KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City teen faces multiple allegations for a fatal shooting that occurred in April.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2753/Jacoway-RED-COMPLAINT-MJ">Martez Jacoway Jr.</a>, 19, faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2754/Jacoway-RED-PC-MJRedacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on April 17 and found the victim in the front passenger seat of a white Ford Focus suffering from a single gunshot wound to his back. He was pronounced deceased at a nearby hospital.&nbsp;

Witnesses told detectives they saw a man wearing a black hoodie at the driver’s side window holding a rifle. The man fired several rounds toward the white Ford Focus. Surveillance footage captured muzzle flashes from the front driver’s side of a black vehicle directed at the victim’s vehicle.&nbsp;

Detectives used the Automated License Plate Recognition (APLR) system to track the suspect vehicle’s movements, which led to the identification of Jacoway. His cellphone records showed incoming and outgoing calls from areas that matched the black Nissan’s path on the day of the homicide, corroborating surveillance footage, city camera footage, and license plate reader data.

Jacoway had previously been identified by SAVE KC, but did not attend a call-in. He is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762983061770.png" alt="Jacoway photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Jacoway photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City teen faces multiple allegations for a fatal shooting that occurred in April.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2753/Jacoway-RED-COMPLAINT-MJ">Martez Jacoway Jr.</a>, 19, faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2754/Jacoway-RED-PC-MJRedacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on April 17 and found the victim in the front passenger seat of a white Ford Focus suffering from a single gunshot wound to his back. He was pronounced deceased at a nearby hospital.&nbsp;Witnesses told detectives they saw a man wearing a black hoodie at the driver’s side window holding a rifle. The man fired several rounds toward the white Ford Focus. Surveillance footage captured muzzle flashes from the front driver’s side of a black vehicle directed at the victim’s vehicle.&nbsp;Detectives used the Automated License Plate Recognition (APLR) system to track the suspect vehicle’s movements, which led to the identification of Jacoway. His cellphone records showed incoming and outgoing calls from areas that matched the black Nissan’s path on the day of the homicide, corroborating surveillance footage, city camera footage, and license plate reader data.Jacoway had previously been identified by SAVE KC, but did not attend a call-in. He is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

Court records: KC teen used rifle in deadly drive-by shooting

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gobble &amp; Waddle living their best life. 🇺🇸 Don’t miss the Presidential Turkey Pardon — 12 PM EST! <a href="https://t.co/YwCtCdn3Mz">pic.twitter.com/YwCtCdn3Mz</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1993353700434199001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 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;The turkeys being pardoned today go by the names Gobble and Waddle. When I first saw their pictures... I was going to call them Chuck and Nancy — but then I realized I wouldn&#39;t be pardoning them. I would never pardon those two people.&quot; 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/XuhIbTGUbI">pic.twitter.com/XuhIbTGUbI</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993368386395685351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 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 thank God for his many blessings and the great success that this country has seen in a short period of time. We draw strength from the love of family and friends, and we express our undying gratitude for the men in the women of the United States armed forces.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/uULjzeAqER">pic.twitter.com/uULjzeAqER</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993371788097593447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 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;Gobble, I just want to tell you this — very important — you are hereby unconditionally pardoned!&quot; 🤣🦃 <a href="https://t.co/WmjvScCf6K">pic.twitter.com/WmjvScCf6K</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993371733865160937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 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;These are two of the largest Turkey’s ever presented to an American president—over 50 pounds each... despite their size, <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> has formally certified that these are the first ever MAHA turkeys.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/H5kW4yM1Rn">pic.twitter.com/H5kW4yM1Rn</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993368718655570036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: President Trump says an investigation has shown Biden used an autopen for last year&#39;s turkey pardon. &quot;I determined that last year&#39;s turkey pardons are totally invalid, as are the pardons of about every other person that was pardoned other than Where&#39;s Hunter.&quot; 🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/tZBfHwJKq6">pic.twitter.com/tZBfHwJKq6</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993368344100323390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Not much holiday cheer as President pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged ATM Jackpotting incident in Salina.&nbsp; Jackpotting involves the exploitation of physical and software vulnerabilities in automated banking machines that result in the machines dispensing cash.

Just before 10:30a.m. Monday, police&nbsp;responded to Bennington State Bank, 2130 South Ohio in Salina in reference to a “Jackpotting” theft, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

Investigators determined that at approximately 8p.m. Sunday, the suspect entered the ATM at the bank and were able to obtain an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects then proceeded to the Bennington State Bank branch located at 200 S. 9th Street in Salina at about 1a.m. Monday, where they were able to enter the ATM and obtain an undisclosed amount of casy from that ATM also.

The suspect vehicle was a white Lincoln passenger car. A Kansas tag was observed on the vehicle. It was determined the tag had been stolen between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM on 11/23/2025 from a vehicle in the 100 block of S. Phillips in Salina.

It is suspected a Jackpotting incident which occurred Wamego, Kansas, after the events in Salina are connected.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764081892479.png" alt="Security images from Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Security images from Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged ATM Jackpotting incident in Salina.&nbsp; Jackpotting involves the exploitation of physical and software vulnerabilities in automated banking machines that result in the machines dispensing cash.Just before 10:30a.m. Monday, police&nbsp;responded to Bennington State Bank, 2130 South Ohio in Salina in reference to a “Jackpotting” theft, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain James Feldman.Investigators determined that at approximately 8p.m. Sunday, the suspect entered the ATM at the bank and were able to obtain an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects then proceeded to the Bennington State Bank branch located at 200 S. 9th Street in Salina at about 1a.m. Monday, where they were able to enter the ATM and obtain an undisclosed amount of casy from that ATM also.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764081873630.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect vehicle was a white Lincoln passenger car. A Kansas tag was observed on the vehicle. It was determined the tag had been stolen between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM on 11/23/2025 from a vehicle in the 100 block of S. Phillips in Salina.It is suspected a Jackpotting incident which occurred Wamego, Kansas, after the events in Salina are connected.&nbsp;

Jackpotting ATM theft reported at banks in Kansas

LYON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Monday on the Kansas Turnpike Lyon Coutny.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Peterbilt semi driven by Pedro Ocampo, 64, Berwyn, Illinois, was southbound on Interstate 35 approaching the entry ramp for Interstate 335.&nbsp; The driver failed to use caution, according to the patrol.&nbsp; The vehicle entered the curve too fast. The semi left the road, struck three posts and overturned into a ditch.

Ocampo was pronounced deceased and was transported to&nbsp;Roberts Blue Funeral Home. The KHP released no additional details.

LYON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Monday on the Kansas Turnpike Lyon Coutny.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Peterbilt semi driven by Pedro Ocampo, 64, Berwyn, Illinois, was southbound on Interstate 35 approaching the entry ramp for Interstate 335.&nbsp; The driver failed to use caution, according to the patrol.&nbsp; The vehicle entered the curve too fast. The semi left the road, struck three posts and overturned into a ditch.Ocampo was pronounced deceased and was transported to&nbsp;Roberts Blue Funeral Home. The KHP released no additional details.

KHP IDs driver who died in Turnpike semi crash 

CASS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a high speed chase in the Kansas City area.

