NEW YORK (AP) — George Joseph Kresge Jr., who was known to generations of TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, has died at age 89.

Kreskin's friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, told news outlets that he died Tuesday at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey, where he spent much of his life. Galway did not provide additional details.

Inspired by the crime-fighting comic book character Mandrake the Magician, Kreskin launched his television career in the 1960s and remained popular for decades, making guest appearances on talk shows hosted by everyone from Merv Griffin to Johnny Carson to Jimmy Fallon.

Fans would welcome, if not entirely figure out, his favorite mind tricks — whether correctly guessing a playing card chosen at random, or, most famously, divining where his paycheck had been planted among the audience. He also hosted his own show in the 1970s, gave live performances and wrote numerous books, including “Secrets of the Amazing Kreskin” and “Mental Power Is Real.”

Although he was a talk show regular, one host wasn't amused by a Kreskin stunt. In 2002, he claimed that a UFO would appear over Las Vegas on the night of June 2, and added that he would donate $50,000 to charity if he was wrong. Hundreds of people gathered in the desert, in vain. Kreskin acknowledged to radio personality Art Bell that his prediction was a hoax, a way of proving that the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks the year before had made people susceptible to manipulation. Bell called the ruse “lame, lame, lame” and banned him from his show.

NEW YORK (AP) — George Joseph Kresge Jr., who was known to generations of TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, has died at age 89.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of The Amazing Kreskin, born George Kresge, at the age of 89. Performing for all of you brought immense joy to his life, and it was something he deeply cherished. The family kindly asks for privacy during this difficult time. <a href="https://t.co/42kmVAOPE6">pic.twitter.com/42kmVAOPE6</a>&mdash; The Amazing Kreskin (@Kreskin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kreskin/status/1866657870173049126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kreskin's friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, told news outlets that he died Tuesday at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey, where he spent much of his life. Galway did not provide additional details.Inspired by the crime-fighting comic book character Mandrake the Magician, Kreskin launched his television career in the 1960s and remained popular for decades, making guest appearances on talk shows hosted by everyone from Merv Griffin to Johnny Carson to Jimmy Fallon.Fans would welcome, if not entirely figure out, his favorite mind tricks — whether correctly guessing a playing card chosen at random, or, most famously, divining where his paycheck had been planted among the audience. He also hosted his own show in the 1970s, gave live performances and wrote numerous books, including “Secrets of the Amazing Kreskin” and “Mental Power Is Real.”Although he was a talk show regular, one host wasn't amused by a Kreskin stunt. In 2002, he claimed that a UFO would appear over Las Vegas on the night of June 2, and added that he would donate $50,000 to charity if he was wrong. Hundreds of people gathered in the desert, in vain. Kreskin acknowledged to radio personality Art Bell that his prediction was a hoax, a way of proving that the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks the year before had made people susceptible to manipulation. Bell called the ruse “lame, lame, lame” and banned him from his show.

Amazing Kreskin, TV star master of mind games, dies at 89

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%20and%20JACK%20DURA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA and JACK DURA Associated Press</a>

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Young adult immigrants known as “Dreamers” in Kansas and 18 other U.S. states will be temporarily blocked from getting health insurance through the Affordable Care Act's public marketplace, a federal judge has ruled, limiting an effort by the Biden administration to help immigrants brought to the country illegally as children.

Judge Daniel Traynor of the U.S. District Court in North Dakota issued the order Monday from Bismarck, dealing a setback to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-insurance-migrants-obamacare-biden-a38541478bc1f6b7662b3901cefc9e93">a Biden administration rule</a>&nbsp;that was estimated to allow 147,000 immigrants to enroll for coverage. Traynor's ruling came in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migrant-health-care-dreamers-states-lawsuit-b243450475670f13a3e86d6be3568804">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed over the policy and will remain in effect until the matter can go to trial.

The ruling applies to immigrants in 19 states where Republican attorneys general sued to avoid having to comply with the new policy. They cited concern over immigrants possibly qualifying for public subsidies available to many people insured under the ACA.

The GOP state officials argued that the rule created earlier this year by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would be a strong incentive for immigrants to remain in the U.S. illegally and could creating costs for states. They argued that both the Affordable Care Act and a 1996 law prohibit U.S. government benefits flowing to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

“Dreamers” are part of a program that makes them a low priority for deportation. However, President-elect Donald Trump won the Nov. 5 election promising “the largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mass-deportations-immigration-844f3050ba99552b900ed9f3a1dec22d">mass deportation program</a>&nbsp;in history.” He will succeed President Joe Biden on Jan. 20.

Traynor, a Trump appointee during his first term in office, concluded through what he called “a common-sense inference” that access to subsidized ACA coverage is a powerful incentive for people to remain in the U.S. illegally, creating a substantial risk that states will “suffer monetary harm.”

