SEWARD COUNTY– The U.S. Marshals are seeking the public’s help and offering a reward of up to&nbsp;$5,000&nbsp;for information leading to the arrest of a Guatemalan man wanted in Seward County on multiple counts of crimes against children, according to a media release.

Juan Ralios-Batz, (estimated age) 30, is wanted on three counts of rape of a child, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated human trafficking, and one count of abuse of a child.

Batz and his sister are alleged to have sponsored a 13-year-old unaccompanied alien child and, over a two-year-period, Batz allegedly raped the child and forced the child to do manual labor. &nbsp;The child eventually became pregnant and has a child with Batz. When Batz became aware of his wanted status, his family allegedly helped him escape to Fremont, Nebraska, to evade the charges against him. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Batz is a white or Hispanic man, stands 5-feet-1 inch and weighs approximately 115 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair and a tattoo of the letter J on his right arm.&nbsp;

Batz, who is in the U.S. illegally, is known to use multiple aliases, including Juan Ralios, Juan Batz, Randy Guerro, Juan Ramos-Batz, Juan Ramos and Omar Gonzalez.&nbsp;

Anyone with information regarding his location is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at&nbsp;1-877-WANTED-2&nbsp;or send tip information via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip">USMS Tips App</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758163443530.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY– The U.S. Marshals are seeking the public’s help and offering a reward of up to&nbsp;$5,000&nbsp;for information leading to the arrest of a Guatemalan man wanted in Seward County on multiple counts of crimes against children, according to a media release.Juan Ralios-Batz, (estimated age) 30, is wanted on three counts of rape of a child, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated human trafficking, and one count of abuse of a child.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758163504048.png" alt="Batz photo Seward Co." />
 <figcaption>Batz photo Seward Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Batz and his sister are alleged to have sponsored a 13-year-old unaccompanied alien child and, over a two-year-period, Batz allegedly raped the child and forced the child to do manual labor. &nbsp;The child eventually became pregnant and has a child with Batz. When Batz became aware of his wanted status, his family allegedly helped him escape to Fremont, Nebraska, to evade the charges against him. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Batz is a white or Hispanic man, stands 5-feet-1 inch and weighs approximately 115 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair and a tattoo of the letter J on his right arm.&nbsp;Batz, who is in the U.S. illegally, is known to use multiple aliases, including Juan Ralios, Juan Batz, Randy Guerro, Juan Ramos-Batz, Juan Ramos and Omar Gonzalez.&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding his location is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at&nbsp;1-877-WANTED-2&nbsp;or send tip information via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip">USMS Tips App</a>.

Still at large: Man in U.S. illegally is wanted for child sex crimes in Kansas

Project’s origins tied to 2024 pitch by Pennsylvania company for exclusive contract

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature’s special budget committee revealed the attorney general’s office continues to work toward awarding a $10 million contract to a private vendor for deployment of artificial intelligence and use of security cameras to spot gun-wielding intruders in public schools.

Gov. Laura Kelly signed a budget bill in April that included funding for technology that promised to identify unconcealed firearms in school buildings so alerts could be forwarded to school staff and law enforcement officers. In October, three companies submitted bids through the Kansas Department of Administration. On Wednesday, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Kris Kobach said a contract hadn’t been issued.

Under state law, the attorney general’s office was directed to make certain the system was installed in schools by the end of December and operational at the close of February.

Sen. Pat Pettey, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, said the initiative was embraced by the Legislature at the same time a popular program offering state-funded school-security grants to districts was dropped.

“We no longer have funding in the Department of Education for safe and secure schools,” Pettey said. “But we do have this funding source … but nothing has been appropriated? Schools would like to have safe and secure funds, but they don’t have any option now except through this program.”

Bids on the Kansas firearm-identification contract were submitted by Gades Sales Co. of Wichita; CIS Data Services of Springfield, Missouri; and ZeroEyes of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Financial details of those company proposals haven’t been made public.

The idea of relying on AI to pinpoint unconcealed weapons in schools and possibly thwart mass shootings has been debated in Kansas since ZeroEyes hired lobbyists last year to convince legislators to award it the contract to operate an enhanced security system for benefit of Kansas schools.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/09/kansas-bill-dangles-cash-to-persuade-k-12-school-districts-to-hire-a-specific-gun-detection-vendor/">Lobbyists for ZeroEyes pitched the idea</a>&nbsp;of directly earmarking state funding to ZeroEyes or establishing contract provisions matching ZeroEyes’ marketing materials so rival venders would have difficulty landing the contract.

Kieran Carroll, chief strategy officer for ZeroEyes, told a Kansas House committee in February 2024 that covering 1,300 school buildings in Kansas with ZeroEyes’ technology and delivering 24-hour monitoring of two dozen cameras in each school would cost the state $8.5 million annually.

In May 2024, Gov. Laura Kelly used line-item authority to veto the budget measure dedicating $5 million to a gun-identification initiative that favored ZeroEyes. The bill limited dollar-for-dollar matches from the state to school districts that signed up with ZeroEyes.

The governor said the result would have been “a no-bid contract” that wrote ZeroEyes’ technology into state law without proper consideration of alternative companies.

The Republican-led Legislature responded during the 2025 session by authorizing expenditure of $10 million for a firearm-detection program available to all Kansas public school districts. This version of the AI funding plan wasn’t vetoed by Kelly and led to the ongoing contract bidding process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764285917641.png" alt="Kansas Sen. Pat Pettey, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, questions the process of selecting a company to implement a $10 million gun-detection program in public schools. The initiative began as a 2024 request by a Pennsylvania technology company for an exclusive service contract in Kansas. In this image from April 10, 2025, Pettey offers remarks in the Kansas Senate. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Sen. Pat Pettey, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, questions the process of selecting a company to implement a $10 million gun-detection program in public schools. The initiative began as a 2024 request by a Pennsylvania technology company for an exclusive service contract in Kansas. In this image from April 10, 2025, Pettey offers remarks in the Kansas Senate. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Project’s origins tied to 2024 pitch by Pennsylvania company for exclusive contract</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature’s special budget committee revealed the attorney general’s office continues to work toward awarding a $10 million contract to a private vendor for deployment of artificial intelligence and use of security cameras to spot gun-wielding intruders in public schools.Gov. Laura Kelly signed a budget bill in April that included funding for technology that promised to identify unconcealed firearms in school buildings so alerts could be forwarded to school staff and law enforcement officers. In October, three companies submitted bids through the Kansas Department of Administration. On Wednesday, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Kris Kobach said a contract hadn’t been issued.Under state law, the attorney general’s office was directed to make certain the system was installed in schools by the end of December and operational at the close of February.Sen. Pat Pettey, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, said the initiative was embraced by the Legislature at the same time a popular program offering state-funded school-security grants to districts was dropped.“We no longer have funding in the Department of Education for safe and secure schools,” Pettey said. “But we do have this funding source … but nothing has been appropriated? Schools would like to have safe and secure funds, but they don’t have any option now except through this program.”Bids on the Kansas firearm-identification contract were submitted by Gades Sales Co. of Wichita; CIS Data Services of Springfield, Missouri; and ZeroEyes of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Financial details of those company proposals haven’t been made public.The idea of relying on AI to pinpoint unconcealed weapons in schools and possibly thwart mass shootings has been debated in Kansas since ZeroEyes hired lobbyists last year to convince legislators to award it the contract to operate an enhanced security system for benefit of Kansas schools.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/09/kansas-bill-dangles-cash-to-persuade-k-12-school-districts-to-hire-a-specific-gun-detection-vendor/">Lobbyists for ZeroEyes pitched the idea</a>&nbsp;of directly earmarking state funding to ZeroEyes or establishing contract provisions matching ZeroEyes’ marketing materials so rival venders would have difficulty landing the contract.Kieran Carroll, chief strategy officer for ZeroEyes, told a Kansas House committee in February 2024 that covering 1,300 school buildings in Kansas with ZeroEyes’ technology and delivering 24-hour monitoring of two dozen cameras in each school would cost the state $8.5 million annually.In May 2024, Gov. Laura Kelly used line-item authority to veto the budget measure dedicating $5 million to a gun-identification initiative that favored ZeroEyes. The bill limited dollar-for-dollar matches from the state to school districts that signed up with ZeroEyes.The governor said the result would have been “a no-bid contract” that wrote ZeroEyes’ technology into state law without proper consideration of alternative companies.The Republican-led Legislature responded during the 2025 session by authorizing expenditure of $10 million for a firearm-detection program available to all Kansas public school districts. This version of the AI funding plan wasn’t vetoed by Kelly and led to the ongoing contract bidding process.

