The Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday will consider the approval of a memorandum of understanding with the City of South Hutchinson, Reno County and Evergy that outlines how the entities will handle any annexation of the proposed power plant site south of the cities.

Under the agreement, both the City of Hutchinson and City of South Hutchinson acknowledge the value of the planned development and agree not to pursue annexation of the property until the project is complete.

Hutchinson City Commissioner Jon Richardson told Hutch Post that this&nbsp;“There was confusion about communications, and which city would be responsible for services,” Richardson said. "Because state officials sometimes misunderstand that Hutchinson and South Hutchinson are two separate cities, he said territorial assumptions can happen unintentionally."

“We’re going to work together as a team,” Richardson said. “We’ve all vocalized that we want this done cooperatively.”&nbsp;

Hutchinson is the final governing body to act on the memorandum. The South Hutchinson city council and Reno County Board of County Commissioners approved the agreement during meetings last week.

The agreement follows recent tensions between the cities after South Hutchinson initiated the annexation process during a special council meeting on Nov. 17. That action prompted a joint meeting among Hutchinson, South Hutchinson and Reno County leaders on Nov. 20, where officials discussed how best to coordinate on the project and avoid conflict moving forward.

The council will also vote on an ordinance authorizing general obligation (GO) bonds for several capital projects, including sidewalk upgrades, improvements to the Hutchinson Zoo’s nature play area, new equipment at Fairgrounds Park, and repairs to the Memorial Hall roof.

According to agenda documents, the city expects to cover a portion of the costs upfront and bond the remainder once the ordinance is in place.

The council will also consider updating the Planning &amp; Zoning Division’s master fee schedule for the first time since 1991.

City code allows the division to collect application fees, which help offset—but do not fully cover—the cost of processing applications. Staff say expenses have risen significantly over the past three decades.

A staff report notes that most proposed fees remain below the average charged by 12 comparable Kansas municipalities.

The city council meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall.&nbsp;

Council to consider approval of annexation MOU, fee increases

KS4Vets is calling on the community to help stock shelves and support local families in need through its annual holiday donation drive, running December 1–12. The effort collects non-perishable food and essential household items to benefit the Salvation Army and area families who rely on its services.

Organizers say the seasonal campaign is an opportunity for residents to “share the hope” by encouraging friends, coworkers, and family members to donate. Every contribution, they note, helps brighten the holidays for neighbors experiencing hardship.

The 12 Days of Hope drive is seeking a variety of food and household staples, including:

Donations may be dropped off at participating KS4Vets collection sites between December 1 and December 12. The flyer emphasizes that even small contributions make a significant impact during the holiday season.

Organizers say the community’s generosity each December helps ensure struggling families have access to the essentials they need during one of the most challenging times of the year.

KS4Vets launches '12 Days of Hope' holiday donation drive for the Salvation Army

An overturned semi-truck hauling hazardous materials triggered evacuations and road closures Tuesday morning after leaking hydrochloric acid near McPherson.

McPherson County 911 received the first call at approximately 9:07 a.m., reporting the crash and chemical leak. The truck was carrying 34,000 pounds of hydrochloric acid, though officials say the amount spilled has not yet been determined.

Residents and businesses in the immediate area have been evacuated as a precaution, and all surrounding roads remain closed while emergency crews work the scene.

Those road closures, which are subject to change at any time are:

The driver of the semi self-extricated before first responders arrived. McPherson EMS evaluated the driver at the scene, but he refused treatment and transport.

The McPherson Fire Department Hazmat Team made entry to the truck and deployed booms around a nearby storm drain to prevent the acid from entering the sewage system. An environmental remediation contractor is currently en route to begin cleanup and removal operations.

Multiple agencies are assisting, including McPherson Fire, McPherson EMS, McPherson Police Department, the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, McPherson Emergency Management, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Transportation, and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office. Salina Fire has been deployed as a regional hazmat team to support the response.

