WASHINGTON (AP) — In the East Room of the White House on a particularly frigid Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden bestowed the&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639#:~:text=The%20Presidential%20Medal%20of%20Freedom,%2C%20science%2C%20or%20other%20fields.">Presidential Medal of Freedom</a>&nbsp;to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science.

Former Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hillary-clinton">Hillary Clinton</a>&nbsp;aroused a standing ovation from the crowd as she received her medal. Clinton was accompanied to the event by her husband former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton and grandchildren. Democratic philanthropist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-soros">George Soros</a>&nbsp;and actor-director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/denzel-washington">Denzel Washington</a>&nbsp;were also awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor in a White House ceremony.

“For the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said in his opening remarks.

“Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country," Biden said Saturday.

Four medals were awarded posthumously. They went to George W. Romney, who served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; former Attorney General and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Kennedy is father to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for health and human services secretary. Biden said, “Bobby is one of my true political heroes. I love and I miss him dearly.”

Romney is the father of former Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, one of Trump's strongest conservative critics.

Biden has days left in the Presidential office and has spent the last few days&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medal-of-honor-valor-biden-e8d2d59496ed61facf5866b1bd6d4220">issuing awards and medals</a>&nbsp;to valiant military veterans, courageous law enforcement officials and exceptional Americans.

The White House said the Medal of Freedom recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”

Major philanthropists receiving the award include Spanish American chef José Andrés, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-central-kitchen-jose-andres-gaza-israel-a21b62edbfa1150d0eb78ed5597a03c8">World Central Kitchen charity</a>&nbsp;has become one of the world's most recognized food relief organizations, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bono">Bono</a>, the front man for rock band U2 and a social justice activist.

Soros' son Alex Soros accepted the medal on his father's behalf. In an emailed statement, Soros said: “As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor."

Sports and entertainment stars recognized include professional soccer player Lionel Messi, who did not attend the event; retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson; actor Michael J. Fox, who is an outspoken advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development; and William Sanford Nye, known to generations of students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy."

Other awardees include conservationist Jane Goodall; longtime Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-jason-wu-entertainment-lifestyle-new-york-b3350bcb566247a4ad6143cc6c3ed29c">American fashion designer Ralph Lauren</a>; American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; and David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group global investment firm.

Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive the honor.

Last year, Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medal-of-freedom-biden-pelosi-gore-a74aa1d194736834975543498ff3919b">on 19 people</a>, including the late Medgar Evers, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina and actor Michelle Yeoh.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded 654 times between 1963 and 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service. Notable Medal of Freedom recipients from the past include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou and Mother Teresa.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In the East Room of the White House on a particularly frigid Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden bestowed the&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639#:~:text=The%20Presidential%20Medal%20of%20Freedom,%2C%20science%2C%20or%20other%20fields.">Presidential Medal of Freedom</a>&nbsp;to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HillaryClinton</a> receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom. <a href="https://t.co/wlKLaFEFry">pic.twitter.com/wlKLaFEFry</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1875621974174790127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Former Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hillary-clinton">Hillary Clinton</a>&nbsp;aroused a standing ovation from the crowd as she received her medal. Clinton was accompanied to the event by her husband former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton and grandchildren. Democratic philanthropist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-soros">George Soros</a>&nbsp;and actor-director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/denzel-washington">Denzel Washington</a>&nbsp;were also awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor in a White House ceremony.“For the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said in his opening remarks.“Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country," Biden said Saturday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Today, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 great leaders who have made America a better place. <a href="https://t.co/d610LtMoes">pic.twitter.com/d610LtMoes</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1875625756014887175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Four medals were awarded posthumously. They went to George W. Romney, who served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; former Attorney General and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.Kennedy is father to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for health and human services secretary. Biden said, “Bobby is one of my true political heroes. I love and I miss him dearly.”Romney is the father of former Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, one of Trump's strongest conservative critics.Biden has days left in the Presidential office and has spent the last few days&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medal-of-honor-valor-biden-e8d2d59496ed61facf5866b1bd6d4220">issuing awards and medals</a>&nbsp;to valiant military veterans, courageous law enforcement officials and exceptional Americans.The White House said the Medal of Freedom recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”Major philanthropists receiving the award include Spanish American chef José Andrés, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-central-kitchen-jose-andres-gaza-israel-a21b62edbfa1150d0eb78ed5597a03c8">World Central Kitchen charity</a>&nbsp;has become one of the world's most recognized food relief organizations, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bono">Bono</a>, the front man for rock band U2 and a social justice activist.Soros' son Alex Soros accepted the medal on his father's behalf. In an emailed statement, Soros said: “As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor."Sports and entertainment stars recognized include professional soccer player Lionel Messi, who did not attend the event; retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson; actor Michael J. Fox, who is an outspoken advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development; and William Sanford Nye, known to generations of students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy."Other awardees include conservationist Jane Goodall; longtime Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-jason-wu-entertainment-lifestyle-new-york-b3350bcb566247a4ad6143cc6c3ed29c">American fashion designer Ralph Lauren</a>; American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; and David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group global investment firm.Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive the honor.Last year, Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medal-of-freedom-biden-pelosi-gore-a74aa1d194736834975543498ff3919b">on 19 people</a>, including the late Medgar Evers, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina and actor Michelle Yeoh.The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded 654 times between 1963 and 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service. Notable Medal of Freedom recipients from the past include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou and Mother Teresa.

🎥Hillary Clinton receives the highest US civilian honor

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Saturday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Wilson Fire Department truck&nbsp;with emergency lights and siren activated and driven by Dylan&nbsp;Walker, 29, Wilson, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of Kansas 232.

Due to the slick roadway, the vehicle lost traction, overturned and came to rest on its roof.

EMS transported a passenger 19-year-old Taegan&nbsp;Thrasher of Wilson to the Ellsworth County Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Walker was not injured. There are no seat belts in the vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736079620018.png" alt="Photo by Brett Neuman courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brett Neuman courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Saturday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Wilson Fire Department truck&nbsp;with emergency lights and siren activated and driven by Dylan&nbsp;Walker, 29, Wilson, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of Kansas 232.Due to the slick roadway, the vehicle lost traction, overturned and came to rest on its roof.EMS transported a passenger 19-year-old Taegan&nbsp;Thrasher of Wilson to the Ellsworth County Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Walker was not injured. There are no seat belts in the vehicle.

Kan. man hospitalized after firetruck overturns on icy I-70

FORD COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Saturday in Ford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Toyota Tacoma driven by Bernabe E.&nbsp;Rincon, 28, Dodge City, was eastbound on U.S. 56 two miles east of U.S. 283 in very icy conditions.

The pickup struck the trailer of a jackknifed 2019 International semi driven by Tirso&nbsp;Sataray-Parra, 58, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rincon was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported a passenger in the Toyota&nbsp; Angel&nbsp;Ramirez, 27, to St. Catherine Hospital. The semi driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;The KHP did not release a hometown for Ramirez.

FORD COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Saturday in Ford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Toyota Tacoma driven by Bernabe E.&nbsp;Rincon, 28, Dodge City, was eastbound on U.S. 56 two miles east of U.S. 283 in very icy conditions.The pickup struck the trailer of a jackknifed 2019 International semi driven by Tirso&nbsp;Sataray-Parra, 58, Las Vegas, Nevada.Rincon was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported a passenger in the Toyota&nbsp; Angel&nbsp;Ramirez, 27, to St. Catherine Hospital. The semi driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;The KHP did not release a hometown for Ramirez.

SW Kansas man dies after pickup strikes jackknifed semi trailer

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating four suspects on drug allegations.

On December 31, 2024, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 2100 BLK SE Adams ST. related to an ongoing investigation according to Police LT Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Dimethyltryptamine, a strong psychedelic drug, and drug paraphernalia.