Kansas looking at three bidders for $10 million contract relying on AI to find guns in schools

President Donald Trump said Friday he will try to reverse any law, pardon or still-in-effect executive order that former President Joe Biden signed with an autopen, though it wasn’t immediately clear how that would work or whether it would be legal.&nbsp;

Trump declared in&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115629010097815862" target="_blank">a social media post</a>&nbsp;that any documents Biden signed with the autopen are “hereby terminated, and of no further force or effect.”

“I am hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally,” Trump alleged. “Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process and, if he says he was, he will be brought up on charges of perjury. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The White House press office didn’t immediately respond to a request for the list of documents Trump believes he has the ability to rescind based on the manner they were signed.

States Newsroom also asked the Trump administration if officials believe the president would need to sign an executive order in order to implement his social media post.&nbsp;

Experts dismissed earlier autopen challenge&nbsp;

The post was similar to one&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/legal-experts-quash-trump-argument-biden-pardons-signed-autopen-are-void" target="_blank">Trump published in March</a>&nbsp;when he claimed any pardons Biden signed with the autopen were void, something legal experts said at the time was “absurd” and a “red herring.”

Trump brought up his frustration with autopen use again in June&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-opens-investigation-biden-autopen-use" target="_blank">when he ordered</a>&nbsp;the White House legal counsel and U.S. attorney general to investigate when and why Biden administration staff used an autopen.&nbsp;

Trump said during an Oval Office appearance at the time he hadn’t found any evidence Biden aides violated the law.

“No, but I’ve uncovered the human mind,” Trump said. “I was in a debate with the human mind and I didn’t think he knew what the hell he was doing. So it’s one of those things, one of those problems. We can’t ever allow that to happen to our country.”

Biden and spokespeople working for him have repeatedly said he knew what official documents were being signed in his name and rejected claims that White House staff used the autopen without his authorization or knowledge.&nbsp;

Biden released a statement in June following the Trump memorandum, saying the investigation “is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans who are working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.”

“Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations,” Biden wrote at the time. “Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false.”

While presidents have regularly rescinded their predecessors executive orders, usually within their first few days or weeks in office, Congress would very likely need to act in order to alter or eliminate any laws that Biden signed with an autopen. Trump seeking to overturn a law, or part of a law, unilaterally would likely lead to a lawsuit over whether he holds that power.&nbsp;

It also wasn’t immediately clear what legal authority Trump believes he has as president to undo pardons if Biden used an autopen to sign the documents.&nbsp;

David Super, a constitutional and administrative law professor at Georgetown University, told States Newsroom in March that “the Constitution does not require signatures for pardons. It simply says the president has the power to pardon.”

“So if President Biden wanted to simply verbally tell someone they’re pardoned, he could do that. It wouldn’t have to be in writing at all,” he said. “Administratively, of course, we want things in writing. It makes things a lot simpler, but there’s no constitutional requirement.”

Ashley Murray contributed to this report.&nbsp;

By Jennifer ShuttPresident Donald Trump said Friday he will try to reverse any law, pardon or still-in-effect executive order that former President Joe Biden signed with an autopen, though it wasn’t immediately clear how that would work or whether it would be legal.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;I am hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally.&quot; - President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/D5mzIl1Cai">pic.twitter.com/D5mzIl1Cai</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1994494769566028142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump declared in&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115629010097815862" target="_blank">a social media post</a>&nbsp;that any documents Biden signed with the autopen are “hereby terminated, and of no further force or effect.”“I am hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally,” Trump alleged. “Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process and, if he says he was, he will be brought up on charges of perjury. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”The White House press office didn’t immediately respond to a request for the list of documents Trump believes he has the ability to rescind based on the manner they were signed.States Newsroom also asked the Trump administration if officials believe the president would need to sign an executive order in order to implement his social media post.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749205481205.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Experts dismissed earlier autopen challenge&nbsp;</h2>The post was similar to one&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/legal-experts-quash-trump-argument-biden-pardons-signed-autopen-are-void" target="_blank">Trump published in March</a>&nbsp;when he claimed any pardons Biden signed with the autopen were void, something legal experts said at the time was “absurd” and a “red herring.”Trump brought up his frustration with autopen use again in June&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-opens-investigation-biden-autopen-use" target="_blank">when he ordered</a>&nbsp;the White House legal counsel and U.S. attorney general to investigate when and why Biden administration staff used an autopen.&nbsp;Trump said during an Oval Office appearance at the time he hadn’t found any evidence Biden aides violated the law.“No, but I’ve uncovered the human mind,” Trump said. “I was in a debate with the human mind and I didn’t think he knew what the hell he was doing. So it’s one of those things, one of those problems. We can’t ever allow that to happen to our country.”Biden and spokespeople working for him have repeatedly said he knew what official documents were being signed in his name and rejected claims that White House staff used the autopen without his authorization or knowledge.&nbsp;Biden released a statement in June following the Trump memorandum, saying the investigation “is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans who are working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.”“Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations,” Biden wrote at the time. “Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false.”While presidents have regularly rescinded their predecessors executive orders, usually within their first few days or weeks in office, Congress would very likely need to act in order to alter or eliminate any laws that Biden signed with an autopen. Trump seeking to overturn a law, or part of a law, unilaterally would likely lead to a lawsuit over whether he holds that power.&nbsp;<h2>Trump doesn’t cite legal authority</h2>It also wasn’t immediately clear what legal authority Trump believes he has as president to undo pardons if Biden used an autopen to sign the documents.&nbsp;David Super, a constitutional and administrative law professor at Georgetown University, told States Newsroom in March that “the Constitution does not require signatures for pardons. It simply says the president has the power to pardon.”“So if President Biden wanted to simply verbally tell someone they’re pardoned, he could do that. It wouldn’t have to be in writing at all,” he said. “Administratively, of course, we want things in writing. It makes things a lot simpler, but there’s no constitutional requirement.”Ashley Murray contributed to this report.&nbsp;

Trump social media post claims to void Biden orders

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with a domestic incident in Shawnee County

Just after 12:30 p.m., November 24, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center was notified of a second domestic disturbance at a residence in the 6700 block of SW Fieldwood Drive, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The first was reported around 11:30 a.m.