Just before 2:30a.m. Nov. 20,&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy attempted to make a vehicle stop on a northbound vehicle on Interstate 49 in rural Peculiar, Missouri, according to the Cass County Sheriff.

The vehicle had a defective taillight — and the driver began to accelerate as the deputy activated his emergency lights. As the pursuit passed North Cass Parkway, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeltonPD?__cft__[0]=AZVmdSArvpMuNsigW1izv8HHKA2IiSeIAAMOB0WfwmWUBFVwpUWabkEzt4ktSmdhp9tSqdQWkfUyTgXQSBYjxXAHSCMESauMTOGg2IKuN54ioL9aCwUKl7qF_jO_exN3LTWeilt1X9Rqokw8Y11QusE79BM7yi5IqDVc0v8i7fBZMNs6gZeqFnhIVBxN_txozmo&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Belton Missouri Police Department</a> successfully deployed tire deflation devices.

The pursuit continued near Red Bridge Road in Kansas City, when the vehicle became inoperable. The driver complied with deputies and was arrested.&nbsp; Rodney Camp, 59, of Belton has been charged with Driving While Revoked/Suspended (E Felony) and Aggravated Fleeing a Stop (D Felony). He’s currently being held at the Cass County Jail with a $35,000 cash only bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763601093489.png" alt="Camp photo Cass County" />
 <figcaption>Camp photo Cass County</figcaption>
 </figure>CASS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a high speed chase in the Kansas City area.Just before 2:30a.m. Nov. 20,&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy attempted to make a vehicle stop on a northbound vehicle on Interstate 49 in rural Peculiar, Missouri, according to the Cass County Sheriff. The vehicle had a defective taillight — and the driver began to accelerate as the deputy activated his emergency lights. As the pursuit passed North Cass Parkway, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeltonPD?__cft__[0]=AZVmdSArvpMuNsigW1izv8HHKA2IiSeIAAMOB0WfwmWUBFVwpUWabkEzt4ktSmdhp9tSqdQWkfUyTgXQSBYjxXAHSCMESauMTOGg2IKuN54ioL9aCwUKl7qF_jO_exN3LTWeilt1X9Rqokw8Y11QusE79BM7yi5IqDVc0v8i7fBZMNs6gZeqFnhIVBxN_txozmo&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Belton Missouri Police Department</a> successfully deployed tire deflation devices. The pursuit continued near Red Bridge Road in Kansas City, when the vehicle became inoperable. The driver complied with deputies and was arrested.&nbsp; Rodney Camp, 59, of Belton has been charged with Driving While Revoked/Suspended (E Felony) and Aggravated Fleeing a Stop (D Felony). He’s currently being held at the Cass County Jail with a $35,000 cash only bond.

Driver charged after KC area high speed chase

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy&nbsp; launched a new civility campaign titled&nbsp;“The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You.”

The campaign, according to a statement from the agency, is intended to jumpstart a nationwide conversation around how we can all restore courtesy and class to air travel. This won’t just make the travel experience better for the flying public – it will ensure the safety of passengers, gate workers, flight attendants, and pilots.&nbsp;

It’s not just your imagination – the data backs up the feeling that travel has become more unruly.&nbsp;

Secretary Duffy posed a few key questions every flyer should ask themselves this holiday season to help Americans reach their destinations as quickly, efficiently and comfortably as possible: &nbsp;

There’s no question we’ve lost sight of what makes travel fun – the excitement, the relaxation, the cordial conversations. Americans already feel divided and stressed. We can all do our part to bring back civility, manners, and common sense. When we can unite around shared values, we can feel more connected as a country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy&nbsp; launched a new civility campaign titled&nbsp;“The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our civility campaign is all about asking ourselves — how can we all inject a little more kindness into travel this holiday season? Ushering in the return to the Golden Age of travel… and it starts with all of us🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/a8IpGBgIC4">pic.twitter.com/a8IpGBgIC4</a>&mdash; Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1993082015562772963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The campaign, according to a statement from the agency, is intended to jumpstart a nationwide conversation around how we can all restore courtesy and class to air travel. This won’t just make the travel experience better for the flying public – it will ensure the safety of passengers, gate workers, flight attendants, and pilots.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5UUOD-sa5As?si=Fe3kUnj9BYXF97Q0&amp;start=6" 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>It’s not just your imagination – the data backs up the feeling that travel has become more unruly.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Since 2019, the FAA has seen a&nbsp;400% increase of in-flight outbursts—ranging from disruptive behavior to outright violence  &nbsp;</li><li>13,800 unruly passenger incidents since 2021&nbsp;</li><li>Unruly passenger reports rose 6x between 2020 and 2021&nbsp;</li><li>1 in 5 flight attendants experienced physical incidents in 2021&nbsp;</li><li>2024 saw&nbsp;double the number of unruly passenger events compared with 2019&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Secretary Duffy posed a few key questions every flyer should ask themselves this holiday season to help Americans reach their destinations as quickly, efficiently and comfortably as possible: &nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Are you helping a pregnant woman or the elderly with placing their bags in the overhead bin?</li><li>Are you dressing with respect?</li><li>Are you keeping control of your children and helping them through the airport?</li><li>Are you saying thank you to your flight attendants?</li><li>Are you saying please and thank you in general?</li>
 </ol>There’s no question we’ve lost sight of what makes travel fun – the excitement, the relaxation, the cordial conversations. Americans already feel divided and stressed. We can all do our part to bring back civility, manners, and common sense. When we can unite around shared values, we can feel more connected as a country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥DOT Secretary: Stop wearing pajamas on airplanes

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent armed robbery and asking for help to locate four suspects.

Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to near the 600 Block of South Curtis Street in Olathe for a reported robbery that occurred during a private sale of property, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.

The victim stated during the process of the sale, he was robbed at gunpoint and battered by four suspects. A thorough area search was conducted, and no contact was made with the suspects.

The suspects were described as A white male who was possibly in his early twenties, had blonde hair, and was wearing a white t-shirt.&nbsp; A white male who was wearing a white ski mask, black hoodie, and blue ripped skinny jeans. A white male subject who was wearing a grey hoodie and a fourth male subject, unknown clothing. &nbsp;

The suspects left the area in an unknown direction of travel in an older model dark passenger vehicle with black rims.

&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.&nbsp;

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent armed robbery and asking for help to locate four suspects.Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to near the 600 Block of South Curtis Street in Olathe for a reported robbery that occurred during a private sale of property, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.The victim stated during the process of the sale, he was robbed at gunpoint and battered by four suspects. A thorough area search was conducted, and no contact was made with the suspects.The suspects were described as A white male who was possibly in his early twenties, had blonde hair, and was wearing a white t-shirt.&nbsp; A white male who was wearing a white ski mask, black hoodie, and blue ripped skinny jeans. A white male subject who was wearing a grey hoodie and a fourth male subject, unknown clothing. &nbsp;The suspects left the area in an unknown direction of travel in an older model dark passenger vehicle with black rims.&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.&nbsp;

Police: Kansas man battered during armed robbery

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating the cause of an apartment fire in Kansas City.

