NEW YORK (AP) — Visa and Mastercard have proposed a settlement in their long-running legal dispute with merchants and retailers over how much they charge merchants to accept their cards.

The most important part of the settlement could directly impact how customers use their Visa- and Mastercard-issued credit cards, and may result in some consumers getting denied at the point-of-sale for purchases

Visa and Mastercard have been in litigation with a class-action group of merchants for nearly 20 years over the costs they impose on merchants to use their payment networks, known as interchange. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/visa-mastercard-merchants-swipe-fee-5f2a75674d472ef95af9f6fd426f1f6e">previous settlement</a>&nbsp;was rejected by the judge overseeing the case last this year, requiring Visa and Mastercard’s lawyers to go back to the drawing board on the scope and size of the settlement.

The new part of the settlement announced Monday addresses the “honor all cards” rule, a cornerstone of how credit and debit cards work in the U.S.

The “honor all cards” rule states that if a merchant accepts Visa or Mastercard as a form of payment, they are required to accept all iterations of Visa and Mastercard products, regardless of who issues it and the cost to the merchant.

That has led to consternation among merchants over the years because rewards-heavy credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Citi Strata Elite, use a premium version of a Visa or Mastercard. For the Sapphire Reserve, Chase uses the Visa Infinite card, and for a card like Strata Elite, it’s issued as a World Elite Mastercard. These cards have gotten far more popular in the last decade.

Both a Visa Infinite and World Elite Mastercard cost more for a merchant to accept. The amount of additional interchange a merchant will pay varies on size and industry, but one example is the Visa Infinite, which can be 15 basis points (0.15%) more expensive than a Visa Signature (a mid-tier credit card) for a merchant to accept.

Under the proposed settlement, merchants could discriminate between the different tiers of Visa and Mastercard products, meaning high-reward credit card users may be declined at checkout if the merchant has opted out of accepting the higher-tier card. A merchant may also be able to pass along the higher cost to accept the rewards cards to the customer in the form of a surcharge on their bill, under the proposed settlement.

This will place merchants in the position of making a choice: accept all cards with the higher fees or reject some of the higher-fee cards and likely upset wealthier consumers who typically enjoy earning points on routine purchases.

Like the previous settlement last year, merchants would receive a temporary reduction on swipe fees for a few years. In this settlement it would be a 10 basis point reduction in swipe fees for five years, and standard credit card transactions would be processed at 1.25% of the purchase price for eight years.

When the settlement was announced on Monday, the major merchant and retail lobby groups came out in opposition, so it’s not certain whether this settlement will ultimately be the one that is finalized. Merchants and lobbyists have been pushing for years to get Congress to regulate interchange fees, as they do with debit cards. The merchant groups say this settlement does not go far enough.

“Once again, this proposal is all window dressing and no substance. The reduction in swipe fees doesn’t begin to go far enough, and the change in the honor-all-cards rule would accomplish nothing. If the courts can’t fix this, it’s time for Congress to take action,” said Stephanie Martz, chief administrative officer and general counsel for the National Retail Federation, in a statement.

The payment networks, who are ready to put the matter behind them after two decades of litigation, say this may be the best solution for the merchants to potentially avoid a drawn out trial-and-appeal process.

“We believe that this is the best resolution for all parties, delivering the clarity, flexibility and consumer protections that were sought in this effort,” a Mastercard company spokesperson said.

The settlement involves Visa and Mastercard only. American Express, which uses a closed-loop system where it’s both the issuing bank and payment network for their cards, is not involved in this ongoing litigation. The settlement also does not impact debit cards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675718911158.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Visa and Mastercard have proposed a settlement in their long-running legal dispute with merchants and retailers over how much they charge merchants to accept their cards.The most important part of the settlement could directly impact how customers use their Visa- and Mastercard-issued credit cards, and may result in some consumers getting denied at the point-of-sale for purchasesVisa and Mastercard have been in litigation with a class-action group of merchants for nearly 20 years over the costs they impose on merchants to use their payment networks, known as interchange. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/visa-mastercard-merchants-swipe-fee-5f2a75674d472ef95af9f6fd426f1f6e">previous settlement</a>&nbsp;was rejected by the judge overseeing the case last this year, requiring Visa and Mastercard’s lawyers to go back to the drawing board on the scope and size of the settlement.The new part of the settlement announced Monday addresses the “honor all cards” rule, a cornerstone of how credit and debit cards work in the U.S.The “honor all cards” rule states that if a merchant accepts Visa or Mastercard as a form of payment, they are required to accept all iterations of Visa and Mastercard products, regardless of who issues it and the cost to the merchant.That has led to consternation among merchants over the years because rewards-heavy credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Citi Strata Elite, use a premium version of a Visa or Mastercard. For the Sapphire Reserve, Chase uses the Visa Infinite card, and for a card like Strata Elite, it’s issued as a World Elite Mastercard. These cards have gotten far more popular in the last decade.Both a Visa Infinite and World Elite Mastercard cost more for a merchant to accept. The amount of additional interchange a merchant will pay varies on size and industry, but one example is the Visa Infinite, which can be 15 basis points (0.15%) more expensive than a Visa Signature (a mid-tier credit card) for a merchant to accept.Under the proposed settlement, merchants could discriminate between the different tiers of Visa and Mastercard products, meaning high-reward credit card users may be declined at checkout if the merchant has opted out of accepting the higher-tier card. A merchant may also be able to pass along the higher cost to accept the rewards cards to the customer in the form of a surcharge on their bill, under the proposed settlement.This will place merchants in the position of making a choice: accept all cards with the higher fees or reject some of the higher-fee cards and likely upset wealthier consumers who typically enjoy earning points on routine purchases.Like the previous settlement last year, merchants would receive a temporary reduction on swipe fees for a few years. In this settlement it would be a 10 basis point reduction in swipe fees for five years, and standard credit card transactions would be processed at 1.25% of the purchase price for eight years.When the settlement was announced on Monday, the major merchant and retail lobby groups came out in opposition, so it’s not certain whether this settlement will ultimately be the one that is finalized. Merchants and lobbyists have been pushing for years to get Congress to regulate interchange fees, as they do with debit cards. The merchant groups say this settlement does not go far enough.“Once again, this proposal is all window dressing and no substance. The reduction in swipe fees doesn’t begin to go far enough, and the change in the honor-all-cards rule would accomplish nothing. If the courts can’t fix this, it’s time for Congress to take action,” said Stephanie Martz, chief administrative officer and general counsel for the National Retail Federation, in a statement.The payment networks, who are ready to put the matter behind them after two decades of litigation, say this may be the best solution for the merchants to potentially avoid a drawn out trial-and-appeal process.“We believe that this is the best resolution for all parties, delivering the clarity, flexibility and consumer protections that were sought in this effort,” a Mastercard company spokesperson said.The settlement involves Visa and Mastercard only. American Express, which uses a closed-loop system where it’s both the issuing bank and payment network for their cards, is not involved in this ongoing litigation. The settlement also does not impact debit cards.

Why a Visa-Mastercard legal settlement could lead to your rewards credit card getting declined

By TIFFANY STANLEY &nbsp;Associated Press

U.S. Catholic bishops voted Wednesday to make official a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender patients at Catholic hospitals. The step formalizes a yearslong process for the U.S. church to address transgender health care.

From a Baltimore hotel ballroom, the bishops overwhelmingly approved revisions to their ethical and religious directives that guide the nation’s thousands of Catholic health care institutions and providers.

More than one in seven patients in the U.S. are treated each day at Catholic hospitals, according to the Catholic Health Association. Catholic hospitals are the only medical center in some communities.

Major medical groups and health organizations support gender-affirming care for transgender patients.

Most Catholic health care institutions have taken a conservative approach and not offered gender-affirming care, which may involve hormonal, psychological and surgical treatments. The new directives will formalize that mandate. Bishops will have autonomy in making the directives into law for their dioceses.

“With regard to the gender ideology, I think it’s very important the church makes a strong statement here,” said Bishop Robert Barron of Minnesota’s Winona-Rochester diocese during the public discussion of the revised directives.

The Catholic Health Association thanked the bishops for incorporating much of the organization’s feedback into the directives. It said in a statement, “Catholic providers will continue to welcome those who seek medical care from us and identify as transgender. We will continue to treat these individuals with dignity and respect, which is consistent with Catholic social teaching and our moral obligation to serve everyone, particularly those who are marginalized.”

The new guidelines incorporate earlier documents on gender identity from the Vatican in 2024 and the U.S. bishops in 2023.

