WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol is seeking assistance from the public to identify witnesses involving an injury crash that occurred at approximately 5:40 pm on December 30, according to a media release from the agench.

 This crash occurred on northbound Interstate 635 near Swartz Road in Wyandotte County.

A motorcycle, occupied by a driver and passenger, was involved in a crash. An occupant was then struck by a dark-colored sedan. This vehicle did not stop at the scene. The occupant who was struck was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

If anyone has information regarding witnesses or knowledge of this crash, please contact Kansas Highway Patrol Communications at&nbsp;<a href="tel: 7858273701">785-827-3701</a>.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is grateful to the public for their assistance to help with our cases. There have been numerous witnesses and vehicles which have been successfully located, thanks to help from our citizens. We thank you and truly appreciate any help you can provide.

<p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol is seeking assistance from the public to identify witnesses involving an injury crash that occurred at approximately 5:40 pm on December 30, according to a media release from the agench.</p><p> This crash occurred on northbound Interstate 635 near Swartz Road in Wyandotte County.</p><p>A motorcycle, occupied by a driver and passenger, was involved in a crash. An occupant was then struck by a dark-colored sedan. This vehicle did not stop at the scene. The occupant who was struck was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.</p><p>If anyone has information regarding witnesses or knowledge of this crash, please contact Kansas Highway Patrol Communications at&nbsp;<a href="tel: 7858273701">785-827-3701</a>.</p><p>The Kansas Highway Patrol is grateful to the public for their assistance to help with our cases. There have been numerous witnesses and vehicles which have been successfully located, thanks to help from our citizens. We thank you and truly appreciate any help you can provide.</p>

KHP asks for help to locate sedan that fled injury accident

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple drug allegations.

Just before 2:30a.m. January 3, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at 5th and Topeka Avenue in Lyndon for a traffic violation, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.

 During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. Two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility.

Antionette D. Latif, 60, Topeka is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of cocaine, Driving while under the influence, Possession of controlled substance, Possession of a firearm while under the influence, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Transporting an open container and No drug tax stamp.

Orman H. Jones, 49, Topeka, is being held on requested charges of , Distribution of cocaine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Transporting an open container and No drug tax stamp.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767572520507.png" alt="Jones photo Osage Co." />
                        <figcaption>Jones photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple drug allegations.</p><p>Just before 2:30a.m. January 3, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at 5th and Topeka Avenue in Lyndon for a traffic violation, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.</p><p> During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. Two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767572485976.png" alt="Latif photo Osage Co." />
                        <figcaption>Latif photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Antionette D. Latif, 60, Topeka is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of cocaine, Driving while under the influence, Possession of controlled substance, Possession of a firearm while under the influence, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Transporting an open container and No drug tax stamp.</p><p>Orman H. Jones, 49, Topeka, is being held on requested charges of , Distribution of cocaine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Transporting an open container and No drug tax stamp.</p>

Sheriff: Kansas couple accused of selling cocaine

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department will attempt to downgrade Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly’s retirement rank and pay, seeking to punish him for making a video along with other Democrats in Congress, who told members of the military they didn’t need to follow illegal orders.&nbsp;

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth originally threatened to recall Kelly from military retirement and court-martial him for his participation in the video, but announced Monday that the department would instead try to downgrade his rank of captain as well as his retirement pay.&nbsp;

“Captain Kelly has been provided notice of the basis for this action and has thirty days to submit a response,” Hegseth wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecWar/status/2008189258528665898" target="_blank">a social media post</a>. “The retirement grade determination process directed by Secretary Hegseth will be completed within forty five days.”

Hegseth added that Kelly’s “status as a sitting United States Senator does not exempt him from accountability, and further violations could result in further action.”

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenMarkKelly/status/2008215189275963870" target="_blank">wrote in a social media post</a>&nbsp;that he planned to challenge Hegseth’s attempt to alter his retirement rank and pay, arguing it’s an attempt to punish him for challenging the Trump administration.&nbsp;

“My rank and retirement are things that I earned through my service and sacrifice for this country. I got shot at. I missed holidays and birthdays. I commanded a space shuttle mission while my wife Gabby recovered from a gunshot wound to the head– all while proudly wearing the American flag on my shoulder,” Kelly wrote. “Generations of servicemembers have made these same patriotic sacrifices for this country, earning the respect, appreciation, and rank they deserve.”

Kelly added that Hegseth’s goal with the process is to “send the message to every single retired servicemember that if they say something he or Donald Trump doesn’t like, they will come after them the same way. It’s outrageous and it is wrong. There is nothing more un-American than that.”

Members of Congress are generally protected under&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S6-C1-3-1/ALDE_00013300/" target="_blank">the speech and debate clause</a>&nbsp;of the U.S. Constitution, which states that unless a lawmaker is involved in treason, felony and breach of the peace, they are “privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.”

The Defense Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26456656-secwar-letter-05jan26/#document/p1" target="_blank">letter of censure</a>&nbsp;to Kelly alleged that his participation in the video undermined the military chain of command, counseled disobedience, created confusion about duty, brought discredit upon the Armed Forces and included conduct unbecoming of an officer.&nbsp;

Hegseth wrote in that letter that if Kelly continues “to engage in conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, you may subject yourself to criminal prosecution or further administrative action.”

The Department of Defense posted in late November that officials were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pentagon-investigates-arizona-sen-mark-kelly-after-he-appears-video-blasted-trump" target="_blank">looking into</a>&nbsp;“serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly for appearing in the video.&nbsp;

It didn’t detail how Kelly might have violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice but stated that “a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”&nbsp;

Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865/photo/1" target="_blank">referred</a>&nbsp;the issue to Navy Secretary John Phelan for any “review, consideration, and disposition” he deemed appropriate. Hegseth then asked for a briefing on the outcome of the review “by no later than December 10.”

Kelly said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-kelly-vows-stay-outspoken-despite-threats-over-illegal-order-video" target="_blank">during a press conference</a>&nbsp;in early December the military’s investigation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-threatened-trump-over-video-say-theyre-now-being-probed-fbi" target="_blank">a separate one</a>&nbsp;by the FBI were designed to intimidate the six lawmakers in the video from speaking out against Trump.&nbsp;

The lawmakers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1990774492356902948" target="_blank">video</a>, who have backgrounds in the military or intelligence agencies, told members of those communities they “can” and “must refuse illegal orders.”

“No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant,” they said. “But whether you’re serving in the CIA, in the Army, or Navy, or the Air Force, your vigilance is critical.”

The other Democrats in the video — Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, Pennsylvania Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander — are not subject to the military justice system.&nbsp;