Shaun L. Kendall, 40, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges of&nbsp;Criminal possession of a weapon by felon and Stalking; reckless conduct causing fear person/family. He remains in custody on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764252725979.png" alt="Kendall photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Kendall photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with a domestic incident in Shawnee CountyJust after 12:30 p.m., November 24, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center was notified of a second domestic disturbance at a residence in the 6700 block of SW Fieldwood Drive, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The first was reported around 11:30 a.m.Shaun L. Kendall, 40, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges of&nbsp;Criminal possession of a weapon by felon and Stalking; reckless conduct causing fear person/family. He remains in custody on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kan. felon jailed after 2nd domestic incident within an hour

PAWNEE COUNTY – Brian C. Langston, 54 of Houston, Texas, made his formal First Appearance via Zoom November 20, before Pawnee Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell on a two count Criminal Complaint for alleged fish and game violations, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Langston is charged with two counts of Unlawful Taking of Big Game alleging to have occurred on or about November 25, 2021, and September 29, 2022, in rural Pawnee County. The specific alleged fish and game violation is the alleged use of residential deer permits at a time when the defendant was a resident of Texas.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Kansas Department of Parks and Wildlife (KDPF) into a social media post indicating that a trophy whitetail buck taken in Pawnee County, in September of 2022, had set a new State Record for typical by muzzleloader with an official gross entry score of 213 5/8 and a net score of 190 7/8. The investigation revealed Langston also tagged a trophy deer in November of 2021 with a gross entry score of 183 5/8. The US Fish and Wildlife Services Task Force assisted with the investigation.

At the First Appearance, Judge Cowell advised the defendant of the charges, the possible penalties if convicted and his constitutional rights, including his right to counsel. If convicted, the defendant faces up to six months in the County Jail and a fine of not less than $5,000 on each count.

Arraignment has been scheduled for December 17, 2025.

Under Kansas Law, an antlered whitetail deer is considered “trophy big game” when it has an inside spread measuring at least 16 inches. In addition to the mandatory fines, violations involving trophy big game also carry mandatory restitution which is calculated by squaring the gross entry score minus 100 then multiplying by $2. For example, a whitetail deer with a 200 gross entry score would result in $20,000 in restitution (100 x 100 x $2).

PAWNEE COUNTY – Brian C. Langston, 54 of Houston, Texas, made his formal First Appearance via Zoom November 20, before Pawnee Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell on a two count Criminal Complaint for alleged fish and game violations, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.Langston is charged with two counts of Unlawful Taking of Big Game alleging to have occurred on or about November 25, 2021, and September 29, 2022, in rural Pawnee County. The specific alleged fish and game violation is the alleged use of residential deer permits at a time when the defendant was a resident of Texas.The charges stem from an investigation by the Kansas Department of Parks and Wildlife (KDPF) into a social media post indicating that a trophy whitetail buck taken in Pawnee County, in September of 2022, had set a new State Record for typical by muzzleloader with an official gross entry score of 213 5/8 and a net score of 190 7/8. The investigation revealed Langston also tagged a trophy deer in November of 2021 with a gross entry score of 183 5/8. The US Fish and Wildlife Services Task Force assisted with the investigation.At the First Appearance, Judge Cowell advised the defendant of the charges, the possible penalties if convicted and his constitutional rights, including his right to counsel. If convicted, the defendant faces up to six months in the County Jail and a fine of not less than $5,000 on each count.Arraignment has been scheduled for December 17, 2025.Under Kansas Law, an antlered whitetail deer is considered “trophy big game” when it has an inside spread measuring at least 16 inches. In addition to the mandatory fines, violations involving trophy big game also carry mandatory restitution which is calculated by squaring the gross entry score minus 100 then multiplying by $2. For example, a whitetail deer with a 200 gross entry score would result in $20,000 in restitution (100 x 100 x $2).

Man accused of violations in taking a trophy whitetail buck in Kansas

JOHNSON COUNTY —Last week, while on patrol, a State Trooper observed a stolen vehicle that had recently failed to stop for the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, according to a social media report from KHP Troop A.

When the Trooper initiated a traffic stop, the vehicle fled, prompting a pursuit. Thankfully, the Trooper was able to successfully conduct a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI), bringing the vehicle to a stop. The driver was then taken into custody on requested charges of felony flee and elude, felony possession of stolen property, misdemeanor interference, driving without a valid license, and a $5,000 fail to appear warrant out of the Johnson County, KS Sheriff's Office

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764169404046.png" alt="Image from the video" />
 <figcaption>Image from the video</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Last week, while on patrol, a State Trooper observed a stolen vehicle that had recently failed to stop for the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, according to a social media report from KHP Troop A.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F2250257718787924%2F&show_text=false&width=249&t=0" width="249" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>When the Trooper initiated a traffic stop, the vehicle fled, prompting a pursuit. Thankfully, the Trooper was able to successfully conduct a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI), bringing the vehicle to a stop. The driver was then taken into custody on requested charges of felony flee and elude, felony possession of stolen property, misdemeanor interference, driving without a valid license, and a $5,000 fail to appear warrant out of the Johnson County, KS Sheriff's Office

🎥KHP Trooper uses Tactical Vehicle Intervention to stop suspect

KANSAS C ITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a Thanksgiving house fire.

Just before 3:30a.m., crews responded to a reported house fire in the 9500 block of Olmstead Road, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

 On arrival, crews reported heavy smoke and fire through the roof,&nbsp; from a 1-story residence. Interior operations were initiated on an offensive fire attack with 3 hose lines. Companies did encounter a broken natural gas line and power lines down in the rear of the structure and eventually evacuated. 

Moving to a defensive mode, fly piping operations of the structure began. After knocking down the majority of the fire, the aerial was eventually shut down, and the 3 hose lines resumed extinguishing the remaining fire and hot spots. 

Utility crews were on scene and secured their hazards.Searches of the structure were conducted and came back all clear. The fire was brought under control at 4:35 a.m.

One firefighter was briefly evaluated by an ambulance on scene but was not transported. No other injuries or patients have been reported.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764246764849.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS C ITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a Thanksgiving house fire.Just before 3:30a.m., crews responded to a reported house fire in the 9500 block of Olmstead Road, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan. On arrival, crews reported heavy smoke and fire through the roof,&nbsp; from a 1-story residence. Interior operations were initiated on an offensive fire attack with 3 hose lines. Companies did encounter a broken natural gas line and power lines down in the rear of the structure and eventually evacuated. Moving to a defensive mode, fly piping operations of the structure began. After knocking down the majority of the fire, the aerial was eventually shut down, and the 3 hose lines resumed extinguishing the remaining fire and hot spots. Utility crews were on scene and secured their hazards.Searches of the structure were conducted and came back all clear. The fire was brought under control at 4:35 a.m.One firefighter was briefly evaluated by an ambulance on scene but was not transported. No other injuries or patients have been reported.&nbsp;

Dangerous Thanksgiving Day house fire in Kansas City

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764331131237.png" alt="President Trump spoke about immigration to reporters after he announced National Guardsmen Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia has died on Thanksgiving night-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>President Trump spoke about immigration to reporters after he announced National Guardsmen Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia has died on Thanksgiving night-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764331840667.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Trump: U.S. to ‘pause migration from Third World Countries’ after DC shooting

COOPER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2a.m. on Thanksgiving in Cooper County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Dart driven by a 40-year-old Branson woman was northbound on MO 135 at Lang Road.&nbsp;The car traveled off the road to the right, struck an embankment, became airborne, rolled and the driver was ejected.&nbsp;

Cooper County EMS transported the driver to University Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

COOPER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2a.m. on Thanksgiving in Cooper County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Dart driven by a 40-year-old Branson woman was northbound on MO 135 at Lang Road.&nbsp;The car traveled off the road to the right, struck an embankment, became airborne, rolled and the driver was ejected.&nbsp;Cooper County EMS transported the driver to University Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman dies after ejected in rollover crash

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is facing multiple charges for the alleged theft of multiple packages from residences since September.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2765/Bennett-RED-COMPLAINT-CB">Curtis D. Bennett&nbsp;</a>faces six counts of Stealing a Postal or Delivery Item, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson. Each count of Stealing a Postal or Delivery Item is a class E felony, carrying one to four years in prison upon conviction. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2764/Bennett-RED-PC-CB">According to court records</a>, Kansas City detectives received reports from four different victims stating they had packages stolen from their homes. In total, the six packages were worth more than $1,100. Detectives were able to identify and connect Bennett to each incident through victim surveillance video. Bennett admitted to stealing the packages from the residences.&nbsp;

“We take package theft seriously because we understand our community works hard each day to be able to purchase holiday gifts and everyday necessities for their families,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said. “We’re committed to holding these repeat offenders accountable, but we need the community’s help to bring these cases to our office.”