“No further information will be released at this time,” McPherson Fire Chief Chad Mayberry said in a statement.

Overturned semi carrying Hydrochloric Acid prompts evacuations in McPherson

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a weekend filled with shopping events from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, local nonprofits are reminding residents that Giving Tuesday is a day to shift focus from consumerism to community service. The United Way of Reno County is encouraging area residents to give in whatever way they can — whether through donations, volunteer time, or lending their voice to causes they care about.

Carla Stanfield, Director of Communication and Development for the United Way, said Giving Tuesday has grown into a global movement since its start in New York City in 2012.

“It was this idea that as we’re thinking of ourselves and our families in this shopping era, we should also think of others,” Stanfield said. “Giving Tuesday is really that opportunity to think of folks outside of yourself and outside of your family and see how you might be able to impact those around you in your community.”

Stanfield emphasized that Giving Tuesday is not solely about financial contributions. Many organizations across Reno County rely heavily on volunteers, especially during the holiday season.

“It takes gifts of all kinds — dollars, time and voice — to make this work happen,” she said. “Maybe you’ve been thinking about getting involved at church, at your child’s school, or with a civic group. Today is a great day to take that first step.”

Last year, Giving Tuesday set a record with more than $18.5 billion donated globally, and an estimated 36.1 million Americans participating in charitable activities. Stanfield said those numbers show how powerful a single day of generosity can be.

Locally, opportunities to give are abundant. Residents can donate canned goods to the Food Bank of Reno County, sign up to ring bells for the Salvation Army, adopt a family for Christmas, donate winter coats, or help sort holiday gifts for local seniors. Families with children are also encouraged to volunteer together.

“This is a wonderful way to teach young people that the season isn’t just about receiving — it’s about giving,” Stanfield said. “There’s no shortage of ways to make an impact right here in Hutchinson and Reno County.”

The United Way also serves as a connector for people unsure where to begin. Stanfield said anyone looking for a place to give their time, money, or talents can call the office, and staff will help match them with an organization that aligns with their interests.

“If you have a passion and you’re not exactly sure where to plug in, give us a call,” she said. “We can help connect you. It can be hard to know where to start, and that’s our superpower — connecting people to the spaces where they can make a difference.”

The United Way of Reno County can be reached at 620-669-9329.

Local organizations are also encouraging residents to participate in ongoing holiday programs, including Adopt-a-Child efforts, senior gift drives, and volunteer opportunities at schools, churches and shelters.

“Today is that day to look inward and ask, ‘What do I have to give?’” Stanfield said. “Whatever it is, it matters — and it makes a difference.”

United Way encourages community to gve back on Giving Tuesday

HUTCHINSON — Reins of Hope is inviting families and friends to “Jingle &amp; Mingle” on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, offering food, activities, and seasonal fun while supporting a community program.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2116 N. Obee Road in Hutchinson. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of attractions, including delicious food, a silent auction, a kids’ corral, and opportunities to take pictures with horses. Organizers encourage community members to come together to help raise funds for the program the event supports.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/64d4a5d2-0bf6-4ad7-bd1f-8e0ba76beb29">LINK:&nbsp;Reins of Hope provides therapy to local community </a>

The festive gathering is designed to offer a family-friendly atmosphere with something for all ages while highlighting the spirit of giving reflected in the event’s theme and its chosen scripture, Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good.”

Event organizers say everyone is welcome and hope the community will join them in celebrating, connecting, and supporting a meaningful cause this holiday season.

Reins of Hope to host 'Jingle and Mingle' 

UPDATE: As of Tuesday morning, Dec. 2, we have less than 100 children who we are still looking for individuals or businesses to adopt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The season of giving is here, and Eagle Media is once again teaming up with Vermeer Great Plains and the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) for the annual Adopt-A-Child program — a cherished community tradition that helps bring Christmas joy to children across Reno, Harvey, and McPherson counties.