In the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-bishops-lgbtq-transgender-health-care-d840600deab56a681e02d16463322892">2023 doctrinal note</a>, titled “Moral Limits to the Technological Manipulation of the Human Body,” the bishops specified: “Catholic health care services must not perform interventions, whether surgical or chemical, that aim to transform the sexual characteristics of a human body into those of the opposite sex, or take part in the development of such procedures.”

The Catholic Church is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-united-states-gender-identity-marquette-e88473adf85944f912511fc85d542d29">not monolithic</a>&nbsp;when it comes to transgender rights. Some parishes and priests welcome trans Catholics into the fold, while others are not as accepting.

“Catholic teaching upholds the invaluable dignity of every human life, and for many trans people, gender-affirming care is what makes life livable,” said Michael Sennett, a trans man who is active in his Massachusetts parish.

Sennett serves on the board of New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church. In 2024, the group arranged a meeting with Pope Francis to discuss the need for gender-affirming care.

New Ways Ministry’s executive director, Francis DeBernardo, said that for many transgender Catholics he knows, "the transition process was not just a biological necessity, but a spiritual imperative. That if they were going to be living as authentic people in the way that they believe God made them, then transition becomes a necessary thing.”

On the same day that U.S. Catholic bishops were discussing gender identity, the heads of several major progressive religious denominations issued a statement in support of transgender, intersex and nonbinary people, at a time when many state legislatures and the Trump administration are curtailing their rights.

The 10 signers included the heads of the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Episcopal Church, the Union for Reform Judaism and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

“During a time when our country is placing their lives under increasingly serious threat, there is a disgraceful misconception that all people of faith do not affirm the full spectrum of gender – a great many of us do. Let it be known instead that our beloveds are created in the image of God – Holy and whole,” the religious leaders said in a statement.

U.S. bishops united in their concern for immigrants

The Catholic bishops, wrapping up their conference in Baltimore, overwhelmingly approved a “special message” on immigration Wednesday. Such pastoral statements are rare; the last was in 2013 in response to the Obama administration’s mandate for insurers to provide contraception coverage.

Catholic leaders individually have criticized the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-crackdown-catholic-church-washington-874e6deca9e54a4e14081c63adca7718">Fear of immigration enforcement</a>&nbsp;has suppressed Mass attendance at some parishes. Local clerics are fighting to administer sacraments to detained immigrants.

“We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement,” the bishops’ statement reads. “We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care.”

In a show of unity, multiple bishops stood up to speak in favor of the statement during the final afternoon discussion, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-catholic-bishops-new-leader-trump-immigration-d34d176942aa0a0faf7e9842e0973c87">Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley</a>, the newly elected president of the conference.

“I’m strongly in support of it for the good of our immigrant brothers and sisters, but also to find a nice balance,” Coakley said, noting that they call “upon our lawmakers and our administration to offer us a meaningful path of reform of our immigration system.”

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich walked to the microphone to recommend stronger language around mass deportation. “That seems to be the central issue we are facing with our people at this time,” he said.

His brother bishops agreed. The updated text now states that U.S. Catholic bishops “oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people.”

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763255006732.png" alt="Image from the conference video" />
 <figcaption>Image from the conference video</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIFFANY STANLEY &nbsp;Associated PressU.S. Catholic bishops voted Wednesday to make official a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender patients at Catholic hospitals. The step formalizes a yearslong process for the U.S. church to address transgender health care.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k1KwnUlUoww?si=c6W_7RtFb2O9mofy&amp;start=12" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>From a Baltimore hotel ballroom, the bishops overwhelmingly approved revisions to their ethical and religious directives that guide the nation’s thousands of Catholic health care institutions and providers.More than one in seven patients in the U.S. are treated each day at Catholic hospitals, according to the Catholic Health Association. Catholic hospitals are the only medical center in some communities.Major medical groups and health organizations support gender-affirming care for transgender patients.Most Catholic health care institutions have taken a conservative approach and not offered gender-affirming care, which may involve hormonal, psychological and surgical treatments. The new directives will formalize that mandate. Bishops will have autonomy in making the directives into law for their dioceses.“With regard to the gender ideology, I think it’s very important the church makes a strong statement here,” said Bishop Robert Barron of Minnesota’s Winona-Rochester diocese during the public discussion of the revised directives.The Catholic Health Association thanked the bishops for incorporating much of the organization’s feedback into the directives. It said in a statement, “Catholic providers will continue to welcome those who seek medical care from us and identify as transgender. We will continue to treat these individuals with dignity and respect, which is consistent with Catholic social teaching and our moral obligation to serve everyone, particularly those who are marginalized.”The new guidelines incorporate earlier documents on gender identity from the Vatican in 2024 and the U.S. bishops in 2023.In the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-bishops-lgbtq-transgender-health-care-d840600deab56a681e02d16463322892">2023 doctrinal note</a>, titled “Moral Limits to the Technological Manipulation of the Human Body,” the bishops specified: “Catholic health care services must not perform interventions, whether surgical or chemical, that aim to transform the sexual characteristics of a human body into those of the opposite sex, or take part in the development of such procedures.”<h2>Progressive religious voices respond</h2>The Catholic Church is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-united-states-gender-identity-marquette-e88473adf85944f912511fc85d542d29">not monolithic</a>&nbsp;when it comes to transgender rights. Some parishes and priests welcome trans Catholics into the fold, while others are not as accepting.“Catholic teaching upholds the invaluable dignity of every human life, and for many trans people, gender-affirming care is what makes life livable,” said Michael Sennett, a trans man who is active in his Massachusetts parish.Sennett serves on the board of New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church. In 2024, the group arranged a meeting with Pope Francis to discuss the need for gender-affirming care.New Ways Ministry’s executive director, Francis DeBernardo, said that for many transgender Catholics he knows, "the transition process was not just a biological necessity, but a spiritual imperative. That if they were going to be living as authentic people in the way that they believe God made them, then transition becomes a necessary thing.”On the same day that U.S. Catholic bishops were discussing gender identity, the heads of several major progressive religious denominations issued a statement in support of transgender, intersex and nonbinary people, at a time when many state legislatures and the Trump administration are curtailing their rights.The 10 signers included the heads of the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Episcopal Church, the Union for Reform Judaism and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).“During a time when our country is placing their lives under increasingly serious threat, there is a disgraceful misconception that all people of faith do not affirm the full spectrum of gender – a great many of us do. Let it be known instead that our beloveds are created in the image of God – Holy and whole,” the religious leaders said in a statement.<h2>U.S. bishops united in their concern for immigrants</h2>The Catholic bishops, wrapping up their conference in Baltimore, overwhelmingly approved a “special message” on immigration Wednesday. Such pastoral statements are rare; the last was in 2013 in response to the Obama administration’s mandate for insurers to provide contraception coverage.Catholic leaders individually have criticized the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-crackdown-catholic-church-washington-874e6deca9e54a4e14081c63adca7718">Fear of immigration enforcement</a>&nbsp;has suppressed Mass attendance at some parishes. Local clerics are fighting to administer sacraments to detained immigrants.“We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement,” the bishops’ statement reads. “We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care.”In a show of unity, multiple bishops stood up to speak in favor of the statement during the final afternoon discussion, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-catholic-bishops-new-leader-trump-immigration-d34d176942aa0a0faf7e9842e0973c87">Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley</a>, the newly elected president of the conference.“I’m strongly in support of it for the good of our immigrant brothers and sisters, but also to find a nice balance,” Coakley said, noting that they call “upon our lawmakers and our administration to offer us a meaningful path of reform of our immigration system.”Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich walked to the microphone to recommend stronger language around mass deportation. “That seems to be the central issue we are facing with our people at this time,” he said.His brother bishops agreed. The updated text now states that U.S. Catholic bishops “oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people.”___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

US Catholic bishops address gender affirming care, immigration

OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues investigating an officer-involved shooting that left one suspect deceased and four officers injured.

Just before 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the Osage County Sheriff's Office and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at 11222 S. Topeka Ave. in Osage County after a female resident called 911, according to a media release from the KBI.