As a result, Samantha Kern, 41; Donald Eteeyan, 48; Ashley Schippers, 34 and Michael Metz, 51, were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Samantha Kern is jailed on requested charges of Manufacturing a controlled substance, Distribution of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance, Drug Tax Stamp, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and for an Arrest Warrant

Donald Eteeyan is jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; Manufacturing a controlled substance, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance, Drug Tax Stamp, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant

Ashely Schippers is jailed on requested charges of Aggravated offender registration violation, Possession of drug paraphernalia and for Arrest Warrant.

Michael Metz is in custody on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735751205728.png" alt="Eteeyan-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Eteeyan-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating four suspects on drug allegations.On December 31, 2024, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 2100 BLK SE Adams ST. related to an ongoing investigation according to Police LT Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrant, officers located Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Dimethyltryptamine, a strong psychedelic drug, and drug paraphernalia.As a result, Samantha Kern, 41; Donald Eteeyan, 48; Ashley Schippers, 34 and Michael Metz, 51, were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735751155024.png" alt="Kern-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kern-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Samantha Kern is jailed on requested charges of Manufacturing a controlled substance, Distribution of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance, Drug Tax Stamp, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and for an Arrest WarrantDonald Eteeyan is jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; Manufacturing a controlled substance, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance, Drug Tax Stamp, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735751307773.png" alt="Schippers photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Schippers photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ashely Schippers is jailed on requested charges of Aggravated offender registration violation, Possession of drug paraphernalia and for Arrest Warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735751375025.png" alt="Metz-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Metz-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Metz is in custody on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia

Police found cocaine, DMT during drug bust at Kansas home

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement officers never know what to expect when they go to work each day. Sheriff's deputies in Jefferson County, Missouri worked an unusual call on Friday.

Shortly before 4p.m., deputies responded to the area of Hwys 21 and M for reports of a subject monkeying around, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff social media page.

"First-responding units found the subject was naked except for what appeared to be a tutu.&nbsp;After careful negotiations, Deputies were able to get close enough to go “hands on” with the subject and bring this bananas situation under control without incident."

"In all seriousness, this is a great example of law enforcement officers never knowing what they’ll face on any given call, and having to be prepared to handle whatever the job throws at them."

"This spider monkey was staying at a nearby home when it managed to open a door and get outside. Deputies surrounded the animal and eventually got it back to its caretaker. What a day!"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735995571891.png" alt="Photos Jefferson County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Jefferson County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement officers never know what to expect when they go to work each day. Sheriff's deputies in Jefferson County, Missouri worked an unusual call on Friday.Shortly before 4p.m., deputies responded to the area of Hwys 21 and M for reports of a subject monkeying around, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff social media page.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735995531137.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"First-responding units found the subject was naked except for what appeared to be a tutu.&nbsp;After careful negotiations, Deputies were able to get close enough to go “hands on” with the subject and bring this bananas situation under control without incident."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735995614303.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"In all seriousness, this is a great example of law enforcement officers never knowing what they’ll face on any given call, and having to be prepared to handle whatever the job throws at them.""This spider monkey was staying at a nearby home when it managed to open a door and get outside. Deputies surrounded the animal and eventually got it back to its caretaker. What a day!"

Deputies capture suspect reported monkeying around

WICHITA, KAN. – A man and woman from Kansas have been charged through criminal complaint in Wichita on charges related to a series of bank robberies involving a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Zane Tilcock, 20, of Wichita is charged with three counts of bank robbery. Emily Wise, 18, of Wichita is charged with one count of bank robbery.

Tilcock is accused of brandishing a firearm to rob three banks in December of 2024. He allegedly robbed Intrust Bank on South Webb Road in Wichita on December 11, Emprise Bank on East Harry Street in Wichita on December 16, and Sunflower Bank on North Jefferson Street in Junction City on December 27. The JCPD confirmed Tilcock was originally from Junction City and was on parole from the Department of Corrections in Wichita.

Wise is accused of robbing Emprise Bank in Wichita on December 16, 2024.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Wichita Police Department, Junction City Police Department, and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735992378637.png" alt="Tilcock is being held in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Tilcock is being held in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A man and woman from Kansas have been charged through criminal complaint in Wichita on charges related to a series of bank robberies involving a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735992447751.png" alt="Wise is being held in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wise is being held in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>According to court documents, Zane Tilcock, 20, of Wichita is charged with three counts of bank robbery. Emily Wise, 18, of Wichita is charged with one count of bank robbery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735350419983.png" alt="Security camera image -Junction City Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image -Junction City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Tilcock is accused of brandishing a firearm to rob three banks in December of 2024. He allegedly robbed Intrust Bank on South Webb Road in Wichita on December 11, Emprise Bank on East Harry Street in Wichita on December 16, and Sunflower Bank on North Jefferson Street in Junction City on December 27. The JCPD confirmed Tilcock was originally from Junction City and was on parole from the Department of Corrections in Wichita.Wise is accused of robbing Emprise Bank in Wichita on December 16, 2024.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Wichita Police Department, Junction City Police Department, and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case

18-year-old woman jailed for Kansas bank robbery

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs finally arrived in Denver on Saturday after spending about four hours stranded on the tarmac amid an ice storm that blanketed the region ahead of an impending blizzard.

The Chiefs tried to move up the flight as the weather, which had been predicted all week, bared down on them. But the plane they were expected to use was delayed in arriving, so the team had to stick with its mid-afternoon departure, and just before it took off, airport officials announced that all flight operations were suspended due to “rapid ice accumulation.”

There was a brief break between the line of ice that had glazed Kansas City and the arrival of heavy snow, which was expected to last all of Sunday. That provided enough time to de-ice the plane, clear the runway and get the Chiefs off the ground.

Their chartered jet was the first to depart once airport operations resumed.

The Chiefs (15-1) have clinched the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye, rendering their regular-season finale moot for them. But the game has significant meaning for Denver, which could clinch its own playoff berth with a win.

Earlier this week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he planned to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes, meaning backup Carson Wentz will get the start. The Chiefs also declared right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) out, while stars such as defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce were expected to get the game off.

The Chiefs will have to wait to find out their playoff opponent. The earliest they would play in the divisional round is Jan. 18.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs were temporarily stranded at Kansas City International Airport on Saturday as an ice storm shut down operations, preventing their chartered jet from departing for their game against the Broncos on Sunday in Denver.

The Chiefs tried to move up the flight as the weather, which had been predicted all week, bared down on Kansas City. But the plane they were expected to use was delayed in arriving, so the team had to stick with its mid-afternoon departure.

The airport announced at 2:50 p.m. CDT that it had closed all flight operations due to “rapid ice accumulation.” It was unclear when the Chiefs would be able to depart, though a break was expected between the end of the icy rain that had fallen during the afternoon and a thick line of heavy snow that was expected to begin in the evening and last through Sunday.