Federal law gives CMS the authority to determine whether someone is living in the U.S. legally, but, Traynor wrote, “It by no means allows the agency to circumvent congressional authority and redefine the term ‘lawfully present.’”

CMS said in a statement Tuesday that it is reviewing the lawsuit but does not comment on litigation.

Nicholas Espíritu, deputy legal director of the National Immigration Law Center, said some “Dreamers” have been waiting for more than a decade to get “life-sustaining” health coverage through the ACA.

“Judge Traynor’s ruling is both disappointing and wrong on the law,” Espíritu said, promising his group would continue to fight the issue.

But Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach called the decision “a victory for the rule of law." He told reporters after a hearing in Bismarck in October that the Biden administration sought to redefine what it means to be an immigrant living in the U.S. legally by “executive fiat,” calling the rule “Alice in Wonderland stuff.”

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley added then that American taxpayers, through Congress, determine how the federal government treats immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

“And it doesn’t always come across as friendly and nice and cuddly, but it speaks to the access to our health care system, the cost of our health care system, and the burden on the American public, the taxpayer,” he said.

Kansas and North Dakota are the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed in August. They've been joined by Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

“Thankfully, the court put another nail in the coffin of Biden’s radical left-wing agenda,” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement Tuesday.

Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Associated Press Writer Kimberly Chandler in Mongtomery, Alabama, also contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719927364316.png" alt="Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach called the decision “a victory for the rule of law." He told reporters after a hearing in Bismarck in October that the Biden administration sought to redefine what it means to be an immigrant living in the U.S. legally by “executive fiat,” calling the rule “Alice in Wonderland stuff.” File photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach called the decision “a victory for the rule of law." He told reporters after a hearing in Bismarck in October that the Biden administration sought to redefine what it means to be an immigrant living in the U.S. legally by “executive fiat,” calling the rule “Alice in Wonderland stuff.” File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%20and%20JACK%20DURA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA and JACK DURA Associated Press</a>BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Young adult immigrants known as “Dreamers” in Kansas and 18 other U.S. states will be temporarily blocked from getting health insurance through the Affordable Care Act's public marketplace, a federal judge has ruled, limiting an effort by the Biden administration to help immigrants brought to the country illegally as children.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Big win for the rule of law. Congress never intended that illegal aliens should receive Obama care benefits. Indeed, two laws prohibit them from receiving such benefits. The Biden administration tried to break those laws. But we fought back, and defeated the Justice Department. <a href="https://t.co/tBZZLzH2in">pic.twitter.com/tBZZLzH2in</a>&mdash; Kris W. Kobach (@KrisKobach1787) <a href="https://twitter.com/KrisKobach1787/status/1866225811516166152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Judge Daniel Traynor of the U.S. District Court in North Dakota issued the order Monday from Bismarck, dealing a setback to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-insurance-migrants-obamacare-biden-a38541478bc1f6b7662b3901cefc9e93">a Biden administration rule</a>&nbsp;that was estimated to allow 147,000 immigrants to enroll for coverage. Traynor's ruling came in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migrant-health-care-dreamers-states-lawsuit-b243450475670f13a3e86d6be3568804">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed over the policy and will remain in effect until the matter can go to trial.The ruling applies to immigrants in 19 states where Republican attorneys general sued to avoid having to comply with the new policy. They cited concern over immigrants possibly qualifying for public subsidies available to many people insured under the ACA.The GOP state officials argued that the rule created earlier this year by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would be a strong incentive for immigrants to remain in the U.S. illegally and could creating costs for states. They argued that both the Affordable Care Act and a 1996 law prohibit U.S. government benefits flowing to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.“Dreamers” are part of a program that makes them a low priority for deportation. However, President-elect Donald Trump won the Nov. 5 election promising “the largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mass-deportations-immigration-844f3050ba99552b900ed9f3a1dec22d">mass deportation program</a>&nbsp;in history.” He will succeed President Joe Biden on Jan. 20.Traynor, a Trump appointee during his first term in office, concluded through what he called “a common-sense inference” that access to subsidized ACA coverage is a powerful incentive for people to remain in the U.S. illegally, creating a substantial risk that states will “suffer monetary harm.”Federal law gives CMS the authority to determine whether someone is living in the U.S. legally, but, Traynor wrote, “It by no means allows the agency to circumvent congressional authority and redefine the term ‘lawfully present.’”CMS said in a statement Tuesday that it is reviewing the lawsuit but does not comment on litigation.Nicholas Espíritu, deputy legal director of the National Immigration Law Center, said some “Dreamers” have been waiting for more than a decade to get “life-sustaining” health coverage through the ACA.“Judge Traynor’s ruling is both disappointing and wrong on the law,” Espíritu said, promising his group would continue to fight the issue.But Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach called the decision “a victory for the rule of law." He told reporters after a hearing in Bismarck in October that the Biden administration sought to redefine what it means to be an immigrant living in the U.S. legally by “executive fiat,” calling the rule “Alice in Wonderland stuff.”North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley added then that American taxpayers, through Congress, determine how the federal government treats immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.“And it doesn’t always come across as friendly and nice and cuddly, but it speaks to the access to our health care system, the cost of our health care system, and the burden on the American public, the taxpayer,” he said.Kansas and North Dakota are the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed in August. They've been joined by Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.“Thankfully, the court put another nail in the coffin of Biden’s radical left-wing agenda,” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement Tuesday.___Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Associated Press Writer Kimberly Chandler in Mongtomery, Alabama, also contributed.