Law enforcement encountered a male suspect, identified as Stephen M. McMillan, 22, outside the residence. During the encounter, gunfire was exchanged. Three deputies and two KHP troopers fired during the incident. In the shooting, three deputies, one trooper, the suspect and a male resident were struck. The male resident was identified as the suspect's 77-year-old grandfather.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, cleared the residence, and rendered aid to the injured. All law enforcement officers were transported to Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. The trooper was later transferred to KU Medical Center. The suspect's grandfather, 77, was also injured and taken to the hospital. McMillan was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

As of this update, two deputies from the Osage County Sheriff's Office underwent surgery and are in good condition, and the other was discharged from the hospital. The KHP trooper and McMillan's grandfather are expected to recover.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes case findings will be presented to the prosecutor for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763259271274.png" alt="Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene -Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene -Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues investigating an officer-involved shooting that left one suspect deceased and four officers injured.Just before 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the Osage County Sheriff's Office and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at 11222 S. Topeka Ave. in Osage County after a female resident called 911, according to a media release from the KBI.Law enforcement encountered a male suspect, identified as Stephen M. McMillan, 22, outside the residence. During the encounter, gunfire was exchanged. Three deputies and two KHP troopers fired during the incident. In the shooting, three deputies, one trooper, the suspect and a male resident were struck. The male resident was identified as the suspect's 77-year-old grandfather.Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, cleared the residence, and rendered aid to the injured. All law enforcement officers were transported to Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. The trooper was later transferred to KU Medical Center. The suspect's grandfather, 77, was also injured and taken to the hospital. McMillan was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;As of this update, two deputies from the Osage County Sheriff's Office underwent surgery and are in good condition, and the other was discharged from the hospital. The KHP trooper and McMillan's grandfather are expected to recover.This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.When this investigation concludes case findings will be presented to the prosecutor for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.

Update on Kansas deputies,Trooper injured in gunfight 

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fetterman-hospitalized-ventricular-fibrillation-cbbab8f44a228142a9ae0f7c8ed65e66">Sen. John Fetterman</a>&nbsp;says he has returned home to his family in Pennsylvania after being hospitalized due to what his office said was a ventricular fibrillation flare-up that caused him to feel light-headed and fall during an early morning walk Thursday.

Fetterman, D-Pa., posted a picture Saturday on X that showed the aftereffects to his nose and forehead, saying “20 stitches later and a full recovery, I’m back home” with his wife, Gisele, and their children.

The smiling Fetterman also said he was grateful for the medical team in Pittsburgh that “put me back together.”

Ventricular fibrillation is the most serious form of abnormal heartbeat and can lead to cardiac arrest — when the heart suddenly stops beating — and sudden cardiac death, according to the American Heart Association.

Ventricular fibrillation occurs in the heart’s lower chambers, and the heart association says its causes include cardiomyopathy, which Fetterman was diagnosed with in 2022. Cardiomyopathy can impede blood flow and potentially cause heartbeats so irregular they can be fatal.

Fetterman, 56, disclosed that he was diagnosed with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-pennsylvania-government-and-politics-0c413bfeb7b00ceae5c172c7fa33007e">cardiomyopathy</a>&nbsp;and another type of abnormal heartbeat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-stroke-campaigns-congress-2216e12ec0d031d89d5343cf4f24d42c">atrial fibrillation</a>, after he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-government-and-politics-congress-0bedb2673ca27915afcbc84e36f42cfe">had a stroke</a>&nbsp;during his 2022 campaign.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fetterman-hospitalized-ventricular-fibrillation-cbbab8f44a228142a9ae0f7c8ed65e66">Sen. John Fetterman</a>&nbsp;says he has returned home to his family in Pennsylvania after being hospitalized due to what his office said was a ventricular fibrillation flare-up that caused him to feel light-headed and fall during an early morning walk Thursday.Fetterman, D-Pa., posted a picture Saturday on X that showed the aftereffects to his nose and forehead, saying “20 stitches later and a full recovery, I’m back home” with his wife, Gisele, and their children.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">20 stitches later and a full recovery, I’m back home with <a href="https://twitter.com/giselefetterman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@giselefetterman</a> and the kids. I’m overwhelmed + profoundly grateful for all the well-wishes. Truly. Grateful for <a href="https://twitter.com/UPMC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UPMC</a> for the incredible medical care that put me back together. THANK YOU SO MUCH. See you back in DC. <a href="https://t.co/j81LXZGLBx">pic.twitter.com/j81LXZGLBx</a>&mdash; U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenFettermanPA/status/1989784336170684880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The smiling Fetterman also said he was grateful for the medical team in Pittsburgh that “put me back together.”“See you back in DC,” he concluded.Ventricular fibrillation is the most serious form of abnormal heartbeat and can lead to cardiac arrest — when the heart suddenly stops beating — and sudden cardiac death, according to the American Heart Association.Ventricular fibrillation occurs in the heart’s lower chambers, and the heart association says its causes include cardiomyopathy, which Fetterman was diagnosed with in 2022. Cardiomyopathy can impede blood flow and potentially cause heartbeats so irregular they can be fatal.Fetterman, 56, disclosed that he was diagnosed with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-pennsylvania-government-and-politics-0c413bfeb7b00ceae5c172c7fa33007e">cardiomyopathy</a>&nbsp;and another type of abnormal heartbeat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-stroke-campaigns-congress-2216e12ec0d031d89d5343cf4f24d42c">atrial fibrillation</a>, after he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-government-and-politics-congress-0bedb2673ca27915afcbc84e36f42cfe">had a stroke</a>&nbsp;during his 2022 campaign.

U.S. Senator shares graphic photo after heart rhythm scare

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a building fire In Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;

Just before noon Saturday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported building fire in the 11300 block of Blue Ridge Boulevard, according to Kansas Fire Department Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

 On arrival crews reported smoke showing and found a fire in the basement of the building. KCFD quickly got the fire under control and checked for extension.&nbsp;Searches of the building came back all clear. KCFD transported 3 civilian patients from the scene by ambulance to a local hospital.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a building fire In Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;Just before noon Saturday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported building fire in the 11300 block of Blue Ridge Boulevard, according to Kansas Fire Department Battalion Chief Riley Nolan. On arrival crews reported smoke showing and found a fire in the basement of the building. KCFD quickly got the fire under control and checked for extension.&nbsp;Searches of the building came back all clear. KCFD transported 3 civilian patients from the scene by ambulance to a local hospital.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

3 hospitalized after  building fire in Kansas City

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — A Texas trooper who had an altercation with South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor after his touchdown on Saturday was sent home from the game, according to the state Department of Public Safety.

Harbor scored on an 80-yard reception in the second quarter and ran into the tunnel limping following the score. As he and three other players were walking back to the field, the trooper walked in between Harbor and another player and bumped into them as they passed each other.

The trooper and Harbor turned around and the trooper pointed at Harbor with both hands and said something to him. Harbor was quickly pushed away by his teammate and they continued to the field.

The public safety department issued a statement saying the trooper was sent home.

“Our Office of Inspector General (OIG) is also aware of the incident and will be further looking into the matter. No additional information will be released at this time,” the statement reads.

The video was widely shared on social media with many commenting on it, including Lakers star LeBron James.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — A Texas trooper who had an altercation with South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor after his touchdown on Saturday was sent home from the game, according to the state Department of Public Safety.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Any comments on this embarrassing behavior? <a href="https://twitter.com/TAMUPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TAMUPolice</a> 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/BDxdkeqMDe">pic.twitter.com/BDxdkeqMDe</a>&mdash; RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedditCFB/status/1989765735107699132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Harbor scored on an 80-yard reception in the second quarter and ran into the tunnel limping following the score. As he and three other players were walking back to the field, the trooper walked in between Harbor and another player and bumped into them as they passed each other.The trooper and Harbor turned around and the trooper pointed at Harbor with both hands and said something to him. Harbor was quickly pushed away by his teammate and they continued to the field.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is aware of the incident that occurred today during the Texas A&amp;M football game. The DPS Trooper involved was sent home from the game. Our Office of Inspector General (OIG) is also aware of the incident and will be further looking into…&mdash; Texas DPS (@TxDPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/TxDPS/status/1989787150485725668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The public safety department issued a statement saying the trooper was sent home.“Our Office of Inspector General (OIG) is also aware of the incident and will be further looking into the matter. No additional information will be released at this time,” the statement reads.The video was widely shared on social media with many commenting on it, including Lakers star LeBron James.

🎥Texas trooper who had run-in with player was sent home from game

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>

WASHINGTON — Congress has roughly two months to find bipartisan agreement to curb rising health insurance costs if lawmakers want to avoid another government shutdown.

That herculean task would be difficult in the best circumstances, but is much more challenging after lawmakers spent the last 43 days criticizing each other instead of building the types of trust that are usually needed for large deals. Democrats maintained they wanted to address skyrocketing premiums for individual health care plans, while Republicans insisted those talks had to occur when the government was open.