With the holiday season underway, Prosecutor Johnson urges residents to take proactive steps to protect their deliveries. Install doorbell cameras and surveillance cameras around your home, which provide critical evidence for investigations.&nbsp;

Retrieve your packages immediately after delivery or ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect them if you will not be home. Consider having items delivered to your workplace or request that the post office or delivery service hold packages for pickup if you will be traveling. Requesting a signature requirement for valuable deliveries or using secure package lockers are other ways to ensure packages are protected.&nbsp;

“If you believe your package or mail was stolen, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency and provide any video or photo evidence,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said. “It’s crucial to report these crimes. Unless these cases reach our desk, we cannot do our job, prosecute, and protect our community.”

Bennett is being held on a $3,000 cash-only bond. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764283905207.png" alt="Bennett photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Bennett photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is facing multiple charges for the alleged theft of multiple packages from residences since September.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2765/Bennett-RED-COMPLAINT-CB">Curtis D. Bennett&nbsp;</a>faces six counts of Stealing a Postal or Delivery Item, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson. Each count of Stealing a Postal or Delivery Item is a class E felony, carrying one to four years in prison upon conviction. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2764/Bennett-RED-PC-CB">According to court records</a>, Kansas City detectives received reports from four different victims stating they had packages stolen from their homes. In total, the six packages were worth more than $1,100. Detectives were able to identify and connect Bennett to each incident through victim surveillance video. Bennett admitted to stealing the packages from the residences.&nbsp;“We take package theft seriously because we understand our community works hard each day to be able to purchase holiday gifts and everyday necessities for their families,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said. “We’re committed to holding these repeat offenders accountable, but we need the community’s help to bring these cases to our office.”With the holiday season underway, Prosecutor Johnson urges residents to take proactive steps to protect their deliveries. Install doorbell cameras and surveillance cameras around your home, which provide critical evidence for investigations.&nbsp;Retrieve your packages immediately after delivery or ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect them if you will not be home. Consider having items delivered to your workplace or request that the post office or delivery service hold packages for pickup if you will be traveling. Requesting a signature requirement for valuable deliveries or using secure package lockers are other ways to ensure packages are protected.&nbsp;“If you believe your package or mail was stolen, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency and provide any video or photo evidence,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said. “It’s crucial to report these crimes. Unless these cases reach our desk, we cannot do our job, prosecute, and protect our community.”Bennett is being held on a $3,000 cash-only bond. &nbsp;

Porch Pirate: KC man admits theft of packages from multiple homes

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces that U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of Summersville, West Virginia, one of the National Guardsmen savagely attacked yesterday in Washington, D.C., has just passed away. May God be with her family 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/BEbAOxmJme">pic.twitter.com/BEbAOxmJme</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1994189513929761268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764267373071.png" alt="Specialist Sarah Beckstrom-photo Department of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Specialist Sarah Beckstrom-photo Department of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>

Trump: Sarah Beckstrom, National Guard soldier shot in DC, has died

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A new page on a federal government website that provides inaccurate information about vaccines and autism is concerning to Kansans who work in autism research.

A majority of studies and researchers say there is no connection between autism and vaccinations, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/about/autism.html" target="_blank">updated a page</a>&nbsp;to share contradictory information.

“The claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism,” the site says.

The page was updated last week, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/us/politics/rfk-jr-cdc-vaccines-autism-website.html" target="_blank">in an interview with the New York Times</a>, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services, said he instructed the CDC to change the information.

“The information posted on the CDC website unfortunately contains multiple inaccurate or misleading statements,” said Matt Mosconi, director of the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training. “The CDC message ignores many studies that have been conducted on this topic. And, my expectation is that this statement is confusing for individuals and families, and it has strong potential to be harmful.”

The Coalition of Autism Scientists, which Mosconi and other researchers at K-CART belong to, published a statement saying the harm caused by questioning the safety of childhood vaccines cannot be overstated.

“By altering and distorting the evidence on vaccine safety, the CDC can no longer be relied on to provide the public with accurate information,” the statement said.

Mosconi said if there had been evidence that vaccines caused autism, scientists would have followed that evidence.

“Rigorous study after rigorous study failed to find that link, so we, as scientists, follow the data to identify those factors that are associated with autism and do have potential to be informative for supporting the autism community,” he said.

Kathryn Unruh, an assistant researcher at K-CART, said the new information presented on the CDC site is concerning for several reasons, including whether people will hesitate to vaccinate their children.

Kansas has seen&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/02/vaccination-rates-down-in-most-kansas-counties-where-measles-cases-occurring/">vaccination rates</a>&nbsp;for kindergarteners drop in many areas across the state. The state also had a measles outbreak, which has since ended.

“As an autism researcher, we are also quite concerned with how this may misdirect attention as well as the critical funding we may need for studies that will support autistic individuals and their families,” Unruh said.

Two “very large” and rigorous studies have shown no association between autism and vaccinations, she said. The studies were well-controlled and had large samples. The initial and since discredited study that started the misinformation about vaccines and autism included just 12 children, Unruh said.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1124634/" target="_blank">2002 Danish study</a>&nbsp;included more than 500,000 children and looked at the risks of developing autism in children who were vaccinated and unvaccinated. The study controlled for multiple variables, including the age at which children received vaccines, their gestational age, birth weight and their economic status, Unruh said.

No connection was found between autism and vaccinations in that study.

<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2215632120" target="_blank">Another large study</a>&nbsp;in the United States also looked at familial factors because of the high likelihood of developing autism if the individual has a sibling with autism, Unruh said.

“Even if kids already had one likelihood factor for developing autism, they also found no increased association with developing autism and vaccines in those children,” she said.

The information being put out by the CDC on its official website worries Unruh.

“As a scientist, I’m quite concerned that they have ignored decades of rigorous research, including multiple studies that use CDC data,” she said. “On their own website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.restoredcdc.org/www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/about/autism.html" target="_blank">an archived page now</a>, they do have a long list of studies that they have documented that show no association between vaccines and risk for developing autism.”

Scientific studies have shown a genetic component to autism and other studies have looked at environmental interactions that might increase the risk for autism, Unruh said.

<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25898051/" target="_blank">A 2015 study</a>&nbsp;published in JAMA, the journal of the American Medical Association, researched possible connections between children who have a genetic likelihood of developing autism — identified because siblings had autism — and vaccinations causing them to develop autism, she said.