This year, more than 200 children — from newborns to teenagers — are hoping for a brighter holiday thanks to the generosity of local residents. Each child’s Christmas wish list is provided through DCF, and Eagle Media is inviting community members to “adopt” one or more children by purchasing gifts from those lists.

“This is your opportunity to make a real difference for a child in need right here in our community,” said Eagle Media’s Randy McKay. “We see firsthand how much this program means to families every year, and it wouldn’t happen without the amazing support of our listeners and partners.”

Those interested in adopting a child can call (620) 662-4486 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email <a>randy.mckay@eaglemedia.com</a> to receive a child’s wish list.

Once the shopping is complete, participants are invited to bring their wrapped gifts to the drop-off celebration at the Eagle Media Center, 825 N. Main, on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m.&nbsp;

For nearly a decade, the Adopt-A-Child program has ensured that local children who might otherwise go without have a reason to smile during the holidays. Community members are encouraged to take part and help make this Christmas season a little brighter for kids across south-central Kansas.

UPDATED: Eagle Media, Vermeer Great Plains kicks off Adopt-A-Child 2025

First Presbyterian,&nbsp;Emanuel Lutheran, and Grace Episcopal Churches, all of Hutchinson, will jointly host a “Blue Christmas” worship service on December 11, at 7 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Sherman Street. The event is open to the entire Hutchinson community.

Traditionally occurring on or around the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, a Blue Christmas service is meant to provide hope and healing for those experiencing grief, loss, or other difficult life situations during the holiday season.

“Although we often think of the holidays as a time of joy, celebration, and fellowship with family and friends, for some, the Christmas season means anxiety, stress, and isolation,” said the Reverend Christy Kass, pastor of First Presbyterian. “By working together, our congregations hope to provide a meaningful service for the community and an experience of solace and comfort for those having a hard time.”

This is the second year for the event, with the location rotating among the three congregations. Emanuel Lutheran hosted the inaugural joint Blue Christmas service last year. &nbsp;

Hutchinson churches to host Blue Christmas service

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries">Click&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners</a>.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/35522b08-cd30-49e1-93e0-85962282628b">PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW OBITUARY POLICY.</a> Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">hutchpost@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> </a>

Recent obituaries and service times

While sheriff’s deputies, police officers, firefighters and EMS crews are the ones the public sees responding to emergencies, two men in Reno County are quietly serving behind the scenes, offering emotional, spiritual, and peer support during some of the most difficult moments first responders face.

Reno County law enforcement chaplains Richard Haley and Adam Wooten joined the BW Morning Show on Tuesday to talk about their work, their calling, and the growing mental-health needs among those who serve on the front lines.

Haley and Wooten began their chaplaincy together in 2021, completing their basic training through the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) that summer. Both men volunteer their time — Haley serving as a local pastor and Wooten employed by the City of Hutchinson.

Even with full-time jobs, the chaplains are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Haley typically covers 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wooten handles the overnight hours.

“We’re both volunteer,” Wooten said. “We each have other jobs, but we are always on call for law enforcement.”

When tragedy strikes — whether an unattended death, major crash, violence, or an infant death, dispatch contacts one or both chaplains. They arrive on scene, coordinate with supervisors, and begin what Haley calls the “ministry of presence.”

“Our goal is simply to be there,” he said. “We provide spiritual and emotional support to victims, families, and officers. Sometimes that’s for a group. Sometimes it’s one-on-one. We stay until we’re no longer needed.”

Wooten also follows up with officers after critical incidents, helping lead debriefings and providing ongoing wellness support.

“Some officers still reach out about trauma from incidents that happened weeks ago,” Wooten said. “We continue those conversations as long as they need us.”

Though their primary responsibility is to the Hutchinson Police Department and Reno County Sheriff’s Office, the chaplains assist firefighters, dispatchers, EMS crews, and other first responders when needed.

“If we’re on scene and a firefighter or EMS provider needs support, we’re there for them just as much,” Wooten said.