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-accuses-6-democratic-lawmakers-seditious-behavior-punishable-death" target="_blank">railed against the video</a>&nbsp;a couple of days after it posted, saying the statements represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764097679232.png" alt="Image from the controversial video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from the controversial video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — The Defense Department will attempt to downgrade Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly’s retirement rank and pay, seeking to punish him for making a video along with other Democrats in Congress, who told members of the military they didn’t need to follow illegal orders.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Six weeks ago, Senator Mark Kelly — and five other members of Congress — released a reckless and seditious video that was clearly intended to undermine good order and military discipline. As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he…</p>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/2008189258528665898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth originally threatened to recall Kelly from military retirement and court-martial him for his participation in the video, but announced Monday that the department would instead try to downgrade his rank of captain as well as his retirement pay.&nbsp;</p><p>“Captain Kelly has been provided notice of the basis for this action and has thirty days to submit a response,” Hegseth wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecWar/status/2008189258528665898" target="_blank">a social media post</a>. “The retirement grade determination process directed by Secretary Hegseth will be completed within forty five days.”</p><p>Hegseth added that Kelly’s “status as a sitting United States Senator does not exempt him from accountability, and further violations could result in further action.”</p><p>Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenMarkKelly/status/2008215189275963870" target="_blank">wrote in a social media post</a>&nbsp;that he planned to challenge Hegseth’s attempt to alter his retirement rank and pay, arguing it’s an attempt to punish him for challenging the Trump administration.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Over twenty-five years in the U.S. Navy, thirty-nine combat missions, and four missions to space, I risked my life for this country and to defend our Constitution – including the First Amendment rights of every American to speak out. I never expected that the President of the…</p>&mdash; Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenMarkKelly/status/2008215189275963870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>“My rank and retirement are things that I earned through my service and sacrifice for this country. I got shot at. I missed holidays and birthdays. I commanded a space shuttle mission while my wife Gabby recovered from a gunshot wound to the head– all while proudly wearing the American flag on my shoulder,” Kelly wrote. “Generations of servicemembers have made these same patriotic sacrifices for this country, earning the respect, appreciation, and rank they deserve.”</p><p>Kelly added that Hegseth’s goal with the process is to “send the message to every single retired servicemember that if they say something he or Donald Trump doesn’t like, they will come after them the same way. It’s outrageous and it is wrong. There is nothing more un-American than that.”</p><h2>Constitutional protection</h2><p>Members of Congress are generally protected under&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S6-C1-3-1/ALDE_00013300/" target="_blank">the speech and debate clause</a>&nbsp;of the U.S. Constitution, which states that unless a lawmaker is involved in treason, felony and breach of the peace, they are “privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.”</p><p>The Defense Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26456656-secwar-letter-05jan26/#document/p1" target="_blank">letter of censure</a>&nbsp;to Kelly alleged that his participation in the video undermined the military chain of command, counseled disobedience, created confusion about duty, brought discredit upon the Armed Forces and included conduct unbecoming of an officer.&nbsp;</p><p>Hegseth wrote in that letter that if Kelly continues “to engage in conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, you may subject yourself to criminal prosecution or further administrative action.”</p><h2>Allegations of misconduct</h2><p>The Department of Defense posted in late November that officials were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pentagon-investigates-arizona-sen-mark-kelly-after-he-appears-video-blasted-trump" target="_blank">looking into</a>&nbsp;“serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly for appearing in the video.&nbsp;</p><p>It didn’t detail how Kelly might have violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice but stated that “a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”&nbsp;</p><p>Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865/photo/1" target="_blank">referred</a>&nbsp;the issue to Navy Secretary John Phelan for any “review, consideration, and disposition” he deemed appropriate. Hegseth then asked for a briefing on the outcome of the review “by no later than December 10.”</p><p>Kelly said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-kelly-vows-stay-outspoken-despite-threats-over-illegal-order-video" target="_blank">during a press conference</a>&nbsp;in early December the military’s investigation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-threatened-trump-over-video-say-theyre-now-being-probed-fbi" target="_blank">a separate one</a>&nbsp;by the FBI were designed to intimidate the six lawmakers in the video from speaking out against Trump.&nbsp;</p><p>The lawmakers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1990774492356902948" target="_blank">video</a>, who have backgrounds in the military or intelligence agencies, told members of those communities they “can” and “must refuse illegal orders.”</p><p>“No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant,” they said. “But whether you’re serving in the CIA, in the Army, or Navy, or the Air Force, your vigilance is critical.”</p><p>The other Democrats in the video — Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, Pennsylvania Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander — are not subject to the military justice system.&nbsp;</p><p>Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-accuses-6-democratic-lawmakers-seditious-behavior-punishable-death" target="_blank">railed against the video</a>&nbsp;a couple of days after it posted, saying the statements represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”</p>

Pentagon tries to penalize Sen. Mark Kelly for illegal orders video

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Monday at City Hall, 6 East 6th Street in Lawrence.

A man forced his way into the building then broke through a door on the 4th floor, which is a secured area not open to the public, according to a statement from Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart and City Manager Craig Owens.

 City employees attempted to remove the man and a struggle began.  The man was fatally shot. Lawrence police officers and medical personnel from&nbsp;Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical responded after the altercation.

 The investigation will be led by Lawrence Police in cooperation with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office. No city employees were seriously injured.  The deceased suspect is likely not from the Lawrence area, according to police. Investigators are working to notify next of kin. City Hall remains closed Monday.  Municipal Court Offices will be closed until Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767634150642.png" alt="Photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Monday at City Hall, 6 East 6th Street in Lawrence.</p><p>A man forced his way into the building then broke through a door on the 4th floor, which is a secured area not open to the public, according to a statement from Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart and City Manager Craig Owens.</p><p> City employees attempted to remove the man and a struggle began.  The man was fatally shot. Lawrence police officers and medical personnel from&nbsp;Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical responded after the altercation.</p><p> The investigation will be led by Lawrence Police in cooperation with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office. No city employees were seriously injured.  The deceased suspect is likely not from the Lawrence area, according to police. Investigators are working to notify next of kin. City Hall remains closed Monday.  Municipal Court Offices will be closed until Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Police: City employee shot, killed intruder at Lawrence City Hall

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced the promotion of Sgt. Brandon M. Parker to the rank of lieutenant, effective Jan. 16. Along with his promotion, Parker will transfer from the Division of Drug and Crime Control to the Training Division at General Headquarters in Jefferson City.

Parker joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol in February 2010 as a member of the 91st Recruit Class. Following his graduation from the Law Enforcement Academy, his initial assignment was to Troop A, where he served Henry County.

In 2015, Parker was promoted to corporal and transferred from Henry County to Saline County, where he served as the assistant supervisor for Zone 10. He transitioned to the Division of Drug and Crime Control as a criminal investigator in 2018.

By November 2022, Parker was designated as the supervisor of the DDCC Troop A Criminal Investigation Unit. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in January 2023.

A native of Harrison, Arkansas, Parker is a graduate of Spirit Lake High School in Spirit Lake, Iowa. He holds an associate degree from Ozarks Technical Community College and a Bachelor of Science in criminology and sociology from Missouri State University. Parker and his wife, Kaitlyn, have one son.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767619527975.jpeg" alt="MSHP" />
                        <figcaption>MSHP</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By RYAN SKAITH</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced the promotion of Sgt. Brandon M. Parker to the rank of lieutenant, effective Jan. 16. Along with his promotion, Parker will transfer from the Division of Drug and Crime Control to the Training Division at General Headquarters in Jefferson City.</p><p>Parker joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol in February 2010 as a member of the 91st Recruit Class. Following his graduation from the Law Enforcement Academy, his initial assignment was to Troop A, where he served Henry County.</p><p>In 2015, Parker was promoted to corporal and transferred from Henry County to Saline County, where he served as the assistant supervisor for Zone 10. He transitioned to the Division of Drug and Crime Control as a criminal investigator in 2018.</p><p>By November 2022, Parker was designated as the supervisor of the DDCC Troop A Criminal Investigation Unit. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in January 2023.</p><p>A native of Harrison, Arkansas, Parker is a graduate of Spirit Lake High School in Spirit Lake, Iowa. He holds an associate degree from Ozarks Technical Community College and a Bachelor of Science in criminology and sociology from Missouri State University. Parker and his wife, Kaitlyn, have one son.</p>

MSHP promotion: Brandon M. Parker elevated to rank of lieutenant

KANSAS CITY —A firefighter was injured while working at the scene of a fire in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 7p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported fire at a vacant, former church, in the 2400 block of West Paseo Boulevard, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

On arrival crews reported smoke and fire showing from the structure . Crews initiated an interior attack and performed searches of the structure that came back all clear. The seat of the fire was mainly in the high ceilings and roof line of the building, making interior operations difficult. 

Exterior operations using aerial ladders and roof operations were needed to get the fire under control. It took crews several hours to get the fire under control. No civilian injuries were reported. However, one firefighter was transported and evaluated for minor injuries incurred during overhaul operations when a piece of debris fell and struck them.

 KCPD's Bomb and Arson were notified and responded as part of protocol due to the nature of the structure. Dangerous Buildings along with city Planning were also requested to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

<p>KANSAS CITY —A firefighter was injured while working at the scene of a fire in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>Just after 7p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported fire at a vacant, former church, in the 2400 block of West Paseo Boulevard, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.</p><p>On arrival crews reported smoke and fire showing from the structure . Crews initiated an interior attack and performed searches of the structure that came back all clear. The seat of the fire was mainly in the high ceilings and roof line of the building, making interior operations difficult. </p><p>Exterior operations using aerial ladders and roof operations were needed to get the fire under control. It took crews several hours to get the fire under control. No civilian injuries were reported. However, one firefighter was transported and evaluated for minor injuries incurred during overhaul operations when a piece of debris fell and struck them.</p><p> KCPD's Bomb and Arson were notified and responded as part of protocol due to the nature of the structure. Dangerous Buildings along with city Planning were also requested to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.</p>

KC firefighter injured working fire at vacant former church

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/madisonmcvan/">Madison McVan</a><br><a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>

Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday he ended his campaign for a third term as he faces increased backlash over widespread fraud in state-run social service programs.

