U.S. Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 31-year-old&nbsp; &nbsp;a criminal illegal alien from Uzbekistan wanted in his origin country for belonging to a&nbsp;terrorist&nbsp;organization, according to a statement from the agency.

Uzbekistan authorities issued an arrest warrant for Bozorov in 2022 for being a member of a terrorist organization. He is accused of distributing terrorist propaganda calling for jihad online and recruiting terrorists to join the jihad movement.

ICE arrested him in Kansas on November 9, while he was working as a commercial truck driver. Governor Josh Shapiro’s Pennsylvania issued him a commercial driver's license (CDL). The Biden administration granted him work authorization in January 2024.

“Not only was Akhror Bozorov—a wanted&nbsp;terrorist—RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration, but he was he was also given a commercial driver’s license by Governor Shapiro’s Pennsylvania. This should go without saying, but terrorist illegal aliens should not be operating 18-wheelers on America’s highways,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.&nbsp;“Biden and Mayorkas allowed countless terrorists to come into our country. President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed ICE to target these national security threats.”

Bozorov illegally entered the United States in February 2023. He was then arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and released into American communities by the Biden administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763486944726.png" alt="Bozorov photo DHS" />
 <figcaption>Bozorov photo DHS</figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 31-year-old&nbsp; &nbsp;a criminal illegal alien from Uzbekistan wanted in his origin country for belonging to a&nbsp;terrorist&nbsp;organization, according to a statement from the agency.Uzbekistan authorities issued an arrest warrant for Bozorov in 2022 for being a member of a terrorist organization. He is accused of distributing terrorist propaganda calling for jihad online and recruiting terrorists to join the jihad movement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763486969342.png" alt="Bozorov photo DHS" />
 <figcaption>Bozorov photo DHS</figcaption>
 </figure>ICE arrested him in Kansas on November 9, while he was working as a commercial truck driver. Governor Josh Shapiro’s Pennsylvania issued him a commercial driver's license (CDL). The Biden administration granted him work authorization in January 2024.“Not only was Akhror Bozorov—a wanted&nbsp;terrorist—RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration, but he was he was also given a commercial driver’s license by Governor Shapiro’s Pennsylvania. This should go without saying, but terrorist illegal aliens should not be operating 18-wheelers on America’s highways,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.&nbsp;“Biden and Mayorkas allowed countless terrorists to come into our country. President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed ICE to target these national security threats.”Bozorov illegally entered the United States in February 2023. He was then arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and released into American communities by the Biden administration.

ICE arrests truck driver in Kansas, wanted on international terrorism warrant

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>

WASHINGTON — A bill is heading to President Donald Trump’s desk compelling the release of unclassified investigative files from the case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a friend to the rich and powerful who died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 awaiting federal trial on sex trafficking charges.

Senate Republicans on Tuesday night did not object to a unanimous consent request from Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to accept and pass the legislation, as is, after the U.S. House overwhelmingly approved the measure earlier in the day.

A senior administration official told States Newsroom the president will sign the bill “whenever it gets to the White House.”

The lawmakers in the lower chamber voted&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025289" target="_blank">427-1</a>&nbsp;to compel the Department of Justice to release materials related to the government’s investigation of the financier who harmed over 1,000 victims, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., was the lone “no” vote.

Survivors and their supporters watched the vote from the chamber’s gallery seats. Among them was Sky Roberts, the brother of the late Virginia Giuffre, who sued Epstein’s co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell and the British royal family’s Andrew Windsor, who recently was stripped of his title of prince. Giuffre died by suicide in April.

“I’m very happy with the outcome, but this is just the beginning, and we have a lot of work ahead of us, a lot more to do,” Haley Robson told States Newsroom in an interview after the vote. Robson is prominent among those who have shared their stories of abuse by Epstein.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/581" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;now goes to Trump, who said Monday he will sign it.

‘Courage and advocacy’ of survivors cited

Schumer, a New York Democrat, wrote on social media earlier the vote would “not have been possible without the courage and advocacy of Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors. They made this vote possible. They risked their safety coming out of the darkness to share their stories and to tell the truth.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said earlier Tuesday he expected the bill to move through the Senate “fairly quickly” and likely without changes, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/18/politics/what-happens-next-epstein-bill" target="_blank">reporting</a>&nbsp;by CNN.

The legislation compels the Justice Department to publicly disclose “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in its possession that relate to Epstein or Maxwell.” They include records related to Epstein’s detention and death; flight logs from Epstein’s planes; names of those connected with Epstein’s alleged crimes; records of civil settlements, and sealed and unsealed immunity deals and plea bargains; records pertaining to entities with ties to Epstein’s trafficking or financial networks; and internal DOJ communications “concerning decisions to investigate or charge Epstein or his associates.”&nbsp;

The bill carves out exceptions for records containing victims’ identities, images of death or physical abuse, and information that could jeopardize a federal investigation.&nbsp;

The bill also notes that the “DOJ may not withhold or redact records on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.”

Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the House effort to release the files until this week.

Johnson said Tuesday morning that he will vote for the measure that has been forced to the floor after Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., gathered enough signatures on a discharge petition to override leadership.

The Louisiana Republican told reporters at his regular House leadership press conference that the “forcing mechanism here prevents the very deliberate, professional, careful manner in which Congress is supposed to do this.”

“But having now forced the vote, none of us want to go on record and in any way be accused of not being for maximum transparency,” Johnson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/news-conference/house-republican-leaders-hold-news-conference/669234" target="_blank">said</a>.

The vote comes less than a week after lawmakers on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-dems-say-newly-released-epstein-emails-show-trump-knew-about-abuse" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;some 20,000 pages of emails from Epstein’s estate that repeatedly mentioned Trump’s name.&nbsp;

In one email from Epstein to convicted co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, the financier and sex offender claimed Trump “knew about the girls.”

Trump denies any involvement with Epstein’s alleged crimes, and has said that he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/29/politics/epstein-trump-falling-out-analysis" target="_blank">kicked Epstein out</a>&nbsp;of his private Florida club, Mar-a-Lago, because he alleged the financier had poached young female staffers from the club. Epstein was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/01/us/jeffrey-epstein-grand-jury" target="_blank">convicted</a>&nbsp;in Florida of soliciting minors for sex in 2008.&nbsp;

During a press conference in the Oval Office Tuesday alongside the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump told reporters, “As far as the Epstein files, I have nothing to do with Jeffery Epstein. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert.”

Trump added, as he has repeatedly said before, that the files are a “Democratic hoax.”

Women who told stories of being abused by Epstein as teens rallied outside the U.S. Capitol Tuesday morning, alongside Massie, Khanna and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., whom Trump attacked online this weekend, nicknaming her a “traitor.”

Robson told the crowd that as a Republican herself, the advocacy from Massie and Greene is “unbelievable to watch, and we are so grateful.”

“And to the president of the United States of America, who is not here today, I want to send a clear message to you: While I do understand that your position has changed on the Epstein files, and I’m grateful that you have pledged to sign this bill, I can’t help to be skeptical of what the agenda is,” Robson said.

In a Sunday night post on his own social media platform, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-about-face-urges-us-house-republicans-vote-release-epstein-files" target="_blank">told Republicans</a>&nbsp;to vote in favor of the bipartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/581" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, which lawmakers have named the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Greene, who also spoke at the press conference, said the administration’s refusal to release what are collectively referred to as the Epstein files “has ripped MAGA apart.”

“The only thing that will speak to the powerful, courageous women behind me is when action is actually taken to release these files, and the American people won’t tolerate any other b- – – -t,” Greene said.

GOP Reps. Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Lauren Boebert of Colorado were the other Republicans to join Massie, Greene and all Democrats to sign the petition.

In a second press conference outside the Capitol later Tuesday morning, the House’s newest Democratic member, Arizona’s Adelita Grijalva, spoke alongside sexual abuse prevention advocates.&nbsp;

“The momentum behind this did not come from politicians. It came from survivors and the public who demanded answers. This is why the discharge petition crossed 218 signatures, despite Speaker Johnson doing everything in his power to prevent this from happening, including calling an early summer release, and delaying myself my swearing in for seven weeks,” Grijalva said.

Grijalva became the petition’s 218th signature on Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-adelita-grijalva-sworn-us-house-signs-epstein-petition" target="_blank">immediately after</a>&nbsp;her swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;

Johnson refused to swear in Grijalva, who won her seat on Sept. 23, during the government shutdown despite precedent of other representatives swearing an oath while the House is out of session.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., also spoke at the press conference, warning that Senate leadership should not “delay this any further.”