To strengthen relationships, the chaplains regularly participate in ride-alongs, often on weekends, giving officers the chance to talk openly in a low-pressure environment.

“They get comfortable, they share their stories, and if they ask for prayer, we follow up,” Wooten said. “Trust builds every time we do that.”

One of the pair’s most appreciated traditions is the annual Thanksgiving meal for first responders working the holiday. What began as an idea during a Friday prayer breakfast has grown into a major community-supported effort.

“This year we served 122 meals between lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving Day,” Haley said. “Some officers pick up meals, some sit and eat, and we deliver to dispatch, the jail, and EMS.”

The effort is supported by community donors, including significant contributions from Elliott Mortuary and others.

Haley and Wooten emphasized the intense emotional weight officers carry. While the average person may encounter only a few traumatic events in a lifetime, law enforcement officers may experience multiple tragedies in a single week.

“Officers respond when someone is having the worst day of their life,” Haley said. “Our job is to help them cope with what they see every day.”

Haley and Wooten encourage officers — and their spouses — to reach out if something feels off.

“Sometimes the wife sees the symptoms first,” Wooten noted. “We want them to call us. We’re always available.”

Ultimately, the chaplains say the job comes down to relationships.

“The more time we spend with them, the more trust grows,” Haley said. “We want them to know we love them, we pray for them, and we’re here for them.”

Haley and Wooten say they don’t serve for recognition — only to support the men and women who protect Reno County.

“We’re behind the scenes,” Haley said. “But we’re here whenever they need us.”

Law enforcement chaplains provide critical support 

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

Makayla	Nickole	Stubby	12/1/2025 12:33&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Autumn	Leigh	Kelley	12/1/2025 12:35&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

John	Robert	Brown	12/1/2025 2:21&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Jason	Ryan	Matthews	12/1/2025 3:53&nbsp;PM	Agg battery; Reckless great bodily harm,&nbsp;Mistreat dependent adult/elder; Physical injury

Luisa	Kay Maribel	Zubia	12/1/2025 5:20&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Jesse	Ray	DeLaCruz	12/1/2025 5:32&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation, Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Four suspects are in custody after they stole at least $2,500 worth of gaming equipment from Best Buy, 2020 West 31st Street in Lawrence on Sunday and then left town. 

Police with the help of the Kansas Highway Patrol and the store’s asset manage tracked them down. 

Just after 9p.m. November 30, police were called to the store after the thieves bypassed an employee, went behind the counter, grabbed boxes of games, and quickly took off. 

 They were only in the store for about two minutes. They left a vehicle running out front while four men went into the store just as it was closing.

The vehicle’s license plate was registered to Sedgwick County. The investigating officer sent a message to surrounding agencies and a KHP Trooper pulled the car over just north of Emporia.

The group was transported back to Douglas County. One was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center and the others to the Douglas County Correctional Facility.The trooper turned over a total of seven gaming consoles found in the vehicle.

KHP helps track down brazen electronic store theft suspects 

NEW YORK (AP) — Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion Tuesday to provide 25 million American children under 10 an incentive to claim the new investment accounts for children created as part of President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-beautiful-gop-taxes-ced365c347de9320eef2ccb8df16dda2">tax and spending legislation</a>.

The historic gift has little precedent, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bloomberg-philanthropy-john-hopkins-university-53ed82c14c4d4b07cb2675a9ca1829f9">few single charitable commitments</a>&nbsp;in the past 25 years exceeding $1 billion, much less multiple billions. Announced on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-giving-tuesday-when-is-giving-tuesday-nonprofit-donations-c8feb2d45382ea7ea6885e3d58a6efbe">GivingTuesday</a>, the Dells believe it’s the largest single private commitment made to U.S. children.