“I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work,” Walz said in a statement.

Walz will speak to the press at 11 a.m. Monday.

In his statement, Walz defended his record combating fraud and said “an organized group of political actors” is taking advantage of the crisis, criticizing President Donald Trump and his supporters for trying to “score a few cheap points.”

Some Democratic-Farmer-Labor elected officials have quietly worried in recent months that Walz’s name at the top of the ticket could sink Democrats’ electoral performance statewide this fall.

<b>Read Gov. Tim Walz’s full statement:</b>

Like many Minnesotans, I was glad to turn the page on 2025. It was an extraordinarily difficult year for our state. And it ended on a particularly sour note.

For the last several years, an organized group of criminals have sought to take advantage of our state’s generosity. And even as we make progress in the fight against the fraudsters, we now see an organized group of political actors seeking to take advantage of the crisis.

I won’t mince words here. Donald Trump and his allies – in Washington, in St. Paul, and online – want to make our state a colder, meaner place. They want to poison our people against each other by attacking our neighbors. And, ultimately, they want to take away much of what makes Minnesota the best place in America to raise a family. They’ve already begun by taking our tax dollars that were meant to help families afford child care. And they have no intention of stopping there.

Make no mistake: We&nbsp;<i>should</i>&nbsp;be concerned about fraud in our state government. We cannot effectively deliver programs and services if we can’t earn the public’s trust. That’s why, over the past few years, we’ve made systemic changes to the way we do business.

We’ve gone to the legislature time and again to get more tools to combat fraud. We’ve fired people who weren’t doing their jobs. We’ve seen people go to jail for stealing from our state. We’ve cut off whole streams of funding, in partnership with the federal government, where we saw widespread criminal activity. We’ve put new locks on the doors of our remaining programs, and we’ve hired a new head of program integrity to make sure those locks can’t be broken.

All across the state, Minnesotans are hard at work on this problem. Advocates, administrators, investigators are on the front lines defending the integrity of our state’s programs, and I want to thank them for their efforts.

There’s more to do. A single taxpayer dollar wasted on fraud is a dollar too much to tolerate. And while there’s a role to play for everyone – from the legislature to prosecutors to insurance companies to local and county government – the buck stops with me. My administration is taking fast, decisive action to solve this crisis. And we will win the fight against the fraudsters.

But the political gamesmanship we’re seeing from Republicans is only making that fight harder to win.

We’ve got Republicans here in the legislature playing hide-and-seek with whistleblowers.

We’ve got conspiracy theorist right-wing YouTubers breaking into daycare centers and demanding access to our children.

We’ve got the President of the United States demonizing our Somali neighbors and wrongly confiscating childcare funding that Minnesotans rely on.

Republicans are playing politics with the future of our state. And it’s shameful. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: We welcome ideas from anyone, in any party, who wants to help us continue to stay ahead of the criminals.

And we welcome the involvement of the federal government. I’m grateful to the career professionals at the U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI who are helping us win this fight.

But I cannot abide the actions of the political leadership in Washington – these opportunists who are willing to hurt our people to score a few cheap points. They and their allies have no intention of helping us solve the problem – and every intention of profiting off of it.

Which brings me to this: 2026 is an election year. And election years have a way of ramping up the politics at a time when we simply can’t afford more politics.

In September, I announced that I would run for a historic third term as Minnesota’s Governor. And I have every confidence that, if I gave it my all, I would succeed in that effort.

But as I reflected on this moment with my family and my team over the holidays, I came to the conclusion that I&nbsp;<i>can’t</i>&nbsp;give a political campaign my all. Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences.

So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work.

I know this news may come as a surprise. But I’m passing on the race with zero sadness and zero regret. After all, I didn’t run for this job so I could&nbsp;<i>have</i>&nbsp;this job. I ran for this job so I could&nbsp;<i>do</i>&nbsp;this job. Minnesota faces an enormous challenge this year. And I refuse to spend even one minute of 2026 doing anything other than rising to meet the moment. Minnesota has to come first – always.

That’s what I believe servant leadership demands of me. And as an optimist, I will hold out some hope that my friends on the other side of the aisle will consider what servant leadership demands of them in this moment. We can work together to combat the criminals, rebuild the public’s trust, and make our state stronger. But make no mistake: If Republicans continue down this path of abusing power, smearing entire communities, and running their own fraudulent game at the expense of Minnesotans – we will fight back every step of the way.

I’m confident that a DFLer will hold this seat come November. I’m confident that I will find ways to contribute to the state I love even after I’ve left office next January. But there will be time to worry about all that later.

Today, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make Minnesota America’s best place to live and raise kids – from our new paid leave policy to our child tax credit to our free lunch program.

And I’m doubly proud of the incredible team we’ve put together to make that vision a reality. Thank you to every member of my staff, and every state employee, who’s part of this fight. We need you on the job to tackle the important work ahead.

Most of all, I want Minnesotans to know that&nbsp;<i>I’m</i>&nbsp;on the job, 24/7, focused on making sure we&nbsp;<i>stay</i>&nbsp;America’s best place to live and raise kids. No one will take that away from us. Not the fraudsters. And not the President. Not on my watch.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767623345609.png" alt="&nbsp;Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a Veterans Day program in Mankato on Nov. 11,&nbsp;2025. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor)" />
                        <figcaption>&nbsp;Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a Veterans Day program in Mankato on Nov. 11,&nbsp;2025. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/madisonmcvan/">Madison McVan</a><br><a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a></p><p>Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday he ended his campaign for a third term as he faces increased backlash over widespread fraud in state-run social service programs.</p><p>“I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work,” Walz said in a statement.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Minnesota has to come first - always.<br><br>Today, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make Minnesota the best place to live and raise kids.<br><br>I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work. <a href="https://t.co/AYbvcOzyPI">pic.twitter.com/AYbvcOzyPI</a></p>&mdash; Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz/status/2008184142958334441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Walz will speak to the press at 11 a.m. Monday.</p><p>In his statement, Walz defended his record combating fraud and said “an organized group of political actors” is taking advantage of the crisis, criticizing President Donald Trump and his supporters for trying to “score a few cheap points.”</p><p>Some Democratic-Farmer-Labor elected officials have quietly worried in recent months that Walz’s name at the top of the ticket could sink Democrats’ electoral performance statewide this fall.</p><p><b>Read Gov. Tim Walz’s full statement:</b></p><p>Good morning, and Happy New Year.</p><p>Like many Minnesotans, I was glad to turn the page on 2025. It was an extraordinarily difficult year for our state. And it ended on a particularly sour note.</p><p>For the last several years, an organized group of criminals have sought to take advantage of our state’s generosity. And even as we make progress in the fight against the fraudsters, we now see an organized group of political actors seeking to take advantage of the crisis.</p><p>I won’t mince words here. Donald Trump and his allies – in Washington, in St. Paul, and online – want to make our state a colder, meaner place. They want to poison our people against each other by attacking our neighbors. And, ultimately, they want to take away much of what makes Minnesota the best place in America to raise a family. They’ve already begun by taking our tax dollars that were meant to help families afford child care. And they have no intention of stopping there.</p><p>Make no mistake: We&nbsp;<i>should</i>&nbsp;be concerned about fraud in our state government. We cannot effectively deliver programs and services if we can’t earn the public’s trust. That’s why, over the past few years, we’ve made systemic changes to the way we do business.</p><p>We’ve gone to the legislature time and again to get more tools to combat fraud. We’ve fired people who weren’t doing their jobs. We’ve seen people go to jail for stealing from our state. We’ve cut off whole streams of funding, in partnership with the federal government, where we saw widespread criminal activity. We’ve put new locks on the doors of our remaining programs, and we’ve hired a new head of program integrity to make sure those locks can’t be broken.</p><p>All across the state, Minnesotans are hard at work on this problem. Advocates, administrators, investigators are on the front lines defending the integrity of our state’s programs, and I want to thank them for their efforts.</p><p>There’s more to do. A single taxpayer dollar wasted on fraud is a dollar too much to tolerate. And while there’s a role to play for everyone – from the legislature to prosecutors to insurance companies to local and county government – the buck stops with me. My administration is taking fast, decisive action to solve this crisis. And we will win the fight against the fraudsters.</p><p>But the political gamesmanship we’re seeing from Republicans is only making that fight harder to win.</p><p>We’ve got Republicans here in the legislature playing hide-and-seek with whistleblowers.</p><p>We’ve got conspiracy theorist right-wing YouTubers breaking into daycare centers and demanding access to our children.</p><p>We’ve got the President of the United States demonizing our Somali neighbors and wrongly confiscating childcare funding that Minnesotans rely on.</p><p>It is disgusting. And it is dangerous.</p><p>Republicans are playing politics with the future of our state. And it’s shameful. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: We welcome ideas from anyone, in any party, who wants to help us continue to stay ahead of the criminals.</p><p>And we welcome the involvement of the federal government. I’m grateful to the career professionals at the U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI who are helping us win this fight.</p><p>But I cannot abide the actions of the political leadership in Washington – these opportunists who are willing to hurt our people to score a few cheap points. They and their allies have no intention of helping us solve the problem – and every intention of profiting off of it.</p><p>Which brings me to this: 2026 is an election year. And election years have a way of ramping up the politics at a time when we simply can’t afford more politics.</p><p>In September, I announced that I would run for a historic third term as Minnesota’s Governor. And I have every confidence that, if I gave it my all, I would succeed in that effort.</p><p>But as I reflected on this moment with my family and my team over the holidays, I came to the conclusion that I&nbsp;<i>can’t</i>&nbsp;give a political campaign my all. Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences.</p><p>So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work.</p><p>I know this news may come as a surprise. But I’m passing on the race with zero sadness and zero regret. After all, I didn’t run for this job so I could&nbsp;<i>have</i>&nbsp;this job. I ran for this job so I could&nbsp;<i>do</i>&nbsp;this job. Minnesota faces an enormous challenge this year. And I refuse to spend even one minute of 2026 doing anything other than rising to meet the moment. Minnesota has to come first – always.</p><p>That’s what I believe servant leadership demands of me. And as an optimist, I will hold out some hope that my friends on the other side of the aisle will consider what servant leadership demands of them in this moment. We can work together to combat the criminals, rebuild the public’s trust, and make our state stronger. But make no mistake: If Republicans continue down this path of abusing power, smearing entire communities, and running their own fraudulent game at the expense of Minnesotans – we will fight back every step of the way.</p><p>I’m confident that a DFLer will hold this seat come November. I’m confident that I will find ways to contribute to the state I love even after I’ve left office next January. But there will be time to worry about all that later.</p><p>Today, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make Minnesota America’s best place to live and raise kids – from our new paid leave policy to our child tax credit to our free lunch program.</p><p>And I’m doubly proud of the incredible team we’ve put together to make that vision a reality. Thank you to every member of my staff, and every state employee, who’s part of this fight. We need you on the job to tackle the important work ahead.</p><p>Most of all, I want Minnesotans to know that&nbsp;<i>I’m</i>&nbsp;on the job, 24/7, focused on making sure we&nbsp;<i>stay</i>&nbsp;America’s best place to live and raise kids. No one will take that away from us. Not the fraudsters. And not the President. Not on my watch.”</p>