At the same time, congressional leaders will try to wrap up work on the nine full-year government funding bills that were supposed to become law before Oct. 1 and weren’t included in the package that reopened the government.&nbsp;

Congress must pass all of those bills or another stopgap measure before the new Jan. 30 deadline, regardless of how well or disastrous talks on a health care bill turn out.&nbsp;

The two-track negotiations will push party leaders to compromise on issues they’d rather not, especially as next year’s November midterm elections inch closer.&nbsp;

House Speaker Mike Johnson said during a Wednesday night press conference the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire at the end of the year are a “boondoggle” and that “Republicans would demand a lot of reforms” before agreeing to extend those in any way.&nbsp;

“We currently have 433 members of the House of Representatives. There’s a lot of opinions in this building. And on our side, certainly, a lot of opinions on how to fix health care and make it more affordable. I have to allow that process to play out,” Johnson, R-La., said.&nbsp;

While Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., made a commitment to hold a vote on a health care bill before the end of December to conclude the shutdown, Johnson has avoided giving a timeline for when he would bring any similar legislation to the floor.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump, aside from throwing insults at Democrats, largely stayed on the sidelines of the shutdown fight, though he suggested the funds used for the tax credits should in some way go directly to individuals instead of large insurance companies.

The shutdown highlighted the stark differences Republicans and Democrats hold on health care as prices for insurance continue to spike, forcing millions of Americans to choose between taking care of themselves and breaking their budgets, States Newsroom found in interviews with members of Congress.&nbsp;

GOP leaders held together throughout the funding lapse and didn’t negotiate on the expiring ACA marketplace tax credits, or anything else.&nbsp;

Now that it’s over, Republicans will need to put something forward.

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said her sense is that Congress will “probably be in the same place on January 30th that we are now.”

“We have two parties here, two sides,” DeLauro said. “In the past … we’ve had serious negotiation back and forth, and that’s what we need to do, and that’s not happening.”

While Republicans have unified control of government, major legislation needs the support of at least 60 senators to advance in that chamber. Republicans hold 53 seats at the moment, meaning at least some Democrats must support a bill for it to pass.&nbsp;

DeLauro did not rule out another shutdown, saying Democrats plan to take the next few months “one day at a time,” while closely watching what Republicans are willing to do on the nine full-year appropriations bills and health care costs.&nbsp;

Maryland Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer, former House majority leader and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, said Republican leaders keeping that chamber in recess for nearly two months leading up to and during the shutdown significantly delayed work on the full-year government funding bills.&nbsp;

Hoyer said that scheduling decision was a clear “indication they’re not interested in solving the problem.”

“If they were, they would have had members here working on appropriation bills,” Hoyer said. “And the only way you’re going to ultimately solve this problem is to pass appropriation bills.”

Hoyer said the real question facing Congress now isn’t whether there is time to work out agreement on the remaining nine government spending bills, but whether there’s a will to make the types of compromises needed.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/government-reopens-after-43-days-trump-signs-bill-ending-record-shutdown" target="_blank">spending package that reopened the government</a>&nbsp;included three of the dozen full-year bills, funding the Agriculture Department, Food and Drug Administration, Legislative Branch, military construction projects and Department of Veterans Affairs.

The remaining appropriations bills will be considerably tougher to resolve, especially because the House and Senate have yet to agree on how much they want to spend across the thousands of programs. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-asks-congress-cut-163b-non-defense-spending-ax-dozens-programs" target="_blank">proposed major cutbacks</a>&nbsp;in multiple programs in his budget request earlier this year that Democrats have strongly resisted.

The Defense, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS-Education and State-Foreign Operations bills will be some of the more difficult to settle.&nbsp;

Congress could always lean on another stopgap spending bill to keep funding relatively flat for the departments and agencies not covered by a full-year bill before Jan. 30. But lawmakers will need bipartisan support to advance in the Senate.

Washington Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal, former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said Republicans don’t seem to grasp how much Americans are struggling with the cost of living, including for health insurance and health care.&nbsp;

“My constituents are already telling me that they’re making that choice between having health insurance or having a house to live in, and they’re going to choose the house,” Jayapal said.&nbsp;

Whether or not a partial government shutdown begins in early 2026 will likely depend on whether Republican lawmakers from swing districts force bipartisanship on a health care bill.&nbsp;

“I really don’t know,” Jayapal said. “I think it depends on these vulnerable House Republicans, who are not going to be able to go back to their constituents without telling them that they’ve done something on health care.”

Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico said she wouldn’t be surprised if Congress is unable to strike a deal on government funding and winds up in a partial shutdown by February.&nbsp;

“Do I think that the Republicans have the political juice to get … the rest of their appropriation bills across the finish line and a health care deal? No,” Stansbury said.&nbsp;

She added that she hopes a handful of Republicans decide to join Democrats on the discharge petition bill that would force a floor vote on a bill to extend the ACA marketplace subsidies for three years.&nbsp;

“We gotta find a few brave Republicans who still have a backbone and some guts to stand up to this administration and actually care for their constituents,” Stansbury said.&nbsp;

But any bipartisan deal to extend those health care tax credits seems fraught, as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries slammed Republicans as having “zero credibility on this issue.”

He pointed to Republicans trying several times to repeal the Affordable Care Act, including their last attempt in 2017, when GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and the late John McCain of Arizona crossed party lines to vote against repealing the 2010 law.

“There’s no evidence that they’re serious about extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits,” Jeffries, of New York, said. “Republicans have zero interest in fixing the health care crisis that they’ve created.”

When Democrats controlled both chambers, temporary health care subsidies were originally passed as part of the COVID-19-era American Rescue Plan in 2021 for two years.&nbsp;

With Democrats still controlling both chambers, lawmakers approved the Inflation Reduction Act, the 2022 signature climate policy bill from the Biden administration, that extended those health care subsidies for three years, expiring at the end of December 2025.

The outcome of the just concluded shutdown is shaping some House Democrats’ views.

Virginia Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott said if there is a new shutdown come February, Senate Democrats will have to decide whether they’re going to “cave again, or at least engage in negotiations.”&nbsp;

“When the (Senate) Democrats say: ‘Our strategy wasn’t working,’ it wasn’t working because they assume you’re going to cave, which you just proved,” Scott told States Newsroom. “Their strategy worked — trying to get them to negotiate and talk to you doesn’t because they know you’re going to cave.”

Scott said “there’s no point in taking 41 days to cave,” pointing to the eight members of the Senate Democratic Caucus who broke ranks&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-advances-bill-end-record-breaking-government-shutdown" target="_blank">to advance</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-bipartisan-vote-passes-bill-end-record-breaking-shutdown-house-next" target="_blank">later approve</a>&nbsp;the package to reopen the government.&nbsp;

“Why don’t you just cave right at the beginning, on February 2nd?” he said. “If the Republican strategy is: ‘We’re not going to negotiate at all because you’re going to cave,’ you have to show them that you’re not going to cave, then you can have a discussion.”

Scott said the same health care issues will still exist if nothing happens between now and the package’s Jan. 30 government funding deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“By then, we’ll know that several million people don’t have health insurance, we’ll know that rural hospitals are beginning to suffer,” Scott said.&nbsp;

Delaware Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride said that “from today through November (2026) and after, we will continue to be talking about health care, to be fighting for health care.”