Its structure is also unusual. Essentially, it builds on the “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baby-bonds-trump-child-poverty-8503180dc5c57a2f20dd59d7ece01d6a">Trump Accounts</a>&nbsp;" program, where the U.S. Department of the Treasury will deposit $1,000 into investment accounts set up by Treasury for American children born between Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2028. The Dells' gift will use the “Trump Accounts” infrastructure to give $250 to each qualified child under 10.

“We believe that if every child can see a future worth saving for, this program will build something far greater than an account. It will build hope and opportunity and prosperity for generations to come,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-trump-ellison-dell-murdoch-algorithm-c175ddc4bdeaa269543870f1227cd0d9">Michael Dell</a>, the founder and CEO of Dell Technologies whose estimated net worth is $148 billion, according to Forbes.

Though the “Trump Accounts” became law as part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-bill-medicaid-snap-baby-bond-25c03837e9b2a0a4d6f60384ec5d0677">president's signature legislation</a>&nbsp;in July, the Dells say the accounts will not launch until July 4, 2026. Michael Dell said they wanted to mark the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-america-250th-birthday-iowa-e6fb5df832cdba107ae4e9c62f2577e9">250th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of U.S. independence.

“We want these kids to know that not only do their families care, but their communities care, their government, their country cares about them,” said Susan Dell. “And we’re all rooting for them to have a wonderful future, a bright future, and that that’s available to them.”

Under the new law, “Trump Accounts” are available to any American child under 18 with a Social Security number and their families can fund the accounts, which must be invested in an index fund that tracks the overall stock market. When the children turn 18, they can withdraw the funds to put toward their education, to buy a home or to start a business.

The Dells will put money into the accounts of children 10 and younger who live in ZIP codes with a median family income of $150,000 or less and who won't get the $1,000 seed money from the Treasury. The Dells hope their gift will encourage families to claim the accounts and deposit more money into it, even small amounts, so it will grow over time along with the stock market.

President Trump plans to celebrate the commitment later on Tuesday and a White House spokesperson Kush Desai said the Dell's gift will be the first of many new pledges to fund the accounts.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill’s Trump Accounts are a revolutionary investment by the federal government into the next generation of American children,” Desai said. “It’s also President Trump’s call to action for American businesses and philanthropists to do their part, too."

“It’s hard to give effective dollars away at scale, particularly to the country’s neediest kids in a way that you have confidence that those dollars are going to compound with the upside of the U.S. economy," Brad Gerstner, a venture capitalist, who advocated for the passage of this legislation. "And so, this is a unique platform that’s being created by the government that I think can unlock major giving.”

Gerstner is also the founder of Invest America Charitable Foundation, which is supporting the Treasury in launching the accounts. He said the goal of the accounts is to give young people funds to jump start their lives but also to help them benefit from the growth of the U.S. economy through investing in stocks.

“Fundamentally, we need to include everybody in the upside of the American experiment. Otherwise, it won’t last. And so, at its core, we think it can re-energize people’s belief in free market, capitalist democracy,”″ Gerstner said of the accounts.

About&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sec.gov/data-research/statistics-data-visualizations/us-households-participation-capital-markets">58% of U.S. households</a>&nbsp;held stocks or bonds in 2022, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, though the&nbsp;<a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/WFRBST01122">wealthiest 1%</a>&nbsp;owned almost half the value of stocks in that same year and the bottom 50% owned about&nbsp;<a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/WFRBSB50203">1% of stocks</a>.

In 2024, about 13% of children and young people in the U.S. lived in poverty, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and experts link the high child poverty rates to the lack of social supports for new parents, like paid parental leave.

While the funds in the Trump Accounts may help young adults whose families or employers can contribute to them over time, they won’t immediately help to diminish childhood poverty. Cuts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-bill-medicaid-snap-baby-bond-25c03837e9b2a0a4d6f60384ec5d0677">Medicaid, food stamps and child care</a>&nbsp;that were also included in the spending package are likely to reduce the support children from low-income families receive.