The hope was that the airport would have time enough to clear the runways and resume operations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736031471529.png" alt="Car is wedged between two trucks during icy travel on I-70 photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Car is wedged between two trucks during icy travel on I-70 photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs finally arrived in Denver on Saturday after spending about four hours stranded on the tarmac amid an ice storm that blanketed the region ahead of an impending blizzard.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Touched down in Denver ❄️ <a href="https://t.co/trPB8L9mLW">pic.twitter.com/trPB8L9mLW</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1875730263998935500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Chiefs tried to move up the flight as the weather, which had been predicted all week, bared down on them. But the plane they were expected to use was delayed in arriving, so the team had to stick with its mid-afternoon departure, and just before it took off, airport officials announced that all flight operations were suspended due to “rapid ice accumulation.”There was a brief break between the line of ice that had glazed Kansas City and the arrival of heavy snow, which was expected to last all of Sunday. That provided enough time to de-ice the plane, clear the runway and get the Chiefs off the ground.Their chartered jet was the first to depart once airport operations resumed.The Chiefs (15-1) have clinched the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye, rendering their regular-season finale moot for them. But the game has significant meaning for Denver, which could clinch its own playoff berth with a win.Earlier this week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he planned to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes, meaning backup Carson Wentz will get the start. The Chiefs also declared right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) out, while stars such as defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce were expected to get the game off.The Chiefs will have to wait to find out their playoff opponent. The earliest they would play in the divisional round is Jan. 18.------------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs were temporarily stranded at Kansas City International Airport on Saturday as an ice storm shut down operations, preventing their chartered jet from departing for their game against the Broncos on Sunday in Denver.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The runways at the Kansas City Airport will reopen and resume normal operations in about 30 minutes. <a href="https://t.co/xhQv5X4RWo">https://t.co/xhQv5X4RWo</a>&mdash; Brian David Platt (@BrianDavidPlatt) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianDavidPlatt/status/1875673374715941094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Chiefs tried to move up the flight as the weather, which had been predicted all week, bared down on Kansas City. But the plane they were expected to use was delayed in arriving, so the team had to stick with its mid-afternoon departure.The airport announced at 2:50 p.m. CDT that it had closed all flight operations due to “rapid ice accumulation.” It was unclear when the Chiefs would be able to depart, though a break was expected between the end of the icy rain that had fallen during the afternoon and a thick line of heavy snow that was expected to begin in the evening and last through Sunday.The hope was that the airport would have time enough to clear the runways and resume operations.The Chiefs (15-1) have clinched the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye, rendering their regular-season finale moot for them. But the game has significant meaning for Denver, which could clinch its own playoff berth with a win.Earlier this week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he planned to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes, meaning backup Carson Wentz will get the start. The Chiefs also declared right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) out, while stars such as defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce were expected to get the game off.The Chiefs will have to wait to find out their playoff opponent. The earliest they would play in the divisional round is Jan. 18.

Chiefs finally arrive in Denver after ice shuts down airport 

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating the death of woman who was the subject of a missing person report.

Just before 5p.m. Thursday, police responded to the 3500 block of Stadium Drive on a suspicious person call for service, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

When officers arrived they were directed to a vehicle in the area. There they located a victim later identified as 48-year-old Brandi L. Crout suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.&nbsp; 

Emergency medical personnel responded and declared her deceased. On Wednesday, police asked for help to find her.&nbsp; She was&nbsp;last seen just after 8p.m. New Year's Day around 45th Terrace and Willow Ave in her black 2004 Chevy Tahoe.

Detectives and crime scene personnel are working to determine the circumstances that led up to her death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736029926449.png" alt="Brandi L. Crout photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Brandi L. Crout photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating the death of woman who was the subject of a missing person report.Just before 5p.m. Thursday, police responded to the 3500 block of Stadium Drive on a suspicious person call for service, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Missing Person Brandi L Crout, 48 years old, was last seen on 01-01-2025 at 8:00 PM. She was seen around 45th Terrace and Willow Ave in her black 2004 Chevy Tahoe EH7-V9E. The family is concerned for her well-being. If located, contact the Missing Persons Unit at 816-234-5043 <a href="https://t.co/seshnRToXE">pic.twitter.com/seshnRToXE</a>&mdash; kcpolice (@kcpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcpolice/status/1874795651806203923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>When officers arrived they were directed to a vehicle in the area. There they located a victim later identified as 48-year-old Brandi L. Crout suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.&nbsp; Emergency medical personnel responded and declared her deceased. On Wednesday, police asked for help to find her.&nbsp; She was&nbsp;last seen just after 8p.m. New Year's Day around 45th Terrace and Willow Ave in her black 2004 Chevy Tahoe.Detectives and crime scene personnel are working to determine the circumstances that led up to her death.

Police: Missing Kansas City woman found dead

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett is warning citizens about new email scams that could introduce malware into your home computer, according to a statement from his office.

Do not to click any links or buttons like the one below that resembles bank/savings information.&nbsp; The Sedgwick County District Attorney received the one above in an email this week.

The second email was received by an investigator with the district attorney's office.. Her family does not subscribe to Paramount Plus.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett is warning citizens about new email scams that could introduce malware into your home computer, according to a statement from his office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735657625538.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Do not to click any links or buttons like the one below that resembles bank/savings information.&nbsp; The Sedgwick County District Attorney received the one above in an email this week.The second email was received by an investigator with the district attorney's office.. Her family does not subscribe to Paramount Plus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735657643054.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

New email scam in Kan. could place malware on your computer

PLAINS, Ga. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jimmy-carter">Jimmy Carter</a>&nbsp;'s long public goodbye began Saturday in Georgia, with the 39th U.S. president’s flag-draped casket rolling through his tiny hometown and past his boyhood farmhouse on its way to Atlanta, where he climbed the political ladder and based his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-democracy-elections-monitoring-e89d2cf6917bc92cd56b5394580da389">decades of humanitarian work</a>&nbsp;after leaving the White House.

The former president's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-funeral-b55e0689cf66809997dc6d54849f6e81">six-day state funeral</a>&nbsp;started in Americus at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, where current and former Secret Service agents who protected the late president loaded his remains into a black hearse and walked alongside as it rolled off the campus toward Plains. With Carter's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren accompanying their patriarch, a mournful train whistle filled the clear air as the pallbearers faced the hearse, hands on their hearts, for a final goodbye.

In Plains, where Carter was born Oct. 1, 1924, and lived most of his life, mourners lined the main street, some holding bouquets of flowers and wearing pins bearing images of the former president. He died on Dec. 29&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-dies-18c198c20352c835bca3eec276020dd7">at the age of 100</a>.

“We want to pay our respects,” said 12-year-old Will Porter Shelbrock, who was born more than three decades after Carter left the White House in 1981. “He was ahead of his time on what he tried to do and tried to accomplish.”

It was Porter Shelbrock’s idea to make the trip to Plains from Gainesville, Florida, with his grandmother, Susan Cone, 66. He admires Carter for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-life-story-8bbd6eec95b0ba820e1ebf6219760946">his humanitarian work</a>&nbsp;building houses and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carter-mideast-legacy-camp-david-af2fbf95bfac2c1ebb8df5a67fcbeb2b">waging peace</a>, and talking about a warming planet before the climate crisis was part of routine political discourse.

Willie Browner, 75, described Carter as hailing from a bygone era of American politics.

“This man, he thought of more than just himself,” said Browner, who grew up in the town of Parrott, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Plains, before moving to Miami.

Browner said it meant “a great deal” to have a president come from a small Southern town like his — something he worries isn’t likely to happen again.

Indeed, the procession Saturday was intended to reflect Carter's deep rural roots and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-life-career-timeline-38b962a71cb8c05e1f7dba3b0873ebc7">remarkable rise to the world stage</a>&nbsp;as a political leader, global advocate for democracy and human rights, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Over the course of a few blocks in Plains, the motorcade passed near where Carter and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rosalynn-carter-dead-69fadff26354d26bdda94c5d52558a7f">his late wife Rosalynn</a>, who died in November 2023, ran the family peanut warehouse, and the small home where his mother, a nurse, had delivered the future first lady in 1927. The hearse passed the old train depot that served as Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign — a barebones effort that depended on public financing, dwarfed by the billion-dollar U.S. presidential campaigns of the 21st century.

Leaving downtown, the procession passed the home where Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter both died. It's the same one-story house the couple built before his first Senate campaign in 1962, their lives there interrupted only by four years in the Georgia Governor's Mansion and four years in the White House.

Then the former president was honored by the National Park Service in front of his family farm, now part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. A few dozen rangers stood in formation in front of the home, which did not have running water or electricity when Carter was a boy, as the old farm bell rang 39 times to honor Carter's place as the 39th president.

Beside the house, there remains the tennis court that Carter's father, James Earl Carter Sr., built for the family — a nod to the blend of privilege and hard rural life that defined the future president's upbringing. Carter worked his father's farm throughout the Great Depression but it was land that the elder Carter owned, with the family surrounded by Black tenant farmers in the era of Jim Crow segregation.