'Dreamers' will be shut out of health care marketplace in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in a fire at a hotel on Tuesday in Topeka.

An individual has been transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-lifethreatening injuries following a hotel fire in west Topeka.

Just after 5:30 p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to a reported hotel fire at Woodspring Suites, 1801 SW Westport Drive in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.&nbsp;

First arriving crews found heavy smoke coming from a room on the second floor. American Medical response transported one individual to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have not released details on what caused the fire or a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733887528928.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in a fire at a hotel on Tuesday in Topeka.An individual has been transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-lifethreatening injuries following a hotel fire in west Topeka.Just after 5:30 p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to a reported hotel fire at Woodspring Suites, 1801 SW Westport Drive in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.&nbsp;First arriving crews found heavy smoke coming from a room on the second floor. American Medical response transported one individual to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.Authorities have not released details on what caused the fire or a damage estimate.

One hospitalized after fire at Kansas hotel

JERUSALEM —U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Monday and Tuesday, according to the U.S. Central Command.

The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval.

The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack. 

These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Monday and Tuesday, according to the U.S. Central Command.The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval.The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack. These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

U.S. defeats terrorist attack on U.S. Navy and U.S.-flagged ships in Gulf of Aden

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 11p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A pedestrian was crossing 63rd Street from north to south at Swope Parkway, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; The pedestrian was in the middle of the roadway and was struck by a westbound Chevrolet Tahoe. The driver of the Chevrolet was uninjured in the crash. 

The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the SUV stopped immediately, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. This is fatality #89 compared to #98 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.

Police have not released the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 11p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.A pedestrian was crossing 63rd Street from north to south at Swope Parkway, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; The pedestrian was in the middle of the roadway and was struck by a westbound Chevrolet Tahoe. The driver of the Chevrolet was uninjured in the crash. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the SUV stopped immediately, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. This is fatality #89 compared to #98 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.Police have not released the name of the victim.

KCPD: SUV strikes, kills pedestrian crossing the street

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Two angry parents appeared before the Ellis USD 388 school board meeting Monday after they said their son was targeted in a school threat on Thursday.

One of the parents, who is not being identified in this story to protect the identity of his children, said a junior high student threatened to shoot up the school and then specifically identified people he intended to target, including his son and another student.

The parent said the junior high student was temporarily removed from class but was sent back to class that day.

The parent said when his children informed him of the threats after they came home from school on Thursday, he called the police.

The parent said his children, including his son are afraid to go to school or school activities.

The parent said he kept his children home from school on Friday because of safety concerns.

The school released a statement on the incident on Monday night.&nbsp;

Last week, there was a threat made by a student at the Jr/Sr HS. We immediately began investigating. It was determined that this threat posed no danger to students or staff.

Keeping people safe requires that we follow emergency response procedures without fail, which includes quickly notifying the law enforcement agency and working with them to determine how to protect our students and staff.

As needed, we also must take proper disciplinary action for fair and consistent consequences.

Please understand that we cannot share any details about the student involved in this situation. This is the result of both confidentiality laws and our district’s commitment to respecting the privacy of students and their families.

We sincerely regret that our communication about the incident was delayed, falling short of informing and reassuring our staff and families about the safety measures that we followed. Please accept our apology for any additional worry or stress our omission may have caused you or your family.

Please take this opportunity to talk to your student about the importance of reporting anything unusual, even if it might be a joke or hoax. Remind them if they hear or see anything, they should tell you, share with a school employee or call the police.

The father whose son was threatened told the school board Monday he did not think the administration had done a good job in dealing with the student in question.

He said this student had been involved in multiple incidents since grade school.

The parent alleged the student had made a previous bomb threat against the school and had thrown chairs in the classroom at other students.

The parent also alleged the student had picked on other students.

"My kids are scared to go to school," the parent said. "They shouldn't be. You have not created a safe environment by letting one individual ruin it for 20 to 30 kids every day.&nbsp;

"I speak on behalf of a lot of people who are not here but who I talked to throughout the day. I can't say names, but we all feel the same way."

"We have been failed by every one of you," the parent said. "It's disturbing. There are warning signs there. If we don't do something about it now, we're going to be a statistic that makes nationwide news."