Just before 2:30p.m. Monday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported apartment fire in the 4200 block of NE Davidson Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

On arrival, crews reported "nothing showing" from the exterior of a three-story occupied apartment building. After entering the structure, smoke was found on the 3rd floor.&nbsp; Searches of the structure were conducted and came back all clear. The fire was brought under control just after 2:35 p.m.&nbsp;

Red Cross has been ordered for 2 adults and 6 children.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating the cause of an apartment fire in Kansas City.Just before 2:30p.m. Monday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported apartment fire in the 4200 block of NE Davidson Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.On arrival, crews reported "nothing showing" from the exterior of a three-story occupied apartment building. After entering the structure, smoke was found on the 3rd floor.&nbsp; Searches of the structure were conducted and came back all clear. The fire was brought under control just after 2:35 p.m.&nbsp;Red Cross has been ordered for 2 adults and 6 children.&nbsp;

2 adults, 6 children displaced after KC apartment fire

KANSAS CITY —One of two people injured in a crash into a creek near the Kansas City Plaza has died.

Just before 2:30a.m. Sunday, a&nbsp;white, four-door sedan was westbound on Ward Parkway from the Plaza in Kansas City at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

The driver failed to negotiate the curve transitioning to the southbound lanes. The vehicle vaulted over the guardrail and came to rest upside down in Brush Creek.

EMS transported both occupants to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Late Sunday St. Luke's Hospital staff reported the passenger died, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver remains in critical condition.&nbsp; This is fatality number 60 in Kansas City, Missouri for 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763914090050.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —One of two people injured in a crash into a creek near the Kansas City Plaza has died.Just before 2:30a.m. Sunday, a&nbsp;white, four-door sedan was westbound on Ward Parkway from the Plaza in Kansas City at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.The driver failed to negotiate the curve transitioning to the southbound lanes. The vehicle vaulted over the guardrail and came to rest upside down in Brush Creek.EMS transported both occupants to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Late Sunday St. Luke's Hospital staff reported the passenger died, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver remains in critical condition.&nbsp; This is fatality number 60 in Kansas City, Missouri for 2025.

KCPD: One injured when car flips into creek has died

WASHINGTON&nbsp; — First lady&nbsp;Melania Trump&nbsp;on Monday welcomed this year’s official White House Christmas tree to the White House.

WASHINGTON&nbsp; — First lady&nbsp;Melania Trump&nbsp;on Monday welcomed this year’s official White House Christmas tree to the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">First Lady Melania Trump receives the 2025 White House Christmas Tree 🌲 <a href="https://t.co/exxZAN5Qf6">pic.twitter.com/exxZAN5Qf6</a>&mdash; Office of the First Lady (@FirstLadyOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/FirstLadyOffice/status/1993045306116866403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“It will be beautiful! We are going to plan, and it’s starting today” <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> ❤️🎄 <a href="https://t.co/bfAMYzQjSQ">pic.twitter.com/bfAMYzQjSQ</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1993006026782826922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">First Lady Melania Trump (<a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>) receives White House Christmas Tree. <a href="https://t.co/jGFkc8IJH8">pic.twitter.com/jGFkc8IJH8</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1993005187934347329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“It will be beautiful! We are going to plan, and it’s starting today” <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> ❤️🎄 <a href="https://t.co/bfAMYzQjSQ">pic.twitter.com/bfAMYzQjSQ</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1993006026782826922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥First lady welcomes Christmas tree to the 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. Police did not release the name of the victims or any additional details on Monday afternoon.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to email telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online

<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 injuries. Police did not release the name of the victims or any additional details on Monday afternoon.Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to email telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online

2 dead, 1 wounded in shooting at Kan. fast food restaurant

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>-

A senior federal judge dismissed charges Monday against two public officials with long-running public disputes with President Donald Trump, saying the controversial appointment of the president’s former personal attorney as a prosecutor doomed the cases.

Senior U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, whom former President Bill Clinton appointed to the bench in South Carolina, wrote in a Monday order that Attorney General Pam Bondi did not have the authority to make Lindsey Halligan the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.&nbsp;

The judge said the deadline for an interim appointee to that position had lapsed.

Because that process was invalid, the prosecutions against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both of whom had investigated or prosecuted Trump, must be dropped, Currie&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vaed.582136/gov.uscourts.vaed.582136.213.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">wrote</a>.

Currie dismissed the indictments without prejudice, meaning they could be revived. But at least in Comey’s case, in which charges were brought on the eve of the statute of limitations expiring, that appeared unlikely.

U.S. attorneys are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, but the attorney general can appoint someone on an interim basis for 120 days. After that, the judges in the district are responsible for appointing an interim prosecutor.

“Ms. Halligan was not appointed in a manner consistent with this framework,” Currie wrote.

Bondi appointed Erik Siebert as the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in January, while his confirmation was pending in the Senate. After 120 days, the judges in the district allowed him to continue.

Siebert resigned in September, reportedly under pressure from Trump and Bondi to bring charges against Comey. Bondi then named Halligan, at the time a White House aide who had also worked for Trump in a private capacity, as the interim U.S. attorney.&nbsp;

But Bondi could not do that because, after 120 days, the responsibility for naming an interim U.S. attorney fell to the district court judges, Currie wrote.

“The 120-day clock began running with Mr. Siebert’s appointment on Jan. 21, 2025,” she wrote. “When that clock expired on May 21, 2025, so too did the Attorney General’s appointment authority. Consequently, I conclude that the Attorney General’s attempt to install Ms. Halligan as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was invalid and that Ms. Halligan has been unlawfully serving in that role.”

Halligan, after gaining office in September, quickly secured a two-count indictment against the former FBI chief from a grand jury in Alexandria. Comey was accused of lying to Congress about whether he had authorized a press leak of information related to an FBI investigation of Russian actors’ involvement in Trump’s first presidential campaign.&nbsp;

However, U.S. District Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/judge-cites-profound-investigative-missteps-court-case-against-james-comey" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;last week that issues with evidence, testimony and statements to the grand jury in the case outweighed the usual heavily guarded secrecy of proceedings. He said “profound investigative missteps” could result in the dismissal of Comey’s indictment.

Comey has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/former-fbi-director-comey-pleads-not-guilty-criminal-charges-demanded-trump" target="_blank">pleaded</a>&nbsp;not guilty.

James won a civil case against Trump related to business fraud, though a state appeals court later overturned the sentence as overly punitive.

Trump has publicly blasted James and Comey as using the mechanisms of legal proceedings to persecute him.&nbsp;

In an extraordinary public message to Bondi just before Halligan replaced Siebert, Trump complained that the prosecutions against both were not developing faster.