“They need to schedule a vote on this so this can get passed into law,” Kelly said.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/live-blog/trump-congress-jeffrey-epstein-files-venezuela-maduro-live-updates-rcna244133" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;NBC News Monday he would sign the legislation.

Roughly a dozen public protesters stood outside the police barricade surrounding the press conference, holding signs demanding the release of the Epstein files.

Robin Galbraith, 61, of Maryland, held a sign protesting Johnson’s refusal to allow an earlier floor vote to disclose the files.

“These survivors deserve justice. And you know, all women and girls deserve justice,” Galbraith told States Newsroom in an interview. “Like when you have the richest people in the world trafficking girls, I mean, as somebody who has daughters and sons, we all want to see that children are not victims like this anymore.”

In July, the FBI issued a memo stating the department would not publicly release any further information on the Epstein case.

The sudden reversal, after Trump and his supporters campaigned on releasing the files, sparked upheaval among the president’s base and trained a magnifying glass on Trump’s well-documented friendship with Epstein.

The president sued The Wall Street Journal for reporting on a 50th&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?mod=Searchresults_pos1&amp;page=1" target="_blank">birthday card</a>&nbsp;Trump allegedly gave to Epstein. The card featured a cryptic message and a doodle of a naked woman with Trump’s apparent signature mimicking pubic hair. Trump denies that he created and signed the birthday doodle.

The Journal also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/justice-department-told-trump-name-in-epstein-files-727a8038?mod=hp_lead_pos1" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that Attorney General Pam Bondi briefed the president in May that his name appeared in the Epstein case files. The context in which his name appeared is unclear.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article221404845.html" target="_blank">series</a>&nbsp;in the Miami Herald in 2018 by journalist Julie K. Brown drew wide attention to Epstein’s crimes and Trump’s appointment in 2017 of former Miami federal prosecutor Alex Acosta, who cut a deal in 2008 to end a federal investigation into Epstein, as the secretary of Labor.

Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763495156325.jpeg" alt="View of the House floor as the vote count ended Tuesday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>View of the House floor as the vote count ended Tuesday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>WASHINGTON — A bill is heading to President Donald Trump’s desk compelling the release of unclassified investigative files from the case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a friend to the rich and powerful who died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 awaiting federal trial on sex trafficking charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763502796963.png" alt="Robin Galbraith, 61, of Maryland, and Donna Powell, 67, of Washington, D.C., held signs outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, ahead of a U.S. House vote on releasing the Epstein files. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>Robin Galbraith, 61, of Maryland, and Donna Powell, 67, of Washington, D.C., held signs outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, ahead of a U.S. House vote on releasing the Epstein files. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>Senate Republicans on Tuesday night did not object to a unanimous consent request from Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to accept and pass the legislation, as is, after the U.S. House overwhelmingly approved the measure earlier in the day.A senior administration official told States Newsroom the president will sign the bill “whenever it gets to the White House.”The lawmakers in the lower chamber voted&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025289" target="_blank">427-1</a>&nbsp;to compel the Department of Justice to release materials related to the government’s investigation of the financier who harmed over 1,000 victims, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., was the lone “no” vote.Survivors and their supporters watched the vote from the chamber’s gallery seats. Among them was Sky Roberts, the brother of the late Virginia Giuffre, who sued Epstein’s co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell and the British royal family’s Andrew Windsor, who recently was stripped of his title of prince. Giuffre died by suicide in April.“I’m very happy with the outcome, but this is just the beginning, and we have a lot of work ahead of us, a lot more to do,” Haley Robson told States Newsroom in an interview after the vote. Robson is prominent among those who have shared their stories of abuse by Epstein.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/581" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;now goes to Trump, who said Monday he will sign it.<h2>‘Courage and advocacy’ of survivors cited</h2>Schumer, a New York Democrat, wrote on social media earlier the vote would “not have been possible without the courage and advocacy of Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors. They made this vote possible. They risked their safety coming out of the darkness to share their stories and to tell the truth.”Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said earlier Tuesday he expected the bill to move through the Senate “fairly quickly” and likely without changes, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/18/politics/what-happens-next-epstein-bill" target="_blank">reporting</a>&nbsp;by CNN.The legislation compels the Justice Department to publicly disclose “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in its possession that relate to Epstein or Maxwell.” They include records related to Epstein’s detention and death; flight logs from Epstein’s planes; names of those connected with Epstein’s alleged crimes; records of civil settlements, and sealed and unsealed immunity deals and plea bargains; records pertaining to entities with ties to Epstein’s trafficking or financial networks; and internal DOJ communications “concerning decisions to investigate or charge Epstein or his associates.”&nbsp;The bill carves out exceptions for records containing victims’ identities, images of death or physical abuse, and information that could jeopardize a federal investigation.&nbsp;The bill also notes that the “DOJ may not withhold or redact records on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.”<h2>Trump, Johnson opposition</h2>Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the House effort to release the files until this week.Johnson said Tuesday morning that he will vote for the measure that has been forced to the floor after Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., gathered enough signatures on a discharge petition to override leadership.The Louisiana Republican told reporters at his regular House leadership press conference that the “forcing mechanism here prevents the very deliberate, professional, careful manner in which Congress is supposed to do this.”“But having now forced the vote, none of us want to go on record and in any way be accused of not being for maximum transparency,” Johnson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/news-conference/house-republican-leaders-hold-news-conference/669234" target="_blank">said</a>.The vote comes less than a week after lawmakers on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-dems-say-newly-released-epstein-emails-show-trump-knew-about-abuse" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;some 20,000 pages of emails from Epstein’s estate that repeatedly mentioned Trump’s name.&nbsp;In one email from Epstein to convicted co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, the financier and sex offender claimed Trump “knew about the girls.”Trump denies any involvement with Epstein’s alleged crimes, and has said that he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/29/politics/epstein-trump-falling-out-analysis" target="_blank">kicked Epstein out</a>&nbsp;of his private Florida club, Mar-a-Lago, because he alleged the financier had poached young female staffers from the club. Epstein was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/01/us/jeffrey-epstein-grand-jury" target="_blank">convicted</a>&nbsp;in Florida of soliciting minors for sex in 2008.&nbsp;During a press conference in the Oval Office Tuesday alongside the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump told reporters, “As far as the Epstein files, I have nothing to do with Jeffery Epstein. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert.”Trump added, as he has repeatedly said before, that the files are a “Democratic hoax.”<h2>Stories of abuse&nbsp;</h2>Women who told stories of being abused by Epstein as teens rallied outside the U.S. Capitol Tuesday morning, alongside Massie, Khanna and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., whom Trump attacked online this weekend, nicknaming her a “traitor.”Robson told the crowd that as a Republican herself, the advocacy from Massie and Greene is “unbelievable to watch, and we are so grateful.”“And to the president of the United States of America, who is not here today, I want to send a clear message to you: While I do understand that your position has changed on the Epstein files, and I’m grateful that you have pledged to sign this bill, I can’t help to be skeptical of what the agenda is,” Robson said.In a Sunday night post on his own social media platform, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-about-face-urges-us-house-republicans-vote-release-epstein-files" target="_blank">told Republicans</a>&nbsp;to vote in favor of the bipartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/581" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, which lawmakers have named the Epstein Files Transparency Act.Greene, who also spoke at the press conference, said the administration’s refusal to release what are collectively referred to as the Epstein files “has ripped MAGA apart.”“The only thing that will speak to the powerful, courageous women behind me is when action is actually taken to release these files, and the American people won’t tolerate any other b- – – -t,” Greene said.GOP Reps. Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Lauren Boebert of Colorado were the other Republicans to join Massie, Greene and all Democrats to sign the petition.<h2>Grijalva signature</h2>In a second press conference outside the Capitol later Tuesday morning, the House’s newest Democratic member, Arizona’s Adelita Grijalva, spoke alongside sexual abuse prevention advocates.&nbsp;“The momentum behind this did not come from politicians. It came from survivors and the public who demanded answers. This is why the discharge petition crossed 218 signatures, despite Speaker Johnson doing everything in his power to prevent this from happening, including calling an early summer release, and delaying myself my swearing in for seven weeks,” Grijalva said.Grijalva became the petition’s 218th signature on Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-adelita-grijalva-sworn-us-house-signs-epstein-petition" target="_blank">immediately after</a>&nbsp;her swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;Johnson refused to swear in Grijalva, who won her seat on Sept. 23, during the government shutdown despite precedent of other representatives swearing an oath while the House is out of session.U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., also spoke at the press conference, warning that Senate leadership should not “delay this any further.”“They need to schedule a vote on this so this can get passed into law,” Kelly said.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/live-blog/trump-congress-jeffrey-epstein-files-venezuela-maduro-live-updates-rcna244133" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;NBC News Monday he would sign the legislation.Roughly a dozen public protesters stood outside the police barricade surrounding the press conference, holding signs demanding the release of the Epstein files.Robin Galbraith, 61, of Maryland, held a sign protesting Johnson’s refusal to allow an earlier floor vote to disclose the files.“These survivors deserve justice. And you know, all women and girls deserve justice,” Galbraith told States Newsroom in an interview. “Like when you have the richest people in the world trafficking girls, I mean, as somebody who has daughters and sons, we all want to see that children are not victims like this anymore.”<h2>FBI memo&nbsp;</h2>In July, the FBI issued a memo stating the department would not publicly release any further information on the Epstein case.The sudden reversal, after Trump and his supporters campaigned on releasing the files, sparked upheaval among the president’s base and trained a magnifying glass on Trump’s well-documented friendship with Epstein.Trump denies any wrongdoing.The president sued The Wall Street Journal for reporting on a 50th&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?mod=Searchresults_pos1&amp;page=1" target="_blank">birthday card</a>&nbsp;Trump allegedly gave to Epstein. The card featured a cryptic message and a doodle of a naked woman with Trump’s apparent signature mimicking pubic hair. Trump denies that he created and signed the birthday doodle.The Journal also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/justice-department-told-trump-name-in-epstein-files-727a8038?mod=hp_lead_pos1" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that Attorney General Pam Bondi briefed the president in May that his name appeared in the Epstein case files. The context in which his name appeared is unclear.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article221404845.html" target="_blank">series</a>&nbsp;in the Miami Herald in 2018 by journalist Julie K. Brown drew wide attention to Epstein’s crimes and Trump’s appointment in 2017 of former Miami federal prosecutor Alex Acosta, who cut a deal in 2008 to end a federal investigation into Epstein, as the secretary of Labor.Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.