Ray Boshara, senior policy advisor with both the Aspen Institute and Washington University in St. Louis, said he is excited about the idea that the Trump Accounts will be able to receive contributions from the business, philanthropic and governmental sectors.

“We would like to see this idea continue and get better over time, just like any big policy,’ said Boshara, who co-edited the book “The Future of Building Wealth.” "The ACA, Social Security – they start off fairly flawed, but get much better and more progressive and inclusive over time. And that’s how we think about Trump Accounts. It’s a down payment on a big idea that deserves to be improved and there’s bipartisan interest in improving them."

Through the Michael &amp; Susan Dell Foundation, the Dell's have reported giving $2.9 billion since 1999, with a large focus on education.

Michael Dell said they had not initially envisioned committing so much to boost the child investment accounts, but Susan Dell said over time, they decided to increase the size of their commitment.

“We’re thrilled to be spearheading this in the philanthropy sector and are so excited because we know that more people are going to jump on board because really, we can’t think of a better idea and better way to help America’s children,” she said.

AP writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.

🎥Historic $6.25 billion gift for millions of kids in America

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 2:40a.m. on Tuesday, police conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.. During the stop the driver, 55-year-old Paul Surber, was found to be in possession of illegal drugs.

Police arrested Surber on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and dug paraphernalia and&nbsp;Possession of stimulant; Unlawful sell of prescription drug and Possession with intent to sell, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of illegally selling prescription drugs

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday cited the “fog of war” in defending a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-hegseth-maduro-512c66b99b2a13e9d1a3ed2699e78228">follow-up strike on an alleged drug-carrying boat</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea in early September.

During a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Hegseth said he did not see any survivors in the water, saying the vessel “exploded in fire, smoke, you can’t see anything. ... This is called the fog of war.”

Hegseth also said he “didn’t stick around” for the remainder of the Sept. 2 mission following the initial strike and the admiral in charge “made the right call” in ordering the second hit, which he “had complete authority to do.”

Lawmakers have opened investigations following a Washington Post report that Hegseth issued a verbal order to “kill everybody” on the boat, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-strike-rubio-trump-0f901b2a30ee20e314bcab1385ffb0c0">first vessel hit</a>&nbsp;in the Trump administration’s counterdrug campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean that has grown to over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">20 known strikes and more than 80 dead</a>.

The U.S. also has built up its largest military presence in the region in generations, and many see the actions as a tactic to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to resign.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-survivors-hegseth-72b0a498ca08615b2589c772a1d9e642">While several legal experts have told</a>&nbsp;The Associated Press they believed the second strike violated peacetime laws and those governing armed conflict, the Pentagon’s own manual on the laws of armed conflict also specifically cites striking survivors of a sunken ship as being patently illegal.

“Orders to fire upon the shipwrecked would be clearly illegal,” the manual says.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday distanced himself from the secondary strike, which the news report said killed two survivors who were clinging to the wreckage.

Trump said he “didn’t know anything” and that he “still hasn’t gotten a lot of information because I rely on Pete,” referencing Hegseth, when asked if he supported the second strike.

“I didn’t know anything about people. I wasn’t involved in it,” he added.

Hegseth, sitting next to Trump at the Cabinet meeting, said Trump has empowered “commanders to do what is necessary, which is dark and difficult things in the dead of night on behalf of the American people.”

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said earlier in the day that all of the strikes have been “presidentially directed and the chain of command functions as it should.”

“At the end of the day, the secretary and the president are the ones directing these strikes,” Wilson said while speaking to handpicked outlets at an event at the Pentagon.

The Trump administration has suggested that the admiral overseeing the operation made the actual decision to conduct a second strike. Trump called him an “extraordinary person” on Tuesday and said “I want those boats taken out, and if we have to, will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-us-trump-deportation-flights-c8de53d34483533ec8e58a165f5f63fd">attack on land also</a>, just like we attack on sea.”