Dems 2024 VP pick ends reelection bid amid fraud scandal

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Take a look behind the scenes of Sunday morning TV appearance—while at my daughter’s volleyball tournament. <a href="https://t.co/i0APsPLNYK">pic.twitter.com/i0APsPLNYK</a></p>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/2007857851285553185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Operation Absolute Resolve was U.S. military might at its finest—that&#39;s deterrence.<br><br>And we&#39;re no longer tolerating third-world dictators in our neighborhood who flood our country with criminals and drugs and play host to our adversaries like China.<br><br>The world is watching. <a href="https://t.co/vXRiZr8Sfb">pic.twitter.com/vXRiZr8Sfb</a></p>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/2007865188633202952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’re no longer going to tolerate third-world regimes flooding our country with drugs and crime.<br><br>And when we act, we do so with overwhelming force. <a href="https://t.co/EQGRiLHD4X">pic.twitter.com/EQGRiLHD4X</a></p>&mdash; Senator Eric Schmitt (@SenEricSchmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenEricSchmitt/status/2007872894030786663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Behind the scenes of TV appearance with Mo. U.S. Senator

CLOUD COUNTY—A Kansas woman is accused of a violent attack on employees at a fast food restaurant in north central Kansas.

Just after 3p.m. Sunday, On January 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM, the Concordia Police Department was dispatched to McDonald’s, 1420 Lincoln Street in Concordia for a report of a battery in progress, according to a media release.

Police determined that a customer identified as 44-year-old Christina Messerschmidt of Wichita, was throwing hot fry grease on employees and punching employees. 

Police arrested Messerschmidt and transported her to the Cloud County Corrections. She was booked on requested charges of aggravated battery, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767569654029.png" alt="Photo Concordia Police" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Concordia Police</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>CLOUD COUNTY—A Kansas woman is accused of a violent attack on employees at a fast food restaurant in north central Kansas.</p><p>Just after 3p.m. Sunday, On January 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM, the Concordia Police Department was dispatched to McDonald’s, 1420 Lincoln Street in Concordia for a report of a battery in progress, according to a media release.</p><p>Police determined that a customer identified as 44-year-old Christina Messerschmidt of Wichita, was throwing hot fry grease on employees and punching employees. </p><p>Police arrested Messerschmidt and transported her to the Cloud County Corrections. She was booked on requested charges of aggravated battery, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass.</p>

Police: Kansas woman attacked fast food restaurant employees

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal New Year's Eve shooting have identified the victim as 16-year-old&nbsp; Roman Bickle Moeller of Kansas City, Kansas.

Just before 11p.m. New Year's Eve, officers were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 1200 block of Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release from police.

First responders discovered Moeller with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Police have not released the name of the victim or possible suspect information.

<p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal New Year's Eve shooting have identified the victim as 16-year-old&nbsp; Roman Bickle Moeller of Kansas City, Kansas.</p><p>Just before 11p.m. New Year's Eve, officers were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 1200 block of Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release from police.</p><p>First responders discovered Moeller with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.</p><p>This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Police have not released the name of the victim or possible suspect information.</p>

16-year-old Kansas boy died in New Year's Eve shooting

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We need Greenland from a national security situation. It&#39;s so strategic. Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/suxvDQfmUm">pic.twitter.com/suxvDQfmUm</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2008033774441812412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on Cuba: &quot;I think it&#39;s just going to fall. I don&#39;t think we need any action. It looks like it&#39;s going down — it&#39;s going down for the count. You ever watch a fight? They go down for the count, and Cuba looks like it&#39;s going down.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/IJ7gsX16JC">pic.twitter.com/IJ7gsX16JC</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2008033966406672526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Mexico has to get their act together because [drugs] are pouring through Mexico, and we&#39;re going to have to do something. We&#39;d love Mexico to do it. They&#39;re capable of doing it, but unfortunately... the cartels are running Mexico.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/McreTjSuKs">pic.twitter.com/McreTjSuKs</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2008032031876202758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump talks about his plans for Greenland, Cuba and Colombia

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a double fatality crash involving a single vehicle that occurred just after 10:30p.m. on Saturday.

Officers were dispatched to the area of Northgate Street and East Harold Street in reference to an iPhone crash notification, according to Olathe Police Sergeant&nbsp;John Moncayo.

Upon arrival, officers observed a passenger vehicle that had struck a tree and was actively engulfed in flames. The Olathe Fire Department was also on scene and extinguished the fire. Once the fire was extinguished, the bodies of two individuals were found inside.

There does not appear to be any signs of criminal activity, and the identification of the deceased occupants is pending an autopsy.