Carter wrote and spoke extensively on those formative years and how the abject poverty and institutional racism he saw influenced his future policies in government and his human rights work once he left the White House.

The motorcade was proceeding to Atlanta on Saturday afternoon for a moment of silence in front of the Georgia Capitol and a ceremony at the Carter Presidential Center.

There, Carter will lie in repose until Tuesday morning, when he will be transported to Washington to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol. His state funeral is Thursday at 10 a.m. at Washington National Cathedral, followed by a return to Plains for an invitation-only funeral at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-plains-georgia-maranatha-sunday-school-a1a692079be175cf2e882176fc343344">Maranatha Baptist Church</a>.

He will be buried near his home, next to Rosalynn Carter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736019265655.png" alt="The former president's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-funeral-b55e0689cf66809997dc6d54849f6e81">six-day state funeral</a>&nbsp;started in Americus at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, where current and former Secret Service agents who protected the late president loaded his remains into a black hearse and walked alongside as it rolled off the campus toward Plains." />
 <figcaption>The former president's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-funeral-b55e0689cf66809997dc6d54849f6e81">six-day state funeral</a>&nbsp;started in Americus at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, where current and former Secret Service agents who protected the late president loaded his remains into a black hearse and walked alongside as it rolled off the campus toward Plains.</figcaption>
 </figure>PLAINS, Ga. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jimmy-carter">Jimmy Carter</a>&nbsp;'s long public goodbye began Saturday in Georgia, with the 39th U.S. president’s flag-draped casket rolling through his tiny hometown and past his boyhood farmhouse on its way to Atlanta, where he climbed the political ladder and based his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-democracy-elections-monitoring-e89d2cf6917bc92cd56b5394580da389">decades of humanitarian work</a>&nbsp;after leaving the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Current and former Special Agents in Charge from the U.S. Secret Service – Carter Protective Division carry President Carter&#39;s remains to the hearse as the motorcade departs from the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, GA. <a href="https://t.co/BcRSG7l36w">pic.twitter.com/BcRSG7l36w</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1875567994375462946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Jimmy Carter&#39;s motorcade departs the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, GA. <a href="https://t.co/u0MToDbxLR">pic.twitter.com/u0MToDbxLR</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1875568410756632655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The former president's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-funeral-b55e0689cf66809997dc6d54849f6e81">six-day state funeral</a>&nbsp;started in Americus at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, where current and former Secret Service agents who protected the late president loaded his remains into a black hearse and walked alongside as it rolled off the campus toward Plains. With Carter's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren accompanying their patriarch, a mournful train whistle filled the clear air as the pallbearers faced the hearse, hands on their hearts, for a final goodbye.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Jimmy Carter&#39;s motorcade pauses at his boyhood home in Plains, GA. The National Park Service renders a salute to the late president and ring the historic farm bell 39 times. <a href="https://t.co/VJjBFnFsMe">pic.twitter.com/VJjBFnFsMe</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1875574317221654732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In Plains, where Carter was born Oct. 1, 1924, and lived most of his life, mourners lined the main street, some holding bouquets of flowers and wearing pins bearing images of the former president. He died on Dec. 29&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-dies-18c198c20352c835bca3eec276020dd7">at the age of 100</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Jimmy Carter&#39;s motorcade on its way to Atlanta, GA. <a href="https://t.co/P3O9J1jhA0">pic.twitter.com/P3O9J1jhA0</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1875628099879981228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We want to pay our respects,” said 12-year-old Will Porter Shelbrock, who was born more than three decades after Carter left the White House in 1981. “He was ahead of his time on what he tried to do and tried to accomplish.”It was Porter Shelbrock’s idea to make the trip to Plains from Gainesville, Florida, with his grandmother, Susan Cone, 66. He admires Carter for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-life-story-8bbd6eec95b0ba820e1ebf6219760946">his humanitarian work</a>&nbsp;building houses and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carter-mideast-legacy-camp-david-af2fbf95bfac2c1ebb8df5a67fcbeb2b">waging peace</a>, and talking about a warming planet before the climate crisis was part of routine political discourse.Willie Browner, 75, described Carter as hailing from a bygone era of American politics.“This man, he thought of more than just himself,” said Browner, who grew up in the town of Parrott, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Plains, before moving to Miami.Browner said it meant “a great deal” to have a president come from a small Southern town like his — something he worries isn’t likely to happen again.Indeed, the procession Saturday was intended to reflect Carter's deep rural roots and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-life-career-timeline-38b962a71cb8c05e1f7dba3b0873ebc7">remarkable rise to the world stage</a>&nbsp;as a political leader, global advocate for democracy and human rights, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner.Over the course of a few blocks in Plains, the motorcade passed near where Carter and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rosalynn-carter-dead-69fadff26354d26bdda94c5d52558a7f">his late wife Rosalynn</a>, who died in November 2023, ran the family peanut warehouse, and the small home where his mother, a nurse, had delivered the future first lady in 1927. The hearse passed the old train depot that served as Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign — a barebones effort that depended on public financing, dwarfed by the billion-dollar U.S. presidential campaigns of the 21st century.Leaving downtown, the procession passed the home where Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter both died. It's the same one-story house the couple built before his first Senate campaign in 1962, their lives there interrupted only by four years in the Georgia Governor's Mansion and four years in the White House.Then the former president was honored by the National Park Service in front of his family farm, now part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. A few dozen rangers stood in formation in front of the home, which did not have running water or electricity when Carter was a boy, as the old farm bell rang 39 times to honor Carter's place as the 39th president.Beside the house, there remains the tennis court that Carter's father, James Earl Carter Sr., built for the family — a nod to the blend of privilege and hard rural life that defined the future president's upbringing. Carter worked his father's farm throughout the Great Depression but it was land that the elder Carter owned, with the family surrounded by Black tenant farmers in the era of Jim Crow segregation.Carter wrote and spoke extensively on those formative years and how the abject poverty and institutional racism he saw influenced his future policies in government and his human rights work once he left the White House.The motorcade was proceeding to Atlanta on Saturday afternoon for a moment of silence in front of the Georgia Capitol and a ceremony at the Carter Presidential Center.There, Carter will lie in repose until Tuesday morning, when he will be transported to Washington to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol. His state funeral is Thursday at 10 a.m. at Washington National Cathedral, followed by a return to Plains for an invitation-only funeral at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-plains-georgia-maranatha-sunday-school-a1a692079be175cf2e882176fc343344">Maranatha Baptist Church</a>.He will be buried near his home, next to Rosalynn Carter.

Jimmy Carter's flag-draped casket rolled through his tiny hometown

3p.m. Update: I-70 has been reopened in Ellsworth County

SALINE COUNTY — Interstate 70 in Ellsworth Co. from mm 224-230 is temporarily closed due to crashes. Give crews room to work, allow extra distance between other vehicles on the road and plan extra travel time.

The region including Saline County and surrounding counties, are currently experiencing a significant number of crashes. The most challenging conditions are on Interstate 70 in Ellsworth and Russell Counties, where multiple slide-offs, rollovers, and both non-injury and injury accidents have occurred, according to a social media report from Trooper Ben Gardner.

These incidents include passenger cars, semi-truck rollovers, and even a fire truck that rolled over—thankfully, the first responders are okay.



The roadways are completely ice-covered. Motorists need to slow down significantly if you must travel. Ideally, stay home and avoid driving until conditions improve.