That study found no connections between the two, Unruh said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763669079049.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A new page on a federal government website that provides inaccurate information about vaccines and autism is concerning to Kansans who work in autism research.A majority of studies and researchers say there is no connection between autism and vaccinations, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/about/autism.html" target="_blank">updated a page</a>&nbsp;to share contradictory information.“The claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism,” the site says.The page was updated last week, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/us/politics/rfk-jr-cdc-vaccines-autism-website.html" target="_blank">in an interview with the New York Times</a>, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services, said he instructed the CDC to change the information.“The information posted on the CDC website unfortunately contains multiple inaccurate or misleading statements,” said Matt Mosconi, director of the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training. “The CDC message ignores many studies that have been conducted on this topic. And, my expectation is that this statement is confusing for individuals and families, and it has strong potential to be harmful.”The Coalition of Autism Scientists, which Mosconi and other researchers at K-CART belong to, published a statement saying the harm caused by questioning the safety of childhood vaccines cannot be overstated.“By altering and distorting the evidence on vaccine safety, the CDC can no longer be relied on to provide the public with accurate information,” the statement said.Mosconi said if there had been evidence that vaccines caused autism, scientists would have followed that evidence.“Rigorous study after rigorous study failed to find that link, so we, as scientists, follow the data to identify those factors that are associated with autism and do have potential to be informative for supporting the autism community,” he said.Kathryn Unruh, an assistant researcher at K-CART, said the new information presented on the CDC site is concerning for several reasons, including whether people will hesitate to vaccinate their children.Kansas has seen&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/02/vaccination-rates-down-in-most-kansas-counties-where-measles-cases-occurring/">vaccination rates</a>&nbsp;for kindergarteners drop in many areas across the state. The state also had a measles outbreak, which has since ended.“As an autism researcher, we are also quite concerned with how this may misdirect attention as well as the critical funding we may need for studies that will support autistic individuals and their families,” Unruh said.Two “very large” and rigorous studies have shown no association between autism and vaccinations, she said. The studies were well-controlled and had large samples. The initial and since discredited study that started the misinformation about vaccines and autism included just 12 children, Unruh said.A&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1124634/" target="_blank">2002 Danish study</a>&nbsp;included more than 500,000 children and looked at the risks of developing autism in children who were vaccinated and unvaccinated. The study controlled for multiple variables, including the age at which children received vaccines, their gestational age, birth weight and their economic status, Unruh said.No connection was found between autism and vaccinations in that study.<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2215632120" target="_blank">Another large study</a>&nbsp;in the United States also looked at familial factors because of the high likelihood of developing autism if the individual has a sibling with autism, Unruh said.“Even if kids already had one likelihood factor for developing autism, they also found no increased association with developing autism and vaccines in those children,” she said.The information being put out by the CDC on its official website worries Unruh.“As a scientist, I’m quite concerned that they have ignored decades of rigorous research, including multiple studies that use CDC data,” she said. “On their own website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.restoredcdc.org/www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/about/autism.html" target="_blank">an archived page now</a>, they do have a long list of studies that they have documented that show no association between vaccines and risk for developing autism.”Scientific studies have shown a genetic component to autism and other studies have looked at environmental interactions that might increase the risk for autism, Unruh said.<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25898051/" target="_blank">A 2015 study</a>&nbsp;published in JAMA, the journal of the American Medical Association, researched possible connections between children who have a genetic likelihood of developing autism — identified because siblings had autism — and vaccinations causing them to develop autism, she said.That study found no connections between the two, Unruh said.

Kansas autism researchers concerned about misinformation on federal website

Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia,&nbsp;identified the guard members at a news conference as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. Both remained hospitalized in critical condition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764267409790.png" alt="Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe -photo Department of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe -photo Department of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia,&nbsp;identified the guard members at a news conference as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. Both remained hospitalized in critical condition.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764267373071.png" alt="Specialist Sarah Beckstrom-photo Department of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Specialist Sarah Beckstrom-photo Department of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro (<a href="https://twitter.com/USAttyPirro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAttyPirro</a>): &quot;Two uniform guardsmen were ambushed in a brazen and targeted attack. A lone gunman opened fire without provocation, ambush style...&quot; FBI Director Kash Patel (<a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBIDirectorKash</a>): &quot;It is an ongoing investigation of terrorism.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Ob9qwSEcNH">pic.twitter.com/Ob9qwSEcNH</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1994060975905857664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥DOJ releases names of National Guard soldiers shot near White House

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Police are investigating a shooting that left two dead in Topeka.&nbsp;

Just before 8:30p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a shooting at McDonalds restaurant in the 1200 block of SW Gage Boulevard in Topeka, according to Topeka Police&nbsp; LT Jayme Green.

At the scene, first responders located two victims who were&nbsp;deceased. EMS transported a third victim to a hospital with life-threatening injuries

On Wednesday, Topeka Police reported they are now investigating this incident as a murder-suicide. At the scene, officers located a deceased 76-year-old man who suffered an apparent gunshot wound. A 22-year-old man with life-threatening gunshot injuries was also found at the scene and was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment.

 Officers additionally discovered a man who died from what appears to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764000702973.png" alt="photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Police are investigating a shooting that left two dead in Topeka.&nbsp;Just before 8:30p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a shooting at McDonalds restaurant in the 1200 block of SW Gage Boulevard in Topeka, according to Topeka Police&nbsp; LT Jayme Green.At the scene, first responders located two victims who were&nbsp;deceased. EMS transported a third victim to a hospital with life-threatening injuriesOn Wednesday, Topeka Police reported they are now investigating this incident as a murder-suicide. At the scene, officers located a deceased 76-year-old man who suffered an apparent gunshot wound. A 22-year-old man with life-threatening gunshot injuries was also found at the scene and was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Officers additionally discovered a man who died from what appears to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.

Police update details on deadly shooting near Kan. fast-food restaurant

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Tuesday released a new statement regarding the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the unjust war in Ukraine:

He spoke last month on the Senate Floor, reaffirming support for Ukraine.

“As negotiations move forward, the administration must make certain Ukraine is equipped with the tools needed to defend its people and territory against ongoing aggression and demand meaningful, enduring security guarantees for Kyiv. Lasting peace will be achieved when the costs of continuing the war in Ukraine are unsustainable for Russia, not by acceding to Vladimir Putin’s demands. Any other result makes the world a more dangerous place.”

Sen. Moran has consistently emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732047530088.png" alt="Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Tuesday released a new statement regarding the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the unjust war in Ukraine:He spoke last month on the Senate Floor, reaffirming support for Ukraine.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K_1lPe8PmC8?si=9DYhmyNruUxBvdHi&amp;start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“As negotiations move forward, the administration must make certain Ukraine is equipped with the tools needed to defend its people and territory against ongoing aggression and demand meaningful, enduring security guarantees for Kyiv. Lasting peace will be achieved when the costs of continuing the war in Ukraine are unsustainable for Russia, not by acceding to Vladimir Putin’s demands. Any other result makes the world a more dangerous place.”Sen. Moran has consistently emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression.&nbsp;

Kan. U.S. Senator on Ukraine, Russia peace negotiations

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump delivers remarks on the horrific attack on the Great National Guard Warriors <a href="https://t.co/xDxRzJENU0">https://t.co/xDxRzJENU0</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1993865712583180642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;My great fellow Americans, earlier today on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday, two members of the National Guard serving in Washington, D.C. were shot at point blank range in a monstrous, ambush-style attack just steps away from the White House... This heinous assault… <a href="https://t.co/3nmv426LRq">pic.twitter.com/3nmv426LRq</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993868356538057112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHSgov</a> is confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan... He was flown in by the Biden Administration in September 2021 on those infamous flights... His status was extended under legislation signed by President Biden.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/rMCQe6CMIo">pic.twitter.com/rMCQe6CMIo</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993869422717456872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Tonight, I can announce that I have directed the <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofWar</a> to mobilize an additional 500 troops to help protect our capital city... and we will bring the perpetrator of this barbaric attack to swift and certain justice.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4G7bj6s9Zg">pic.twitter.com/4G7bj6s9Zg</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993870051082998158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/jAPGBP5HH2">pic.twitter.com/jAPGBP5HH2</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993870729293746180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHSgov</a> is confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan... He was flown in by the Biden Administration in September 2021 on those infamous flights... His status was extended under legislation signed by President Biden.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/rMCQe6CMIo">pic.twitter.com/rMCQe6CMIo</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993869422717456872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump's remarks on the attack on National Guard soldiers

By:<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/author/ccoyne/">Caity Coyne</a> <a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/">West Virginia Watch</a>

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot while on deployment in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, according to a statement from Gov. Patrick Morrisey.