<p>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a double fatality crash involving a single vehicle that occurred just after 10:30p.m. on Saturday.</p><p>Officers were dispatched to the area of Northgate Street and East Harold Street in reference to an iPhone crash notification, according to Olathe Police Sergeant&nbsp;John Moncayo.</p><p>Upon arrival, officers observed a passenger vehicle that had struck a tree and was actively engulfed in flames. The Olathe Fire Department was also on scene and extinguished the fire. Once the fire was extinguished, the bodies of two individuals were found inside.</p><p>There does not appear to be any signs of criminal activity, and the identification of the deceased occupants is pending an autopsy.</p>

iPhone notification led police to double-fatal Kan. crash, fire

KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges against a man in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in northeast Kansas City over the Christmas weekend.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2790/Ryan-Hawk-Complaint--PC">Ryan J. Hawk</a>, 29,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and 1st Degree Tampering with a Motor Vehicle.&nbsp;

According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a residence on Dec. 27 regarding a shooting and located the victim lying face down on the sidewalk. Police observed an apparent gunshot wound to the victim’s lower back. He was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.&nbsp;

Detectives recovered eight shell casings near the front door of the residence and a shattered front window.&nbsp;

In an interview with detectives, the defendant said he was at the residence and the victim, who he said had a history of threatening behavior, was present. He said the victim broke the front window and then ran away toward his vehicle. As the victim’s back was turned, Hawk fired multiple rounds at the victim. Hawk then took the victim’s vehicle and fled.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond at $250,000 cash-only.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767131758535.png" alt="Hawk -photo Jackson Co." />
                        <figcaption>Hawk -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges against a man in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in northeast Kansas City over the Christmas weekend.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2790/Ryan-Hawk-Complaint--PC">Ryan J. Hawk</a>, 29,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and 1st Degree Tampering with a Motor Vehicle.&nbsp;</p><p>According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a residence on Dec. 27 regarding a shooting and located the victim lying face down on the sidewalk. Police observed an apparent gunshot wound to the victim’s lower back. He was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.&nbsp;</p><p>Detectives recovered eight shell casings near the front door of the residence and a shattered front window.&nbsp;</p><p>In an interview with detectives, the defendant said he was at the residence and the victim, who he said had a history of threatening behavior, was present. He said the victim broke the front window and then ran away toward his vehicle. As the victim’s back was turned, Hawk fired multiple rounds at the victim. Hawk then took the victim’s vehicle and fled.&nbsp;</p><p>A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond at $250,000 cash-only.&nbsp;</p>

KC man accused in killing on Christmas weekend

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Topeka.

Just after 2p.m. Saturday, police responded to the 800 block of SW Tyler for a possible shooting. EMS transported one victim to an area hospital for treatment of potentially life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; 

Police have not reported an arrest of any additional details.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767483631260.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Topeka.</p><p>Just after 2p.m. Saturday, police responded to the 800 block of SW Tyler for a possible shooting. EMS transported one victim to an area hospital for treatment of potentially life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; </p><p>Police have not reported an arrest of any additional details.</p>

Police: One hospitalized after Kansas shooting

Abortion bans, restrictions in nearby states continues driving demand in Kansas

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

TOPEKA — The number of abortions performed in Kansas during 2024 surpassed 19,000 for the second consecutive year in wake of judicial and political decisions in other states restricting access to the medical procedure.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported clinics and hospitals in Kansas conducted a record 19,811 abortions in 2024, up from 19,467 in 2023, 12,319 in 2022 and 7,849 in 2021. Of the 2024 total, 4,763 were provided to residents of Kansas. Demand for abortion among Kansans increased 9.3% from 4,356 in 2023 and was above the 3,844 reported in 2022 and 3,937 in 2021.

In 2024, 15,048 abortions in Kansas were provided to out-of-state residents. That was a slight decline from the 15,111 nonresident abortions in 2023 and a significant increase from 8,475 in 2022 and 3,912 in 2021 among people living outside Kansas.

Three-fourths of abortions in Kansas the past two years were for patients residing in other states, primarily Texas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Here was a state-by-state breakdown in terms of Kansas abortions in 2024 for nonresidents: Texas, 6,736; Missouri, 3,760; Oklahoma, 3,141; Arkansas, 851; Louisiana, 206; and Nebraska, 138.

In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide for nearly 50 years. Reversing that precedent returned authority to prohibit or regulate the procedure to individual states.

The Kansas Supreme Court had issued a decision in 2019 that found the Kansas Constitution guaranteed individuals bodily autonomy in health care decisions, including a woman’s right to end a pregnancy. The state court’s decision preserved abortion rights in Kansas after the U.S. Supreme Court severed federal constitutional protections.

In Missouri, abortion was legal only in cases of medical emergency from 2022 to 2024. However, Missouri voters in 2024 approved a constitutional amendment restoring broader reproductive freedoms. Other states in the Midwest responded to the U.S. Supreme Court by imposing bans on abortion, including Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. Oklahoma has allowed abortions only to preserve the life of a pregnant person. Nebraska enforces a 12-week abortion ban.

Mackenzie Ayers, a spokeswoman for the anti-abortion organization Kansans for Life, said the state health department should have more promptly released information on 2024 abortions in Kansas. The state’s latest report was posted online at the end of December 2025 as part of a larger annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/53419/Kansas-Annual-Summary-of-Vital-Statistics-2024-PDF" target="_blank">summary of vital statistics on Kansas</a>.

“By waiting until the final hours of the year to release Kansas’ 2024 abortion statistics, Gov. Laura Kelly has made it clear she hoped these numbers would go unnoticed,” Ayers said.

Ayers said Kansans for Life believed young females were obtaining abortions in Kansas without parental consent. She said the organization would be “pursuing every legal option to restore some form of informed consent protections for women in 2026 and continue to sound the alarms about parental consent laws being potentially ignored.”

Janet Stanek, secretary of the state Department of Health and Environment, said the latest annual report provided an overview of information on the health status of Kansans.

“Public health statistics are essential to governmental agencies, businesses, industries and citizens for effective health policy decisions and program planning. KDHE is committed to ensuring accessibility,” Stanek’s report said.

KDHE’s report said 85.8% of all abortions performed in the state during 2024 were for unmarried women. KDHE said 77.1% of Kansas resident abortions in 2024 occurred prior to nine weeks of gestational age. Nearly 93% were prior to the 13th week of gestation and 2.8% came after 16 weeks gestation, the state health department said.

KDHE said there 140.3 abortions per 1,000 live births among Kansas residents in 2024. That was 9.6% higher than the ratio of 128 abortions per 1,000 live births in 2023.

The highest abortion ratio among Kansans residents on 2024 was for females 15 to 19 years of age, who had a rate of 341.9 abortions for every 1,000 live births. The lowest ratio — 80.4 abortions per 1,000 births — was for women 30 to 34 years of age, KDHE said. There was variation among Black, white and Hispanic women. The ratios: white non-Hispanics, 85 abortions per 1,000 live births; Black non-Hispanics, 402 abortions per 1,000 births; and Hispanics, 211.6 abortions per 1,000 births.

During 2024, KDHE said, there were 33,956 live births to residents of Kansas for a rate of 11.4 per 1,000 people. The agency said that was the lowest Kansas birth rate since 1912. The rate in 2024 represented a decline of 0.2% from 34,041 births in 2023. Here was the age breakdown of these Kansas mothers: under age 20, 4.5%; 20 to 29 years of age, 51.2%; 30 to 39 year of age, 41.5%; and aged 40 and over, 2.8%;