He said he did not want to change schools, adding that his children are the fourth generation to attend Ellis schools. However, he said he would send his children to another school unless the school district does something more to address this situation.

Board president Randy Honas told the parent he appreciated him expressing his thoughts.

"I just want you to understand that we will proceed as best we can as quickly as we can, following all the rules and regs we need to follow," Honas said.

The parent alleged that the student was receiving special treatment because he is in the special education program.

"I was told by two separate administrators that had it been a different kid who wasn't on a program, they would have been kicked out immediately. I find that to be very disturbing," the parent said.

The parent said the student in question showed up at the basketball game on Friday night. His son called and asked to be picked up from the game because he was scared of the student.

The parent said an administrator told him the student would be placed in out-of-school suspension. He later learned that the student had been placed in in-school suspension and was back at the school.

Honas said, "We will do our best to address some of the issues you brought up. Obviously, there are certain things we can and can't do. We will get there as quick as we can."

The school board held an executive session on Monday to discuss a student issue. The board president did not say if the session pertained to the student who made the threats, and the board did not take public action after the executive session.

The Hays Post contacted the Ellis Police Department about the police report regarding the student threat. As of this post, no response has been received.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579030633433.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;File photo USD 388 Ellis" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;File photo USD 388 Ellis</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTwo angry parents appeared before the Ellis USD 388 school board meeting Monday after they said their son was targeted in a school threat on Thursday.One of the parents, who is not being identified in this story to protect the identity of his children, said a junior high student threatened to shoot up the school and then specifically identified people he intended to target, including his son and another student.The parent said the junior high student was temporarily removed from class but was sent back to class that day.The parent said when his children informed him of the threats after they came home from school on Thursday, he called the police.The parent said his children, including his son are afraid to go to school or school activities.The parent said he kept his children home from school on Friday because of safety concerns.The school released a statement on the incident on Monday night.&nbsp;That statement is below:Last week, there was a threat made by a student at the Jr/Sr HS. We immediately began investigating. It was determined that this threat posed no danger to students or staff.Keeping people safe requires that we follow emergency response procedures without fail, which includes quickly notifying the law enforcement agency and working with them to determine how to protect our students and staff.As needed, we also must take proper disciplinary action for fair and consistent consequences.Please understand that we cannot share any details about the student involved in this situation. This is the result of both confidentiality laws and our district’s commitment to respecting the privacy of students and their families.We sincerely regret that our communication about the incident was delayed, falling short of informing and reassuring our staff and families about the safety measures that we followed. Please accept our apology for any additional worry or stress our omission may have caused you or your family.Please take this opportunity to talk to your student about the importance of reporting anything unusual, even if it might be a joke or hoax. Remind them if they hear or see anything, they should tell you, share with a school employee or call the police.— Janice Wilson, superintendentThe father whose son was threatened told the school board Monday he did not think the administration had done a good job in dealing with the student in question.He said this student had been involved in multiple incidents since grade school.The parent alleged the student had made a previous bomb threat against the school and had thrown chairs in the classroom at other students.The parent also alleged the student had picked on other students."My kids are scared to go to school," the parent said. "They shouldn't be. You have not created a safe environment by letting one individual ruin it for 20 to 30 kids every day.&nbsp;"I speak on behalf of a lot of people who are not here but who I talked to throughout the day. I can't say names, but we all feel the same way.""We have been failed by every one of you," the parent said. "It's disturbing. There are warning signs there. If we don't do something about it now, we're going to be a statistic that makes nationwide news."He said he did not want to change schools, adding that his children are the fourth generation to attend Ellis schools. However, he said he would send his children to another school unless the school district does something more to address this situation.Board president Randy Honas told the parent he appreciated him expressing his thoughts."I just want you to understand that we will proceed as best we can as quickly as we can, following all the rules and regs we need to follow," Honas said.The parent alleged that the student was receiving special treatment because he is in the special education program."I was told by two separate administrators that had it been a different kid who wasn't on a program, they would have been kicked out immediately. I find that to be very disturbing," the parent said.The parent said the student in question showed up at the basketball game on Friday night. His son called and asked to be picked up from the game because he was scared of the student.The parent said an administrator told him the student would be placed in out-of-school suspension. He later learned that the student had been placed in in-school suspension and was back at the school.Honas said, "We will do our best to address some of the issues you brought up. Obviously, there are certain things we can and can't do. We will get there as quick as we can."The school board held an executive session on Monday to discuss a student issue. The board president did not say if the session pertained to the student who made the threats, and the board did not take public action after the executive session.The Hays Post contacted the Ellis Police Department about the police report regarding the student threat. As of this post, no response has been received.

Parents concerned after Ellis USD 388 junior high student makes threats

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing methamphetamine and a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.

Keith T. Mims, also known as “C-Murder,” 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Mims was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.