US Senate agrees with overwhelming House vote to force release of Epstein files

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 —The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to cut $145 million from Kansas’ coffers beginning next year, state officials said.

That’s on top of an impending state budget hole that has shrunk since the Kansas Legislature passed its budget this spring, but still threatens to put the state in the red.

Budget analysts released Friday consensus revenue estimates, predicting state general fund revenues, which can be used to inform the budget-crafting process.

All told, the estimates included modest forecast changes in the economy and state revenues, said Shirley Morrow, director of the Kansas Legislative Research Department, at a press conference in the Statehouse in Topeka.

Revenue in fiscal year 2025, which ended in June, exceeded analysts’ estimates by $130 million, and revenue in the first four months of fiscal year 2026 has exceeded previous predictions by about $100 million, she said.

“The most noteworthy change is the full incorporation of the impacts of the federal tax legislation that was passed over the summer,” Morrow said.

However, she added, most of the legislation’s provisions were continuations of previous policies and will result in small changes to state receipts.

As the state incorporates federal tax law, Kansans will not automatically see deductions for tips and overtime, said Adam Proffitt, state budget director and secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration.

Of the roughly $145 million effect in fiscal year 2027, which begins in July, Proffitt listed the largest costs: $85 million for full expensing of certain business property, $32 million for full expensing of domestic research and development, $7 million for increased limitations on property depreciations and about $6.5 million for enhanced child care tax credits for individuals.

The state also has to account for its own tax changes, including cuts to corporate income taxes and property taxes as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/27/kansas-legislature-passes-tax-relief-with-talk-of-broken-promises-and-out-of-control-spending/">a result of 2025 legislation</a>. One law eliminated the statewide levy of 1.5 mills for the state education building fund and the state institution building fund. The state now has to cover that missing property tax revenue.

Beyond 2027, the state’s ending balance is projected to tank.

The state ended fiscal year 2025 with $2.9 billion. By 2030, it will drop below $1.2 billion.

“The ending balance is going down because the receipts are below expenditures to the tune of $367 million in fiscal ‘27, $302 million in fiscal ‘28, so on and so forth,” said Proffitt.

Before the Legislature’s most recent budget, the numbers were closer to $700 million of overspending, he said. The decrease is largely because of a roughly $160 million drop in education costs, stemming from 10,000 fewer students in Kansas’ public school system than the previous headcount. Over five years, that drop means sizable savings, Proffitt said.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said in a news release that cutting waste, fraud and abuse from state spending will be a top priority in 2026, as affordability is top of mind. He vowed to manage tax dollars with discipline.

“When the state spends like a drunken sailor, rubber-stamping everything on the governor’s pricey big-government wish list, there’s no way to stay on a responsible fiscal path,” he said. “And in the end, Kansas taxpayers are the ones left holding the bill.”

The Legislature crafted the provisions of the most recent budget, declining to use Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposals as a starting point.

“To the extent anyone reads the speaker’s press releases, I doubt they believe he is focused on how to budget responsibly,” said Will Lawrence, the governor’s chief of staff.

In the upcoming election year, he said the Legislature should “resist their natural instinct to fund pet projects for their special interest friends.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763464861952.png" alt="Adam Proffitt, the Kansas state budget director, and Gov. Laura Kelly address a Salina audience at a town hall forum on the state government’s budget. Proffitt is challenging House Speaker Dan Hawkins’ statement that the budget approved by the 2025 Legislature spent $30 million less than was recommended by Kelly. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Adam Proffitt, the Kansas state budget director, and Gov. Laura Kelly address a Salina audience at a town hall forum on the state government’s budget. Proffitt is challenging House Speaker Dan Hawkins’ statement that the budget approved by the 2025 Legislature spent $30 million less than was recommended by Kelly. (Tim Carpenter/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 —The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to cut $145 million from Kansas’ coffers beginning next year, state officials said.That’s on top of an impending state budget hole that has shrunk since the Kansas Legislature passed its budget this spring, but still threatens to put the state in the red.Budget analysts released Friday consensus revenue estimates, predicting state general fund revenues, which can be used to inform the budget-crafting process.All told, the estimates included modest forecast changes in the economy and state revenues, said Shirley Morrow, director of the Kansas Legislative Research Department, at a press conference in the Statehouse in Topeka.Revenue in fiscal year 2025, which ended in June, exceeded analysts’ estimates by $130 million, and revenue in the first four months of fiscal year 2026 has exceeded previous predictions by about $100 million, she said.“The most noteworthy change is the full incorporation of the impacts of the federal tax legislation that was passed over the summer,” Morrow said.However, she added, most of the legislation’s provisions were continuations of previous policies and will result in small changes to state receipts.As the state incorporates federal tax law, Kansans will not automatically see deductions for tips and overtime, said Adam Proffitt, state budget director and secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration.Of the roughly $145 million effect in fiscal year 2027, which begins in July, Proffitt listed the largest costs: $85 million for full expensing of certain business property, $32 million for full expensing of domestic research and development, $7 million for increased limitations on property depreciations and about $6.5 million for enhanced child care tax credits for individuals.The state also has to account for its own tax changes, including cuts to corporate income taxes and property taxes as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/27/kansas-legislature-passes-tax-relief-with-talk-of-broken-promises-and-out-of-control-spending/">a result of 2025 legislation</a>. One law eliminated the statewide levy of 1.5 mills for the state education building fund and the state institution building fund. The state now has to cover that missing property tax revenue.Beyond 2027, the state’s ending balance is projected to tank.The state ended fiscal year 2025 with $2.9 billion. By 2030, it will drop below $1.2 billion.“The ending balance is going down because the receipts are below expenditures to the tune of $367 million in fiscal ‘27, $302 million in fiscal ‘28, so on and so forth,” said Proffitt.Before the Legislature’s most recent budget, the numbers were closer to $700 million of overspending, he said. The decrease is largely because of a roughly $160 million drop in education costs, stemming from 10,000 fewer students in Kansas’ public school system than the previous headcount. Over five years, that drop means sizable savings, Proffitt said.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said in a news release that cutting waste, fraud and abuse from state spending will be a top priority in 2026, as affordability is top of mind. He vowed to manage tax dollars with discipline.“When the state spends like a drunken sailor, rubber-stamping everything on the governor’s pricey big-government wish list, there’s no way to stay on a responsible fiscal path,” he said. “And in the end, Kansas taxpayers are the ones left holding the bill.”The Legislature crafted the provisions of the most recent budget, declining to use Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposals as a starting point.“To the extent anyone reads the speaker’s press releases, I doubt they believe he is focused on how to budget responsibly,” said Will Lawrence, the governor’s chief of staff.In the upcoming election year, he said the Legislature should “resist their natural instinct to fund pet projects for their special interest friends.”

Kansas faces impending budget imbalance, effects of ‘big, beautiful’ legislation

A nine-way tie among write-in candidates for USD 309/ South Hutchinson and Nickerson Board Position 6 was broken Monday afternoon when the Reno County Board of Canvassers conducted a name drawing. 