KDHE reported Kansas residents had 2,656 low-birth-weight infants, representing 7.8% of total births, in 2024. There were 197 infant deaths among Kansas residents, an increase of 8.2% from 182 deaths in 2023.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767483770307.jpeg" alt=" Janet Stanek, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, published a 2024 summary of health statistics on Kansas, including information on abortion, at the end of December. Kansans for Life, an organization opposed to abortion rights, says KDHE ought to have released the report long ago. In this 2023 image, Stanek attends a legislative hearing. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Janet Stanek, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, published a 2024 summary of health statistics on Kansas, including information on abortion, at the end of December. Kansans for Life, an organization opposed to abortion rights, says KDHE ought to have released the report long ago. In this 2023 image, Stanek attends a legislative hearing. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Abortion bans, restrictions in nearby states continues driving demand in Kansas</h2><p><b>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a><br></b><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><p>TOPEKA — The number of abortions performed in Kansas during 2024 surpassed 19,000 for the second consecutive year in wake of judicial and political decisions in other states restricting access to the medical procedure.</p><p>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported clinics and hospitals in Kansas conducted a record 19,811 abortions in 2024, up from 19,467 in 2023, 12,319 in 2022 and 7,849 in 2021. Of the 2024 total, 4,763 were provided to residents of Kansas. Demand for abortion among Kansans increased 9.3% from 4,356 in 2023 and was above the 3,844 reported in 2022 and 3,937 in 2021.</p><p>In 2024, 15,048 abortions in Kansas were provided to out-of-state residents. That was a slight decline from the 15,111 nonresident abortions in 2023 and a significant increase from 8,475 in 2022 and 3,912 in 2021 among people living outside Kansas.</p><p>Three-fourths of abortions in Kansas the past two years were for patients residing in other states, primarily Texas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Here was a state-by-state breakdown in terms of Kansas abortions in 2024 for nonresidents: Texas, 6,736; Missouri, 3,760; Oklahoma, 3,141; Arkansas, 851; Louisiana, 206; and Nebraska, 138.</p><p>In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide for nearly 50 years. Reversing that precedent returned authority to prohibit or regulate the procedure to individual states.</p><p>The Kansas Supreme Court had issued a decision in 2019 that found the Kansas Constitution guaranteed individuals bodily autonomy in health care decisions, including a woman’s right to end a pregnancy. The state court’s decision preserved abortion rights in Kansas after the U.S. Supreme Court severed federal constitutional protections.</p><p>In Missouri, abortion was legal only in cases of medical emergency from 2022 to 2024. However, Missouri voters in 2024 approved a constitutional amendment restoring broader reproductive freedoms. Other states in the Midwest responded to the U.S. Supreme Court by imposing bans on abortion, including Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. Oklahoma has allowed abortions only to preserve the life of a pregnant person. Nebraska enforces a 12-week abortion ban.</p><p>Mackenzie Ayers, a spokeswoman for the anti-abortion organization Kansans for Life, said the state health department should have more promptly released information on 2024 abortions in Kansas. The state’s latest report was posted online at the end of December 2025 as part of a larger annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/53419/Kansas-Annual-Summary-of-Vital-Statistics-2024-PDF" target="_blank">summary of vital statistics on Kansas</a>.</p><p>“By waiting until the final hours of the year to release Kansas’ 2024 abortion statistics, Gov. Laura Kelly has made it clear she hoped these numbers would go unnoticed,” Ayers said.</p><p>Ayers said Kansans for Life believed young females were obtaining abortions in Kansas without parental consent. She said the organization would be “pursuing every legal option to restore some form of informed consent protections for women in 2026 and continue to sound the alarms about parental consent laws being potentially ignored.”</p><p>Janet Stanek, secretary of the state Department of Health and Environment, said the latest annual report provided an overview of information on the health status of Kansans.</p><p>“Public health statistics are essential to governmental agencies, businesses, industries and citizens for effective health policy decisions and program planning. KDHE is committed to ensuring accessibility,” Stanek’s report said.</p><p>KDHE’s report said 85.8% of all abortions performed in the state during 2024 were for unmarried women. KDHE said 77.1% of Kansas resident abortions in 2024 occurred prior to nine weeks of gestational age. Nearly 93% were prior to the 13th week of gestation and 2.8% came after 16 weeks gestation, the state health department said.</p><p>KDHE said there 140.3 abortions per 1,000 live births among Kansas residents in 2024. That was 9.6% higher than the ratio of 128 abortions per 1,000 live births in 2023.</p><p>The highest abortion ratio among Kansans residents on 2024 was for females 15 to 19 years of age, who had a rate of 341.9 abortions for every 1,000 live births. The lowest ratio — 80.4 abortions per 1,000 births — was for women 30 to 34 years of age, KDHE said. There was variation among Black, white and Hispanic women. The ratios: white non-Hispanics, 85 abortions per 1,000 live births; Black non-Hispanics, 402 abortions per 1,000 births; and Hispanics, 211.6 abortions per 1,000 births.</p><p>During 2024, KDHE said, there were 33,956 live births to residents of Kansas for a rate of 11.4 per 1,000 people. The agency said that was the lowest Kansas birth rate since 1912. The rate in 2024 represented a decline of 0.2% from 34,041 births in 2023. Here was the age breakdown of these Kansas mothers: under age 20, 4.5%; 20 to 29 years of age, 51.2%; 30 to 39 year of age, 41.5%; and aged 40 and over, 2.8%;</p><p>KDHE reported Kansas residents had 2,656 low-birth-weight infants, representing 7.8% of total births, in 2024. There were 197 infant deaths among Kansas residents, an increase of 8.2% from 182 deaths in 2023.</p>

Out-of-state patients make up three-fourths of 19,000 Kansas abortions performed in 2024

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>

WASHINGTON — States must now provide “justification” that federal child care funds they receive are spent on “legitimate” providers in order to get those dollars, President Donald Trump’s administration announced.&nbsp;

The Tuesday shift in policy came following<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/12/31/minnesota-child-care-providers-say-trumps-funding-freeze-will-shut-down-their-businesses/" target="_blank">&nbsp;allegations of fraud in Minnesota’s child care programs,&nbsp;</a>which prompted the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to freeze all child care payments to the state.&nbsp;

HHS could not offer many specifics on how the review process will play out for other states, but clarified that the money in question is provided through the multibillion-dollar federal Child Care and Development Fund, or CCDF.&nbsp;

“States will be required to provide documentation, such as written justification, receipts, or photographic evidence, demonstrating that funds are supporting legitimate child care providers,” Emily Hilliard, a spokesperson for HHS, said in a statement to States Newsroom on Wednesday.&nbsp;

CCDF provides federal funding to states, territories and tribes to help low-income families obtain child care.&nbsp;

The program, administered within the Office of Child Care under HHS’ Administration for Children and Families, combines funding from the Child Care and Development Block Grant, or CCDBG, and the Child Care Entitlement to States, or CCES.&nbsp;

Funding for CCDF in&nbsp;<a href="https://acf.gov/occ/data/gy-2025-ccdf-allocations-based-appropriations" target="_blank">fiscal year 2025</a>&nbsp;stood at roughly $12.3 billion — comprising $8.75 billion from CCDBG and $3.55 billion from CCES.&nbsp;

Head Start — a separate program that provides early childhood education, nutritious meals, health screenings and other support services to low-income families — does not appear to be affected.&nbsp;

In a Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HHS_Jim/status/2006136004294664464" target="_blank">social media post</a>&nbsp;announcing the move, Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill said he had “activated our defend the spend system for all ACF payments” and “starting today, all ACF payments across America will require a justification and a receipt or photo evidence before we send money to a state.”&nbsp;

He clarified in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HHS_Jim/status/2006152183863972241" target="_blank">separate post</a>&nbsp;shortly after that “funds will be released only when states prove they are being spent legitimately.”&nbsp;

“Federal funding enables millions of parents in every state and Congressional district to access and afford quality child care,” Sarah Rittling, executive director of First Five Years Fund, a federal advocacy group, said in a Wednesday statement.&nbsp;

Rittling added that “these funds are essential to the nation’s well-being, allowing parents to work while ensuring their children are cared for and safe.”   

She also described the reports of potential fraud as “deeply concerning” and pointed out that “state oversight through regular audits is required by law to ensure that every dollar intended to protect and support young children is used properly and effectively.”&nbsp;