The Justice Department did not respond to a message seeking comment Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758848907803.png" alt="Image from former FBI Director James Comey's Instagram" />
 <figcaption>Image from former FBI Director James Comey's Instagram</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>-A senior federal judge dismissed charges Monday against two public officials with long-running public disputes with President Donald Trump, saying the controversial appointment of the president’s former personal attorney as a prosecutor doomed the cases.Senior U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, whom former President Bill Clinton appointed to the bench in South Carolina, wrote in a Monday order that Attorney General Pam Bondi did not have the authority to make Lindsey Halligan the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.&nbsp;The judge said the deadline for an interim appointee to that position had lapsed.Because that process was invalid, the prosecutions against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both of whom had investigated or prosecuted Trump, must be dropped, Currie&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vaed.582136/gov.uscourts.vaed.582136.213.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">wrote</a>.Currie dismissed the indictments without prejudice, meaning they could be revived. But at least in Comey’s case, in which charges were brought on the eve of the statute of limitations expiring, that appeared unlikely.<h2>120-day clock</h2>U.S. attorneys are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, but the attorney general can appoint someone on an interim basis for 120 days. After that, the judges in the district are responsible for appointing an interim prosecutor.“Ms. Halligan was not appointed in a manner consistent with this framework,” Currie wrote.Bondi appointed Erik Siebert as the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in January, while his confirmation was pending in the Senate. After 120 days, the judges in the district allowed him to continue.Siebert resigned in September, reportedly under pressure from Trump and Bondi to bring charges against Comey. Bondi then named Halligan, at the time a White House aide who had also worked for Trump in a private capacity, as the interim U.S. attorney.&nbsp;But Bondi could not do that because, after 120 days, the responsibility for naming an interim U.S. attorney fell to the district court judges, Currie wrote.“The 120-day clock began running with Mr. Siebert’s appointment on Jan. 21, 2025,” she wrote. “When that clock expired on May 21, 2025, so too did the Attorney General’s appointment authority. Consequently, I conclude that the Attorney General’s attempt to install Ms. Halligan as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was invalid and that Ms. Halligan has been unlawfully serving in that role.”<h2>Quick indictment</h2>Halligan, after gaining office in September, quickly secured a two-count indictment against the former FBI chief from a grand jury in Alexandria. Comey was accused of lying to Congress about whether he had authorized a press leak of information related to an FBI investigation of Russian actors’ involvement in Trump’s first presidential campaign.&nbsp;However, U.S. District Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/judge-cites-profound-investigative-missteps-court-case-against-james-comey" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;last week that issues with evidence, testimony and statements to the grand jury in the case outweighed the usual heavily guarded secrecy of proceedings. He said “profound investigative missteps” could result in the dismissal of Comey’s indictment.Comey has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/former-fbi-director-comey-pleads-not-guilty-criminal-charges-demanded-trump" target="_blank">pleaded</a>&nbsp;not guilty.James won a civil case against Trump related to business fraud, though a state appeals court later overturned the sentence as overly punitive.Trump has publicly blasted James and Comey as using the mechanisms of legal proceedings to persecute him.&nbsp;In an extraordinary public message to Bondi just before Halligan replaced Siebert, Trump complained that the prosecutions against both were not developing faster.The Justice Department did not respond to a message seeking comment Monday.

Judge drops James Comey and Letitia James charges, saying prosecutor served ‘unlawfully’

WILSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1a.m. Monday in Wilson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Ram ProMaster van driven by Bradley&nbsp;Plec, 32,&nbsp; Graniteville, South Carolina was westbound on U.S. 400 nine and one half miles north west of Fredonia. The van veered left of center into the eastbound lane and struck a 2025 Volvo semi driven by Sergiu&nbsp; Ionas, 50, Morton Grove, Illinois,&nbsp;head-on near the eastbound shoulder.

Plec was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Ionas to the hospital in Fredonia. Plec was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

WILSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1a.m. Monday in Wilson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Ram ProMaster van driven by Bradley&nbsp;Plec, 32,&nbsp; Graniteville, South Carolina was westbound on U.S. 400 nine and one half miles north west of Fredonia. The van veered left of center into the eastbound lane and struck a 2025 Volvo semi driven by Sergiu&nbsp; Ionas, 50, Morton Grove, Illinois,&nbsp;head-on near the eastbound shoulder.Plec was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Ionas to the hospital in Fredonia. Plec was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Driver killed after van, semi head-on crash on Kansas highway

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged scam that cost a Kansas woman nearly $10,000.

On November, 22, a 72-year-old Salina woman reported receiving an email reportedly from PayPal indicating she had spent $399.99 in Bitcoin purchases on October 29, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

 There was a number attached to the email indicating if she did not make the purchase to call. The victim called and the person they spoke with asked for access to their computer which was granted. 

The suspect advised she had been hacked and he needed to fix the account. A short time later the victim received an email saying the $399.99 was being returned but they had accidentally sent $40,000 to her account. 

When the victim looked at her checking account she observed $40,000. The email asked her to return the money. The person the victim was communicating with asked for a “good Faith” payment of $20,000. The victim refused, then the suspect asked for $9,900. The suspect told her to download Whatsapp and the Bitcoin app for communication purposes.

 The victim also sent pictures of her driver’s license and provided her social security number. The suspect then had the victim drive to Snak Attack at 1619 W. Magnolia in Salina and deposit $9,900 in the Bitcoin machine. The suspect was on the phone with the victim the entire time, according to Captain Feldman.

It was determined the suspect had been able to access the victim’s bank account and move funds to make it look like $40,000 had been transferred into her account. The suspect was reported to have a foreign accent. Total loss was valued at $9,900.

The Salina Police Department remind citizens to not allow anyone to access your computer or provide personal information. If you receive suspicious emails please do not reply or call the numbers attached to the emails. If you have any concerns please call your local police department or contact your bank directly.

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged scam that cost a Kansas woman nearly $10,000.On November, 22, a 72-year-old Salina woman reported receiving an email reportedly from PayPal indicating she had spent $399.99 in Bitcoin purchases on October 29, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. There was a number attached to the email indicating if she did not make the purchase to call. The victim called and the person they spoke with asked for access to their computer which was granted. The suspect advised she had been hacked and he needed to fix the account. A short time later the victim received an email saying the $399.99 was being returned but they had accidentally sent $40,000 to her account. When the victim looked at her checking account she observed $40,000. The email asked her to return the money. The person the victim was communicating with asked for a “good Faith” payment of $20,000. The victim refused, then the suspect asked for $9,900. The suspect told her to download Whatsapp and the Bitcoin app for communication purposes. The victim also sent pictures of her driver’s license and provided her social security number. The suspect then had the victim drive to Snak Attack at 1619 W. Magnolia in Salina and deposit $9,900 in the Bitcoin machine. The suspect was on the phone with the victim the entire time, according to Captain Feldman.It was determined the suspect had been able to access the victim’s bank account and move funds to make it look like $40,000 had been transferred into her account. The suspect was reported to have a foreign accent. Total loss was valued at $9,900.The Salina Police Department remind citizens to not allow anyone to access your computer or provide personal information. If you receive suspicious emails please do not reply or call the numbers attached to the emails. If you have any concerns please call your local police department or contact your bank directly.

Police: Kan. woman lost nearly $10,000 in computer scam

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an incident involving three individuals who entered private property without authorization, climbed a secured tower, and parachuted from the structure, according to a statement from the Shawnee County Sheriff.

"While no injuries were reported, this type of activity is extremely dangerous and illegal."

"Climbing restricted towers poses significant risks, including electrocution, falls from great heights, and structural failures."

"Unauthorized parachute jumps endanger not only the individuals involved but also nearby residents and first responders who must address the situation."

The sheriff's office reminded the public that trespassing on private or secured property is a criminal offense, and high-risk stunts like this can quickly turn deadly.