“I think what you’ve seen over the last several months, you will continue to see from us through November and then, God willing, once we’re in a majority, we’ll do all that we can to reverse these cuts and restore care and expand access to it,” she said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763246330614.png" alt="Image Office of&nbsp; U.S. Senate Democrat Leade" />
 <figcaption>Image Office of&nbsp; U.S. Senate Democrat Leade</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>WASHINGTON — Congress has roughly two months to find bipartisan agreement to curb rising health insurance costs if lawmakers want to avoid another government shutdown.That herculean task would be difficult in the best circumstances, but is much more challenging after lawmakers spent the last 43 days criticizing each other instead of building the types of trust that are usually needed for large deals. Democrats maintained they wanted to address skyrocketing premiums for individual health care plans, while Republicans insisted those talks had to occur when the government was open.At the same time, congressional leaders will try to wrap up work on the nine full-year government funding bills that were supposed to become law before Oct. 1 and weren’t included in the package that reopened the government.&nbsp;Congress must pass all of those bills or another stopgap measure before the new Jan. 30 deadline, regardless of how well or disastrous talks on a health care bill turn out.&nbsp;The two-track negotiations will push party leaders to compromise on issues they’d rather not, especially as next year’s November midterm elections inch closer.&nbsp;Early signs were not good.House Speaker Mike Johnson said during a Wednesday night press conference the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire at the end of the year are a “boondoggle” and that “Republicans would demand a lot of reforms” before agreeing to extend those in any way.&nbsp;“We currently have 433 members of the House of Representatives. There’s a lot of opinions in this building. And on our side, certainly, a lot of opinions on how to fix health care and make it more affordable. I have to allow that process to play out,” Johnson, R-La., said.&nbsp;While Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., made a commitment to hold a vote on a health care bill before the end of December to conclude the shutdown, Johnson has avoided giving a timeline for when he would bring any similar legislation to the floor.&nbsp;President Donald Trump, aside from throwing insults at Democrats, largely stayed on the sidelines of the shutdown fight, though he suggested the funds used for the tax credits should in some way go directly to individuals instead of large insurance companies.<h2>Pessimism over progress</h2>The shutdown highlighted the stark differences Republicans and Democrats hold on health care as prices for insurance continue to spike, forcing millions of Americans to choose between taking care of themselves and breaking their budgets, States Newsroom found in interviews with members of Congress.&nbsp;GOP leaders held together throughout the funding lapse and didn’t negotiate on the expiring ACA marketplace tax credits, or anything else.&nbsp;Now that it’s over, Republicans will need to put something forward.Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said her sense is that Congress will “probably be in the same place on January 30th that we are now.”“We have two parties here, two sides,” DeLauro said. “In the past … we’ve had serious negotiation back and forth, and that’s what we need to do, and that’s not happening.”While Republicans have unified control of government, major legislation needs the support of at least 60 senators to advance in that chamber. Republicans hold 53 seats at the moment, meaning at least some Democrats must support a bill for it to pass.&nbsp;DeLauro did not rule out another shutdown, saying Democrats plan to take the next few months “one day at a time,” while closely watching what Republicans are willing to do on the nine full-year appropriations bills and health care costs.&nbsp;Maryland Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer, former House majority leader and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, said Republican leaders keeping that chamber in recess for nearly two months leading up to and during the shutdown significantly delayed work on the full-year government funding bills.&nbsp;Hoyer said that scheduling decision was a clear “indication they’re not interested in solving the problem.”“If they were, they would have had members here working on appropriation bills,” Hoyer said. “And the only way you’re going to ultimately solve this problem is to pass appropriation bills.”Hoyer said the real question facing Congress now isn’t whether there is time to work out agreement on the remaining nine government spending bills, but whether there’s a will to make the types of compromises needed.&nbsp;<h2>Untangling spending bills</h2>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/government-reopens-after-43-days-trump-signs-bill-ending-record-shutdown" target="_blank">spending package that reopened the government</a>&nbsp;included three of the dozen full-year bills, funding the Agriculture Department, Food and Drug Administration, Legislative Branch, military construction projects and Department of Veterans Affairs.The remaining appropriations bills will be considerably tougher to resolve, especially because the House and Senate have yet to agree on how much they want to spend across the thousands of programs. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-asks-congress-cut-163b-non-defense-spending-ax-dozens-programs" target="_blank">proposed major cutbacks</a>&nbsp;in multiple programs in his budget request earlier this year that Democrats have strongly resisted.The Defense, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS-Education and State-Foreign Operations bills will be some of the more difficult to settle.&nbsp;Congress could always lean on another stopgap spending bill to keep funding relatively flat for the departments and agencies not covered by a full-year bill before Jan. 30. But lawmakers will need bipartisan support to advance in the Senate.Washington Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal, former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said Republicans don’t seem to grasp how much Americans are struggling with the cost of living, including for health insurance and health care.&nbsp;“My constituents are already telling me that they’re making that choice between having health insurance or having a house to live in, and they’re going to choose the house,” Jayapal said.&nbsp;Whether or not a partial government shutdown begins in early 2026 will likely depend on whether Republican lawmakers from swing districts force bipartisanship on a health care bill.&nbsp;“I really don’t know,” Jayapal said. “I think it depends on these vulnerable House Republicans, who are not going to be able to go back to their constituents without telling them that they’ve done something on health care.”<h2>Political juice and a backbone</h2>Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico said she wouldn’t be surprised if Congress is unable to strike a deal on government funding and winds up in a partial shutdown by February.&nbsp;“Do I think that the Republicans have the political juice to get … the rest of their appropriation bills across the finish line and a health care deal? No,” Stansbury said.&nbsp;She added that she hopes a handful of Republicans decide to join Democrats on the discharge petition bill that would force a floor vote on a bill to extend the ACA marketplace subsidies for three years.&nbsp;“We gotta find a few brave Republicans who still have a backbone and some guts to stand up to this administration and actually care for their constituents,” Stansbury said.&nbsp;But any bipartisan deal to extend those health care tax credits seems fraught, as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries slammed Republicans as having “zero credibility on this issue.”He pointed to Republicans trying several times to repeal the Affordable Care Act, including their last attempt in 2017, when GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and the late John McCain of Arizona crossed party lines to vote against repealing the 2010 law.“There’s no evidence that they’re serious about extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits,” Jeffries, of New York, said. “Republicans have zero interest in fixing the health care crisis that they’ve created.”<h2>‘No point in taking 41 days to cave’</h2>When Democrats controlled both chambers, temporary health care subsidies were originally passed as part of the COVID-19-era American Rescue Plan in 2021 for two years.&nbsp;With Democrats still controlling both chambers, lawmakers approved the Inflation Reduction Act, the 2022 signature climate policy bill from the Biden administration, that extended those health care subsidies for three years, expiring at the end of December 2025.The outcome of the just concluded shutdown is shaping some House Democrats’ views.Virginia Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott said if there is a new shutdown come February, Senate Democrats will have to decide whether they’re going to “cave again, or at least engage in negotiations.”&nbsp;“When the (Senate) Democrats say: ‘Our strategy wasn’t working,’ it wasn’t working because they assume you’re going to cave, which you just proved,” Scott told States Newsroom. “Their strategy worked — trying to get them to negotiate and talk to you doesn’t because they know you’re going to cave.”Scott said “there’s no point in taking 41 days to cave,” pointing to the eight members of the Senate Democratic Caucus who broke ranks&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-advances-bill-end-record-breaking-government-shutdown" target="_blank">to advance</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-bipartisan-vote-passes-bill-end-record-breaking-shutdown-house-next" target="_blank">later approve</a>&nbsp;the package to reopen the government.&nbsp;“Why don’t you just cave right at the beginning, on February 2nd?” he said. “If the Republican strategy is: ‘We’re not going to negotiate at all because you’re going to cave,’ you have to show them that you’re not going to cave, then you can have a discussion.”Scott said the same health care issues will still exist if nothing happens between now and the package’s Jan. 30 government funding deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp;“By then, we’ll know that several million people don’t have health insurance, we’ll know that rural hospitals are beginning to suffer,” Scott said.&nbsp;Delaware Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride said that “from today through November (2026) and after, we will continue to be talking about health care, to be fighting for health care.”“I think what you’ve seen over the last several months, you will continue to see from us through November and then, God willing, once we’re in a majority, we’ll do all that we can to reverse these cuts and restore care and expand access to it,” she said.&nbsp;

As health costs spike, a sour and divided Congress escapes one shutdown to face another

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.

A medium-sized SUV was northbound from Raytown and struck a pedestrian at 46th and Blue Ridge Cut Off, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. The pedestrian was either walking along the roadway or attempting to cross it.

EMS pronounced the pedestrian deceased at the scene. The driver remained on scene and is fully cooperating with the investigation. 

This incident represents Fatality #58 for the year, compared to #82 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.A medium-sized SUV was northbound from Raytown and struck a pedestrian at 46th and Blue Ridge Cut Off, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. The pedestrian was either walking along the roadway or attempting to cross it.EMS pronounced the pedestrian deceased at the scene. The driver remained on scene and is fully cooperating with the investigation. This incident represents Fatality #58 for the year, compared to #82 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.

KCPD: Pedestrian struck and killed by SUV

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just before 8p.m. Nov. 13, Sheriff's Deputies were attempting to locate a wanted Kansas man at 133 W. 13th Street in Horton, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

 A search warrant was granted for the residence and deputies&nbsp; executed the Warrant a short time later.&nbsp; &nbsp;Deputies found 45-year-old Gerald Adams of Horton hiding in a closet.&nbsp; He was arrested on a Brown County Felony Failure to Appear Warrant and is facing a charge of Felony Obstruction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763138131977.png" alt="Adams photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Adams photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just before 8p.m. Nov. 13, Sheriff's Deputies were attempting to locate a wanted Kansas man at 133 W. 13th Street in Horton, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant. A search warrant was granted for the residence and deputies&nbsp; executed the Warrant a short time later.&nbsp; &nbsp;Deputies found 45-year-old Gerald Adams of Horton hiding in a closet.&nbsp; He was arrested on a Brown County Felony Failure to Appear Warrant and is facing a charge of Felony Obstruction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff: Wanted Kansas suspect found hiding in closet

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after midnight Friday in Wyandotte County.

Kansas City, Kansas police reported a vehicle was northbound in the 300 Block of North James Street at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control at a curve and continued over the bridge.

