid what could have been a disastrous fire.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753300957008.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a large commercial building in Kansas City.Just after noon Wednesday, crews responded to a reported fire in a large commercial building in the 7400 block of E. 12th Street in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp; Evacuating employees stated that there was a fire in the roof line. KCFD quickly deployed units to the interior and to the roof to investigate. Upon investigation it was discovered that a roof top air handling unit had caught fire and had began to spread into the roof line and structure.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753300936008.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> KCFD quickly got the fire under control and checked for fire extension. No injuries were reported. All employees were able to evacuate. Quick action by employees using extinguishers to contain the fire and rapid response of KCFD, worked together to avoid what could have been a disastrous fire.&nbsp;

Quick action by employees helped stop spread of KC business fire

Columbia University has finalized an&nbsp;<a href="https://president.columbia.edu/content/our-resolution-federal-government" target="_blank">agreement with the federal government</a>,&nbsp;ending a period of considerable institutional uncertainty, according to a statement from&nbsp;Claire Shipman Acting President.

This agreement resolves multiple federal agency investigations and protects Columbia’s academic mission, research enterprise, and independence. 

The resolution will allow the University to move forward with clarity and focus—returning our full attention to the work of teaching, discovery, and public service. It will also enable all of us to turn our attention to mending and rebuilding our community.With the agreement, our access to billions of dollars in federal research funding will resume. 

Terminated grants will be reinstated and our faculty will become eligible again for future grants, as well as continuations of existing grants. Not only will this resolution restore Columbia’s ability to fully participate in its longstanding federal research partnerships, but it also will ensure critical continuity for faculty, students, and staff across every discipline—many of whom have seen years, even decades, of progress toward medical and scientific discoveries placed at risk.

 I’ve received an outpouring of relief from our scientists in recent days as they started to learn that restored grant funding will allow their vital work to continue.Critically, Columbia retains control over its academic and operational decisions. 

As set forth in the agreement: “No provision of this agreement, individually or taken together, shall be construed as giving the United States authority to dictate faculty hiring, university hiring, admissions decisions, or the content of academic speech.” This was our north star, and we did not waver from it. Columbia’s governance remains in our control. The federal government will not dictate what we teach, who teaches, or which students we admit.

As part of the agreement, Columbia will pay a $200 million settlement to the federal government over three years, and $21 million to settle investigations involving the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. I recognize these are substantial settlements. 

As Acting President, together with our Board of Trustees, we had to look at all the facts. We have seen not only $400 million in federal grants frozen, but also the majority of our $1.3 billion a year in federal funding placed on hold. 

The prospect of that continuing indefinitely, along with the potential loss of top scientists, would jeopardize our status as a world-leading research institution.Furthermore, as I have discussed on many occasions with our community, we carefully explored all options open to us. We might have achieved short-term litigation victories, but not without incurring deeper long-term damage—the likely loss of future federal funding, the possibility of losing accreditation, and the potential revocation of visa status of thousands of international students.

As part of the settlement, the University has not admitted wrongdoing and does not agree with the government’s conclusion that it violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. We are not, however, denying the very serious and painful challenges our institution has faced with antisemitism. For these reasons, we took several important corrective steps in March, many of which are in this agreement, including a new provision for a liaison to the Jewish community, situated in University Life.Our commitment to creating a safe, respectful community must extend well beyond any agreement with the government. 

I announced additional measures to combat antisemitism last week. We know there is still more to do. We will work on multiple fronts to combat all forms of hatred and intolerance at Columbia, and you will see more efforts to that end in the coming months.The success of the agreement requires that both parties honor it, and commit to the processes laid out in the event of disputes. To that end, we have agreed on a robust dispute resolution process that includes a mutually agreed upon independent monitor and arbitrator as neutral third parties, rather than ceding authority to the government or a court. 

The process requires that the government go through a very specific, prescribed set of steps if it believes we are not meeting the terms of the agreement. If the parties can’t agree, the matter goes to the arbitrator, and then, as needed, to court. The agreement allows us to hold the government to that process with respect to any concerns about compliance. This predictable structure is far preferable, in our view, to piecemeal scrutiny, and will allow us to focus on long-term progress for our institution.Certain terms of this settlement pertain to admissions and hiring and are wholly consistent with existing federal anti-discrimination laws, which our institution has always followed, and will always follow. That language was carefully drafted; we have agreed to provide data to which the government is entitled, and is currently requesting from scores of institutions, including ours.

 In several instances, the agreement codifies other practices or policies already in existence, or reviews already underway. We must always comply with government regulations regarding the international student visa program, for example.For months, Columbia’s discussions with the federal government have been set up as a test of principle—a binary fight between courage and capitulation. 

But like most things in life, the reality is far more complex. We established our non-negotiable academic and institutional boundaries clearly, and we chose to talk and to listen. We certainly did not always agree with the government’s proposals, nor they with ours. It is important for the community to know that a broad academic leadership team worked with me closely, as well as with our Board of Trustees, to achieve this resolution. 

I consulted widely outside of the institution as well. In the end, we have arrived at a carefully crafted agreement that protects our institution and our values, and that will allow us to move forward, with strength, resuming the vital work we do in service to the nation and to humanity.Countless faculty members and administrators have already been doing the nearly impossible, often invisible work, under enormous pressure, of safeguarding Columbia’s future. 