If you have any information on this incident or if you see suspicious activity, please notify law enforcement immediately.Thank you for helping us keep Shawnee County safe!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763859634187.png" alt="Image from security camera provided by the Shawnee County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Image from security camera provided by the Shawnee County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an incident involving three individuals who entered private property without authorization, climbed a secured tower, and parachuted from the structure, according to a statement from the Shawnee County Sheriff."While no injuries were reported, this type of activity is extremely dangerous and illegal."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763859280555.png" alt="Image Shwnee County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Image Shwnee County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>"Climbing restricted towers poses significant risks, including electrocution, falls from great heights, and structural failures.""Unauthorized parachute jumps endanger not only the individuals involved but also nearby residents and first responders who must address the situation."The sheriff's office reminded the public that trespassing on private or secured property is a criminal offense, and high-risk stunts like this can quickly turn deadly.If you have any information on this incident or if you see suspicious activity, please notify law enforcement immediately.Thank you for helping us keep Shawnee County safe!

Sheriff: 3 parachute from secured Kan. tower on private property

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at an apartment fire in Kansas&nbsp; City.

Just before 6p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported apartment fire in the 10604 E. 98th Terrace, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

&nbsp;Crews reported smoke showing from a three-story apartment building. Interior operations were initiated using multiple handlines. Searches of the structure came back all clear. The fire was contained to a single apartment on the third floor; however multiple apartments received water and smoke damage.&nbsp;

There were no injuries reported&nbsp; Red Cross is assisting a number of those who were displaced.

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at an apartment fire in Kansas&nbsp; City.Just before 6p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported apartment fire in the 10604 E. 98th Terrace, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;Crews reported smoke showing from a three-story apartment building. Interior operations were initiated using multiple handlines. Searches of the structure came back all clear. The fire was contained to a single apartment on the third floor; however multiple apartments received water and smoke damage.&nbsp;There were no injuries reported&nbsp; Red Cross is assisting a number of those who were displaced.

Residents displaced after fire in 3-story KC apartment building

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an injury crash that critically injured two.

EMS transported both occupants to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763914090050.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an injury crash that critically injured two.Just before 2:30a.m. Sunday, a&nbsp;white, four-door sedan was westbound on Ward Parkway from the Plaza in Kansas City at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.The driver failed to negotiate the curve transitioning to the southbound lanes. The vehicle vaulted over the guardrail and came to rest upside down in Brush Creek.EMS transported both occupants to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police released no additional details.

2 critically injured after car flips into Kansas City creek 

MIAME COUNTY —A Kansas felon is back in custody after an arrest in rural Miami County Kansas.

Just before 1p.m. November 20,&nbsp;the Miami County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 28980 Osawatomie Road, with assistance from the Osawatomie Police Department, according to. media release.

The search warrant resulted from an Osawatomie Police Department investigation into stolen property that led officers to the rural Miami County residence. During the search of the home, numerous items of stolen property were recovered related to an Osawatomie Police Department case, estimated to be valued at approximately $3,000. 

Additional stolen property belonging to victims in rural Miami County was also recovered, valued at around $500. Deputies additionally seized 1,076.5 grams (2.37 pounds) of marijuana from the property.

Larry Arthur Poage Jr., 56, was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana – and transported to the Miami County Jail. While inside the jail, additional drug paraphernalia was located on his person, resulting in two additional requested felony charges that include Trafficking Contraband into a Correctional Facility. As the investigations continue, additional charges may be filed. Poage has previous drug and driving convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763582371025.png" alt="Poag photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Poag photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAME COUNTY —A Kansas felon is back in custody after an arrest in rural Miami County Kansas.Just before 1p.m. November 20,&nbsp;the Miami County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 28980 Osawatomie Road, with assistance from the Osawatomie Police Department, according to. media release.The search warrant resulted from an Osawatomie Police Department investigation into stolen property that led officers to the rural Miami County residence. During the search of the home, numerous items of stolen property were recovered related to an Osawatomie Police Department case, estimated to be valued at approximately $3,000. Additional stolen property belonging to victims in rural Miami County was also recovered, valued at around $500. Deputies additionally seized 1,076.5 grams (2.37 pounds) of marijuana from the property.Larry Arthur Poage Jr., 56, was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana – and transported to the Miami County Jail. While inside the jail, additional drug paraphernalia was located on his person, resulting in two additional requested felony charges that include Trafficking Contraband into a Correctional Facility. As the investigations continue, additional charges may be filed. Poage has previous drug and driving convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon caught with stolen property and 2 pounds of pot

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ call for a close reexamination of the 42 million people who receive federal food aid has befuddled advocates and lawmakers, coming mere days after recipients began to see benefits that had been stalled during the government shutdown.

Details remain scant a week after Rollins during an interview on the right-wing Newsmax network first publicly broached the startling idea that every beneficiary would have to reapply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, often called food stamps.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, asked for an explanation, referenced existing requirements and suggested more changes in SNAP rules could be in store.

“Secretary Rollins wants to ensure the fraud, waste, and incessant abuse of SNAP ends,” a USDA spokesperson wrote Wednesday. “Rates of fraud were only previously assumed, and President Trump is doing something about it. Using standard recertification processes for households is a part of that work. As well as ongoing analysis of state data, further regulatory work, and improved collaboration with states.”

The 2008 law governing SNAP leaves states responsible for administration. Part of that role includes periodically making sure that the low-income people in the program meet the qualifications for inclusion, but the law allows states to determine how often that occurs.

“It’s not clear what she would be proposing that is different from what is already happening,” said Katie Bergh, a senior policy analyst for food assistance at the left-leaning think tank Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.

One interpretation of Rollins’ comments is that she would remove all 42 million individuals from SNAP’s rolls and ask them to resubmit applications. Bergh said that would lead to people losing money they need for groceries. About 40% of those enrolled in SNAP are children.

“If she’s suggesting that they’re going to somehow redo that process for more than 40 million people who already demonstrated their eligibility and who already have to periodically recertify their eligibility, that would be pretty duplicative and would likely create pretty significant paperwork backlogs that would cause people who are eligible to lose the food assistance that they need,” Bergh said.

Administration critics have suggested that, while the comments are unlikely to lead to policy changes, they introduce even more confusion for a program that was used as a political token during the record government shutdown that ended this month.&nbsp;

Making people reapply would underscore the Trump administration’s opposition to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/key-statistics-and-research" target="_blank">nearly $100 billion program</a>, which accounts for 70% of federal nutrition assistance.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/snap/characteristics-fy23" target="_blank">USDA says</a>&nbsp;the average SNAP household in fiscal 2023 received a monthly benefit of $332, or $177 a person based on the average SNAP household size of 1.9 people.

“Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration have cut food assistance for 42 million Americans multiple times this year,” U.S. House Agriculture ranking member Angie Craig said in a Wednesday statement to States Newsroom. “Now, they’ve once again shown that they do not understand the program.”

In the Nov. 13 interview on Newsmax, Rollins said SNAP was beset by widespread fraud, citing data that 29 mostly Republican-run states submitted to the department. Acquiring data from the 21 other states would give the department a way to wholly remake the program, she said.