The White House said Monday that Navy Vice Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley acted “within&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-survivors-hegseth-72b0a498ca08615b2589c772a1d9e642">his authority and the law”</a>&nbsp;when he ordered the second strike, while Hegseth said on social media that he stood by Bradley “and the combat decisions he has made.”

Bradley is expected to provide a classified briefing Thursday to lawmakers overseeing the military.

🎥Hegseth defends, Trump distances himself from second boat strike

RILEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 11a.m. Tuesday in Riley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Super Duty driven by Avery Gene&nbsp;Lindsey, 17, Manhattan, was northbound on Kansas 177 approximately one mile south of Deep Creek Road. The pickup rear-ended a 2012 Hyundai Accent driven by James Edgar&nbsp;Echols, 54, Overland Park. After impact the car traveled into the east ditch.

Echols was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home. EMS transported a passenger in the car identified as&nbsp; Nakeenya Marie&nbsp;Echols, 52, Las Vegas, Nevada, to Via Christi.&nbsp; Lindsey was not injured. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage details.

Kansas man killed after rear-end crash with teen driver

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seemed likely on Tuesday to side with a faith-based pregnancy center raising First Amendment concerns about an investigation into whether it misled people to discourage abortions.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-781">Click here to listen to </a>the replay of the oral argument

The facilities often known as “crisis pregnancy centers” have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pregnancy-centers-crisis-medicaid-913614d7622a67af17cdf24339e8e700">on the rise</a>&nbsp;in the U.S., especially since the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned abortion as a nationwide right</a>&nbsp;in 2022. Most Republican-controlled states have since started&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-wade-dobbs-anniversary-abortion-states-cadff0d905d1c4d7b9825c8406aadffb">enforcing bans or restrictions</a>&nbsp;on abortion, and some have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-business-health-nashville-personal-taxes-fffa6f6f86e6eaa448b8ea89087a1c46">steered tax dollars</a>&nbsp;to the centers.

The conservative majority court has given abortion opponents some high-profile wins in recent years, but the free-speech arguments at the center of Tuesday's case also drew support from groups like the American Civil Liberties Union.

The dispute started in New Jersey, when Democratic attorney general Matthew Platkin's consumer-protection division sent a subpoena to First Choice Women’s Resource Centers for details about donors and other information.

The state said it was probing whether the centers misled women into thinking they offered abortions so they could steer them toward having their babies instead.

First Choice pushed back, arguing the investigation was baseless and the demand for donor lists threatened their First Amendment rights. They tried to challenge the subpoena in federal court, but a judge found the case wasn’t yet far enough along. An appeals court agreed.

First Choice then turned to the Supreme Court, where a majority of the justices seemed to agree that they should be able to challenge the subpoena in federal court.

“You don't think it might have an effect on potential future donors to the organization, to know that their name, phone number, address, et cetera, could be disclosed?” a dubious Chief Justice John Roberts asked an attorney for New Jersey.

The state argued that the information would only have been used to ask donors whether they had been deceived about First Choice's services. An attorney for New Jersey, Sundeep Iyer, said free-speech rights aren't at risk because the group has not even been required to turn over any information yet. A court order is required to enforce the subpoena.

Conservatives on the court seemed skeptical, as did liberal justice Elena Kagan. “An ordinary person, one of the funders for this organization or any similar organization, presented with this subpoena ... is not going to take that as very reassuring,” Kagan said.

New Jersey also argued that a ruling in favor of First Choice could allow a rush lawsuits from any of the thousands of businesses that get similar subpoenas. “Federal courts would potentially be inundated,” Iyer said.

An attorney for the Trump administration, which weighed in to support First Choice, countered that any impact would be relatively small since the decision would only apply to groups with similar First Amendment arguments.

First Choice said access to federal court is important in cases where government investigators are accused of misusing state power, and the ACLU agreed that subpoenas seeking donor information can scare away supporters even before they're enforced.