YOUR safety and the safety of others depend on making smart decisions. <a href="https://kandrive.gov/@-101.43512,39.04521,6?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,stationsAlert,weatherRadar">Click here for</a> current road condition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736016347897.png" alt="-Kan Drive view of Interstate 70 at Lincoln Hill just after 12:45p.m. Saturday" />
 <figcaption>-Kan Drive view of Interstate 70 at Lincoln Hill just after 12:45p.m. Saturday</figcaption>
 </figure>3p.m. Update: I-70 has been reopened in Ellsworth CountySALINE COUNTY — Interstate 70 in Ellsworth Co. from mm 224-230 is temporarily closed due to crashes. Give crews room to work, allow extra distance between other vehicles on the road and plan extra travel time.The region including Saline County and surrounding counties, are currently experiencing a significant number of crashes. The most challenging conditions are on Interstate 70 in Ellsworth and Russell Counties, where multiple slide-offs, rollovers, and both non-injury and injury accidents have occurred, according to a social media report from Trooper Ben Gardner.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Completely ice covered. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> Please <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayHome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayHome</a> <a href="https://t.co/BWD6Qc9P7e">pic.twitter.com/BWD6Qc9P7e</a>&mdash; Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperBenKHP/status/1875613718169710762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is gonna be quick and I need you to share it. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/xdtbvjEV7l">pic.twitter.com/xdtbvjEV7l</a>&mdash; Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperBenKHP/status/1875597780015837483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>These incidents include passenger cars, semi-truck rollovers, and even a fire truck that rolled over—thankfully, the first responders are okay.

 The roadways are completely ice-covered. Motorists need to slow down significantly if you must travel. Ideally, stay home and avoid driving until conditions improve.

YOUR safety and the safety of others depend on making smart decisions. <a href="https://kandrive.gov/@-101.43512,39.04521,6?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,stationsAlert,weatherRadar">Click here for</a> current road condition.

🎥 KHP: I-70 ice-covered, Troopers working many slide offs

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 8:30a.m. Dec. 31, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a vehicle stop for traffic infractions on U.S. Hwy 75 near 150th on a Dodge Charger, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The Deputy arrested the driver, Destiny Marie Hibbs, 31, of Holton.

  Hibbs was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735751786360.png" alt="Hibbs-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hibbs-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 8:30a.m. Dec. 31, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a vehicle stop for traffic infractions on U.S. Hwy 75 near 150th on a Dodge Charger, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The Deputy arrested the driver, Destiny Marie Hibbs, 31, of Holton. Hibbs was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kansas woman caught transporting cocaine

KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire at a business in Kansas City.

Just before 10a.m., crews responded to a fire in the 3100 block of Wheeling Avenue in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. 

Crews reported smoke showing from an occupied commercial structure that is used as an automotive repair shop. &nbsp;Searches of the structure came back all clear. Occupants of the structure were able to escape prior to the arrival of fire crews. The fire was placed under control at 10:11 a.m. No injuries were reported. The building suffered significant damage. Crews have not released a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735925572331.png" alt="Photos KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire at a business in Kansas City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735925622177.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10a.m., crews responded to a fire in the 3100 block of Wheeling Avenue in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. Crews reported smoke showing from an occupied commercial structure that is used as an automotive repair shop. &nbsp;Searches of the structure came back all clear. Occupants of the structure were able to escape prior to the arrival of fire crews. The fire was placed under control at 10:11 a.m. No injuries were reported. The building suffered significant damage. Crews have not released a damage estimate.

Significant damage after fire at KC auto repair business

WASHINGTON (AP) — New Kansas 2nd District Representative Derick Schmidt was sworn in on Friday.&nbsp;He previously served as the Kansas Attorney General from 2011 to 2023.

But while House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-johnson-speaker-vote-donald-trump-ccbe593940ef488019563e8e4b98061e">avoided the dayslong ordeal</a>&nbsp;that his predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">Kevin McCarthy</a>, endured to become speaker, his relatively swift victory was hardly a unifying moment. The tumult of the day laid bare that Johnson retains only tenuous support from hard-line conservatives who gave him their votes for now, but stand ready to dispatch him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">just as they did McCarthy</a>&nbsp;if their demands aren't met.

“Is he going to fight?” said Rep. Ralph Norman, a South Carolina Republican who initially opposed Johnson but ultimate changed his vote.

Republicans are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-republicans-congress-spending-immigration-e4aebdcc9955f5d663208aec08778442">relishing the moment</a>&nbsp;as they take unified control of Washington and rally around President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>. Yet the elements that made for a turbulent House the past two years remain stubbornly in place, except that the stakes are far higher now as Republicans try to deliver on Trump's agenda.

The scale of the conflict to come was apparent as Congress began its new session Friday. House Republicans took shots at each other on TV and argued on the House floor, the freshly elected speaker looked worried, and even after Johnson's victory, some GOP lawmakers openly discussed what might trigger his removal.

For a time, it seemed things might get even worse.

The House chamber seemed to snap back to a familiar scene from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">speakership vote two years ago</a>&nbsp;as archconservatives refused to back Johnson, gesticulating while they openly negotiated on the floor. But after an hour of uncertainty and tense negotiations — as well as Trump calling in from a golf course to make clear he supported Johnson — two of the three Republicans who at first denied Johnson the speakership changed their votes to give him the majority he needed.

Norman said it was not so much Trump who changed his mind, but the fact that Johnson, as he huddled with the holdouts in the back of the House chamber, vowed that he would indeed “fight for everything going forward.”

Johnson has the difficult task of leading a Republican majority that will be even slimmer than it was in the last Congress — potentially down to a single vote, once a handful of members join Trump's administration.

Last year, the thin majority, as well as near-constant defiance from his right flank, forced Johnson to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-campaign-house-republicans-majority-elections-ef7ef9a498e1c7a04971bf28b59c81f7">rely on Democratic support</a>&nbsp;to pass practically any significant legislation.

Johnson tried to turn the page in his first speech after winning the speaker's gavel, arguing that Republicans are now empowered by a “groundswell of Americans” who want an end to the status quo in Washington.

“Speaker Johnson contends that in a environment where we have the White House and the Republican Senate, that he’s going to be able to go get the job done,” said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who has been outspoken in his criticism of Johnson. “So we’ll give him a chance to see. But we need to deliver. There’s no room for any excuses now.”

Making matters more difficult, even if Johnson manages to unite his conference in the House, most legislation will still need at least some Democratic support in the Senate, where the chamber's filibuster rules prevent most bills from advancing unless they have support from at least 60 senators. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority in the Senate.

"He’s got a really, really tough job,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said in an interview with NBC's “Meet the Press.”

Republican leadership did ease one threat to Johnson by making it more difficult to oust the speaker through a so-called motion to vacate. Any motion will now need at least nine members from the majority party rather than being triggered by a single lawmaker. Democrats protested that Republicans are shielding the speaker from bipartisan accountability.

Still, within minutes of Johnson gaining the support he needed to take the speakership, the House Freedom Caucus released a letter signed by 11 members demanding that Johnson deliver ambitious policy goals, including enacting permanent border security changes, making aggressive federal spending cuts and banning members of Congress from stock trading.

Caucus members said Johnson now “must prove he will not fail to enact President Trump's bold agenda.”

At the same time, conservatives are also agitating for guarantees to reduce the federal deficit as well as move power from the speaker's office by allowing rank-and-file members greater control over what's included in legislation. While such promises could prove hard to keep, Johnson committed to working closely with Freedom Caucus members in crafting legislation.

“Speakers typically don’t last very long,” said Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a caucus member. “I would say this about Speaker Johnson: As long as this is a member-driven process, I think his speakership will be successful. If it’s not, that's going to be tough.”

Nine conservatives initially withheld support for Johnson during the speakership vote by either staying silent while their names were called or voting for someone else. It was taken by many as a not-so-subtle message that the motion to vacate is still at hand, even with the rules change.

The warning was even raised to Johnson during a huddle over the speaker vote, Norman said.