On May 30, 2024, Mims pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Mims was approached by St. Joseph, Mo., police officers as he was walking on Belle Street in St. Joseph on Jan. 25, 2022. Mims ran from the officers, who engaged in a foot pursuit, resulting in Mims being tackled and placed in handcuffs. An officer searched Mims and found a loaded Bryco Arms .22-caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number in Mims’s back pocket. The officer also searched a bag Mims was carrying, which contained 4.18 grams of pure methamphetamine, .45 grams of crack cocaine, and 10 pills.

Mims told the arresting officers that he knew it was illegal for him to have a firearm due to his prior felony convictions. Mims said he needed the firearm for protection, and that he would “rather be judged by twelve than carried by six.”

According to court documents, Mims has multiple convictions for possessing firearms and trafficking in narcotics and has spent the vast majority of the last 35 years either incarcerated or under a criminal justice sentence.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth W. Borgnino and Stephanie C. Bradshaw. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department, and the Sugar Creek, Mo., Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643643060274.jpeg" alt="Mims photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>Mims photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing methamphetamine and a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.Keith T. Mims, also known as “C-Murder,” 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Mims was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.On May 30, 2024, Mims pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.Mims was approached by St. Joseph, Mo., police officers as he was walking on Belle Street in St. Joseph on Jan. 25, 2022. Mims ran from the officers, who engaged in a foot pursuit, resulting in Mims being tackled and placed in handcuffs. An officer searched Mims and found a loaded Bryco Arms .22-caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number in Mims’s back pocket. The officer also searched a bag Mims was carrying, which contained 4.18 grams of pure methamphetamine, .45 grams of crack cocaine, and 10 pills.Mims told the arresting officers that he knew it was illegal for him to have a firearm due to his prior felony convictions. Mims said he needed the firearm for protection, and that he would “rather be judged by twelve than carried by six.”According to court documents, Mims has multiple convictions for possessing firearms and trafficking in narcotics and has spent the vast majority of the last 35 years either incarcerated or under a criminal justice sentence.This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth W. Borgnino and Stephanie C. Bradshaw. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department, and the Sugar Creek, Mo., Police Department.

KC man known as 'C-Murder' caught with meth and a gun

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an ararest.

Just after 1:30a.m. Monday, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of N. 8th Street in Garden City where a man was seen rummaging through the reporting party’s vehicle, according to a media release.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Chance Wallace of Garden City ran from officers as they arrived to the scene.

After a brief foot pursuit, Wallace was apprehended and taken into custody. Through further investigation, Wallace was jailed on requested charges of Auto Burglary, Interference with law enforcement, Possession of Stimulants, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Police reminded the public, "always lock your vehicle and never leave the keys in it- remove valuables or at the very least hide them out of sight- park in busy, well-lit areas or your garage and report suspicious activity to the police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733841589865.png" alt="Wallace has previous convictions for theft, flee or elude law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Wallace has previous convictions for theft, flee or elude law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an ararest.Just after 1:30a.m. Monday, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of N. 8th Street in Garden City where a man was seen rummaging through the reporting party’s vehicle, according to a media release.The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Chance Wallace of Garden City ran from officers as they arrived to the scene.After a brief foot pursuit, Wallace was apprehended and taken into custody. Through further investigation, Wallace was jailed on requested charges of Auto Burglary, Interference with law enforcement, Possession of Stimulants, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.Police reminded the public, "always lock your vehicle and never leave the keys in it- remove valuables or at the very least hide them out of sight- park in busy, well-lit areas or your garage and report suspicious activity to the police.

Kansas felon caught breaking into cars in SW Kansas

ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — The man accused of killing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">UnitedHealthcare’s CEO</a>&nbsp;struggled with deputies and shouted while being led into court Tuesday as new details emerged about his possible motivation behind the ambush.

In his first public words since a five-day search ended with his arrest at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-luigi-mangione-10ee2f70cd843a27940a9cf1a06edf55">Luigi Nicholas Mangione</a>&nbsp;emerged from a patrol car shouting about an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” while deputies pushed him inside a courthouse.

The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family is fighting attempts to extradite him to New York so that he can face a murder charge in the Manhattan killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-new-york-shooting-brian-thompson-8a130e64bcab749d1a085f5a34ab8254">Brian Thompson</a>, who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company.

A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said that at the time of his arrest, Mangione was carrying a handwritten document expressing anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed and power.

He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin.

In social media posts, Mangione called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ted-kaczynski-unabomber-dies-federal-prison-95fdd4f398fbfe20aaadf5d53a91dc26">“Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski</a>&nbsp;— who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology — a “political revolutionary,” according to the police bulletin.

Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police.

Manhattan prosecutors were beginning to take steps to bring Mangione to New York, but at a brief hearing Tuesday, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey said his client will not waive extradition and instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail after prosecutors said he was too dangerous to be released.

He mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally looking at papers, rocking in his chair or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion but was quieted by his lawyer.

“You can’t rush to judgment in this case or any case,” Dickey said afterward. “He’s presumed innocent. Let’s not forget that.”

Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City, after a McDonald’s customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said.

Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald's while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair.

New York police officials have said Mangione was carrying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghost-guns-unitedhealthcare-ceo-1e3b449dd9ed5fabeb2ad592fde91575">a gun</a>&nbsp;like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs.

A law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said a three-page, handwritten document found with Mangione included a line in which he claimed to have acted alone.

“To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official.

It also said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.”

Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the shooter quickly fled the city, likely by bus.

Mangione was born into a life of country clubs and privilege. His grandfather was a self-made real estate developer and philanthropist.

Valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said.

“Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland Del. Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.”

From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu.

Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin.

“Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. "There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.”

At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said.

Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment.

Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-suspect-c68d0328f278d85fcf201ae89f634098">Manhattan police have obtained a warrant</a>&nbsp;for the arrest of 26-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">Luigi Nicholas Mangione</a>, suspect in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-suspect-ceo-assassin-shooter-b5ff640798d799271ddd8db9f3d2a20e">killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-new-york-shooting-brian-thompson-8a130e64bcab749d1a085f5a34ab8254">Brian Thompson</a>. Mangione was arrested at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-updates-day-7#00000193-b150-dbf5-a1ff-f57178a60000">McDonald’s</a>&nbsp;in Altoona, Pennsylvania, while carrying a gun, mask and writings linking him to the ambush.

Mangione is being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-updates-day-7#00000193-b15e-dcc6-afb7-bd5f33e10000">held without bail</a>&nbsp;in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument.

The White House condemns the ‘horrific’ killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says “violence to combat any sort of corporate greed is unacceptable” and the White House will “continue to condemn any form of violence.”

She declined to comment on the investigation into the Dec. 4 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson or reports that writings belonging to the suspect, Luigi Mangione, said insurance companies care more about profits than their customers.

“This is horrific,” Jean-Pierre said of the fatal shooting of Thompson as he walked in Manhattan.

He didn’t appear to say anything as deputies led him to a waiting car outside.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issues a statement on the shooting

“I’m deeply grateful to the men and women of law enforcement whose efforts to solve the horrific murder of Brian Thompson led to the arrest of a suspect in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Hochul said in the statement. “I am coordinating with the District Attorney’s Office and will sign a request for a governor’s warrant to ensure this individual is tried and held accountable. Public safety is my top priority and I’ll do everything in my power to keep the streets of New York safe.”

From wealth and success to murder suspect, the life of Luigi Mangione took a hard turn

Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manhattan-shooting-death-daa1e8c8c05606197a5bd2e0242f1683">the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive</a>&nbsp;in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation’s top private universities.

Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties.

Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-new-york-shooting-brian-thompson-8a130e64bcab749d1a085f5a34ab8254">UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson</a>&nbsp;in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-suspect-ceo-assassin-shooter-b5ff640798d799271ddd8db9f3d2a20e">The killing</a>&nbsp;sparked widespread discussions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-delay-deny-defend-depose-ee73ceb19f361835c654f04a3b88c50c">corporate greed,</a>&nbsp;unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer.

▶ Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-luigi-mangione-10ee2f70cd843a27940a9cf1a06edf55">Luigi Mangione</a>

Pennsylvania prosecutor will work with NY officials to return suspect

Peter Weeks, the Blair County district attorney, says he’ll work with New York officials to try to return suspect Luigi Mangione there to face charges.

Weeks said the New York charges are “more serious” than in Blair County.

“We believe their charges take precedent,” Weeks said, promising to do what’s needed to accommodate New York’s prosecution first.

Weeks spoke to reporters after a brief hearing at which a defense lawyer said Mangione will fight extradition. The defense asked for a hearing on the issue. In the meantime, Mangione will be detained at a state prison in western Pennsylvania.

What New York officials will do to bring Mangione back there

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office said Tuesday it will seek a Governor’s warrant to secure Mangione’s extradition to Manhattan.

Under state law, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul can issue a warrant of arrest demanding Mangione’s return to the state. Such a warrant must recite the facts necessary to the validity of its issuance and be sealed with the state seal. It would then be presented to law enforcement in Pennsylvania to expedite Mangione’s return to New York.

District attorney says Mangione contesting extradition will create ‘extra hoops’ to jump through

But Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks says it won’t be a substantial barrier to returning Mangione to New York.

He noted that defendants contest extradition “all the time,” including in simple retail theft cases.

In court, Mangione said he understood his rights

Dickey, his defense lawyer, questioned whether the second-degree murder charge filed in New York might be eligible for bail under Pennsylvania law, but prosecutors raised concerns about both public safety and Mangione being a potential flight risk, and the judge denied it.