Erin Hawley, an attorney for the conservative Christian legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, said state investigations can hurt advocacy groups with unpopular points of view. “It is a broad non-ideological issue that really does transcend ideological boundaries,” she said.

Aimee Huber, executive director of First Choice, said that if the court rules in their favor she hopes other, largely Democratic-aligned states, would “back off” their own investigations of pregnancy centers.

The Supreme Court is expected to decide the case in the coming months.

🎧Supreme Court weighs free speech rights of faith-based ‘pregnancy center’

KANSAS CITY—One person died in a house fire Tuesday in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 8a.m., crews responded to a reported house fire in the 3200 block of E 26th Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. 

On arrival crews reported smoke from the front of a single-story home. Fire crews found a victim during a search of the home. The victim is a man approximately in his mid-fifties, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead at the hospital. 

KCPD Bomb and Arson have been requested to the scene and will conduct the investigation due to the fatality and as a part of&nbsp; standard procedure. 

Dangerous buildings and city planning have also been requested. No other injuries were reported at this incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Man dies after found in Kansas City house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) —Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says bridge payments are coming to farmers next week.

Rollins told President Trump during the Cabinet meeting Tuesday that he’s been opening overseas markets for U.S. farmers to help them become less reliant on government assistance.

But she said, “we do have a bridge payment we’ll be announcing with you next week.” Rollins didn’t say how much the payment will be or which farmers will get assistance.

Ag Secretary reports good news coming for farmers next week

BARTON COUNTY —A Kansas woman is under investigation for an alleged gun crime involving the father her her child.

Just before 6p.m. November 27,&nbsp; police were dispatched to a report of shots fired the 400 block of Evergreen in Great Bend, according to a media release.

Officers contacted the victim who advised that he had been involved in an argument with the mother of his child, and that during the argument, the suspect,&nbsp; 39-year-old Melissa Sanders produced a handgun and fired in the direction of the victim. 

The victim left the scene and contacted the Police Department.  Officers were able to locate Sanders driving east of Great Bend and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The Officers were able to locate the firearm used in the incident inside of the vehicle. Sanders was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Barton County jail on requested charges of Aggravated Assault.

Police: Kansas woman fired gun at the father of her child

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia National Guard member who was shot last week in a brazen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-dc-c5785dd8920d2d1ac7d71fab769faf5f">daytime attack in Washington</a>, D.C., remains in serious condition but showed positive signs by giving a thumbs-up that he could hear a nurse’s question and wiggling his toes, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Monday.

Morrisey said the family of 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe has asked the public to pray for him. Another member of the West Virginia National Guard, U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the shooting.

“Andrew is still fighting for his life,” Morrisey said. “Andrew needs prayers.”

Morrisey said he could not yet share details of any funeral arrangements for Beckstrom and wants to respect her family’s wishes.

At a news conference, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey provides an update on the second National Guard member shot last week, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.

Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House while deployed as part of President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">crime-fighting plan</a>&nbsp;that federalized D.C. police.

Investigators are working to determine a motive. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakanwal-national-guard-shooting-suspect-afghan-5e5e9567d95a5d0ef806b714bb3ee3b7">Afghan national</a>, is charged with one count of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-suspect-585e36855d1dddd3e801708987c776c0">first-degree murder</a>&nbsp;and two counts of assault in the shooting.

The shooting prompted the Trump administration to halt all asylum decisions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-washington-shooting-suspect-afghan-national-kabul-aac0e1d5117d9b7aaa8ee12051a7b324">pause issuing visas for people</a>&nbsp;traveling on Afghan passports.

After the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump asked him to send 500 more National Guard members to Washington. Morrisey said he has not been asked to deploy additional troops from West Virginia.

Overall, nearly 2,200 troops currently are assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the government’s latest update. More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed in August. In mid-November, up to 170 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year while the others returned to West Virginia.

“Our sole focus right now is looking after the well-being of the 170 service members who are on the ground, focusing on the family, assuring that prayers are going out,” Morrisey said.

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