Don Bogner drew the name of Diana Bruce, selecting her as the winner.

After the election was certified, it was discovered that Bruce does not live in the correct district and is therefore ineligible to serve.

The seat will officially become vacant in January. The USD 309 School Board will appoint someone to fill the position until the November 2027 election, when the remainder of the term will be on the ballot as an unexpired term.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763469853811.jpeg" alt="Reno County Commission Chairman Don Bogner reaches in for one of nine names to break the tie for USD 309 Board of Education Position 6 as Reno County Clerk Jenna Fager holds the hat. (Photo courtesy Reno County)" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Commission Chairman Don Bogner reaches in for one of nine names to break the tie for USD 309 Board of Education Position 6 as Reno County Clerk Jenna Fager holds the hat. (Photo courtesy Reno County)</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTYA nine-way tie among write-in candidates for USD 309/ South Hutchinson and Nickerson Board Position 6 was broken Monday afternoon when the Reno County Board of Canvassers conducted a name drawing. Don Bogner drew the name of Diana Bruce, selecting her as the winner.After the election was certified, it was discovered that Bruce does not live in the correct district and is therefore ineligible to serve.The seat will officially become vacant in January. The USD 309 School Board will appoint someone to fill the position until the November 2027 election, when the remainder of the term will be on the ballot as an unexpired term.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Election tiebreaker leaves Kan. school district with board vacancy

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating four suspects on multiple allegations after a wild police chase in Kansas City.

Just before 10:30p.m. Sunday, a Trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol initiated a traffic stop on a passenger car for speeding and a registration violation southbound on Interstate 35 jus south of Missouri 291 in Liberty, Missouri, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A. The Trooper advised the vehicle was not stopping and he was in a pursuit.

Moments later just south of Missouri Highway 152 and north Pleasant Valley Rod, the trooper advised a passenger was shooting at him from the suspect's vehicle.

The pursuit continued southbound on Interstate 35 to Northeast Chouteau Trafficway, where the suspect vehicle exited and traveled on multiple city streets and the onto southbound Interstate 29 and then south to Interstate 70 inJackson County.&nbsp;

At 10:41 as the suspect vehicle was eastbound on Interstate 70, the vehicle began to exit at 119th Street and a passenger continued to fire at the Trooper, striking his patrol car. The pursuit continued and othe shots were fired at. Kansas City, Missouri Police officers near 17th Street and Jackson Avenue.&nbsp;

The suspect vehicle came to a stop in the area of Cleveland Avenue and 41st Street in Kansas City. Four occupants ran from the vehicle. Officers took three into custody shortly after. At approximately 4a.m., officers found the fourth suspect hiding in a sewer drain.

No officers or civilians were injured during the chase or from the gunfire. Three of the suspects arrested are adults and one is a juvenile. Police released no additional details early Monday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763405786095.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating four suspects on multiple allegations after a wild police chase in Kansas City.Just before 10:30p.m. Sunday, a Trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol initiated a traffic stop on a passenger car for speeding and a registration violation southbound on Interstate 35 jus south of Missouri 291 in Liberty, Missouri, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A. The Trooper advised the vehicle was not stopping and he was in a pursuit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763405762612.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>Moments later just south of Missouri Highway 152 and north Pleasant Valley Rod, the trooper advised a passenger was shooting at him from the suspect's vehicle.The pursuit continued southbound on Interstate 35 to Northeast Chouteau Trafficway, where the suspect vehicle exited and traveled on multiple city streets and the onto southbound Interstate 29 and then south to Interstate 70 inJackson County.&nbsp;At 10:41 as the suspect vehicle was eastbound on Interstate 70, the vehicle began to exit at 119th Street and a passenger continued to fire at the Trooper, striking his patrol car. The pursuit continued and othe shots were fired at. Kansas City, Missouri Police officers near 17th Street and Jackson Avenue.&nbsp;The suspect vehicle came to a stop in the area of Cleveland Avenue and 41st Street in Kansas City. Four occupants ran from the vehicle. Officers took three into custody shortly after. At approximately 4a.m., officers found the fourth suspect hiding in a sewer drain.No officers or civilians were injured during the chase or from the gunfire. Three of the suspects arrested are adults and one is a juvenile. Police released no additional details early Monday afternoon.

Suspect fired shots at police during high-speed chase in Kansas    City

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas teen is under investigation in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash.

Just before 6p.m. Saturday police&nbsp;responded to a hit-and-run injury accident call at the intersection of NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Paramore Streets in Topeka, according to Police LT. Ron Ekis. The accident involved a vehicle and pedestrian. 

The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.

During investigation of this incident, police identified Sultan Y. Andemichael, 18, Topeka, as a suspect. Andemichael was located and transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. He is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Involuntary manslaughter;&nbsp;Interference with LEO;  Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case and Failure to stop accident resulting in death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763425624800.png" alt="Andemichael photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Andemichael photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas teen is under investigation in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash.Just before 6p.m. Saturday police&nbsp;responded to a hit-and-run injury accident call at the intersection of NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Paramore Streets in Topeka, according to Police LT. Ron Ekis. The accident involved a vehicle and pedestrian. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.During investigation of this incident, police identified Sultan Y. Andemichael, 18, Topeka, as a suspect. Andemichael was located and transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. He is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Involuntary manslaughter;&nbsp;Interference with LEO; Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case and Failure to stop accident resulting in death.

Kansas teen accused of destroying evidence in fatal hit-and-run

OSAGE COUNTY —On Saturday morning, the Osage County Deputy Christian Moran, Corporal Clayton Hartpence, K9 Deputy James Cason, and Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Adam Ellis were injured by gunfire while responding to a call for service. 

&nbsp;All four officers were taken to the hospital for treatment.&nbsp; While each of these officers is receiving excellent care, they all have a long road ahead toward a full recovery, according to a Monday evening statement from the Osage County Sheriff.&nbsp; This is only the beginning of the healing process for them and their families.

The Osage County Sheriff's Office would like to express our sincere gratitude to the community for their overwhelming support of our officers. Many have inquired about how they can assist the officers and their families during their recovery. &nbsp;Monetary donations can be made out to the Osage County Sheriff Support Fund, and dropped off or mailed to:

817 Topeka Ave, Lyndon, KS 66451Gift cards, snacks, and other helpful items may also be mailed or delivered to:

131 W 14th&nbsp;St, Lyndon, KS 66451Additionally, the Kansas Highway Patrol has established a monetary fund for Trooper Ellis and his family. Donations can be made at the following link:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstroopers.com/donate">www.kstroopers.com/donate</a>. Please select “Kansas Trooper’s Foundation” and write "Ellis" in the "other comments" box.We would also like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the area agencies and the public for their overwhelming support. Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time. We are proud to serve the citizens of Osage County, and your generosity will continue to aid our injured officers, their families, and our office as a whole as we heal together.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763259271274.png" alt="Law enforcement on the scene of the deadly gun fight that injured three sheriff's deputies and a KHP Trooper- photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement on the scene of the deadly gun fight that injured three sheriff's deputies and a KHP Trooper- photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —On Saturday morning, the Osage County Deputy Christian Moran, Corporal Clayton Hartpence, K9 Deputy James Cason, and Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Adam Ellis were injured by gunfire while responding to a call for service. &nbsp;All four officers were taken to the hospital for treatment.&nbsp; While each of these officers is receiving excellent care, they all have a long road ahead toward a full recovery, according to a Monday evening statement from the Osage County Sheriff.&nbsp; This is only the beginning of the healing process for them and their families.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763429453752.png" alt="Deputy Christian Moran, Corporal Clayton Hartpence, and K9 Deputy James Cason-Photos courtesy Osage&nbsp; County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Christian Moran, Corporal Clayton Hartpence, and K9 Deputy James Cason-Photos courtesy Osage&nbsp; County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure>The Osage County Sheriff's Office would like to express our sincere gratitude to the community for their overwhelming support of our officers. Many have inquired about how they can assist the officers and their families during their recovery. &nbsp;Monetary donations can be made out to the Osage County Sheriff Support Fund, and dropped off or mailed to:Lyndon State BankPO Box 518817 Topeka Ave, Lyndon, KS 66451Gift cards, snacks, and other helpful items may also be mailed or delivered to:Osage County Sheriff’s OfficePO Box 639131 W 14th&nbsp;St, Lyndon, KS 66451Additionally, the Kansas Highway Patrol has established a monetary fund for Trooper Ellis and his family. Donations can be made at the following link:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstroopers.com/donate">www.kstroopers.com/donate</a>. Please select “Kansas Trooper’s Foundation” and write "Ellis" in the "other comments" box.We would also like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the area agencies and the public for their overwhelming support. Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time. We are proud to serve the citizens of Osage County, and your generosity will continue to aid our injured officers, their families, and our office as a whole as we heal together.