“Can you imagine when we get our hands on the blue state data, what we’re going to find?” she said. “It’s going to give us a platform and a trajectory to fundamentally rebuild this program, have everyone reapply for their benefit, make sure that everyone that’s taking a taxpayer-funded benefit through SNAP or food stamps that they literally are vulnerable, and they can’t survive without it. And that’s the next step here.”

In an interview Monday on Fox News, host Maria Bartiromo asked Rollins about the move to have recipients “reapply.”

“Business as usual is over,” Rollins answered in part. “The status quo is no more. We know that the SNAP program is rife with fraud.”

She added that guarding against fraud would help those the program is meant to serve.

The comments touched off widespread confusion about what specifically Rollins meant.&nbsp;

Asked about the initiative during a Thursday press conference, Craig, a Minnesota Democrat, said she was unclear about how it would work and predicted that Rollins would take credit in the future for the existing low rate of fraud.

“We’re hearing off the record that, you know, maybe people don’t know what the hell they’re talking about,” she said. “In fact, I think they’re trying to take credit for the already very strict standards and the actual low fraud rate in the SNAP program … So we can find no real plan there. Not even sure there’s concepts of a plan there.”

In response to a States Newsroom request this week for details about the initiative, USDA provided the statement that did not answer how the department would proceed or under what authority, but said Rollins was seeking to reduce fraud in the program.

Spokespeople did not respond to follow-up questions, or a request to respond to Craig’s remarks Thursday.

Program experts say fraud is not a widespread problem for SNAP.

An April&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10860#_Ref509241731" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service found that retailers illegally trafficked about 1.6% of SNAP benefits from fiscal 2015 to 2017.

Fraud by households applying for SNAP, which appear to be the main target of Rollins’ proposal, is even lower.&nbsp;

According to a USDA&nbsp;<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-sar-fy23.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>, about 26,000 applications were referred for an administrative review or prosecution on suspicion of fraud. That number accounts for about 0.1% of the 22.7 million households enrolled in the program, according to the Pew Research Center.

“Long-standing data sources indicate that intentional fraud by participants is rare,” Bergh said.

At Thursday’s press conference, Craig called Rollins’ comments “bullsh*t” and “propaganda.”

“Secretary Rollins goes on TV and talks about all the fraud,” she said. “This most effective anti-hunger program in our history has a fraud rate of 1.6%. It’s actually one of the most effective, well-run programs in the country … The bullsh*t this administration is peddling is egregious.”

Even experts who advocate for reforms to SNAP say eligibility fraud is not a major issue.

Romina Boccia, director of budget and entitlement policy at the libertarian Cato Institute, said high-net-worth individuals can receive SNAP benefits, but aren’t committing fraud by doing so.

“Some of the issues with SNAP … aren’t because of fraud or abuse, but they are because of bad program rules,” said Boccia.

Boccia also cited an “incentive misalignment” inherent in the state-federal program. States have little incentive to control payments because the federal government funds the program, she said.

Forcing all beneficiaries to reapply would likely reduce the cost of the program by reducing the number of its beneficiaries, including by forcing out higher earners who may not consider the benefits they don’t actually need to be worth the onerous reapplication process, Boccia said.&nbsp;

But it would also result in a percentage of low earners dropping off the program, as well as many who would be affected by the administrative backlog that would come with processing tens of millions of new applications, she said.&nbsp;

Shutdown, the big beautiful bill, and confusion

Bergh said Rollins’ comments “add insult to injury” because they come after congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump signed a major tax cuts and spending law that is expected to shrink federal SNAP spending by $187 billion over 10 years. The law added work requirements for many SNAP recipients and shifted some costs to states.

That was followed by the six-week shutdown that saw&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-tug-war-over-snap-benefits-timeline" target="_blank">a dizzying back-and-forth</a>&nbsp;over whether November SNAP benefits would be paid.

“There has been huge amounts of chaos and confusion and disruption for both states and participants in recent weeks, largely due to the shutdown, but also because simultaneously, the administration has required states to implement many of the reconciliation bill’s SNAP cuts,” Bergh said.

Craig, in her statement, also said Rollins’ comments would hurt the people who need the program.

“I am astounded by the secretary’s careless disregard for the hungry seniors and children who can afford to eat because of this program,” she said.

Sara Naomi Bleich, a public health policy professor at Harvard University, said in a phone interview the confusion from Rollins’ comments compounded hardships produced by the Republican reconciliation law, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