EMS transported one occupant to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The second occupant was pronounced dead at the scene.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after midnight Friday in Wyandotte County.Kansas City, Kansas police reported a vehicle was northbound in the 300 Block of North James Street at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control at a curve and continued over the bridge.EMS transported one occupant to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The second occupant was pronounced dead at the scene.

One dead, one injured after vehicle travels off Kansas bridge

CARBONDALE, Kan. (AP) — Four law enforcement officers were shot Saturday morning while responding to a residence in a rural area south of Topeka, Kansas.

(Click below to watch the news conference with&nbsp;KBI Director Tony Mattivi)

The shooting was around 10:30 a.m. Three Osage County sheriff’s deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper were shot, Kansas Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Melissa Underwood said.

Their conditions are “still very fluid,” Underwood said.

A male suspect died from gunshot wounds, leaders from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and state Highway Patrol said. One other male was injured and taken to a hospital and is in stable condition, officials said.

Deputies and troopers were responding to a domestic violence incident north of Carbondale. They were on scene for several minutes when gunfire erupted, authorities said.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded immediately to the call of the shooting, officials said.

The area of the shooting is a rural region close to U.S. Highway 75. There is no active threat to the public, Underwood said.

--------------- OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to a fatal officer-involved shooting where multiple law enforcement officers were shot.&nbsp;

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., at a residence north of 113th Street and S Topeka Boulevard, just north of Carbondale in Osage County, according to a media release from the KBI.

 The injured officers include three Osage County Sheriff's deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper.&nbsp;&nbsp;The deputies and the State Trooper were transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka. The Trooper was later transferred to the University of Kansas Medical Center for further treatment.

One male suspect in the home died. A second individual in the home was wounded. The KBI did not release the names of those involved.

This is a developing story. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763236712505.png" alt="Photo by Aja Carter courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Aja Carter courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>CARBONDALE, Kan. (AP) — Four law enforcement officers were shot Saturday morning while responding to a residence in a rural area south of Topeka, Kansas.(Click below to watch the news conference with&nbsp;KBI Director Tony Mattivi)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKBIKansas%2Fvideos%2F1352056169782758%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The shooting was around 10:30 a.m. Three Osage County sheriff’s deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper were shot, Kansas Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Melissa Underwood said.Their conditions are “still very fluid,” Underwood said.A male suspect died from gunshot wounds, leaders from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and state Highway Patrol said. One other male was injured and taken to a hospital and is in stable condition, officials said.Deputies and troopers were responding to a domestic violence incident north of Carbondale. They were on scene for several minutes when gunfire erupted, authorities said.Multiple law enforcement agencies responded immediately to the call of the shooting, officials said.The area of the shooting is a rural region close to U.S. Highway 75. There is no active threat to the public, Underwood said.--------------- OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to a fatal officer-involved shooting where multiple law enforcement officers were shot.&nbsp;The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., at a residence north of 113th Street and S Topeka Boulevard, just north of Carbondale in Osage County, according to a media release from the KBI. The injured officers include three Osage County Sheriff's deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper.&nbsp;&nbsp;The deputies and the State Trooper were transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka. The Trooper was later transferred to the University of Kansas Medical Center for further treatment.One male suspect in the home died. A second individual in the home was wounded. The KBI did not release the names of those involved.This is a developing story. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

🎥New details in shooting that injured 3 deputies, KHP Trooper

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Trump administration is working to push out pay for federal workers that had been on hold because of the government shutdown by the middle of next week.

The money will go out in four separate tranches, depending on the agency, according to a senior administration official. The varied dates are because agencies are on different pay schedules and payroll providers.

The White House had pushed federal agencies to expedite backpay for employees, said the official, granted anonymity to discuss the administration’s plans.

The schedule is as follows: —Nov. 15: Employees at the General Services Administration and Office of Personnel Management will be paid a “supercheck” that covers the period of Oct. 1 to Nov. 1 —Nov. 16: Employees at the Departments of Energy, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs will be paid for the period from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1, as well as civilian employees at the Pentagon. —Nov. 17: Employees at the Departments of Education, State, Interior, and Transportation, as well as those at the Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, National Science Foundation, Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Social Security Administration will be paid for the period from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1. —Nov. 19: Employees from the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Labor, Treasury and the Small Business Administration will be paid for the period from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759875394137.png" alt="Photo by (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption>Photo by (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Trump administration is working to push out pay for federal workers that had been on hold because of the government shutdown by the middle of next week.The money will go out in four separate tranches, depending on the agency, according to a senior administration official. The varied dates are because agencies are on different pay schedules and payroll providers.The White House had pushed federal agencies to expedite backpay for employees, said the official, granted anonymity to discuss the administration’s plans.The schedule is as follows: —Nov. 15: Employees at the General Services Administration and Office of Personnel Management will be paid a “supercheck” that covers the period of Oct. 1 to Nov. 1 —Nov. 16: Employees at the Departments of Energy, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs will be paid for the period from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1, as well as civilian employees at the Pentagon. —Nov. 17: Employees at the Departments of Education, State, Interior, and Transportation, as well as those at the Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, National Science Foundation, Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Social Security Administration will be paid for the period from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1. —Nov. 19: Employees from the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Labor, Treasury and the Small Business Administration will be paid for the period from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15.

Gov't shutdown back pay for some federal workers still days away

FORD COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) trooper following a domestic violence investigation, according to a media release from the agency.

Just before 9p.m. Friday, KBI agents served an arrest warrant for Dillon Keller, 34, of Dodge City, at his residence. Keller was arrested on requested charges that include one count of kidnapping, one count of forgery, two counts of criminal threat, and two counts of domestic battery.

On July 2 of this year, the Dodge City Police Department requested the KBI investigate an off-duty KHP trooper and allegations of domestic violence. The alleged incidents occurred over several months leading up to the start of the investigation.

Following the arrest, Keller was booked into the Ford County Jail. He met the requirement for bond and was released just before 11p.m. Friday, according to online jail records.

The case is expected to be prosecuted by Kiowa County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763224247700.png" alt="Keller photo Ford County" />
 <figcaption>Keller photo Ford County</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) trooper following a domestic violence investigation, according to a media release from the agency.Just before 9p.m. Friday, KBI agents served an arrest warrant for Dillon Keller, 34, of Dodge City, at his residence. Keller was arrested on requested charges that include one count of kidnapping, one count of forgery, two counts of criminal threat, and two counts of domestic battery.On July 2 of this year, the Dodge City Police Department requested the KBI investigate an off-duty KHP trooper and allegations of domestic violence. The alleged incidents occurred over several months leading up to the start of the investigation.Following the arrest, Keller was booked into the Ford County Jail. He met the requirement for bond and was released just before 11p.m. Friday, according to online jail records.The case is expected to be prosecuted by Kiowa County Attorney’s Office.

KHP Trooper accused of kidnapping, forgery and domestic battery

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol continues investigating a deadly crash during a police chase in Wichita and released new details on the cause of death of the driver.

On October 31, 2025, the Wichita Police Department requested assistance from the Patrol to investigate an injury crash resulting from a police pursuit at 8th and Edgemoor in Wichita.

Officers attempted to stop a vehicle near Central and Oliver and a brief pursuit ensued. The fleeing vehicle struck another vehicle at low speed near 8th and Edgemoor. Four of the five occupants fled the suspect vehicle on foot following the crash. Three of the occupants that fled were located and taken into custody by the Wichita Police Department.

The driver of the fleeing vehicle, 16-year-old Dreshawn Hardyway, sustained critical injuries from an airbag deployment during the crash. He was provided immediate life-saving measures by officers on scene until emergency medical services arrived. Hardyway was transported to a Wichita hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on November 3, 2025.

A firearm was recovered from the suspect vehicle. Injuries to the driver were initially believed to be a gunshot wound; however, medical examinations and evidence recovered during the crash investigation confirmed otherwise.

An investigation of the crash by Kansas Highway Patrol’s Critical Highway Accident Reconstruction Team (CHART) is ongoing.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen injured in a Halloween night chase and crash in Wichita died days after the incident.

On Halloween night, police were in the area of Central and Oliver in Wichita to monitor a crowd gathering after receiving unverified information suggesting potential violence in the area for a balloon release related to a homicide that occurred on Halloween in 2024.

While monitoring the event, officers observed a man they recognized as violating his probation conditions enter a vehicle with several others. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, and it attempted to flee.

A brief pursuit ensued and concluded at 8th Street and Edgemoor, where the suspect vehicle was involved in a minor collision with another vehicle. The driver of that vehicle sustained minor injuries.

Four people exited the suspect vehicle and fled on foot. Officers were able to detain three of the individuals, who were subsequently booked into the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center (JIAC) for obstruction. A fourth suspect remained at large.