Norman said Johnson responded: “Look, if I don’t perform like I say I’m going to perform and push the things that you’re saying, put me out. I never thought I would have this job anyway.'”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735997578049.png" alt="Ceremonial swearing in for Kansas 2nd District Congressman Derick Schmidt-Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Ceremonial swearing in for Kansas 2nd District Congressman Derick Schmidt-Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — New Kansas 2nd District Representative Derick Schmidt was sworn in on Friday.&nbsp;He previously served as the Kansas Attorney General from 2011 to 2023.But while House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-johnson-speaker-vote-donald-trump-ccbe593940ef488019563e8e4b98061e">avoided the dayslong ordeal</a>&nbsp;that his predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">Kevin McCarthy</a>, endured to become speaker, his relatively swift victory was hardly a unifying moment. The tumult of the day laid bare that Johnson retains only tenuous support from hard-line conservatives who gave him their votes for now, but stand ready to dispatch him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">just as they did McCarthy</a>&nbsp;if their demands aren't met.“Is he going to fight?” said Rep. Ralph Norman, a South Carolina Republican who initially opposed Johnson but ultimate changed his vote.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It’s an incredible honor to continue serving our great country as Speaker of the House. Now, let’s get to work. <a href="https://t.co/22YITXHrvh">pic.twitter.com/22YITXHrvh</a>&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1875306002242994646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-republicans-congress-spending-immigration-e4aebdcc9955f5d663208aec08778442">relishing the moment</a>&nbsp;as they take unified control of Washington and rally around President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>. Yet the elements that made for a turbulent House the past two years remain stubbornly in place, except that the stakes are far higher now as Republicans try to deliver on Trump's agenda.The scale of the conflict to come was apparent as Congress began its new session Friday. House Republicans took shots at each other on TV and argued on the House floor, the freshly elected speaker looked worried, and even after Johnson's victory, some GOP lawmakers openly discussed what might trigger his removal.For a time, it seemed things might get even worse.The House chamber seemed to snap back to a familiar scene from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">speakership vote two years ago</a>&nbsp;as archconservatives refused to back Johnson, gesticulating while they openly negotiated on the floor. But after an hour of uncertainty and tense negotiations — as well as Trump calling in from a golf course to make clear he supported Johnson — two of the three Republicans who at first denied Johnson the speakership changed their votes to give him the majority he needed.Norman said it was not so much Trump who changed his mind, but the fact that Johnson, as he huddled with the holdouts in the back of the House chamber, vowed that he would indeed “fight for everything going forward.”Easier said than done.Johnson has the difficult task of leading a Republican majority that will be even slimmer than it was in the last Congress — potentially down to a single vote, once a handful of members join Trump's administration.Last year, the thin majority, as well as near-constant defiance from his right flank, forced Johnson to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-campaign-house-republicans-majority-elections-ef7ef9a498e1c7a04971bf28b59c81f7">rely on Democratic support</a>&nbsp;to pass practically any significant legislation.Johnson tried to turn the page in his first speech after winning the speaker's gavel, arguing that Republicans are now empowered by a “groundswell of Americans” who want an end to the status quo in Washington.“Speaker Johnson contends that in a environment where we have the White House and the Republican Senate, that he’s going to be able to go get the job done,” said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who has been outspoken in his criticism of Johnson. “So we’ll give him a chance to see. But we need to deliver. There’s no room for any excuses now.”Making matters more difficult, even if Johnson manages to unite his conference in the House, most legislation will still need at least some Democratic support in the Senate, where the chamber's filibuster rules prevent most bills from advancing unless they have support from at least 60 senators. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority in the Senate."He’s got a really, really tough job,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said in an interview with NBC's “Meet the Press.”Republican leadership did ease one threat to Johnson by making it more difficult to oust the speaker through a so-called motion to vacate. Any motion will now need at least nine members from the majority party rather than being triggered by a single lawmaker. Democrats protested that Republicans are shielding the speaker from bipartisan accountability.Still, within minutes of Johnson gaining the support he needed to take the speakership, the House Freedom Caucus released a letter signed by 11 members demanding that Johnson deliver ambitious policy goals, including enacting permanent border security changes, making aggressive federal spending cuts and banning members of Congress from stock trading.Caucus members said Johnson now “must prove he will not fail to enact President Trump's bold agenda.”At the same time, conservatives are also agitating for guarantees to reduce the federal deficit as well as move power from the speaker's office by allowing rank-and-file members greater control over what's included in legislation. While such promises could prove hard to keep, Johnson committed to working closely with Freedom Caucus members in crafting legislation.“Speakers typically don’t last very long,” said Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a caucus member. “I would say this about Speaker Johnson: As long as this is a member-driven process, I think his speakership will be successful. If it’s not, that's going to be tough.”Nine conservatives initially withheld support for Johnson during the speakership vote by either staying silent while their names were called or voting for someone else. It was taken by many as a not-so-subtle message that the motion to vacate is still at hand, even with the rules change.The warning was even raised to Johnson during a huddle over the speaker vote, Norman said.Norman said Johnson responded: “Look, if I don’t perform like I say I’m going to perform and push the things that you’re saying, put me out. I never thought I would have this job anyway.'”

New Kan. 2nd District Congressman Derek Schmidt sworn in

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a homicide in Kansas City that left three dead have identified the victims as 39-year-old&nbsp;Zachary D. Hatcher; 7-year-old&nbsp;Charlotte Hatcher and 9-year-old&nbsp;Jeffery Hatcher, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just before 10p.m., police responded to the 1000 block of NW 91st Terrace in Kansas City on a reported check the welfare call for service.

When officers arrived they began checking the exterior of the residence. They smelled smoke and could see smoke inside the home. Officers made entry into the home but had to quickly back out due to a fire inside. 

The Kansas City Fire Department simultaneously responded and were able to extinguish the fire. Upon reentering the home, police found a girl, a boy and a man with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel declared the girl and the man deceased at the scene. 

EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he died a short time later, according DiMartino.

&nbsp; This is being investigated as a homicide and detectives are not looking for any suspects. Investigators and crime scene personnel are working to determine what led up to the incident.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735905558733.png" alt="Police at the scene of the homicide-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the homicide-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a homicide in Kansas City that left three dead have identified the victims as 39-year-old&nbsp;Zachary D. Hatcher; 7-year-old&nbsp;Charlotte Hatcher and 9-year-old&nbsp;Jeffery Hatcher, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Just before 10p.m., police responded to the 1000 block of NW 91st Terrace in Kansas City on a reported check the welfare call for service.When officers arrived they began checking the exterior of the residence. They smelled smoke and could see smoke inside the home. Officers made entry into the home but had to quickly back out due to a fire inside. The Kansas City Fire Department simultaneously responded and were able to extinguish the fire. Upon reentering the home, police found a girl, a boy and a man with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel declared the girl and the man deceased at the scene. EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he died a short time later, according DiMartino.&nbsp; This is being investigated as a homicide and detectives are not looking for any suspects. Investigators and crime scene personnel are working to determine what led up to the incident.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Police ID man, 2 children killed at home in Kansas City

The holidays came with a side of flu for many Americans, with 40 states reporting high or very high levels of illness last week, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2024-week-52.html" target="_blank">latest government health data</a>.

“A lot of flu out there,” said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Carrie Reed.

Of course, there are a number of bugs that cause fever, cough, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms. One is COVID-19. Another is RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, which is a common cause of cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous for infants and the elderly.

The most recent CDC hospitalization&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fsurveillance%2Fresp-net%2Fdashboard.html" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;and other indicators show that the flu virus is trending higher than the other germs, Reed said. Several seasonal flu strains are driving cases, with no dominant one, she added.

Pediatric hospitals have been busy since November with RSV, but “influenza has now joined the party,” said Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious diseases specialist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

“Now we’re really starting to roll,” he added. ”Our hospitals are busy.”

One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. That level last week was about equal to the peak of last winter’s respiratory virus season — which occurred at the same time of year. Reed noted that most people avoid medical appointments over the holidays if they can help it, so the data in late December might be skewed by people who came down with sudden illnesses.

Last week’s flu activity was particularly intense in the South, Southwest and western U.S. The states reporting lesser amounts of suffering were mostly in the northern Great Plains and in New England.

So far this season, the CDC estimates, there have been at least 5.3 million flu illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths — including at least 11 children.