Mangione will continue to be housed at a state prison in Huntingdon.

Defense lawyer Thomas Dickey told the court Mangione wants a hearing on the extradition issue

He has 14 days to challenge the detention.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, have a month to seek a governor’s warrant out of New York.

Mangione, wearing an orange jumpsuit, mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally consulting papers, rocking in his chair, or looking back at the gallery.

At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion, but was quieted by his lawyer.

Suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO is contesting his extradition back to New York

Luigi Mangione, 26, has also been denied bail at a brief court hearing in western Pennsylvania. He has 14 days to challenge the bail decision.

An account on X that appears to belong to Mangione was still up as of Tuesday

That’s with some intervention from owner Elon Musk.

The account, which hasn’t posted since June, was briefly suspended by X. But after a user inquired about it in a post Monday, Musk responded “This happened without my knowledge. Looking into it.” The account was later reinstated.

Other social media companies such as Meta have removed his accounts. According to X rules, the platform removes “any accounts maintained by individual perpetrators of terrorist, violent extremist, or mass violent attacks, as well as any accounts glorifying the perpetrator(s), or dedicated to sharing manifestos and/or third party links where related content is hosted.”

Mangione is not accused of perpetrating a terrorist or mass attack — he has been charged with murder — and his account doesn’t appear to share any writings about the case.

Mangione shouted and struggled with officers as he arrived in court

He shouted something that was partly unintelligible, but referred to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people.”

He’s there for an arraignment on local charges stemming from his arrest Monday.

Mangione arrives at court in Pennsylvania

He was dressed in an orange jumpsuit as officers led him from a vehicle into the courthouse.

Local defense lawyer Thomas Dickey is expected to represent the 26-year-old at a Tuesday afternoon hearing at the Blair County Courthouse. Dickey declined comment before the hearing.

Mangione could have the Pennsylvania charges read aloud to him and may be asked to enter a plea.

They include possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. In New York, he was charged late Monday with murder in the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">UnitedHealthcare’s CEO</a>&nbsp;Brian Thompson.

Bulletin says Mangione likely motivated by anger toward ‘parasitic’ health insurance companies

Mangione likely was motivated by his anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain with corporate greed, said a a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press.

He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s hand-written notes and social media postings.

He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said.

Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said.

Police say they found ‘written admissions about the crime’ in Luigi Mangione’s belongings

A felony warrant filed in New York cites Altoona Officer Christy Wasser as saying she found the writings along with a semi-automatic pistol and an apparent silencer.

The filing echoes earlier statements from NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny who said Mangione had a three-page, handwritten document that shows “some ill will toward corporate America.”

Mangione is now charged in Pennsylvania with being a fugitive of justice.

McDonald’s customer: ‘My one friend thought he looked like the shooter’

A customer at the McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested said one of his friends had commented beforehand that the man looked like the suspect wanted for the shooting in New York City.

“It started out almost a little bit like a joke, my one friend thought he looked like the shooter,” said the customer, who declined to give his full name, on Tuesday.

“It wasn’t really a joke, but we laughed about it,” he added.

Manhattan prosecutors have obtained a warrant for Mangione’s arrest

The warrant on murder and other charges is a step that could help expedite his extradition from Pennsylvania.

In court papers made public Tuesday, a New York City police detective reiterated key findings in the investigation he said tied Mangione to the killing, including surveillance footage and a fake ID he used to check into a Manhattan hostel on Nov. 24.

Police officers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, found that ID when they arrested Mangione on Monday.

Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Mangione doesn’t yet have a lawyer who can speak on his behalf, court officials said.

Suspect in killing of insurance CEO struggles, shouts entering court

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just&nbsp;before 2:30a.m. Tuesday, patrol officers were dispatched to 51st and Indiana on an ambulance in route call, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

First responders located a man outside of a vehicle near the intersection. He appeared to be suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.

This is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Investigators are working to determine the events that led up to the shooting. Crime scene personnel were called to process the scene for any physical evidence and detectives are canvassing the area for potential witnesses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733837531884.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City. Just&nbsp;before 2:30a.m. Tuesday, patrol officers were dispatched to 51st and Indiana on an ambulance in route call, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.First responders located a man outside of a vehicle near the intersection. He appeared to be suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.This is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Investigators are working to determine the events that led up to the shooting. Crime scene personnel were called to process the scene for any physical evidence and detectives are canvassing the area for potential witnesses.

KCPD: Man shot and found lying outside vehicle

ANDERSON COUNTY —Two people including a juvenile were injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Monday in Anderson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Polaris Ranger driven by James G&nbsp;Matthiesen,&nbsp; 40, Lane, was northbound at 29852 Neosho Road one half miles north of 2000 Road. The driver was unable to navigate a curve due to an oncoming vehicle. The driver lost lost control of the UTV and it overturned.