A fifth male, who was the driver identified as 16-year-old&nbsp;Dreshawn A Hardyway, was found inside the vehicle with what was initially believed to be a gunshot wound. Officers provided immediate life-saving measures until EMS arrived. He was transported to a local hospital died November 3.&nbsp;Police recovered a firearm from the vehicle.&nbsp;

In accordance with Wichita Police Department policy related to vehicle pursuits resulting in crashes, the Kansas Highway Patrol was called in to investigate the traffic collision.

All five individuals in the suspect vehicle were juveniles including two 16-year-old boys, two 15-year-old boys and a 14-year-old boy.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported police were in pursuit of a southbound 2008 Chevy Malibu driven by Dreshawn A&nbsp;Hardyway, 16, Wichita, in the 800 Block of North Edgemoor Street. The Malibu turned west on East 8th Street and struck a 2021 Chrysler Voyager driven by Christopher B.&nbsp;Paramo, 23, Wichita, who was&nbsp;&nbsp;stopped waiting to turn onto North Edgemoor Street.

EMS transported Hardyway to Wesley Medical Center where he died November 3.&nbsp; Two 14-year-olds were not injured. Paramo was not injured. The drivers and occupants in both vehicles were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762033663437.png" alt="View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol continues investigating a deadly crash during a police chase in Wichita and released new details on the cause of death of the driver.On October 31, 2025, the Wichita Police Department requested assistance from the Patrol to investigate an injury crash resulting from a police pursuit at 8th and Edgemoor in Wichita.Officers attempted to stop a vehicle near Central and Oliver and a brief pursuit ensued. The fleeing vehicle struck another vehicle at low speed near 8th and Edgemoor. Four of the five occupants fled the suspect vehicle on foot following the crash. Three of the occupants that fled were located and taken into custody by the Wichita Police Department.The driver of the fleeing vehicle, 16-year-old Dreshawn Hardyway, sustained critical injuries from an airbag deployment during the crash. He was provided immediate life-saving measures by officers on scene until emergency medical services arrived. Hardyway was transported to a Wichita hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on November 3, 2025.A firearm was recovered from the suspect vehicle. Injuries to the driver were initially believed to be a gunshot wound; however, medical examinations and evidence recovered during the crash investigation confirmed otherwise.An investigation of the crash by Kansas Highway Patrol’s Critical Highway Accident Reconstruction Team (CHART) is ongoing.-----------------SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen injured in a Halloween night chase and crash in Wichita died days after the incident.On Halloween night, police were in the area of Central and Oliver in Wichita to monitor a crowd gathering after receiving unverified information suggesting potential violence in the area for a balloon release related to a homicide that occurred on Halloween in 2024.While monitoring the event, officers observed a man they recognized as violating his probation conditions enter a vehicle with several others. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, and it attempted to flee.A brief pursuit ensued and concluded at 8th Street and Edgemoor, where the suspect vehicle was involved in a minor collision with another vehicle. The driver of that vehicle sustained minor injuries.Four people exited the suspect vehicle and fled on foot. Officers were able to detain three of the individuals, who were subsequently booked into the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center (JIAC) for obstruction. A fourth suspect remained at large.A fifth male, who was the driver identified as 16-year-old&nbsp;Dreshawn A Hardyway, was found inside the vehicle with what was initially believed to be a gunshot wound. Officers provided immediate life-saving measures until EMS arrived. He was transported to a local hospital died November 3.&nbsp;Police recovered a firearm from the vehicle.&nbsp;In accordance with Wichita Police Department policy related to vehicle pursuits resulting in crashes, the Kansas Highway Patrol was called in to investigate the traffic collision.All five individuals in the suspect vehicle were juveniles including two 16-year-old boys, two 15-year-old boys and a 14-year-old boy.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported police were in pursuit of a southbound 2008 Chevy Malibu driven by Dreshawn A&nbsp;Hardyway, 16, Wichita, in the 800 Block of North Edgemoor Street. The Malibu turned west on East 8th Street and struck a 2021 Chrysler Voyager driven by Christopher B.&nbsp;Paramo, 23, Wichita, who was&nbsp;&nbsp;stopped waiting to turn onto North Edgemoor Street.EMS transported Hardyway to Wesley Medical Center where he died November 3.&nbsp; Two 14-year-olds were not injured. Paramo was not injured. The drivers and occupants in both vehicles were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

KHP updates details in death of teen in Halloween chase, crash

The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department was notified of a confirmed case of measles in a&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;resident who&nbsp;was present&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;terminal&nbsp;at the Kansas City International Airport&nbsp;(MCI)&nbsp;on November 5 from approximately 2 a.m.&nbsp;until noon,&nbsp;and&nbsp;on November 10,&nbsp;from&nbsp;2 a.m. until 4&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Measles is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus.&nbsp;Measles&nbsp;is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Measles can be spread to others from four days before to four days after the rash appears. Measles cannot be spread to others by&nbsp;an&nbsp;exposed&nbsp;person&nbsp;unless that person develops&nbsp;measles&nbsp;disease&nbsp;symptoms.&nbsp;

If you are up to date on your Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, your risk of getting sick is&nbsp;very low.&nbsp;The best way to prevent measles is to get your MMR vaccination. Those not vaccinated or infants under the age of 1 who are too young to be vaccinated are at the highest risk for contracting measles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We want people to stay calm but stay aware,”&nbsp;said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department.&nbsp;“Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination offers strong protection. If you&nbsp;haven’t&nbsp;received your MMR vaccine, now is the time to get it.&nbsp;I also&nbsp;urge&nbsp;people to avoid travel if they&nbsp;haven’t&nbsp;been vaccinated.”&nbsp;

Any exposed person would be expected to develop symptoms between November 12&nbsp;-&nbsp;December 1. The symptoms of measles&nbsp;generally include&nbsp;a rash that appears 7-21 days&nbsp;after exposure. Measles symptoms typically begin with:&nbsp;

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash typically appears. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots that initially break out on the face, near the hairline, and then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.&nbsp;

We are urging people who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention.&nbsp;Before visiting a healthcare provider, please call ahead and let the provider know of the measles exposure so that steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff, especially if you have a fever and rash.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/measles" target="_blank">Click here for more information about measles.</a>&nbsp;

Residents can receive Measles vaccinations at the Kansas City Health Department Immunization Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;through&nbsp;Friday.&nbsp;The&nbsp;measles&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;are free for children under 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Community members unsure of their vaccination status or in need of vaccines are encouraged to&nbsp;contact their primary care provider&nbsp;or&nbsp;call the Health Department at 816-513-6008.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741908251964.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department was notified of a confirmed case of measles in a&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;resident who&nbsp;was present&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;terminal&nbsp;at the Kansas City International Airport&nbsp;(MCI)&nbsp;on November 5 from approximately 2 a.m.&nbsp;until noon,&nbsp;and&nbsp;on November 10,&nbsp;from&nbsp;2 a.m. until 4&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;Measles is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus.&nbsp;Measles&nbsp;is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Measles can be spread to others from four days before to four days after the rash appears. Measles cannot be spread to others by&nbsp;an&nbsp;exposed&nbsp;person&nbsp;unless that person develops&nbsp;measles&nbsp;disease&nbsp;symptoms.&nbsp;If you are up to date on your Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, your risk of getting sick is&nbsp;very low.&nbsp;The best way to prevent measles is to get your MMR vaccination. Those not vaccinated or infants under the age of 1 who are too young to be vaccinated are at the highest risk for contracting measles.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We want people to stay calm but stay aware,”&nbsp;said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department.&nbsp;“Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination offers strong protection. If you&nbsp;haven’t&nbsp;received your MMR vaccine, now is the time to get it.&nbsp;I also&nbsp;urge&nbsp;people to avoid travel if they&nbsp;haven’t&nbsp;been vaccinated.”&nbsp;Any exposed person would be expected to develop symptoms between November 12&nbsp;-&nbsp;December 1. The symptoms of measles&nbsp;generally include&nbsp;a rash that appears 7-21 days&nbsp;after exposure. Measles symptoms typically begin with:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>A high fever&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Cough&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Runny nose&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Red, watery eyes&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash typically appears. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots that initially break out on the face, near the hairline, and then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.&nbsp;We are urging people who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention.&nbsp;Before visiting a healthcare provider, please call ahead and let the provider know of the measles exposure so that steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff, especially if you have a fever and rash.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/measles" target="_blank">Click here for more information about measles.</a>&nbsp;Residents can receive Measles vaccinations at the Kansas City Health Department Immunization Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;through&nbsp;Friday.&nbsp;The&nbsp;measles&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;are free for children under 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;Community members unsure of their vaccination status or in need of vaccines are encouraged to&nbsp;contact their primary care provider&nbsp;or&nbsp;call the Health Department at 816-513-6008.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Health department: Potential measles exposure at KCI

WASHINGTON (AP) — The most advanced U.S. aircraft carrier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carriers-trump-venezuela-middle-east-a458b9c4f1a5690e19d7c532dd6b7fd7">is expected to reach the waters</a>&nbsp;off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela</a>&nbsp;in days, a flex of American military power not seen in Latin America for generations.