It’s not clear if this winter respiratory virus season will be any worse than others. So far it seems relatively typical, at least for kids, Newland said.

How to protect yourself from seasonal illnesses

U.S. health officials recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-flu-rsv-vaccines-shots-ad33f4fe23f4c293ab87415b6449d9ad">annual flu vaccination</a>, and they say it’s not too late to get a shot.

You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs can spread that way,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/index.html" target="_blank">health officials say</a>. You should also wash your hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

The CDC also has been keeping its eye on a rise of illnesses from norovirus, a nasty stomach bug, with 91 outbreaks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norovirus-outbreak-stomach-virus-78e4a5f3c55d0af68f0c9e115c2369e5">reported</a>&nbsp;early in December.

Investigators also have been closely watching another kind of influenza virus, the Type A H5N1 version of bird flu. The CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html#cdc_situation_summary_current-current-situation" target="_blank">says</a>&nbsp;66 human U.S. cases of that were reported last year, but none of them in the last week.

The cases are “fairly sporadic” and the overall risk to the public remains low, Reed said. Almost all have been traced to direct contact with infected animals, with no proof of spread between people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735991580433.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;MIKE STOBBE Associated PressThe holidays came with a side of flu for many Americans, with 40 states reporting high or very high levels of illness last week, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2024-week-52.html" target="_blank">latest government health data</a>.“A lot of flu out there,” said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Carrie Reed.Of course, there are a number of bugs that cause fever, cough, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms. One is COVID-19. Another is RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, which is a common cause of cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous for infants and the elderly.The most recent CDC hospitalization&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fsurveillance%2Fresp-net%2Fdashboard.html" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;and other indicators show that the flu virus is trending higher than the other germs, Reed said. Several seasonal flu strains are driving cases, with no dominant one, she added.Pediatric hospitals have been busy since November with RSV, but “influenza has now joined the party,” said Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious diseases specialist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.“Now we’re really starting to roll,” he added. ”Our hospitals are busy.”<h2>Where flu illnesses are the highest</h2>One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. That level last week was about equal to the peak of last winter’s respiratory virus season — which occurred at the same time of year. Reed noted that most people avoid medical appointments over the holidays if they can help it, so the data in late December might be skewed by people who came down with sudden illnesses.Last week’s flu activity was particularly intense in the South, Southwest and western U.S. The states reporting lesser amounts of suffering were mostly in the northern Great Plains and in New England.So far this season, the CDC estimates, there have been at least 5.3 million flu illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths — including at least 11 children.It’s not clear if this winter respiratory virus season will be any worse than others. So far it seems relatively typical, at least for kids, Newland said.ADVERTISEMENT<h2>How to protect yourself from seasonal illnesses</h2>U.S. health officials recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-flu-rsv-vaccines-shots-ad33f4fe23f4c293ab87415b6449d9ad">annual flu vaccination</a>, and they say it’s not too late to get a shot.You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs can spread that way,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/index.html" target="_blank">health officials say</a>. You should also wash your hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid close contact with people who are sick.<h2>Other germs are being watched</h2>The CDC also has been keeping its eye on a rise of illnesses from norovirus, a nasty stomach bug, with 91 outbreaks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norovirus-outbreak-stomach-virus-78e4a5f3c55d0af68f0c9e115c2369e5">reported</a>&nbsp;early in December.Investigators also have been closely watching another kind of influenza virus, the Type A H5N1 version of bird flu. The CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html#cdc_situation_summary_current-current-situation" target="_blank">says</a>&nbsp;66 human U.S. cases of that were reported last year, but none of them in the last week.The cases are “fairly sporadic” and the overall risk to the public remains low, Reed said. Almost all have been traced to direct contact with infected animals, with no proof of spread between people.<h2>___</h2>

Sick season is in full force in Kan. What the latest CDC figures show

REPUBLIC COUNTY – A Kansas father accused in the death of his 3-month old daughter is now in a jail in Kansas. 

Just before 7p.m. Thursday, 23-year-old William McLaughlin&nbsp; of Belleville was booked into the Republic County Jail, according to online jail records.

On Thursday morning McLaughlin was arrested in Nebraska on a KBI warrant for first-degree murder and felony abuse of a child. The charges are connected to the death of McLaughlin’s three-month-old daughter.

On Christmas Day, the infant was initially brought to the Republic County hospital. She had suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead in an Omaha hospital on Dec. 29.

Following&nbsp;the arrest, McLaughlin was booked into the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Jail in Nebraska. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest.&nbsp; Republic County authorities have not set the date for McLaughlin's first court appearance.

REPUBLIC COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a suspected&nbsp;child abuse case in Belleville. &nbsp;

On Thursday morning, the&nbsp;Belleville Police Department&nbsp;contacted the&nbsp;KBI to investigate after an unresponsive&nbsp;three-month-old&nbsp;infant was transported from the Republic County hospital to a hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

The child’s parents brought her to the Republic County hospital on Dec. 25, and hospital staff later contacted the Belleville Police Department.

A pediatrician at the Omaha hospital indicated the child has no brain activity due to severe injuries she had sustained. Late Thursday afternoon, KBI reported the infant remains on life support.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735921300083.png" alt="McLaughlin photo Republic County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>McLaughlin photo Republic County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>REPUBLIC COUNTY – A Kansas father accused in the death of his 3-month old daughter is now in a jail in Kansas. Just before 7p.m. Thursday, 23-year-old William McLaughlin&nbsp; of Belleville was booked into the Republic County Jail, according to online jail records.On Thursday morning McLaughlin was arrested in Nebraska on a KBI warrant for first-degree murder and felony abuse of a child. The charges are connected to the death of McLaughlin’s three-month-old daughter.On Christmas Day, the infant was initially brought to the Republic County hospital. She had suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead in an Omaha hospital on Dec. 29.Following&nbsp;the arrest, McLaughlin was booked into the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Jail in Nebraska. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest.&nbsp; Republic County authorities have not set the date for McLaughlin's first court appearance.-----------REPUBLIC COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a suspected&nbsp;child abuse case in Belleville. &nbsp;On Thursday morning, the&nbsp;Belleville Police Department&nbsp;contacted the&nbsp;KBI to investigate after an unresponsive&nbsp;three-month-old&nbsp;infant was transported from the Republic County hospital to a hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.The child’s parents brought her to the Republic County hospital on Dec. 25, and hospital staff later contacted the Belleville Police Department.A pediatrician at the Omaha hospital indicated the child has no brain activity due to severe injuries she had sustained. Late Thursday afternoon, KBI reported the infant remains on life support.

Father accused in 3-month-old's death moved to Kansas jail

FINNEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2p.m. Friday in Finney County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 FordF550 driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Cesar H. Pena, 23, Lakin, was southbound on U.S. 83 at Parallel Road.

The pickup rear-ended a 2014 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Elizabeth L.&nbsp;Gossman, 43, Garden City, that had slowed and stopped to turn left onto Parallel Road.

The impact pushed the Chevy into the northbound lane of travel.&nbsp; A northbound 2014 Ford F150 driven by Jon R.&nbsp;Ungles, 58, Satanta, struck the drivers side of the Chevy.

Gossman was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported&nbsp;Pena, Ungles, a 14-year-old passenger in the Chevy and a 52-year-old passenger in the F150 to&nbsp; St. Catherines Hospital.&nbsp;

FINNEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2p.m. Friday in Finney County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 FordF550 driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Cesar H. Pena, 23, Lakin, was southbound on U.S. 83 at Parallel Road.The pickup rear-ended a 2014 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Elizabeth L.&nbsp;Gossman, 43, Garden City, that had slowed and stopped to turn left onto Parallel Road.The impact pushed the Chevy into the northbound lane of travel.&nbsp; A northbound 2014 Ford F150 driven by Jon R.&nbsp;Ungles, 58, Satanta, struck the drivers side of the Chevy.Gossman was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported&nbsp;Pena, Ungles, a 14-year-old passenger in the Chevy and a 52-year-old passenger in the F150 to&nbsp; St. Catherines Hospital.&nbsp;

SW Kansas woman dies after 3-vehicle crash

COWLEY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office have new information about an Arkansas City man charged with multiple child sex crimes.