Sheriff releases names of Kan. deputies, Trooper injured in gun fight

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach on Monday announced that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, in partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained 10 illegal aliens with serious criminal histories during targeted enforcement operations conducted in October and November, according to a media release from the Attorney General's office.

The individuals were identified and taken into federal custody pursuant to the KBI’s authority under the 287(g) program, an agreement that allows designated KBI personnel to perform immigration enforcement under ICE supervision.&nbsp;

“Had my office not obtained 287(g) authority and investigated these cases, these dangerous illegal aliens would have continued to live in Kansas communities hiding in plain sight,” Kobach said.&nbsp;

The individuals detained are illegal aliens convicted of serious offenses, including:

They are citizens of Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Somalia, and Ethiopia.&nbsp;

“Each of these offenders had been tried and convicted of a sex offense, a drug offense, or a violent offense. Anyone without citizenship who commits serious crimes against Kansans should not be allowed to stay in our communities,” KBI Director Tony Mattivi said.

The detentions occurred between Oct. 24 and Nov. 14 with KBI agents working in Hutchinson, Newton, Garden City, and Dodge City.

KBI transferred the detainees to ICE custody where they face federal immigration proceedings, including removal from the United States.&nbsp;

The KBI entered a 287(g) agreement – which refers to Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act – with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in February. Under the terms of the agreement, a limited number of KBI agents received ICE training authorizing the agents to serve and execute warrants for some immigration violations and to issue immigration detainers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763421696187.png" alt="Photos KBI" />
 <figcaption>Photos KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach on Monday announced that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, in partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained 10 illegal aliens with serious criminal histories during targeted enforcement operations conducted in October and November, according to a media release from the Attorney General's office.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKBIKansas%2Fvideos%2F1394147885562719%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The individuals were identified and taken into federal custody pursuant to the KBI’s authority under the 287(g) program, an agreement that allows designated KBI personnel to perform immigration enforcement under ICE supervision.&nbsp;“Had my office not obtained 287(g) authority and investigated these cases, these dangerous illegal aliens would have continued to live in Kansas communities hiding in plain sight,” Kobach said.&nbsp;The individuals detained are illegal aliens convicted of serious offenses, including:<ul>
 <li>Second-degree murder</li><li>Indecent liberties with a child (ages 14-16)</li><li>Annoying/molesting children under 18 (California Statute)</li><li>Aggravated battery</li><li>Distribution of narcotics (opiates, heroin, and other controlled substances)</li><li>Aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm</li><li>Cultivation and distribution of controlled substances&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>They are citizens of Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Somalia, and Ethiopia.&nbsp;“Each of these offenders had been tried and convicted of a sex offense, a drug offense, or a violent offense. Anyone without citizenship who commits serious crimes against Kansans should not be allowed to stay in our communities,” KBI Director Tony Mattivi said.The detentions occurred between Oct. 24 and Nov. 14 with KBI agents working in Hutchinson, Newton, Garden City, and Dodge City.KBI agents detained:<ol>
 <li>Jose Luis Gomez Sr. (Mexico) – Distribution of opiates/narcotics</li><li>Alonzo Mendez (Mexico) – Indecent liberties with a child 14–16</li><li>Gilberto Taracena Monte (Guatemala) – Annoy/molest child under 18</li><li>Diego Nevarez (Mexico) – Distribution/possession with intent to distribute heroin (multiple cases)</li><li>Jose Rivera-Avila (Mexico) – Aggravated assault, criminal discharge of firearm</li><li>Bashir Omar (Somalia) – Second-degree intentional murder</li><li>Nigisti Geberemedehni Beyene (Ethiopia) – Aggravated battery</li><li>Yuliesky Hernandez-Padron (Cuba) – Aggravated robbery</li><li>Jose Eduardo Garcia-Peralta (Mexico) – Distribution of opiates/narcotics</li><li>Ramiro Erik Flores-Hernandez (Mexico) – Cultivation/distribution of controlled substances&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>KBI transferred the detainees to ICE custody where they face federal immigration proceedings, including removal from the United States.&nbsp;The KBI entered a 287(g) agreement – which refers to Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act – with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in February. Under the terms of the agreement, a limited number of KBI agents received ICE training authorizing the agents to serve and execute warrants for some immigration violations and to issue immigration detainers.

Attorney General: 10 dangerous illegal aliens captured in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend standoff.

Just before 4a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a domestic disturbance in the 500 block of SW Fillmore Street in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ron Ekis.

The Topeka Police Department Response Team and Crisis Negotiators responded to the scene.&nbsp; The 1000 block of SW 5th Street along with the 500 block of SW Fillmore Street were blocked off for an extended period.

After a several hour stand-off, one person was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning.&nbsp;

As a result of the investigation, Tevin Roberts, 33, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Felony Interference and Domestic Battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763391962443.png" alt="Roberts photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Roberts photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend standoff.Just before 4a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a domestic disturbance in the 500 block of SW Fillmore Street in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ron Ekis.The Topeka Police Department Response Team and Crisis Negotiators responded to the scene.&nbsp; The 1000 block of SW 5th Street along with the 500 block of SW Fillmore Street were blocked off for an extended period.After a several hour stand-off, one person was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning.&nbsp;As a result of the investigation, Tevin Roberts, 33, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Felony Interference and Domestic Battery.

Suspect jailed after standoff at Kansas home

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

Democratic leader favors candidate she labels ‘true middle-of-the-road’ politician

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly formally endorsed state Sen. Ethan Corson’s campaign for governor on Monday, favoring a “true middle-of-the-road” politician she believed capable of drawing enough votes from Kansas Republicans, Democrats and independents to prevail in 2026.

Kelly, a popular governor forbidden from seeking reelection to a third term, said the Democrat from Fairway was the candidate most capable of being a voice of reason in terms of the state budget, protecting K-12 public school funding, lowering taxes and delivering economic growth. These themes, and a relentless critique of former Gov. Sam Brownback, anchored Kelly’s gubernatorial victory over Republican nominee Kris Kobach in 2018 and narrow defeat of GOP candidate Derek Schmidt in 2022.

“Kansas is in good shape right now. And that is why I am enthusiastically endorsing Ethan&nbsp;Corson,” Kelly said in a statement. “Ethan will build on my work, but he will also bring visionary and bold new ideas to the job. His allegiance will be to Kansans, not party or politics. Ethan is a good man. He wants to be governor for the right reasons. He is a true public servant.”

Kelly’s endorsement of Corson wasn’t a surprise, given her statement in July that he would be a “very strong candidate” and pointing to Corson as “someone laser focused on the issues Kansans really care about.”

“Ethan is a true middle-of-the-road candidate who will attract that same broad base of support that is necessary to win but also to then govern effectively. He is the most qualified and most suited to be our next governor,” Kelly said.

In the Kansas Democratic Party’s primary set for August, Corson’s main rival would appear to be Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park. Democrat Marty Tuley of Lawrence also declared his candidacy.

Corson, an attorney and former director of the Kansas Democratic Party, was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2020 and reelected in 2024 to serve a northeast Johnson County district. In the Senate, Corson said, he joined bipartisan efforts to cut property and income taxes, eliminate a state sales tax on groceries and end the state tax on Social Security benefits. He also sought to target tax relief for the benefit of seniors, veterans and working Kansans.

“I’m honored to have Gov. Kelly’s endorsement and grateful for her confidence in my ability to keep Kansas moving forward,” Corson said.

Corson entered the race for governor in July. He reported Nov. 5 the campaign raised $500,000 from nearly 2,000 donors in the initial 100 days of the campaign. During an 8,000-mile, crisscross journey of Kansas, Corson emphasized lowering the cost of living for working-class families, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening investment in public schools. He said his goal was to bring “both parties to the table to deliver results for all Kansans.”

“Our campaign is about creating a Kansas where the next generation can build a life right here,”&nbsp;he said. “That means lower costs for families, the best public schools in America, safer communities and a growing economy in all 105 counties.”

Corson, 43, earned a law degree at Washington University in St. Louis and worked seven years for a firm in Washington, D.C. He was employed by the U.S. Department of Commerce before returning to Kansas in 2019 to be executive director of the state Democratic Party.

Kansas candidates for governor must maneuver through an electorate that delivered double-digit victories in 2016, 2020 and 2024 for President Donald Trump.

In addition, no political party in Kansas has retained the governorship for more than eight consecutive years since the 1950s.