“Big picture with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is that there’s basically this tidal wave coming to families that have low income,” Bleich, who worked at USDA during the Obama and Biden administrations, said. “They’re going to lose Medicaid. They’re going to lose SNAP. There could be collateral impacts on the school meals. This is going to be a really hard time for families to navigate.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761944916334.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ call for a close reexamination of the 42 million people who receive federal food aid has befuddled advocates and lawmakers, coming mere days after recipients began to see benefits that had been stalled during the government shutdown.Details remain scant a week after Rollins during an interview on the right-wing Newsmax network first publicly broached the startling idea that every beneficiary would have to reapply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, often called food stamps.The U.S. Department of Agriculture, asked for an explanation, referenced existing requirements and suggested more changes in SNAP rules could be in store.“Secretary Rollins wants to ensure the fraud, waste, and incessant abuse of SNAP ends,” a USDA spokesperson wrote Wednesday. “Rates of fraud were only previously assumed, and President Trump is doing something about it. Using standard recertification processes for households is a part of that work. As well as ongoing analysis of state data, further regulatory work, and improved collaboration with states.”The 2008 law governing SNAP leaves states responsible for administration. Part of that role includes periodically making sure that the low-income people in the program meet the qualifications for inclusion, but the law allows states to determine how often that occurs.“It’s not clear what she would be proposing that is different from what is already happening,” said Katie Bergh, a senior policy analyst for food assistance at the left-leaning think tank Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.One interpretation of Rollins’ comments is that she would remove all 42 million individuals from SNAP’s rolls and ask them to resubmit applications. Bergh said that would lead to people losing money they need for groceries. About 40% of those enrolled in SNAP are children.“If she’s suggesting that they’re going to somehow redo that process for more than 40 million people who already demonstrated their eligibility and who already have to periodically recertify their eligibility, that would be pretty duplicative and would likely create pretty significant paperwork backlogs that would cause people who are eligible to lose the food assistance that they need,” Bergh said.Administration critics have suggested that, while the comments are unlikely to lead to policy changes, they introduce even more confusion for a program that was used as a political token during the record government shutdown that ended this month.&nbsp;Making people reapply would underscore the Trump administration’s opposition to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/key-statistics-and-research" target="_blank">nearly $100 billion program</a>, which accounts for 70% of federal nutrition assistance.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/snap/characteristics-fy23" target="_blank">USDA says</a>&nbsp;the average SNAP household in fiscal 2023 received a monthly benefit of $332, or $177 a person based on the average SNAP household size of 1.9 people.“Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration have cut food assistance for 42 million Americans multiple times this year,” U.S. House Agriculture ranking member Angie Craig said in a Wednesday statement to States Newsroom. “Now, they’ve once again shown that they do not understand the program.”<h2>What did Rollins say?</h2>In the Nov. 13 interview on Newsmax, Rollins said SNAP was beset by widespread fraud, citing data that 29 mostly Republican-run states submitted to the department. Acquiring data from the 21 other states would give the department a way to wholly remake the program, she said.“Can you imagine when we get our hands on the blue state data, what we’re going to find?” she said. “It’s going to give us a platform and a trajectory to fundamentally rebuild this program, have everyone reapply for their benefit, make sure that everyone that’s taking a taxpayer-funded benefit through SNAP or food stamps that they literally are vulnerable, and they can’t survive without it. And that’s the next step here.”In an interview Monday on Fox News, host Maria Bartiromo asked Rollins about the move to have recipients “reapply.”“Business as usual is over,” Rollins answered in part. “The status quo is no more. We know that the SNAP program is rife with fraud.”She added that guarding against fraud would help those the program is meant to serve.The comments touched off widespread confusion about what specifically Rollins meant.&nbsp;Asked about the initiative during a Thursday press conference, Craig, a Minnesota Democrat, said she was unclear about how it would work and predicted that Rollins would take credit in the future for the existing low rate of fraud.“We’re hearing off the record that, you know, maybe people don’t know what the hell they’re talking about,” she said. “In fact, I think they’re trying to take credit for the already very strict standards and the actual low fraud rate in the SNAP program … So we can find no real plan there. Not even sure there’s concepts of a plan there.”In response to a States Newsroom request this week for details about the initiative, USDA provided the statement that did not answer how the department would proceed or under what authority, but said Rollins was seeking to reduce fraud in the program.Spokespeople did not respond to follow-up questions, or a request to respond to Craig’s remarks Thursday.<h2>Low fraud rate</h2>Program experts say fraud is not a widespread problem for SNAP.An April&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10860#_Ref509241731" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service found that retailers illegally trafficked about 1.6% of SNAP benefits from fiscal 2015 to 2017.Fraud by households applying for SNAP, which appear to be the main target of Rollins’ proposal, is even lower.&nbsp;According to a USDA&nbsp;<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-sar-fy23.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>, about 26,000 applications were referred for an administrative review or prosecution on suspicion of fraud. That number accounts for about 0.1% of the 22.7 million households enrolled in the program, according to the Pew Research Center.“Long-standing data sources indicate that intentional fraud by participants is rare,” Bergh said.At Thursday’s press conference, Craig called Rollins’ comments “bullsh*t” and “propaganda.”“Secretary Rollins goes on TV and talks about all the fraud,” she said. “This most effective anti-hunger program in our history has a fraud rate of 1.6%. It’s actually one of the most effective, well-run programs in the country … The bullsh*t this administration is peddling is egregious.”<h2>More targeted reforms</h2>Even experts who advocate for reforms to SNAP say eligibility fraud is not a major issue.Romina Boccia, director of budget and entitlement policy at the libertarian Cato Institute, said high-net-worth individuals can receive SNAP benefits, but aren’t committing fraud by doing so.“Some of the issues with SNAP … aren’t because of fraud or abuse, but they are because of bad program rules,” said Boccia.Boccia also cited an “incentive misalignment” inherent in the state-federal program. States have little incentive to control payments because the federal government funds the program, she said.Forcing all beneficiaries to reapply would likely reduce the cost of the program by reducing the number of its beneficiaries, including by forcing out higher earners who may not consider the benefits they don’t actually need to be worth the onerous reapplication process, Boccia said.&nbsp;But it would also result in a percentage of low earners dropping off the program, as well as many who would be affected by the administrative backlog that would come with processing tens of millions of new applications, she said.&nbsp;<h2>Shutdown, the big beautiful bill, and confusion</h2>Bergh said Rollins’ comments “add insult to injury” because they come after congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump signed a major tax cuts and spending law that is expected to shrink federal SNAP spending by $187 billion over 10 years. The law added work requirements for many SNAP recipients and shifted some costs to states.That was followed by the six-week shutdown that saw&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-tug-war-over-snap-benefits-timeline" target="_blank">a dizzying back-and-forth</a>&nbsp;over whether November SNAP benefits would be paid.“There has been huge amounts of chaos and confusion and disruption for both states and participants in recent weeks, largely due to the shutdown, but also because simultaneously, the administration has required states to implement many of the reconciliation bill’s SNAP cuts,” Bergh said.Craig, in her statement, also said Rollins’ comments would hurt the people who need the program.“I am astounded by the secretary’s careless disregard for the hungry seniors and children who can afford to eat because of this program,” she said.Sara Naomi Bleich, a public health policy professor at Harvard University, said in a phone interview the confusion from Rollins’ comments compounded hardships produced by the Republican reconciliation law, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.“Big picture with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is that there’s basically this tidal wave coming to families that have low income,” Bleich, who worked at USDA during the Obama and Biden administrations, said. “They’re going to lose Medicaid. They’re going to lose SNAP. There could be collateral impacts on the school meals. This is going to be a really hard time for families to navigate.”

USDA wants everyone to reapply for food stamps. What does that mean?

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

Just before 1a.m. Saturday, police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th Street and SE Adams Street in Topeka, according to Topeka Police  LT Jason Schumacher.

 While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a victim arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. That individual was later pronounced deceased. Police released no additional details.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting in Topeka.Just before 1a.m. Saturday, police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th Street and SE Adams Street in Topeka, according to Topeka Police LT Jason Schumacher. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a victim arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. That individual was later pronounced deceased. Police released no additional details.

Police: Kansas shooting victim died at the hospital

Sen. Jerry Moran seeks to insulate FAA; Rep. Ron Estes hunts CBO transparency

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 — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas joined five dozen colleagues requesting a House vote on legislation extending federal tax credits set to expire at the end of December that were implemented to moderate Affordable Care Act insurance costs.

In the letter signed by 59 lawmakers and sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the coalition said a bill preserving the tax credit would allow more than 24 million Americans in the ACA to avoid substantial premium increases in 2026. Sky-high premiums could prompt as many as 4 million people to drop health coverage.

Davids said 160,000 Kansans relied on federal tax credits last year to save an average of $700 annually on health care premiums.

“Families in Kansas and across the country are staring down massive health care price hikes because Congress hasn’t done its job,” said Davids, the Democrat representing the 3rd District in the Kansas City area. “Republican leadership in the Senate has already promised a vote to extend ACA tax credits. There is no excuse for the House to stall any longer.”

Davids said a bipartisan majority in the House support action to mitigate rising health care costs. While Democrats have sought a tax-credit extension, Republicans complained the credits were costly to the government and helped boost insurance company profits. The Congressional Budget Office estimated it would cost the $350 billion in the next decade if the subsidy were extended.

“Inaction here will decimate millions of Americans’ budgets and force impossible decisions between receiving necessary care and other basic needs,” the letter said.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Aviation, Space and Innovation Subcommittee, said the 43-day government shutdown inhibited operation of the Federal Aviation Administration, caused widespread flight delays and interrupted an estimated $6 billion in travel spending.

Moran convened a Senate hearing to lay the groundwork for legislation capable of shielding the industry during government shutdowns.