They’ve confronted the real hardship caused by the loss of federal funding to our research enterprise, borne witness to the painful divides that have opened in our community, and labored to find constructive solutions to all of it. For this wisdom and dedication, I am grateful. It is the best of Columbia on display.My hope is that the Columbia University community is ready to reset, to focus again on academic rigor and respectful debate, and to use this moment of challenge as a chance to imagine and build a stronger institution than ever.

Columbia University has finalized an&nbsp;<a href="https://president.columbia.edu/content/our-resolution-federal-government" target="_blank">agreement with the federal government</a>,&nbsp;ending a period of considerable institutional uncertainty, according to a statement from&nbsp;Claire Shipman Acting President.This agreement resolves multiple federal agency investigations and protects Columbia’s academic mission, research enterprise, and independence. The resolution will allow the University to move forward with clarity and focus—returning our full attention to the work of teaching, discovery, and public service. It will also enable all of us to turn our attention to mending and rebuilding our community.With the agreement, our access to billions of dollars in federal research funding will resume. Terminated grants will be reinstated and our faculty will become eligible again for future grants, as well as continuations of existing grants. Not only will this resolution restore Columbia’s ability to fully participate in its longstanding federal research partnerships, but it also will ensure critical continuity for faculty, students, and staff across every discipline—many of whom have seen years, even decades, of progress toward medical and scientific discoveries placed at risk. I’ve received an outpouring of relief from our scientists in recent days as they started to learn that restored grant funding will allow their vital work to continue.Critically, Columbia retains control over its academic and operational decisions. As set forth in the agreement: “No provision of this agreement, individually or taken together, shall be construed as giving the United States authority to dictate faculty hiring, university hiring, admissions decisions, or the content of academic speech.” This was our north star, and we did not waver from it. Columbia’s governance remains in our control. The federal government will not dictate what we teach, who teaches, or which students we admit.As part of the agreement, Columbia will pay a $200 million settlement to the federal government over three years, and $21 million to settle investigations involving the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. I recognize these are substantial settlements. As Acting President, together with our Board of Trustees, we had to look at all the facts. We have seen not only $400 million in federal grants frozen, but also the majority of our $1.3 billion a year in federal funding placed on hold. The prospect of that continuing indefinitely, along with the potential loss of top scientists, would jeopardize our status as a world-leading research institution.Furthermore, as I have discussed on many occasions with our community, we carefully explored all options open to us. We might have achieved short-term litigation victories, but not without incurring deeper long-term damage—the likely loss of future federal funding, the possibility of losing accreditation, and the potential revocation of visa status of thousands of international students.As part of the settlement, the University has not admitted wrongdoing and does not agree with the government’s conclusion that it violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. We are not, however, denying the very serious and painful challenges our institution has faced with antisemitism. For these reasons, we took several important corrective steps in March, many of which are in this agreement, including a new provision for a liaison to the Jewish community, situated in University Life.Our commitment to creating a safe, respectful community must extend well beyond any agreement with the government. I announced additional measures to combat antisemitism last week. We know there is still more to do. We will work on multiple fronts to combat all forms of hatred and intolerance at Columbia, and you will see more efforts to that end in the coming months.The success of the agreement requires that both parties honor it, and commit to the processes laid out in the event of disputes. To that end, we have agreed on a robust dispute resolution process that includes a mutually agreed upon independent monitor and arbitrator as neutral third parties, rather than ceding authority to the government or a court. The process requires that the government go through a very specific, prescribed set of steps if it believes we are not meeting the terms of the agreement. If the parties can’t agree, the matter goes to the arbitrator, and then, as needed, to court. The agreement allows us to hold the government to that process with respect to any concerns about compliance. This predictable structure is far preferable, in our view, to piecemeal scrutiny, and will allow us to focus on long-term progress for our institution.Certain terms of this settlement pertain to admissions and hiring and are wholly consistent with existing federal anti-discrimination laws, which our institution has always followed, and will always follow. That language was carefully drafted; we have agreed to provide data to which the government is entitled, and is currently requesting from scores of institutions, including ours. In several instances, the agreement codifies other practices or policies already in existence, or reviews already underway. We must always comply with government regulations regarding the international student visa program, for example.For months, Columbia’s discussions with the federal government have been set up as a test of principle—a binary fight between courage and capitulation. But like most things in life, the reality is far more complex. We established our non-negotiable academic and institutional boundaries clearly, and we chose to talk and to listen. We certainly did not always agree with the government’s proposals, nor they with ours. It is important for the community to know that a broad academic leadership team worked with me closely, as well as with our Board of Trustees, to achieve this resolution. I consulted widely outside of the institution as well. In the end, we have arrived at a carefully crafted agreement that protects our institution and our values, and that will allow us to move forward, with strength, resuming the vital work we do in service to the nation and to humanity.Countless faculty members and administrators have already been doing the nearly impossible, often invisible work, under enormous pressure, of safeguarding Columbia’s future. They’ve confronted the real hardship caused by the loss of federal funding to our research enterprise, borne witness to the painful divides that have opened in our community, and labored to find constructive solutions to all of it. For this wisdom and dedication, I am grateful. It is the best of Columbia on display.My hope is that the Columbia University community is ready to reset, to focus again on academic rigor and respectful debate, and to use this moment of challenge as a chance to imagine and build a stronger institution than ever. I am committed to that process.We understand that members of our community will hold different views about this decision. We made it with care, with seriousness, and with an unwavering commitment to the mission, values, and future of Columbia University.