Candidates for the Republican Party’s nomination for governor include former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Senate President Ty Masterson, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, businessman Philip Sarnecki, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara and former Wichita school board member Joy Eakins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763397079432.png" alt="Kansas state Sen. Ethan Corson of Fairway, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2026, receives the endorsement of Gov. Laura Kelly. In this image from Jan. 13, 2025, Corson sits in the Kansas Senate chamber. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas state Sen. Ethan Corson of Fairway, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2026, receives the endorsement of Gov. Laura Kelly. In this image from Jan. 13, 2025, Corson sits in the Kansas Senate chamber. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Democratic leader favors candidate she labels ‘true middle-of-the-road’ politician</h2>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly formally endorsed state Sen. Ethan Corson’s campaign for governor on Monday, favoring a “true middle-of-the-road” politician she believed capable of drawing enough votes from Kansas Republicans, Democrats and independents to prevail in 2026.Kelly, a popular governor forbidden from seeking reelection to a third term, said the Democrat from Fairway was the candidate most capable of being a voice of reason in terms of the state budget, protecting K-12 public school funding, lowering taxes and delivering economic growth. These themes, and a relentless critique of former Gov. Sam Brownback, anchored Kelly’s gubernatorial victory over Republican nominee Kris Kobach in 2018 and narrow defeat of GOP candidate Derek Schmidt in 2022.“Kansas is in good shape right now. And that is why I am enthusiastically endorsing Ethan&nbsp;Corson,” Kelly said in a statement. “Ethan will build on my work, but he will also bring visionary and bold new ideas to the job. His allegiance will be to Kansans, not party or politics. Ethan is a good man. He wants to be governor for the right reasons. He is a true public servant.”Kelly’s endorsement of Corson wasn’t a surprise, given her statement in July that he would be a “very strong candidate” and pointing to Corson as “someone laser focused on the issues Kansans really care about.”“Ethan is a true middle-of-the-road candidate who will attract that same broad base of support that is necessary to win but also to then govern effectively. He is the most qualified and most suited to be our next governor,” Kelly said.In the Kansas Democratic Party’s primary set for August, Corson’s main rival would appear to be Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park. Democrat Marty Tuley of Lawrence also declared his candidacy.Corson, an attorney and former director of the Kansas Democratic Party, was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2020 and reelected in 2024 to serve a northeast Johnson County district. In the Senate, Corson said, he joined bipartisan efforts to cut property and income taxes, eliminate a state sales tax on groceries and end the state tax on Social Security benefits. He also sought to target tax relief for the benefit of seniors, veterans and working Kansans.“I’m honored to have Gov. Kelly’s endorsement and grateful for her confidence in my ability to keep Kansas moving forward,” Corson said.Corson entered the race for governor in July. He reported Nov. 5 the campaign raised $500,000 from nearly 2,000 donors in the initial 100 days of the campaign. During an 8,000-mile, crisscross journey of Kansas, Corson emphasized lowering the cost of living for working-class families, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening investment in public schools. He said his goal was to bring “both parties to the table to deliver results for all Kansans.”“Our campaign is about creating a Kansas where the next generation can build a life right here,”&nbsp;he said. “That means lower costs for families, the best public schools in America, safer communities and a growing economy in all 105 counties.”Corson, 43, earned a law degree at Washington University in St. Louis and worked seven years for a firm in Washington, D.C. He was employed by the U.S. Department of Commerce before returning to Kansas in 2019 to be executive director of the state Democratic Party.Kansas candidates for governor must maneuver through an electorate that delivered double-digit victories in 2016, 2020 and 2024 for President Donald Trump.In addition, no political party in Kansas has retained the governorship for more than eight consecutive years since the 1950s.Candidates for the Republican Party’s nomination for governor include former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Senate President Ty Masterson, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, businessman Philip Sarnecki, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara and former Wichita school board member Joy Eakins.

Gov. Kelly offers formal endorsement of Democratic Sen. Ethan Corson for governor

MITCHELL COUNTY —Investigators determined the cause of a home explosion in Mitchell County on Wednesday was an accidental gas leak inside the home, according to Mitchell County Sheriff Anthony Perez. An issue with a furnace may have contributed to the accident, according to the State Fire Marshal's office.

Just before 6:30pm, the Mitchell County Communication Center received calls of a house explosion had occurred at the corner of Elkhorn Street and Wisconsin Street in Simpson, Kansas.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and located two adult victims with severe injuries. Both victims were transported to the Mitchell County Health Hospital Systems ER initially. The victims were then flown to a Wichita hospital burn unit. Authorities have not released an update on the two who were injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763033183062.png" alt="Photo Mitchell County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Mitchell County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MITCHELL COUNTY —Investigators determined the cause of a home explosion in Mitchell County on Wednesday was an accidental gas leak inside the home, according to Mitchell County Sheriff Anthony Perez. An issue with a furnace may have contributed to the accident, according to the State Fire Marshal's office.Just before 6:30pm, the Mitchell County Communication Center received calls of a house explosion had occurred at the corner of Elkhorn Street and Wisconsin Street in Simpson, Kansas.Emergency personnel responded to the scene and located two adult victims with severe injuries. Both victims were transported to the Mitchell County Health Hospital Systems ER initially. The victims were then flown to a Wichita hospital burn unit. Authorities have not released an update on the two who were injured.

Faulty furnace may have caused Kansas home explosion 

HOUSTON – A 50-year-old resident of Sedgwick County, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to lying to law enforcement, according to a media release from the office of U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

In July 2019, Summer Heather Worden alleged her estranged spouse, NASA Astronaut Anne McClain, had guessed the password and illegally accessed her bank account while McClain was deployed to the International Space Station. &nbsp;

However, Worden had actually opened the account in April 2018. Both parties had accessed it until January 2019 when Worden changed the credentials. &nbsp;

The investigation revealed Worden had granted McClain access to her bank records from at least 2015, including her login credentials.&nbsp;

U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea Nov. 13. He will impose sentencing&nbsp;Feb. 12, 2026. At that time, Worden faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.&nbsp;

Worden was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.&nbsp;

NASA-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Brandon Fyffe prosecuted the case.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763380295480.png" alt="Anne McClain Photo courtesy NASA" />
 <figcaption>Anne McClain Photo courtesy NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON – A 50-year-old resident of Sedgwick County, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to lying to law enforcement, according to a media release from the office of U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.In July 2019, Summer Heather Worden alleged her estranged spouse, NASA Astronaut Anne McClain, had guessed the password and illegally accessed her bank account while McClain was deployed to the International Space Station. &nbsp;However, Worden had actually opened the account in April 2018. Both parties had accessed it until January 2019 when Worden changed the credentials. &nbsp;The investigation revealed Worden had granted McClain access to her bank records from at least 2015, including her login credentials.&nbsp;U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea Nov. 13. He will impose sentencing&nbsp;Feb. 12, 2026. At that time, Worden faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.&nbsp;Worden was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.&nbsp;NASA-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Brandon Fyffe prosecuted the case.&nbsp;

Kan. woman admits lying about astronaut wife accessing bank account from Space Station

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 8:30a.m. Sunday, Kansas City Police responded to report of an armed robbery at a gas station in the 8200 Block of North Church Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The suspect allegedly threatened a store clerk with a handgun. the suspect fled before officers arrived. Through an on scene investigation, a suspect description and suspect vehicle description were obtained. This information led officers to the 1200 Block of Northeast Parvin Road.

Just after 10a.m. Sunday, one officer arrived at that location and saw the suspect vehicle and the suspect involved in the armed robbery. The officer confronted the suspect outside of an apartment building. The suspect presented a handgun. The officer fired shots and struck the suspect.&nbsp;

EMS transported the suspect to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The officer was not injured. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. The investigation will forward the details to the the Clay County Prosecuting attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763379610505.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 8:30a.m. Sunday, Kansas City Police responded to report of an armed robbery at a gas station in the 8200 Block of North Church Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.The suspect allegedly threatened a store clerk with a handgun. the suspect fled before officers arrived. Through an on scene investigation, a suspect description and suspect vehicle description were obtained. This information led officers to the 1200 Block of Northeast Parvin Road.Just after 10a.m. Sunday, one officer arrived at that location and saw the suspect vehicle and the suspect involved in the armed robbery. The officer confronted the suspect outside of an apartment building. The suspect presented a handgun. The officer fired shots and struck the suspect.&nbsp;EMS transported the suspect to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The officer was not injured. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. The investigation will forward the details to the the Clay County Prosecuting attorney's office.

Officer shot Kansas City armed robbery suspect 

NEMAHA COUNTY —The Nemaha County Sheriff on Sunday released the name of a Kansas teen who died in an accident over the weekend in Nemaha County.