In a news briefing around 4:45 p.m., FBI director Kash Patel said the two victims were “in critical condition.”

That announcement came after previous conflicting reports from Morrisey regarding their status.

Morrisey initially&nbsp;posted on social media&nbsp;at 3:33 p.m. that one of the victims was dead and another sent to the hospital following the shooting. He then announced at 3:42 p.m. that both members of the West Virginia National Guard were dead.

In a third post at 4:04 p.m., however, Morrisey said he was receiving “conflicting reports” about the condition of the West Virginia National Guard members.

“… [The state] will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information,” Morrisey continued.

The shooting<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/11/26/repub/breaking-two-national-guard-members-shot-in-washington-d-c-officials-confirm/">&nbsp;took place blocks&nbsp;</a>from the White House around 2:15 p.m. According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DCPoliceDept/status/1993767333979168981?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet" target="_blank">Washington Metropolitan Police Department</a>, the scene was secure and one suspect was in custody at 2:58 p.m.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a news briefing that the incident was “a targeted shooting” perpetrated by one person.

“What we know … is that this is a targeted shooting — one individual who appeared to target these Guardsmen,” Bowser said. “That individual has been taken into custody.”

President Donald Trump was in Florida on Wednesday but was briefed on the shooting, White House officials said. In social media posts, Trump said the perpetrator was an “animal” and was “also severely wounded” in the incident. Regardless, he continued, the shooter will “pay a very steep price.”

“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement,” Trump said. “These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”

The shooting comes less than a week after a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/20/national-guard-washington-dc-00663137" target="_blank">federal judge ruled</a>&nbsp;that the deployment of National Guard troops from several states to Washington, D.C. at the request of Trump was illegal. The Trump administration was given until Dec. 11 to pull troops out or file an appeal to the ruling.&nbsp;

Morrisey&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/08/18/morrisey-orders-national-guard-to-dc-in-support-of-trump-takeover-dems-say-its-political-theater/">announced in August</a>&nbsp;that he would be sending 300-400 members of the West Virginia National Guard to Washington D.C. after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/restoring-law-and-order-in-the-district-of-columbia/" target="_blank">declared</a>&nbsp;a “public safety emergency” in the nation’s capital. That declaration&nbsp;<a href="http://cnn.com/2025/09/10/politics/washington-dc-trump-crime-emergency-end" target="_blank">ended in September</a>, but troops have remained in the district.

<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/briefs/west-virginia-national-guard-deployment-to-dc-could-last-through-november/">In late September</a>, a spokesperson for the state’s National Guard said members could remain in D.C. through November.

Earlier this year, the West Virginia Citizen Action Group&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CAG-suit-2025.pdf">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against Morrisey and the West Virginia National Guard regarding West Virginia troops being deployed to D.C. CAG was&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/08/21/aclu-files-lawsuit-over-wv-national-guard-deployment-to-dc/">represented by</a>&nbsp;the West Virginia arm of the American Civil Liberties Union.

The ACLU attorneys&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/10/24/judge-more-information-needed-regarding-legality-of-wv-national-guard-deployment-in-d-c/">argued</a>&nbsp;that the deployment by Morrisey was unlawful and an abuse of state powers that allow the governor to activate National Guard troops for matters outside of the state only under limited circumstances. They said the ongoing deployment was causing real and irreparable harm to people in West Virginia.

Attorneys for the state of West Virginia countered that CAG, the plaintiff, was not facing any real or clear harm from the deployment. The only parties who could claim to be “directly harmed” due to the National Guard deployment, the state argued, are residents of D.C. or members of the Guard themselves.

Attorneys with the ACLU were asking the court for a temporary injunction that would have seen all West Virginia National Guard members deployed to D.C. sent home.

On Nov. 10, Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Richard Lindsay sided with the state of West Virginia and&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/11/10/judge-rules-wv-national-guards-deployment-in-d-c-is-lawful-dismisses-case-without-prejudice/">dismissed the case,</a>&nbsp;meaning troops remained in D.C.

This is a developing story and more will be reported as information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764191421017.png" alt="Photo courtesy WTTG" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WTTG</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/author/ccoyne/">Caity Coyne</a> <a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/">West Virginia Watch</a>Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot while on deployment in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, according to a statement from Gov. Patrick Morrisey.In a news briefing around 4:45 p.m., FBI director Kash Patel said the two victims were “in critical condition.”That announcement came after previous conflicting reports from Morrisey regarding their status.Morrisey initially&nbsp;posted on social media&nbsp;at 3:33 p.m. that one of the victims was dead and another sent to the hospital following the shooting. He then announced at 3:42 p.m. that both members of the West Virginia National Guard were dead.In a third post at 4:04 p.m., however, Morrisey said he was receiving “conflicting reports” about the condition of the West Virginia National Guard members.“… [The state] will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information,” Morrisey continued.The shooting<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/11/26/repub/breaking-two-national-guard-members-shot-in-washington-d-c-officials-confirm/">&nbsp;took place blocks&nbsp;</a>from the White House around 2:15 p.m. According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DCPoliceDept/status/1993767333979168981?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet" target="_blank">Washington Metropolitan Police Department</a>, the scene was secure and one suspect was in custody at 2:58 p.m.D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a news briefing that the incident was “a targeted shooting” perpetrated by one person.“What we know … is that this is a targeted shooting — one individual who appeared to target these Guardsmen,” Bowser said. “That individual has been taken into custody.”President Donald Trump was in Florida on Wednesday but was briefed on the shooting, White House officials said. In social media posts, Trump said the perpetrator was an “animal” and was “also severely wounded” in the incident. Regardless, he continued, the shooter will “pay a very steep price.”“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement,” Trump said. “These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”The shooting comes less than a week after a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/20/national-guard-washington-dc-00663137" target="_blank">federal judge ruled</a>&nbsp;that the deployment of National Guard troops from several states to Washington, D.C. at the request of Trump was illegal. The Trump administration was given until Dec. 11 to pull troops out or file an appeal to the ruling.&nbsp;Morrisey&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/08/18/morrisey-orders-national-guard-to-dc-in-support-of-trump-takeover-dems-say-its-political-theater/">announced in August</a>&nbsp;that he would be sending 300-400 members of the West Virginia National Guard to Washington D.C. after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/restoring-law-and-order-in-the-district-of-columbia/" target="_blank">declared</a>&nbsp;a “public safety emergency” in the nation’s capital. That declaration&nbsp;<a href="http://cnn.com/2025/09/10/politics/washington-dc-trump-crime-emergency-end" target="_blank">ended in September</a>, but troops have remained in the district.<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/briefs/west-virginia-national-guard-deployment-to-dc-could-last-through-november/">In late September</a>, a spokesperson for the state’s National Guard said members could remain in D.C. through November.Earlier this year, the West Virginia Citizen Action Group&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CAG-suit-2025.pdf">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against Morrisey and the West Virginia National Guard regarding West Virginia troops being deployed to D.C. CAG was&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/08/21/aclu-files-lawsuit-over-wv-national-guard-deployment-to-dc/">represented by</a>&nbsp;the West Virginia arm of the American Civil Liberties Union.The ACLU attorneys&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/10/24/judge-more-information-needed-regarding-legality-of-wv-national-guard-deployment-in-d-c/">argued</a>&nbsp;that the deployment by Morrisey was unlawful and an abuse of state powers that allow the governor to activate National Guard troops for matters outside of the state only under limited circumstances. They said the ongoing deployment was causing real and irreparable harm to people in West Virginia.Attorneys for the state of West Virginia countered that CAG, the plaintiff, was not facing any real or clear harm from the deployment. The only parties who could claim to be “directly harmed” due to the National Guard deployment, the state argued, are residents of D.C. or members of the Guard themselves.Attorneys with the ACLU were asking the court for a temporary injunction that would have seen all West Virginia National Guard members deployed to D.C. sent home.On Nov. 10, Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Richard Lindsay sided with the state of West Virginia and&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/11/10/judge-rules-wv-national-guards-deployment-in-d-c-is-lawful-dismisses-case-without-prejudice/">dismissed the case,</a>&nbsp;meaning troops remained in D.C.This is a developing story and more will be reported as information becomes available.