“We convened this hearing because of the importance of the aviation and travel industry, a vital component of our nation’s economy,” Moran said. “We must do our part to enable the FAA and the Department of Transportation to make certain that America remains the standard for aviation and air safety.”

In March, the Kansas Republican introduced a bill that would insulate the FAA by making emergency funding available for critical operations and to pay air traffic controllers.

“When Congress fails to act, the FAA and the aviation industry suffer,” Moran said. “The people who work in the airports and in aviation cannot further afford the instability and chaos.”

The U.S. Travel Association reported more than $6 billion in travel spending was lost because of the inability of aircraft to fly as a result of the shutdown.

Moran said he was pleased the problem with flight delays had eased ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. A record 31 million passengers were expected to fly from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1. The busiest days were expected to be Sunday Nov. 30 and Monday Dec. 1.

U.S. Rep. Ron&nbsp;Estes, a Kansas Republican serving the Wichita area, said transparency and accuracy of the Congressional Budget Office was essential to the federal legislative process.

During a House budget committee hearing, Estes told CBO director Phillip Swagel that reports issued by the office had a dramatic impact on bills in the House and Senate. CBO, which operates as designated budget scorekeeper, influenced public perception of legislation, Estes said.

“We need to make sure that CBO works to improve scores, to actually make sure that they align with reality,” Estes said. “Unfortunately, as we’ve talked about previously in the committee room, CBO sometimes falls short of making those good estimates that help us make decisions.”

Estes said an example was the CBO’s estimate on the 2022 Inflation Adjustment Act, which focused on health care, climate and taxes, and was signed by President Joe Biden. Estes and GOP U.S. Reps. Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner of Kansas voted against the bill. Davids voted for it.

Estes said the CBO’s initial report said the energy and climate provisions of the bill would cost $391 billion. Credit Suisse concluded the cost was closer to $800 billion, he said.

“My struggle, and I think a lot of our struggle, is that we’re literally making trillion-dollar decisions based on this information, so we want to make sure it’s the best possible,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763824856148.png" alt=" U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, says the U.S. House should vote on legislation to extend tax credits useful to people who secure health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. In this image, Davids speaks during a Feb. 28, 2025, news conference in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, says the U.S. House should vote on legislation to extend tax credits useful to people who secure health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. In this image, Davids speaks during a Feb. 28, 2025, news conference in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Sen. Jerry Moran seeks to insulate FAA; Rep. Ron Estes hunts CBO transparency</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 — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas joined five dozen colleagues requesting a House vote on legislation extending federal tax credits set to expire at the end of December that were implemented to moderate Affordable Care Act insurance costs.In the letter signed by 59 lawmakers and sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the coalition said a bill preserving the tax credit would allow more than 24 million Americans in the ACA to avoid substantial premium increases in 2026. Sky-high premiums could prompt as many as 4 million people to drop health coverage.Davids said 160,000 Kansans relied on federal tax credits last year to save an average of $700 annually on health care premiums.“Families in Kansas and across the country are staring down massive health care price hikes because Congress hasn’t done its job,” said Davids, the Democrat representing the 3rd District in the Kansas City area. “Republican leadership in the Senate has already promised a vote to extend ACA tax credits. There is no excuse for the House to stall any longer.”Davids said a bipartisan majority in the House support action to mitigate rising health care costs. While Democrats have sought a tax-credit extension, Republicans complained the credits were costly to the government and helped boost insurance company profits. The Congressional Budget Office estimated it would cost the $350 billion in the next decade if the subsidy were extended.“Inaction here will decimate millions of Americans’ budgets and force impossible decisions between receiving necessary care and other basic needs,” the letter said.<h2>Moran: Aviation shutdown</h2>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Aviation, Space and Innovation Subcommittee, said the 43-day government shutdown inhibited operation of the Federal Aviation Administration, caused widespread flight delays and interrupted an estimated $6 billion in travel spending.Moran convened a Senate hearing to lay the groundwork for legislation capable of shielding the industry during government shutdowns.“We convened this hearing because of the importance of the aviation and travel industry, a vital component of our nation’s economy,” Moran said. “We must do our part to enable the FAA and the Department of Transportation to make certain that America remains the standard for aviation and air safety.”In March, the Kansas Republican introduced a bill that would insulate the FAA by making emergency funding available for critical operations and to pay air traffic controllers.“When Congress fails to act, the FAA and the aviation industry suffer,” Moran said. “The people who work in the airports and in aviation cannot further afford the instability and chaos.”The U.S. Travel Association reported more than $6 billion in travel spending was lost because of the inability of aircraft to fly as a result of the shutdown.Moran said he was pleased the problem with flight delays had eased ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. A record 31 million passengers were expected to fly from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1. The busiest days were expected to be Sunday Nov. 30 and Monday Dec. 1.<h2>Estes: CBO transparency</h2>U.S. Rep. Ron&nbsp;Estes, a Kansas Republican serving the Wichita area, said transparency and accuracy of the Congressional Budget Office was essential to the federal legislative process.During a House budget committee hearing, Estes told CBO director Phillip Swagel that reports issued by the office had a dramatic impact on bills in the House and Senate. CBO, which operates as designated budget scorekeeper, influenced public perception of legislation, Estes said.“We need to make sure that CBO works to improve scores, to actually make sure that they align with reality,” Estes said. “Unfortunately, as we’ve talked about previously in the committee room, CBO sometimes falls short of making those good estimates that help us make decisions.”Estes said an example was the CBO’s estimate on the 2022 Inflation Adjustment Act, which focused on health care, climate and taxes, and was signed by President Joe Biden. Estes and GOP U.S. Reps. Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner of Kansas voted against the bill. Davids voted for it.Estes said the CBO’s initial report said the energy and climate provisions of the bill would cost $391 billion. Credit Suisse concluded the cost was closer to $800 billion, he said.“My struggle, and I think a lot of our struggle, is that we’re literally making trillion-dollar decisions based on this information, so we want to make sure it’s the best possible,” he said.

Rep. Sharice Davids encourages House vote on extending tax credit for health insurance

SALINE COUNTY —A suspect is in jail facing multiple allegations after a high speed chase in Saline County.

Just after 12a.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy near the south Saline County line around on Interstate 135 near the Kansas 104 exit was searching for a 2013 BMW that had been reportedly speeding northbound with no lights on, according to a statement from the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

The deputy found the vehicle traveling at 135 mph in Saline County and pursued. After an attempted stop, the vehicle continued northbound on the Interstate with no lights on.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763660368568.png" alt="Sims photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Sims photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —A suspect is in jail facing multiple allegations after a high speed chase in Saline County.Just after 12a.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy near the south Saline County line around on Interstate 135 near the Kansas 104 exit was searching for a 2013 BMW that had been reportedly speeding northbound with no lights on, according to a statement from the Saline County Sheriff's Office.The deputy found the vehicle traveling at 135 mph in Saline County and pursued. After an attempted stop, the vehicle continued northbound on the Interstate with no lights on.The vehicle continued west on Interstate 70 until eventually pulling over just east of the Sylvan Grove exit in Ellsworth County. The driver identified as 22-year-old Hunter Sims of Denton, TX was arrested on requested charges of Reckless Driving, Speeding, Registration Violation, Driving with no Headlights and Felony Flee and Elude.