Just after 7a.m. Sunday Nemaha County Communications received a call to respond to the scene of a one vehicle crash, according to a media release.

A 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by Kenton L. Farwell, 17, Sabetha was westbound on 192nd Road just east of V Road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck a culvert and overturned into a ditch.  The exact time of the crash has not been determined.&nbsp;

NEMAHA COUNTY —The Nemaha County Sheriff on Sunday released the name of a Kansas teen who died in an accident over the weekend in Nemaha County.Just after 7a.m. Sunday Nemaha County Communications received a call to respond to the scene of a one vehicle crash, according to a media release.A 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by Kenton L. Farwell, 17, Sabetha was westbound on 192nd Road just east of V Road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck a culvert and overturned into a ditch. The exact time of the crash has not been determined.&nbsp;

Sheriff IDs Kansas teen who died in rollover crash

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for five counts of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Jeremy Weber, 47, of Topeka uploaded photographs of women and children he knew into a publicly available Artificial Intelligence platform. He then utilized AI to manipulate and merge their images into hundreds of depictions of child sexual abuse material (or CSAM). &nbsp;Weber also uploaded previously trafficked images of CSAM to the same platform. Weber morphed the original CSAM image with the face of the adult or minor female, creating a new image of CSAM.&nbsp;

The investigation identified approximately 32 women whose images were used to produce the new CSAM. &nbsp;In addition, Weber utilized the same AI program to produce adult pornographic images of 50-60 women without their consent. &nbsp;

The investigation into Weber began after an IT professional observed criminal activity on Weber’s computer and reported it to local law enforcement. &nbsp;A subsequent search warrant led to a search of Weber’s residence and the discovery of an encrypted hard drive containing a folder titled “AI Swap.” In the folder was a large number of files organized into folders named after women. Each of the named folders contained anywhere from a handful to hundreds of newly manufactured sexually explicit images of each individual.

“While it is still an emerging technology, I believe there can be many wonderful and beneficial aspects of artificial intelligence, but there is also a dark side. Unfortunately, child predators are using AI for twisted and perverse activities,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The fact that Jeremy Weber was able to create realistic looking images of child pornography using the faces of children and adults should remind us that we are all vulnerable to this type of violation. Although the images were ‘fake’, the harm he inflicted on the victims and the consequences were very real.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762526792575.png" alt="Weber from his April arrest in Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Weber from his April arrest in Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for five counts of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Jeremy Weber, 47, of Topeka uploaded photographs of women and children he knew into a publicly available Artificial Intelligence platform. He then utilized AI to manipulate and merge their images into hundreds of depictions of child sexual abuse material (or CSAM). &nbsp;Weber also uploaded previously trafficked images of CSAM to the same platform. Weber morphed the original CSAM image with the face of the adult or minor female, creating a new image of CSAM.&nbsp;The investigation identified approximately 32 women whose images were used to produce the new CSAM. &nbsp;In addition, Weber utilized the same AI program to produce adult pornographic images of 50-60 women without their consent. &nbsp;The investigation into Weber began after an IT professional observed criminal activity on Weber’s computer and reported it to local law enforcement. &nbsp;A subsequent search warrant led to a search of Weber’s residence and the discovery of an encrypted hard drive containing a folder titled “AI Swap.” In the folder was a large number of files organized into folders named after women. Each of the named folders contained anywhere from a handful to hundreds of newly manufactured sexually explicit images of each individual.“While it is still an emerging technology, I believe there can be many wonderful and beneficial aspects of artificial intelligence, but there is also a dark side. Unfortunately, child predators are using AI for twisted and perverse activities,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The fact that Jeremy Weber was able to create realistic looking images of child pornography using the faces of children and adults should remind us that we are all vulnerable to this type of violation. Although the images were ‘fake’, the harm he inflicted on the victims and the consequences were very real.”&nbsp;

Prison: Kan. man used Artificial Intelligence to make child porn

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762445699793.png" alt="Photo Frontier Airlines" />
 <figcaption>Photo Frontier Airlines</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨The <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FAANews</a> has determined that normal flight operations can resume after multiple days of positive staffing with air traffic controllers in our towers. Now we can refocus our efforts on hiring and building the state-of-the-art air traffic control system the American people… <a href="https://t.co/28wQpOfKHD">https://t.co/28wQpOfKHD</a>&mdash; Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1990229655287218567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Good news for travelers: FAA lifts order slashing flights

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City area man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing a firearm.

Hunter A. Fanara, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 96 months in federal prison without parole for being a felon in possession of a firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.

On July 8, 2025, Fanara pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm on Mar. 19, 2024.&nbsp; On that date, Fanara was driving near the intersection of South Crysler and West Haward Avenue in Independence, Mo.&nbsp; An Independence, Mo., Police Department Officer pulled Fanara over for a stop sign violation.&nbsp; 

During the traffic stop, Fanara abruptly exited the vehicle and shut and locked the car door.&nbsp; Fanara then walked towards the patrol car with his hands in his pockets.&nbsp; The officer questioned Fanara and learned that Fanara had a revoked license.&nbsp; Fanara reported that the vehicle he was driving belonged to another person and he could not provide consent to search the vehicle, but the officer had not requested to search the vehicle.&nbsp; 

Due to Fanara having a revoked license and an outstanding warrant, officers arrested Fanara.&nbsp;Officers later learned that the vehicle had been reported as stolen.&nbsp; Officers conducted an inventory search of the vehicle prior to having it towed and they discovered a loaded Taurus, Model G3, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, in the driver’s door cubby.&nbsp; 

Officers also found multiple baggies containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and a couple of pills.&nbsp; Pursuant to the plea agreement, the defendant admitted that he knowingly possessed the recovered firearm and that he knew he had previously been convicted of a felony offense.&nbsp; In the plea agreement, Fanara also admitted that on Mar. 20, 2025, he knowingly possessed another firearm, specifically an Erma/Excam, Model RX22, .22 LR caliber, semi-automatic pistol, that Independence, Mo. Police Officers recovered during an investigation of another traffic violation involving Fanara.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763336969314.png" alt="Fanara from an earlier arrest in Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Fanara from an earlier arrest in Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City area man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing a firearm.Hunter A. Fanara, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 96 months in federal prison without parole for being a felon in possession of a firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.On July 8, 2025, Fanara pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm on Mar. 19, 2024.&nbsp; On that date, Fanara was driving near the intersection of South Crysler and West Haward Avenue in Independence, Mo.&nbsp; An Independence, Mo., Police Department Officer pulled Fanara over for a stop sign violation.&nbsp; During the traffic stop, Fanara abruptly exited the vehicle and shut and locked the car door.&nbsp; Fanara then walked towards the patrol car with his hands in his pockets.&nbsp; The officer questioned Fanara and learned that Fanara had a revoked license.&nbsp; Fanara reported that the vehicle he was driving belonged to another person and he could not provide consent to search the vehicle, but the officer had not requested to search the vehicle.&nbsp; Due to Fanara having a revoked license and an outstanding warrant, officers arrested Fanara.&nbsp;Officers later learned that the vehicle had been reported as stolen.&nbsp; Officers conducted an inventory search of the vehicle prior to having it towed and they discovered a loaded Taurus, Model G3, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, in the driver’s door cubby.&nbsp; Officers also found multiple baggies containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and a couple of pills.&nbsp; Pursuant to the plea agreement, the defendant admitted that he knowingly possessed the recovered firearm and that he knew he had previously been convicted of a felony offense.&nbsp; In the plea agreement, Fanara also admitted that on Mar. 20, 2025, he knowingly possessed another firearm, specifically an Erma/Excam, Model RX22, .22 LR caliber, semi-automatic pistol, that Independence, Mo. Police Officers recovered during an investigation of another traffic violation involving Fanara.

Police found fentanyl, heroin and a firearm after KC area traffic stop

The United States is reporting another deadly strike on an alleged drug boat.

According to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command, on Nov. 15, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. 

Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. Three male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed. The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific and was struck in international waters.

The United States is reporting another deadly strike on an alleged drug boat.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On Nov. 15, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,… <a href="https://t.co/iM1PhIsroj">pic.twitter.com/iM1PhIsroj</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/1990147866397221102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>According to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command, on Nov. 15, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. Three male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed. The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific and was struck in international waters.

🎥US military reports another deadly strike on alleged drug-running boat 

GOP lawmaker honors Eisenhower, Dole in Kansas Oral History Project interview

TOPEKA — Former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts fondly recalls personal relationships with U.S. Rep. Kika de la Garza and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow that moved beyond party labels to shape bipartisan agriculture and food legislation.