Two members of WV National Guard shot in Washington, D.C., Governor says

&nbsp;DOUGLAS COUNTY—The board of directors of the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc., made the difficult decision this week to cancel the 2025 parade scheduled for December 6, due to the current outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV) affecting horses in multiple states, according to a statement from the board.

EHV is a highly contagious virus among horses. Veterinarians and equine health experts recommend limiting travel and avoiding large gatherings of horses during active outbreaks. The virus poses no risks to humans, but it can spread quickly between horses making this precautionary action necessary.

"The health and safety of the horses and our community come first, always," said Marty Kennedy, president of the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc. "Cancelling this year's parade was an extremely difficult decision but it is the responsible one."

Although the parade is cancelled, visitors can still enjoy all the shopping, dining and other holiday events planned in downtown Lawrence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764183872260.png" alt="Photo courtesy Downtown Lawrence" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Downtown Lawrence</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;DOUGLAS COUNTY—The board of directors of the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc., made the difficult decision this week to cancel the 2025 parade scheduled for December 6, due to the current outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV) affecting horses in multiple states, according to a statement from the board.EHV is a highly contagious virus among horses. Veterinarians and equine health experts recommend limiting travel and avoiding large gatherings of horses during active outbreaks. The virus poses no risks to humans, but it can spread quickly between horses making this precautionary action necessary."The health and safety of the horses and our community come first, always," said Marty Kennedy, president of the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc. "Cancelling this year's parade was an extremely difficult decision but it is the responsible one."Although the parade is cancelled, visitors can still enjoy all the shopping, dining and other holiday events planned in downtown Lawrence.

Annual Christmas parade in Kansas canceled due to horse virus 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a homicide that occurred November 24,in the 1200 block of N 77th Street in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 8:30p.m. November 24, police were dispatched a report of a shooting.&nbsp; Officers went to a local hospital where they located a man who was transported to the hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound.  He was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  Detectives have not released the name of the victim or possible suspect details.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a homicide that occurred November 24,in the 1200 block of N 77th Street in Kansas City, Kansas.Just after 8:30p.m. November 24, police were dispatched a report of a shooting.&nbsp; Officers went to a local hospital where they located a man who was transported to the hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Detectives have not released the name of the victim or possible suspect details.

Police: Man hospitalized after Kan. shooting has died

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

CEDAR CREST — The best gift Statehouse Republicans could give Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly this holiday season is collaboration to resolve Kansas’ water issues, she said Tuesday at the annual Christmas tree donation at Cedar Crest.

“Recognizing that that is not a political win or loss for anybody, but absolutely essential for the future in this state,” Kelly said.&nbsp;

In August Kelly elevated water to her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/732/55" target="_blank">highest priority</a>. She’s concerned with creating a long-term sustainable strategy that recognizes the falling levels in the Ogallala Aquifer.&nbsp;

“I hadn’t really thought about what the Democrats themselves could give me,” Kelly said. “There’s probably not a lot in this upcoming session. What they could do is get some really good candidates for November 2026, break that supermajority so that regardless of who the next governor is there will be an absolute need to work together to get anything done.”&nbsp;

Republicans currently have a supermajority in both the House and Senate, enough to override the governor’s vetoes.

Charlotte Cooper, granddaughter of Dave Bruton — the Kansas Forest Service liaison with the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association — isn’t entirely sure what she wants this holiday season either. Lucky for Cooper, Santa’s elves encouraged him to make business cards, so her mom can e-mail Santa with her list. She even got the chance to talk to Santa at Tuesday’s event.&nbsp;

“This is a good group,” Santa said. “Santa always likes to reward the good people, and tell the others they have time —”

“Do you live in the North Pole?” Cooper interjected.&nbsp;

“Most of the time. When I’m not living down here, checking up on children,” Santa said.&nbsp;

Santa, Cooper and others rode in a replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach up to the governor’s mansion to deliver the donated Christmas decorations.

Two six-year-old&nbsp;Percheron&nbsp;horses carried the stagecoach. They replaced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/24/one-kansas-tradition-goes-on-as-usual-this-year-bess-and-betty-do-their-job/">Bess and Betty</a>, who carried the stagecoach for years before. The ceremony was the horses’ first large crowd, and they acted “about what you would guess,” according to Robin Dunn of Dunn’s Landing farm near Wellsville.&nbsp;

When asked if the new horses would be able to replace Bess and Betty, Dunn responded with a swift “no.” Then she paused.&nbsp;

“Well, I don’t know,” Dunn said. “It’ll take about 15 years. In 15 years ask me that question again.”

On top of the stagecoach was an 8½-foot tall Scotch pine grown on the Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree&nbsp;Farm in Lawrence. Each year one farm from the Kansas Christmas Tree Association donates the tree.

According to Mark Walther, part of the family who runs Strawberry Hill, his late brother Mitch volunteered.

“Well, it’s kind of a sad story,” Walther said. “So Mitch stepped up and unfortunately passed away. So then it’s like, well, shoot, because he didn’t tell me which tree it was.”&nbsp;

Mitch died unexpectedly in July. When the time came, the family went to the field and chose the tree with the nicest height and shape.

This is the third year that Chris Seets from Chris’s Tree Lodge in Abilene presented a wreath.&nbsp;

“Hopefully, this is the first time I get to actually meet the governor. I’ve always handed it to lieutenant governors in the past,” Seets said shortly before the presentation.&nbsp;

Perhaps Santa overheard her comment, because Seets was called up to present her wreath to Kelly in front of the mansion.

“I was just so excited. I think I spoke to her. I don’t know, I’m not sure,” Seets said after.&nbsp;

After the carriage rolled in and Seets presented her wreath, the group entered the mansion to watch the tree be placed in a corner. Kelly adorned it with an ornament that recognized Charles Robinson, Kansas’ first governor.&nbsp;

Kelly thanked the farmers, volunteers, and families who made the event happen. Cooper responded with a toothless grin.&nbsp;

“When did you lose that?” Kelly asked.&nbsp;