EMS transported&nbsp;Matthiesen to the Anderson County hospital in Garnet and a 13-year-old passenger Trevor J. Matthiesen of Lane to Children's Mercy for treatment of serious injuries.

ANDERSON COUNTY —Two people including a juvenile were injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Monday in Anderson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Polaris Ranger driven by James G&nbsp;Matthiesen,&nbsp; 40, Lane, was northbound at 29852 Neosho Road one half miles north of 2000 Road. The driver was unable to navigate a curve due to an oncoming vehicle. The driver lost lost control of the UTV and it overturned.EMS transported&nbsp;Matthiesen to the Anderson County hospital in Garnet and a 13-year-old passenger Trevor J. Matthiesen of Lane to Children's Mercy for treatment of serious injuries.

13-year-old Kan. boy seriously injured after UTV overturns

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> State's Newsroom

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733856776956.png" alt="President-elect Donald Trump was interviewed for an edition of NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” that aired on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo courtesy of NBC News)" />
 <figcaption>President-elect Donald Trump was interviewed for an edition of NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” that aired on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo courtesy of NBC News)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump vowed to sign an executive order on his first day in office to end the constitutional right to U.S. citizenship for anyone born in the country, during an extensive Sunday interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.”But Trump also admitted there would be legal hurdles to carrying out his policy goal of amending the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;<a href="https://hrp.law.harvard.edu/press-statement-constitutional-law-scholars-respond-to-trumps-threats-against-birthright-citizenship/" target="_blank">Many constitutional legal scholars have argued</a>&nbsp;that Trump could not halt what is known as birthright citizenship through an executive order.“We have to end it,” Trump told Welker. “We’re going to end that because it’s ridiculous.”On other immigration topics, he said he is willing to make a deal with Democrats on keeping so-called Dreamers in the U.S., and he supports deporting entire families in his mass deportation plans, even if the children themselves are U.S. citizens.But some of his most extensive comments were on birthright citizenship. “We’re gonna have to get it changed,” Trump said of the 14th Amendment.<h2>Ratified in 1868</h2><a href="https://exchange.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/birthright-citizenship-united-states" target="_blank">The U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;was ratified in 1868 and guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born in the country.“All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” according to the 14th Amendment.Trump said that he will try to end birthright citizenship through an executive order, “if we can.”Experts take issue.&nbsp;“There is today no serious scholarly debate about whether a president can, through executive action, contradict the Supreme Court’s long-standing and consistent interpretation of the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment,” Gerald Neuman, director of the human rights program at Harvard Law School, said in a statement in 2018 along with a group of constitutional law scholars.Two-thirds of both the U.S. House and Senate would be required to vote to approve an amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-constitution/#:~:text=An%20amendment%20may%20be%20proposed,slavery%20and%20the%20slave%20trade." target="_blank">changing the Constitution</a>, and three-fourths of state legislatures would have to ratify such an amendment for it to take effect. A convention could also be called by two-thirds of state legislatures.While Republicans are set to control both chambers by January, it’s not by a margin of two-thirds.During the interview, Trump also inaccurately claimed that the United States is the only country in the world that has birthright citizenship.<a href="https://maint.loc.gov/law/help/birthright-citizenship/global.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;More than a dozen&nbsp;</a>countries bestow birthright citizenship, from Canada to Brazil.Some countries have birthright citizenship, but with restrictions, such as France, which requires at least one parent be a citizen in order for the child to obtain citizenship.<h2>A branch extended to Dreamers</h2>Welker asked Trump what his plans are for the Dreamers, the more than 500,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that he tried to end during his first administration. The DACA program is currently waiting for a federal court to<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/10/10/federal-appeals-court-weighs-fate-of-daca-program/" target="_blank">&nbsp;decide its legal fate.</a>“These are people that have been brought here at a very young age and many of these are middle-aged people now, they don’t even speak the language of their country,” he said.Trump said that he would “work with the Democrats on a plan,” but did not elaborate on any details.Welker asked Trump about his mass deportation plans, a campaign pledge to deport millions of undocumented people, and how that would affect the more than 4 million mixed-status families, meaning families with different immigration statuses.“I don’t want to be breaking up families,” Trump said. “So the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.”Welker asked if that included, “even kids who are here legally?”“Whatcha gonna do if they want to stay with the father?” Trump said. “We have to have rules and regulations.”Trump did not answer repeated questions as to whether he would bring back one of his harshest immigration policies,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/governmental_legislative_work/priorities_policy/immigration/familyseparation/" target="_blank">known as family separation,</a>&nbsp;that separated parents from their children at the border. While most have been reunited, there are still about a quarter of children who are not with their parents.“We don’t have to separate families,” Trump said. “We’ll send the whole family, very humanely, back to the country where they came.”