Experts disagree on the possibility that American warplanes will catapult off the USS Gerald R. Ford to bomb targets inside Venezuela and further pressure authoritarian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;to step down. Still, whether it may serve that purpose or only patrols the Caribbean as the U.S. blows up boats it accuses of trafficking drugs, the presence of the 100,000-ton warship alone is sending a message.

“This is the anchor of what it means to have U.S. military power once again in Latin America,” said Elizabeth Dickinson, the International Crisis Group’s senior analyst for the Andes region. “And it has raised a lot of anxieties in Venezuela but also throughout the region. I think everyone is watching this with sort of bated breath to see just how willing the U.S. is to really use military force.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763168183685.png" alt="The U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, including the flagship USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), front, USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), right, USS Mahan (DDG 72), left, USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight F/A-18E/F Super Hornets assigned to Strike Fighter Squadrons 31, 37, 87, and 213, operates as a joint, multi-domain force with a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, Nov. 13, 2025.&nbsp;U.S. military forces, like the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, are deployed in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the President’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. -Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Gladjimi Basisage" />
 <figcaption>The U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, including the flagship USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), front, USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), right, USS Mahan (DDG 72), left, USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight F/A-18E/F Super Hornets assigned to Strike Fighter Squadrons 31, 37, 87, and 213, operates as a joint, multi-domain force with a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, Nov. 13, 2025.&nbsp;U.S. military forces, like the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, are deployed in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the President’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. -Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Gladjimi Basisage</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The most advanced U.S. aircraft carrier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carriers-trump-venezuela-middle-east-a458b9c4f1a5690e19d7c532dd6b7fd7">is expected to reach the waters</a>&nbsp;off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela</a>&nbsp;in days, a flex of American military power not seen in Latin America for generations.Experts disagree on the possibility that American warplanes will catapult off the USS Gerald R. Ford to bomb targets inside Venezuela and further pressure authoritarian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;to step down. Still, whether it may serve that purpose or only patrols the Caribbean as the U.S. blows up boats it accuses of trafficking drugs, the presence of the 100,000-ton warship alone is sending a message.“This is the anchor of what it means to have U.S. military power once again in Latin America,” said Elizabeth Dickinson, the International Crisis Group’s senior analyst for the Andes region. “And it has raised a lot of anxieties in Venezuela but also throughout the region. I think everyone is watching this with sort of bated breath to see just how willing the U.S. is to really use military force.”The Ford’s impending arrival is a major moment in the Trump administration’s campaign in South America, which it describes as a counterdrug operation. It escalates the already massive buildup of military firepower in the region, with added pressure from bomber training runs near the Venezuelan coast, CIA operations that have been publicly authorized inside the country and boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean that have killed over 75 people.The U.S. has long used aircraft carriers as tools of deterrence to pressure and influence other nations, often without employing any force at all. They carry thousands of sailors and dozens of warplanes that can strike targets deep inside another country.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday formally named the mission Operation Southern Spear, emphasizing the growing significance and permanence of the military’s presence in the region. Once the Ford arrives, the mission will encompass nearly a dozen Navy ships as well 12,000 sailors and Marines.<h2>Trump administration says it’s focused on fighting drug trafficking</h2>Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists that President Donald Trump is focused on stopping drugs from entering the U.S. by combatting “organized criminal narcoterrorists.”“That’s what he’s authorized. That’s what the military’s doing. That’s why our assets are there,” he told reporters Wednesday after meeting his counterparts from the Group of Seven democracies in Canada.But Rubio also says the U.S. doesn’t recognize Maduro, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-election-tally-sheets-actas-oas-carter-center-41d1000926d0ab99e522e53bf6c2b916">widely accused of stealing last year’s election</a>, as the leader of Venezuela and called the government a “transshipment organization” that openly cooperates with those trafficking drugs toward the U.S.Some experts say deploying the Ford appears to be geared more toward a government change in Venezuela than drug trafficking.“There’s nothing that an aircraft carrier brings that is useful for combating the drug trade,” Dickinson said. “I think it’s clearly a message that is much more geared toward pressuring Caracas.”Bryan Clark, a former Navy submariner and defense analyst at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank, said the Trump administration would not have deployed the Ford “if they didn’t intend to use it.”“I think this administration is very open to using military force to accomplish particular objectives,” Clark said. “I think they’re going to want to actually do some military operations unless Maduro steps down in the next month or so.”After Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-congress-6163b24e940dd74005fc3cb78751f92a">briefed lawmakers last week</a>, Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said they gave no indication that the strikes would be stopping but also indicated that they were targeting cocaine traffickers and not overtly intending to overthrow Maduro.Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel and a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, expects U.S. warships to launch missiles from other ships before launching any American warplanes. He said Venezuela has relatively sophisticated missile defense systems from Russia that could put American pilots at risk.“Because they have so many systems, some are relatively new, and all are mobile, we probably wouldn’t get them all,” Cancian said. “So there’s some risk that we could lose some aircraft.”<h2>Venezuela mobilizes for possible attack</h2>Venezuela’s government this week touted a “massive” mobilization of troops and civilians to defend against possible U.S. attacks. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López said in a statement that “land, air, naval, riverine, and missile assets” would be part of a two-day readiness effort “to confront imperialist threats.”State television showed members of the military, police and militias standing in formations across the country. Padrino also delivered remarks, broadcast on state television, standing by a surface-to-air missile system in a military base in the capital, Caracas.Maduro, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S., has insisted the Trump administration’s intentions are to force him from power. Venezuela’s U.S.-backed political opposition has renewed its promise of an imminent government change.David Smilde, a Tulane University professor who has studied Venezuela for more than 30 years, said the U.S. military does not have enough manpower in the region, even with the aircraft carrier, for an invasion.“It’s consistent with this desire to demonstrate credible force, which they had already,” Smilde said of the carrier. “It doesn’t change the equation. I don’t think that the fact that it is there means that they necessarily have to strike. It just means that Trump and Hegseth have not forgotten about this, and they are still onboard in trying to generate a regime change through a show of force.”Smilde said Venezuela’s political opposition has long told U.S. officials that “just a credible threat of force” would cause Maduro’s government to crumble. For Trump, he said, that would be the best outcome of this operation.<h2>Pushback on intelligence</h2>The U.S. actions have faced pushback in the region, in Congress and among rights organizations. However, Senate Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-strikes-congress-6c0061bf5a9c417e66f76fcc6ee57405">voted last week</a>&nbsp;to reject legislation that would have put a check on Trump’s ability to launch an attack against Venezuela.Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who was recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-colombia-petro-sanctions-drug-trafficking-1b6ead338ec266b3df40859db6ee2d8d">hit with U.S. sanctions</a>&nbsp;over allegations of aiding the drug trade, on Tuesday announced he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colombia-trump-drug-strikes-intelligence-2424e84a97f3a584a491143627dfdaa7">cutting off intelligence sharing</a>&nbsp;with the longtime North American ally until the strikes stop. But he softened his stance the following day, saying the sharing would continue as long as agencies guarantee it won’t be used in actions that jeopardize human rights.Rubio pushed back on reports that the United Kingdom has halted some intelligence sharing in the region over concerns about the strikes, saying U.S. assets in the region provide such information.The U.S. is not “asking anyone to help us with what we’re doing — in any realm. And that includes the military,” he said.Mexico, however, is stepping up its cooperation with the U.S. in targeting drug trafficking. President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday that her administration made an agreement with the U.S. for Mexico’s navy to intercept boats in international waters near Mexico that the U.S. alleges are carrying drugs to avoid any more strikes off its coast.<h2>‘A use-it-or-lose-it kind of situation’</h2>The Ford, originally deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, was within the U.S. Southern Command region but not yet in the Caribbean. The carrier was in the mid-Atlantic on Thursday, a defense official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the matter said on condition of anonymity.Clark said sending the Ford to South America would have a minimal impact on costs and readiness in the short term because it still has a month or two left on its regularly scheduled deployment.Cancian, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the U.S. can’t afford to have the Ford “dawdling around the Caribbean” for long. It’s such a powerful military asset that it may be needed elsewhere, such as the Middle East.“It’s a use-it-or-lose-it kind of situation,” he said.___Garcia Cano reported from Caracas, Venezuela.