“When my mom was out of town,” Cooper said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764164861179.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly welcomes Santa to the governor’s mansion on Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly welcomes Santa to the governor’s mansion on Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>CEDAR CREST — The best gift Statehouse Republicans could give Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly this holiday season is collaboration to resolve Kansas’ water issues, she said Tuesday at the annual Christmas tree donation at Cedar Crest.“Recognizing that that is not a political win or loss for anybody, but absolutely essential for the future in this state,” Kelly said.&nbsp;In August Kelly elevated water to her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/732/55" target="_blank">highest priority</a>. She’s concerned with creating a long-term sustainable strategy that recognizes the falling levels in the Ogallala Aquifer.&nbsp;And the Democrats?&nbsp;“I hadn’t really thought about what the Democrats themselves could give me,” Kelly said. “There’s probably not a lot in this upcoming session. What they could do is get some really good candidates for November 2026, break that supermajority so that regardless of who the next governor is there will be an absolute need to work together to get anything done.”&nbsp;Republicans currently have a supermajority in both the House and Senate, enough to override the governor’s vetoes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764164809162.png" alt="Charlotte Cooper rides a replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach to deliver Gov. Laura Kelly’s Christmas decorations on Nov. 25, 2025, at Cedar Crest in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Charlotte Cooper rides a replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach to deliver Gov. Laura Kelly’s Christmas decorations on Nov. 25, 2025, at Cedar Crest in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Charlotte Cooper, granddaughter of Dave Bruton — the Kansas Forest Service liaison with the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association — isn’t entirely sure what she wants this holiday season either. Lucky for Cooper, Santa’s elves encouraged him to make business cards, so her mom can e-mail Santa with her list. She even got the chance to talk to Santa at Tuesday’s event.&nbsp;“This is a good group,” Santa said. “Santa always likes to reward the good people, and tell the others they have time —”“Do you live in the North Pole?” Cooper interjected.&nbsp;“Most of the time. When I’m not living down here, checking up on children,” Santa said.&nbsp;Santa, Cooper and others rode in a replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach up to the governor’s mansion to deliver the donated Christmas decorations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764165005997.png" alt="Charlotte Cooper tells Santa she hasn’t quite completed her Christmas list at the governor’s Christmas tree donation on Nov. 25, 2025, at Cedar Crest in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Charlotte Cooper tells Santa she hasn’t quite completed her Christmas list at the governor’s Christmas tree donation on Nov. 25, 2025, at Cedar Crest in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Two six-year-old&nbsp;Percheron&nbsp;horses carried the stagecoach. They replaced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/24/one-kansas-tradition-goes-on-as-usual-this-year-bess-and-betty-do-their-job/">Bess and Betty</a>, who carried the stagecoach for years before. The ceremony was the horses’ first large crowd, and they acted “about what you would guess,” according to Robin Dunn of Dunn’s Landing farm near Wellsville.&nbsp;When asked if the new horses would be able to replace Bess and Betty, Dunn responded with a swift “no.” Then she paused.&nbsp;“Well, I don’t know,” Dunn said. “It’ll take about 15 years. In 15 years ask me that question again.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764165066477.png" alt="A Wells Fargo stagecoach replica proceeds up the driveway of the governor’s mansion to deliver donated Christmas decorations on Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A Wells Fargo stagecoach replica proceeds up the driveway of the governor’s mansion to deliver donated Christmas decorations on Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>On top of the stagecoach was an 8½-foot tall Scotch pine grown on the Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree&nbsp;Farm in Lawrence. Each year one farm from the Kansas Christmas Tree Association donates the tree.According to Mark Walther, part of the family who runs Strawberry Hill, his late brother Mitch volunteered.“Well, it’s kind of a sad story,” Walther said. “So Mitch stepped up and unfortunately passed away. So then it’s like, well, shoot, because he didn’t tell me which tree it was.”&nbsp;Mitch died unexpectedly in July. When the time came, the family went to the field and chose the tree with the nicest height and shape.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764165115695.png" alt="Chris Seets presents the wreath she made to Gov. Laura Kelly on Nov. 25, 2025, at Cedar Crest in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Chris Seets presents the wreath she made to Gov. Laura Kelly on Nov. 25, 2025, at Cedar Crest in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>This is the third year that Chris Seets from Chris’s Tree Lodge in Abilene presented a wreath.&nbsp;“Hopefully, this is the first time I get to actually meet the governor. I’ve always handed it to lieutenant governors in the past,” Seets said shortly before the presentation.&nbsp;Perhaps Santa overheard her comment, because Seets was called up to present her wreath to Kelly in front of the mansion.“I was just so excited. I think I spoke to her. I don’t know, I’m not sure,” Seets said after.&nbsp;After the carriage rolled in and Seets presented her wreath, the group entered the mansion to watch the tree be placed in a corner. Kelly adorned it with an ornament that recognized Charles Robinson, Kansas’ first governor.&nbsp;Kelly thanked the farmers, volunteers, and families who made the event happen. Cooper responded with a toothless grin.&nbsp;“When did you lose that?” Kelly asked.&nbsp;“When my mom was out of town,” Cooper said.

Kansas governor’s holiday tradition comes with a push for water solutions 

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

WASHINGTON — Democratic members of Congress who released a video in mid-November telling members of the military that they are not required to follow illegal orders announced Tuesday the Federal Bureau of Investigation has asked to speak with them about the matter.&nbsp;

Four House members, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin wrote the inquiry will not deter them from publicly stating their concerns about the Trump administration.&nbsp;

“Last night, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division appeared to open an inquiry into me in response to a video President Trump did not like,” Slotkin wrote in a statement published on social media.&nbsp;

“The President directing the FBI to target us is exactly why we made this video in the first place,” Slotkin added. “He believes in weaponizing the federal government against his perceived enemies and does not believe laws apply to him or his Cabinet. He uses legal harassment as an intimidation tactic to scare people out of speaking up.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kelly’s office said it had “received this inquiry via the Sergeant at Arms.”&nbsp; The House members said the FBI has contacted the House Sergeant at Arms office requesting interviews.

“Senator Kelly won’t be silenced by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s attempt to intimidate him and keep him from doing his job as a U.S. Senator,” the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire separately issued a joint statement alleging that “Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress.”

“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution,” they wrote. “We swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764102122289.png" alt=" Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin -image from the controversial video" />
 <figcaption> Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin -image from the controversial video</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — Democratic members of Congress who released a video in mid-November telling members of the military that they are not required to follow illegal orders announced Tuesday the Federal Bureau of Investigation has asked to speak with them about the matter.&nbsp;Four House members, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin wrote the inquiry will not deter them from publicly stating their concerns about the Trump administration.&nbsp;“Last night, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division appeared to open an inquiry into me in response to a video President Trump did not like,” Slotkin wrote in a statement published on social media.&nbsp;“The President directing the FBI to target us is exactly why we made this video in the first place,” Slotkin added. “He believes in weaponizing the federal government against his perceived enemies and does not believe laws apply to him or his Cabinet. He uses legal harassment as an intimidation tactic to scare people out of speaking up.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Kelly’s office said it had “received this inquiry via the Sergeant at Arms.”&nbsp; The House members said the FBI has contacted the House Sergeant at Arms office requesting interviews.“Senator Kelly won’t be silenced by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s attempt to intimidate him and keep him from doing his job as a U.S. Senator,” the spokesperson said.&nbsp;Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire separately issued a joint statement alleging that “Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress.”“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution,” they wrote. “We swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship.”President Donald Trump after learning of the video&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-accuses-6-democratic-lawmakers-seditious-behavior-punishable-death" target="_blank">posted on social media</a>&nbsp;that he believed the statement from six Democratic lawmakers represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.”The FBI declined to comment.&nbsp;<h2>Illegal orders</h2>Those six lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1990774492356902948" target="_blank">posted a video</a>&nbsp;on social media on Nov. 18 telling members of the military and intelligence community that 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 Defense Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pentagon-investigates-arizona-sen-mark-kelly-after-he-appears-video-blasted-trump" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;Monday that it was looking into “serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly, a former Navy captain and NASA astronaut, for his participation in the video.&nbsp;The statement said defense officials may recall Kelly “to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”&nbsp;Kelly wrote in a statement responding to the investigation that he had “given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.”“If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work,” Kelly wrote.<h2>Hegseth asks for briefing</h2>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865/photo/1" target="_blank">posted on social media</a>&nbsp;Tuesday that he wants the Secretary of the Navy to brief him “on the outcome of your review by no later than December 10, 2025.”Members of Congress’ official actions 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 Constitution.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45043?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22speech+and+debate+clause%22%7D&amp;s=4&amp;r=4" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service states the judiciary’s “immunity principle protects Members from ‘intimidation by the executive’ or a ‘hostile judiciary’ by prohibiting both the executive and judicial powers from being used to improperly influence or harass legislators.”