“At the same time, we must ensure that nothing takes away from making sure funds for child care continue to reach the children and families who depend on them,” she said.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767093694484.png" alt="DHS agents going door to door investigating fraud in Minnesota -image from Homeland Security video" />
                        <figcaption>DHS agents going door to door investigating fraud in Minnesota -image from Homeland Security video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — States must now provide “justification” that federal child care funds they receive are spent on “legitimate” providers in order to get those dollars, President Donald Trump’s administration announced.&nbsp;</p><p>The Tuesday shift in policy came following<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/12/31/minnesota-child-care-providers-say-trumps-funding-freeze-will-shut-down-their-businesses/" target="_blank">&nbsp;allegations of fraud in Minnesota’s child care programs,&nbsp;</a>which prompted the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to freeze all child care payments to the state.&nbsp;</p><p>HHS could not offer many specifics on how the review process will play out for other states, but clarified that the money in question is provided through the multibillion-dollar federal Child Care and Development Fund, or CCDF.&nbsp;</p><p>“States will be required to provide documentation, such as written justification, receipts, or photographic evidence, demonstrating that funds are supporting legitimate child care providers,” Emily Hilliard, a spokesperson for HHS, said in a statement to States Newsroom on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p><p>CCDF provides federal funding to states, territories and tribes to help low-income families obtain child care.&nbsp;</p><p>The program, administered within the Office of Child Care under HHS’ Administration for Children and Families, combines funding from the Child Care and Development Block Grant, or CCDBG, and the Child Care Entitlement to States, or CCES.&nbsp;</p><p>Funding for CCDF in&nbsp;<a href="https://acf.gov/occ/data/gy-2025-ccdf-allocations-based-appropriations" target="_blank">fiscal year 2025</a>&nbsp;stood at roughly $12.3 billion — comprising $8.75 billion from CCDBG and $3.55 billion from CCES.&nbsp;</p><p>Head Start — a separate program that provides early childhood education, nutritious meals, health screenings and other support services to low-income families — does not appear to be affected.&nbsp;</p><p>In a Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HHS_Jim/status/2006136004294664464" target="_blank">social media post</a>&nbsp;announcing the move, Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill said he had “activated our defend the spend system for all ACF payments” and “starting today, all ACF payments across America will require a justification and a receipt or photo evidence before we send money to a state.”&nbsp;</p><p>He clarified in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HHS_Jim/status/2006152183863972241" target="_blank">separate post</a>&nbsp;shortly after that “funds will be released only when states prove they are being spent legitimately.”&nbsp;</p><h2>Funds undergo ‘regular audits’</h2><p>“Federal funding enables millions of parents in every state and Congressional district to access and afford quality child care,” Sarah Rittling, executive director of First Five Years Fund, a federal advocacy group, said in a Wednesday statement.&nbsp;</p><p>Rittling added that “these funds are essential to the nation’s well-being, allowing parents to work while ensuring their children are cared for and safe.”   </p><p>She also described the reports of potential fraud as “deeply concerning” and pointed out that “state oversight through regular audits is required by law to ensure that every dollar intended to protect and support young children is used properly and effectively.”&nbsp;</p><p>“At the same time, we must ensure that nothing takes away from making sure funds for child care continue to reach the children and families who depend on them,” she said.&nbsp;</p>

After Minnesota fraud allegations, HHS orders states to justify child care spending

The United States successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday. Maduro along with his wife, was captured and flown out of the country, according to the White House. "This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement."

 Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas used his personal social media account to criticize the action.

&nbsp;Maduro arrived in the New York late Saturday, according to video released by the White House. He is expected to be arraigned in the coming days.

<p>The United States successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday. Maduro along with his wife, was captured and flown out of the country, according to the White House. "This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement."</p><p> Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas used his personal social media account to criticize the action.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A regime change war for oil. <br><br>Simple as that given the President’s own steps, pardoning a narcotrafficker.<br><br>Thousands of women and men from the Kansas City region serve our country in uniform. None should have to serve as world police in Venezuela with no US plans whatsoever.</p>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/2007511132064596211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>&nbsp;Maduro arrived in the New York late Saturday, according to video released by the White House. He is expected to be arraigned in the coming days.</p>

Kansas City mayor critical of U.S. action in Venezuela 

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon in Manhattan, Kansas.

On Jan. 3, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate, according to a media release from the agency.

Preliminary information indicates that shortly after 3 p.m., two deputies from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a homeowner who indicated their shed and garage had been damaged by gunfire. While taking the report, deputies heard gunshots in the area. As they approached 8655 Josie Lane, they heard additional gunshots which they believed were coming from the residence. They identified themselves as law enforcement and began giving various commands to the shooter.

A man, later identified as Brian J. Lovgren, 38, of Manhattan, came out of a door of the house armed with a handgun. One of the responding deputies fired multiple times, striking Lovgren. Life-saving measures were provided at the scene. EMS then transported Lovgren to a Kansas City hospital.&nbsp;

Lovgren underwent surgery and is currently in critical condition. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.&nbsp;

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Manhattan.

Just before 4p.m. Saturday Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents responded to an officer-involved shooting at a home on Josie Lane in Manhattan that is part of Pottawatomie County, according to a statement from the KBI.

 Deputies from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office were responding to a shots fired call when a male subject was shot. The man was transported to an area hospital for treatment. No law enforcement officers were injured.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<p>POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon in Manhattan, Kansas.</p><p>On Jan. 3, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate, according to a media release from the agency.</p><p>Preliminary information indicates that shortly after 3 p.m., two deputies from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a homeowner who indicated their shed and garage had been damaged by gunfire. While taking the report, deputies heard gunshots in the area. As they approached 8655 Josie Lane, they heard additional gunshots which they believed were coming from the residence. They identified themselves as law enforcement and began giving various commands to the shooter.</p><p>A man, later identified as Brian J. Lovgren, 38, of Manhattan, came out of a door of the house armed with a handgun. One of the responding deputies fired multiple times, striking Lovgren. Life-saving measures were provided at the scene. EMS then transported Lovgren to a Kansas City hospital.&nbsp;</p><p>Lovgren underwent surgery and is currently in critical condition. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.&nbsp;</p><p>----------</p><p>POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Manhattan.</p><p>Just before 4p.m. Saturday Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents responded to an officer-involved shooting at a home on Josie Lane in Manhattan that is part of Pottawatomie County, according to a statement from the KBI.</p><p> Deputies from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office were responding to a shots fired call when a male subject was shot. The man was transported to an area hospital for treatment. No law enforcement officers were injured.</p><p>Check the Post for additional details as they become available.</p>

KBI IDs Kansas man hospitalized after officer shooting 

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767463872878.png" alt="Secretary of State Marco Rubio answers questions during the Saturday press conference-image from White House video" />
                        <figcaption>Secretary of State Marco Rubio answers questions during the Saturday press conference-image from White House video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump Holds a Press Conference, Jan. 3, 2026 <a href="https://t.co/5ykCqSNuNa">https://t.co/5ykCqSNuNa</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2007491873586250190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/MLcLIZHRRt">pic.twitter.com/MLcLIZHRRt</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2007514565303755189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump: &quot;Late last night and early today, at my direction, the United States armed forces conducted an extraordinary military operation in the capital of Venezuela.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/qYHf5VmYOg">pic.twitter.com/qYHf5VmYOg</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2007494277178310768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We&#39;re going to make sure it&#39;s run properly. We&#39;re going to rebuild the oil infrastructure... We&#39;re going to make sure the people that were forced out of Venezuela by this thug are also taken care of.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/NB6J9UJdhr">pic.twitter.com/NB6J9UJdhr</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007502600757805259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">WATCH: <a href="https://twitter.com/thejointstaff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thejointstaff</a> Chairman Gen. Dan Caine details the historic operation to capture Nicolás Maduro <a href="https://t.co/sbWKHZ3mwK">pic.twitter.com/sbWKHZ3mwK</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007503096478363828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump on Venezuela: &quot;We&#39;re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/nUS9VSUkE7">pic.twitter.com/nUS9VSUkE7</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2007494379141730753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Secretary Hegseth: &quot;Nicolás Maduro had his chance...He f&#39;ed around and he found out.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/YRKlFYR4k4">pic.twitter.com/YRKlFYR4k4</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2007499109008069046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Secretary Rubio: &quot;The 47th president of the United States is not a game player. When he tells you that he’s going to do something...he means it.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/eQ7EICBsrD">pic.twitter.com/eQ7EICBsrD</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2007503347939508291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a>: &quot;We called members of Congress immediately after... at its core, this was an arrest of two indicted fugitives of American justice... it&#39;s just not the kind of mission that you can pre-notify because it endangers the mission.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/OD7lImhrsB">pic.twitter.com/OD7lImhrsB</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007503983401652499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on Colombian President Gustavo Petro: &quot;He&#39;s making cocaine. They&#39;re sending it into the United States — so he does have to watch his ass.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/mRqOsouW8V">https://t.co/mRqOsouW8V</a> <a href="https://t.co/aJeFDbuylk">pic.twitter.com/aJeFDbuylk</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007503466319720708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gen. Dan &quot;Razin&quot; Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: &quot;This operation, known as Operation Absolute Resolve, was discreet, precise, and... the culmination of months of planning and rehearsal — an operation that, frankly, only the United States military could undertake.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/VdcL5kbu7j">pic.twitter.com/VdcL5kbu7j</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007500681394200855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a>: &quot;Words can barely capture the bravery, and the power, and the precision of this historic operation... What all of us witnessed last night was sheer guts, and grit, gallantry and glory of the American warrior.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/SwUiWl0JNU">pic.twitter.com/SwUiWl0JNU</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007500075602227425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Other Presidents may have lacked the courage — or whatever — to defend America, but I will never allow terrorists or criminals to operate with impunity against the United States.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/CcNi7zAXw4">pic.twitter.com/CcNi7zAXw4</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007499073964966176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Venezuela unilaterally seized and stole American oil, American assets, and American platforms, costing us billions and billions of dollars... This constituted one of the largest thefts of American property in the history of our country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/jYI7t4FKzs">pic.twitter.com/jYI7t4FKzs</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007497940495986995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;The gangs that they sent raped, tortured, and murdered American women and children... they were sent by Maduro to terrorize our people, and now, Maduro will never again be able to threaten an American citizen or anybody from Venezuela.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/23AxVuM6bj">pic.twitter.com/23AxVuM6bj</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007497186737525019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script</div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: As everyone knows, the oil business in Venezuela has been a bust for a long period of time... We&#39;re going to have our very large United States oil companies go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, and start making money for the country. <a href="https://t.co/XWgtcZaGLF">pic.twitter.com/XWgtcZaGLF</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007495637596553608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a>: &quot;We called members of Congress immediately after... at its core, this was an arrest of two indicted fugitives of American justice... it&#39;s just not the kind of mission that you can pre-notify because it endangers the mission.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/OD7lImhrsB">pic.twitter.com/OD7lImhrsB</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007503983401652499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We&#39;re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/VkfaCbg3su">pic.twitter.com/VkfaCbg3su</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007495016751436194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;I want to thank the men and women of our military... These highly trained warriors, operating in collaboration with U.S. law enforcement, caught them in a very ready position... They were completely overwhelmed and very quickly incapacitated.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/u8Lcn7UGI9">pic.twitter.com/u8Lcn7UGI9</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007494818692509854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday... all Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless as the men and women of our military, working with U.S. law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/a0NwP4yDQn">pic.twitter.com/a0NwP4yDQn</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007493979034571019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;At my direction, the United States Armed Forces conducted an extraordinary military operation in the capital of Venezuela... This was one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/iq1KhqF7iU">pic.twitter.com/iq1KhqF7iU</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007493496396230797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We want to surround ourself with good neighbors. We want to surround ourself with stability. We want to surround ourself with energy... we need that for ourselves, we need that for the world—and we want to make sure we can protect it.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/6qlVe6TqJo">pic.twitter.com/6qlVe6TqJo</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007505948517032072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump on Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado: &quot;It would be very tough for her to be the leader. She doesn&#39;t have the support within or the respect within the country, she&#39;s a very nice woman but she doesn&#39;t have the respect.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/zHw44QHNmc">pic.twitter.com/zHw44QHNmc</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2007510868158714173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump: &quot;We&#39;re not afraid of boots on the ground.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/pSyt8sekSp">pic.twitter.com/pSyt8sekSp</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2007507536656691441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Details on how the US captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro

PHELPS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Saturday in Phelps County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Hyundai Sonata driven by a 21-year-old Allen, Texas man was fleeing law enforcement westbound on Interstate 44 near Sugar Tree Road. The car traveled off the left side of the road, struck a cable barrier, went airborne and struck a bridge support pillar.&nbsp;

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the county coroner's office. The driver was also not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.&nbsp; The MSHP released no additional details and no longer releases names of accident victims.

<p>PHELPS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Saturday in Phelps County.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Hyundai Sonata driven by a 21-year-old Allen, Texas man was fleeing law enforcement westbound on Interstate 44 near Sugar Tree Road. The car traveled off the left side of the road, struck a cable barrier, went airborne and struck a bridge support pillar.&nbsp;</p><p>The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the county coroner's office. The driver was also not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.&nbsp; The MSHP released no additional details and no longer releases names of accident victims.</p>

Driver killed in crash during police chase on Mo. highway

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/072d2ceeK8">pic.twitter.com/072d2ceeK8</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007381949229478015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.… <a href="https://t.co/sFa5OC4ZrZ">pic.twitter.com/sFa5OC4ZrZ</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2007396973758816564?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755651756653.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess…</p>&mdash; Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2007428087143686611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The president offered multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says. <br><br>Kudos to our brave… <a href="https://t.co/b1fqkdbB4x">pic.twitter.com/b1fqkdbB4x</a></p>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/2007447083909841398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro: &quot;The team did an incredible job... There&#39;s no other country on Earth that can do such a maneuver.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/sbfEyVDgUf">pic.twitter.com/sbfEyVDgUf</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007455806631903249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

U.S. launches ‘large scale’ attack on Venezuela, captures Nicolas Maduro 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly gun fight at a home in Kansas City have identified the victim as 57-year-old&nbsp;Darian L Barnes, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just before 11:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 4000 Block of Arlington Avenue, according to Becchina.

FIrst responders were led inside a residence where they located 3 total shooting victims, two men and a woman.

One of the victims, later identified as Barnes, was unresponsive, the other two victims had serious injuries but were conscious. Officers ordered EMS who responded to the scene moments later. EMS declared Barnes deceased at the scene. 

EMS&nbsp; transported the surviving man and woman to the hospital for further treatment. Both of their injuries are described as critical, but they were reported to be in stable condition and continuing to recover, Becchina reported on Friday afternoon.

Homicide detectives were on scene and investigating this case as a homicide. 

Preliminary information indicates all three victims were inside the residence when an argument ensued. That interaction escalated to gunfire between one or more of the victims which led to all 3 of them being struck by gunfire.&nbsp;

All parties involved remained at the scene and detectives are not searching for any additional suspects.The exact sequence of events as well as the relationship, if any, between the victims remains under investigation.&nbsp;

Detectives are working with prosecutors to review their investigative findings for determination of applicable charges.&nbsp;

<p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly gun fight at a home in Kansas City have identified the victim as 57-year-old&nbsp;Darian L Barnes, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.</p><p>Just before 11:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 4000 Block of Arlington Avenue, according to Becchina.</p><p>FIrst responders were led inside a residence where they located 3 total shooting victims, two men and a woman.</p><p>One of the victims, later identified as Barnes, was unresponsive, the other two victims had serious injuries but were conscious. Officers ordered EMS who responded to the scene moments later. EMS declared Barnes deceased at the scene. </p><p>EMS&nbsp; transported the surviving man and woman to the hospital for further treatment. Both of their injuries are described as critical, but they were reported to be in stable condition and continuing to recover, Becchina reported on Friday afternoon.</p><p>Homicide detectives were on scene and investigating this case as a homicide. </p><p>Preliminary information indicates all three victims were inside the residence when an argument ensued. That interaction escalated to gunfire between one or more of the victims which led to all 3 of them being struck by gunfire.&nbsp;</p><p>All parties involved remained at the scene and detectives are not searching for any additional suspects.The exact sequence of events as well as the relationship, if any, between the victims remains under investigation.&nbsp;</p><p>Detectives are working with prosecutors to review their investigative findings for determination of applicable charges.&nbsp;</p>

Police ID 57-year-old killed in gun fight at KC home

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a murder on New Year's Day in Johnson County.

Just before 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a residence in the 16900 block of Walter Street in Gardner on reports of an armed disturbance.  The caller advised the 911 operator that a man had been stabbed.&nbsp; Upon arrival, the officer contacted the occupants of the home and observed a man on the ground with serious injuries.  The victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A preliminary investigation has revealed that a disturbance ensued inside the home, which led to the victim being stabbed.  The victim has been  identified as Jason A. Rosado, a 28-year-old of Overland Park.

A suspect identified as 34-year-old Kavin Moreno was taken into custody on a requested charge of First Degree Murder. He is being held on a $1 million bond and is due in court on Monday, according to online jail records.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767387899429.png" alt="Moreno photo Johnson Co." />
                        <figcaption>Moreno photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a murder on New Year's Day in Johnson County.</p><p>Just before 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a residence in the 16900 block of Walter Street in Gardner on reports of an armed disturbance.  The caller advised the 911 operator that a man had been stabbed.&nbsp; Upon arrival, the officer contacted the occupants of the home and observed a man on the ground with serious injuries.  The victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A preliminary investigation has revealed that a disturbance ensued inside the home, which led to the victim being stabbed.  The victim has been  identified as Jason A. Rosado, a 28-year-old of Overland Park.</p><p>A suspect identified as 34-year-old Kavin Moreno was taken into custody on a requested charge of First Degree Murder. He is being held on a $1 million bond and is due in court on Monday, according to online jail records.</p>