Roberts said during an October interview at the U.S. Capitol that the get-the-work-done approach he admired, which brought a stalwart Republican like himself together with dedicated Democrats such as De La Garza and Stabenow, should serve as a salve for partisan wounds inflicted by political champions of division.

Raw partisanship placing Republicans and Democrats in uncompromising conflict has been a feature of the latest government shutdown.

“Somehow we’ve got to get control of this ideology,” Roberts said during an interview for the Kansas Oral History Project. “If you’re talking to somebody who’s an ideologist, they’re going to be right, and you’re wrong, regardless. You just can’t really talk to them, and we have far too much of that. We’re getting to the point of almost a meltdown in what the Senate used to be and the House used to be. That’s a real concern to me. That’s very sad.”

“The first thing you’ve got to learn in politics is to listen, and the second thing is there’s no ‘I’ in politics. It’s a ‘we’ thing,” he said.

Roberts said quality people were exiting Congress because they tired of clashes that inhibited the functioning of government. Some replacements didn’t have benefit of guidance from old-guard lawmakers who understood the value of collaboration, he said.

“I would hope that we could get back to a more bipartisan situation where you got things done,” Roberts said.

<a href="https://ksoralhistory.org/interview/interview-of-senator-pat-roberts-by-jackie-cottrell-and-mike-seyfert-october-14-2025/" target="_blank">He was interviewed for the Kansas Oral History Project</a>&nbsp;by Jackie Cottrell, who was chief of staff to Roberts for 18 years while he was in the Senate, and Mike Seyfert, who was Roberts’ staff director on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Roberts, the first person to chair both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate agriculture committees, represented the 1st District of Kansas for eight terms in the U.S. House, from 1981 to 1997. When GOP U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum declined to seek reelection in 1996, Roberts was elected to her seat. He served in the U.S. Senate from 1997 to 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762288000118.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, who was the longest-serving member of Congress in Kansas history, shares with the Kansas Oral History Project insights into his service to the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. He says Congress will be better served with a return to bipartisanship. (Photo by Jill Hummels for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, who was the longest-serving member of Congress in Kansas history, shares with the Kansas Oral History Project insights into his service to the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. He says Congress will be better served with a return to bipartisanship. (Photo by Jill Hummels for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>GOP lawmaker honors Eisenhower, Dole in Kansas Oral History Project interview</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts fondly recalls personal relationships with U.S. Rep. Kika de la Garza and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow that moved beyond party labels to shape bipartisan agriculture and food legislation.Roberts said during an October interview at the U.S. Capitol that the get-the-work-done approach he admired, which brought a stalwart Republican like himself together with dedicated Democrats such as De La Garza and Stabenow, should serve as a salve for partisan wounds inflicted by political champions of division.Raw partisanship placing Republicans and Democrats in uncompromising conflict has been a feature of the latest government shutdown.“Somehow we’ve got to get control of this ideology,” Roberts said during an interview for the Kansas Oral History Project. “If you’re talking to somebody who’s an ideologist, they’re going to be right, and you’re wrong, regardless. You just can’t really talk to them, and we have far too much of that. We’re getting to the point of almost a meltdown in what the Senate used to be and the House used to be. That’s a real concern to me. That’s very sad.”“The first thing you’ve got to learn in politics is to listen, and the second thing is there’s no ‘I’ in politics. It’s a ‘we’ thing,” he said.Roberts said quality people were exiting Congress because they tired of clashes that inhibited the functioning of government. Some replacements didn’t have benefit of guidance from old-guard lawmakers who understood the value of collaboration, he said.“I would hope that we could get back to a more bipartisan situation where you got things done,” Roberts said.<a href="https://ksoralhistory.org/interview/interview-of-senator-pat-roberts-by-jackie-cottrell-and-mike-seyfert-october-14-2025/" target="_blank">He was interviewed for the Kansas Oral History Project</a>&nbsp;by Jackie Cottrell, who was chief of staff to Roberts for 18 years while he was in the Senate, and Mike Seyfert, who was Roberts’ staff director on the Senate Agriculture Committee.<h2>‘Always want to listen’</h2>Roberts, the first person to chair both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate agriculture committees, represented the 1st District of Kansas for eight terms in the U.S. House, from 1981 to 1997. When GOP U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum declined to seek reelection in 1996, Roberts was elected to her seat. He served in the U.S. Senate from 1997 to 2021.The interviewers asked Roberts about his dedication to regular listening tours that involved visits to every county in the Big First of western Kansas while he was a U.S. representative and subsequently each of the state’s 105 counties while serving as a U.S. senator.In response, Roberts remembered advice given to him by Frank Carlson, who was elected to the Kansas House, became Kansas governor and then served in U.S. House and U.S. Senate.“First thing you learn, Sen. Carlson told me, ‘You never get hurt by what you don’t say.’ He said, ‘You always want to listen.’ And, that’s what we did,” Roberts said.Roberts said he was routine for him to stop in the county seat and run into acquaintances. He encountered critics who “would always show up and give me a hard time,” but that came with the job. It helped to hold onto a sense of humor at the public gatherings, he said, even when his views were at odds with recommendations from Kansas.Roberts was born in Topeka, grew up in Holton, graduated from Kansas State University and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked as a journalist but eventually followed a political career path, first as a congressional staffer and then as an elected official.<h2>Ike, Dole connections</h2>His father, Wesley Roberts, was deeply involved with Kansas GOP politics and served as chairman of the Republican National Committee.While still a teenager, due to his father’s role in the Republican Party, Roberts met Dwight Eisenhower, the war hero who was elected president in 1952.“Obviously, I was very familiar with politics. Perhaps that gave me the impetus to keep going with it,” Roberts said.In the interview, Roberts looked back on the difficult process of completing the Eisenhower Memorial on Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C. He was chair of the memorial commission for the final six years. There was a protracted family dispute over the design. The monument features an open-air plaza with statues of Eisenhower as president, general and a child. The backdrop is a steel tapestry depicting the Normandy cliffs in France.“I am sad that it took so long because we lost a lot of World War II veterans, and they couldn’t come up after looking at the World War II Memorial, which Bob Dole did, and then come up and salute their commander. That was my hope,” he said.Roberts said he remembered speaking with Dole, the GOP’s unsuccessful nominee for president in 1996 and a retired US. Senator, twice a week when Dole was in his 90s. Dole was a disabled veteran from World War II and died in 2021 at age 98. Roberts recalled an especially poignant conversation with Dole.“It’s fair for elderly men to say this, but all of a sudden he said, ‘Pat, there’s one thing I want you to understand.’ I said, ‘What’s that, Bob?’ He said, ‘I love you.’ And I said, ‘I love you, too, Bob.’ I teared up the whole day. He was a great man.”<h2>The hard parts</h2>Roberts said that in his first campaign for the U.S. House in 1980 he told Kansas voters he would not support a federal tax increase. President Ronald Reagan, however, reached an agreement with Democrats to cut $3 in federal spending for every $1 of federal taxes increased. The Reagan administration pressed Roberts to vote for the agreement.In a White House meeting, Roberts told Reagan of his campaign promise. He also said some elderly people, including his mother, were concerned about a banking provision in the legislation. He recalled that other Republicans in the meeting looked at Roberts as if he was a leper.“The president says, ‘Well, Pat, you’re following your convictions and I understand that, but I hope we can change your mind,'” Roberts said. “I arrived back to the office and the staff says, ‘Congressman, you’re invited to go to the White House with your mother at 10:00 in the morning.’ So, I had to call my mom. She (Ruth) says, ‘What kind of trouble have you got me into?'”Reagan put on a charm offensive despite Ruth Roberts’ confession that she wasn’t an early supporter of Reagan. She had favored George H.W. Bush in the presidential primary. Roberts left the White House that day after affirming to the president he wouldn’t vote for the tax increase.The White House had former U.S. Rep. Keith Sebelius, who was Roberts’ predecessor, call from a hospital bed to urge Roberts to back Reagan on the bill. In the end, Roberts relented.In 2003, Roberts served as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. His role was significant because the United States launched an invasion of Iraq in March 2003 based, in part, on a premise Iraq President Saddam Hussein was in control of weapons of mass destruction.He said leadership at the Department of Defense and CIA were convinced Hussein had WMDs, but the Senate Intelligence Committee concluded in a 2004 report that pre-war assessments were unsupported by evidence. The committee’s bipartisan conclusion undercut assertions made by President George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney to justify war with Iraq.“That was probably the toughest responsibility that I had was to go to the White House and tell President Bush and Vice President Cheney, ‘Do not endorse your national intelligence estimate. It is flawed. Saddam Hussein did not have weapons of mass destruction.’ That was a tough deal,” Roberts said.