On Dec. 28 around noon, Brian W. Black, 40, was found dead outside of his residence in Arkansas City, according to a media release from the KBI.

Black died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies contacted the coroner who pronounced him deceased at the scene.

Black had been released on bond after he was charged with rape and other crimes committed against a 16-year old teen.

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

Just before 10:30a.m December 11, special agents with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrested Brian W. Black, 40, without incident at his residence in Arkansas City, according to a media release from the KBI.

Black was arrested on a warrant on requested charges that include three counts of rape, three counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of exploitation of a child, two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior, abuse of a child, and battery.

In September 2023, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance with a sexual assault investigation involving a 16-year-old girl who had reported that Black had raped her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734044955692.png" alt="Black photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Black photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office have new information about an Arkansas City man charged with multiple child sex crimes.On Dec. 28 around noon, Brian W. Black, 40, was found dead outside of his residence in Arkansas City, according to a media release from the KBI.Black died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies contacted the coroner who pronounced him deceased at the scene.Black had been released on bond after he was charged with rape and other crimes committed against a 16-year old teen.------------COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.Just before 10:30a.m December 11, special agents with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrested Brian W. Black, 40, without incident at his residence in Arkansas City, according to a media release from the KBI.Black was arrested on a warrant on requested charges that include three counts of rape, three counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of exploitation of a child, two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior, abuse of a child, and battery.In September 2023, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance with a sexual assault investigation involving a 16-year-old girl who had reported that Black had raped her.

KBI: Kansas man charged with sex crimes is dead

NEW YORK (AP) — In an extraordinary turn, a judge Friday set&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President-elect Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;sentencing in his hush money case for Jan. 10 — little over a week before he's due to return to the White House — but indicated he wouldn't be jailed.

The development nevertheless leaves Trump on course to be the first president to take office convicted of felony crimes.

Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over Trump’s trial, signaled in a written decision that he'd sentence the former and future president to what's known as an unconditional discharge, in which a case is closed without jail time, a fine or probation. Trump can appear virtually for sentencing, if he chooses.

Merchan wrote that he sought to balance competing interests: Trump’s ability to govern “unencumbered” by the case, the U.S. Supreme Court's July&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immunity-supreme-court-capitol-riot-trial-72ec35de776315183e1db561257cb108">ruling on presidential immunity</a>, the public’s expectation “that all are equal and no one is above the Iaw,” and the importance of respecting a jury verdict.

“This court is simply not persuaded that the first factor outweighs the others at this stage of the proceeding,” Merchan wrote in an 18-page decision.

He rejected Trump’s push to dismiss the verdict and throw out the case on presidential immunity grounds and because of his impending second term. The judge said that he found no legal impediment to sentencing Trump and indeed deemed it “incumbent” on the court to carry out the proceeding before Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.

“Only by bringing finality to this matter” will the interests of justice be served, Merchan wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713921168558.png" alt="File photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — In an extraordinary turn, a judge Friday set&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President-elect Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;sentencing in his hush money case for Jan. 10 — little over a week before he's due to return to the White House — but indicated he wouldn't be jailed.The development nevertheless leaves Trump on course to be the first president to take office convicted of felony crimes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735943641048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over Trump’s trial, signaled in a written decision that he'd sentence the former and future president to what's known as an unconditional discharge, in which a case is closed without jail time, a fine or probation. Trump can appear virtually for sentencing, if he chooses.Merchan wrote that he sought to balance competing interests: Trump’s ability to govern “unencumbered” by the case, the U.S. Supreme Court's July&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immunity-supreme-court-capitol-riot-trial-72ec35de776315183e1db561257cb108">ruling on presidential immunity</a>, the public’s expectation “that all are equal and no one is above the Iaw,” and the importance of respecting a jury verdict.“This court is simply not persuaded that the first factor outweighs the others at this stage of the proceeding,” Merchan wrote in an 18-page decision.He rejected Trump’s push to dismiss the verdict and throw out the case on presidential immunity grounds and because of his impending second term. The judge said that he found no legal impediment to sentencing Trump and indeed deemed it “incumbent” on the court to carry out the proceeding before Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.“Only by bringing finality to this matter” will the interests of justice be served, Merchan wrote.Trump communications director Steven Cheung reiterated that the case, which Trump has long described as illegitimate, should be dismissed outright.“There should be no sentencing, and President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead,” Cheung said in a statement. He didn't elaborate on Trump's potential next legal moves.Former Manhattan Judge Diane Kiesel said the ruling can't be appealed under New York law, but Trump nonetheless might try to appeal it. In any event, he can appeal his conviction, a step that can't be taken until he is sentenced.“I’m a little curious as to why it took this long, but I don’t want to be critical of the judge over that because I have no idea what his other caseload looks like and I know this is something that he wanted to make sure he got right because the minute Mr. Trump is sentenced, everybody is going to be running up to the appellate division,” Kiesel said.Trump was convicted in May of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-arraignment-hush-money-81225510ef7638494852816878f612f0">34 counts of falsifying business records</a>. They involved an alleged scheme to hide a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-hush-money-opening-stormy-daniels-6beee9b99114898ee0dd60185d43bac5">hush money payment</a>&nbsp;to porn actor Stormy Daniels in the last weeks of Trump’s first campaign in 2016. The payout was made to keep her from publicizing claims she’d had sex with the married Trump years earlier. He says that her story is false and that he did nothing wrong.After Trump’s Nov. 5 election, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case.Trump’s lawyers urged Merchan to toss it. They said it would otherwise&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-manhattan-da-hush-money-stormy-daniels-4ca273191cb1ea226c8938ef14f0b259">pose unconstitutional “disruptions”</a>&nbsp;to the incoming president’s ability to run the country.Prosecutors acknowledged there should be some accommodation for his upcoming presidency, but they insisted the conviction should stand.They&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-manhattan-da-hush-money-stormy-daniels-f4405fbd1b0c769a7f98c40aa892d94c">suggested various options</a>, such as freezing the case during his term or guaranteeing him a no-jail sentence. They also proposed closing the case while formally noting both his conviction and his undecided appeal — a novel idea drawn from what some state courts do when criminal defendants die while appealing their cases.Merchan ruled that Trump’s current status as president-elect does not afford him the same immunity as a sitting president. Setting the verdict aside and dismissing the case would be a “drastic” step and would “undermine the Rule of Law in immeasurable ways,” Merchan wrote. He opined that it wouldn’t address the Supreme Court’s concerns about presidential immunity, either.Trump takes office Jan. 20 as the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.His conviction left the 78-year-old facing the possibility of punishment ranging from a fine or probation to up to four years in prison.The case centered on how Trump accounted for reimbursing his personal attorney for the Daniels payment.The lawyer, Michael Cohen, fronted the money. He later recouped it through a series of payments that Trump’s company logged as legal expenses. Trump, by then in the White House, signed most of the checks himself.Prosecutors said the designation was meant to cloak the true purpose of the payments and help cover up a broader effort to keep voters from hearing unflattering claims about the Republican during his first campaign.Trump said that Cohen was legitimately paid for legal services, and that Daniels’ story was suppressed to avoid embarrassing Trump’s family, not to influence the electorate.Trump was a private citizen — campaigning for president, but neither elected nor sworn in — when Cohen paid Daniels in October 2016. He was president when Cohen was reimbursed, and Cohen testified that they discussed the repayment arrangement in the Oval Office.Trump, a Republican, has decried the verdict as the “rigged, disgraceful” result of a “witch hunt” pursued by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat.Before Trump’s November election, his lawyers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immunity-hush-money-merchan-stormy-daniels-02e54baf65b233ad7f6875536fb998ea">sought to reverse</a>&nbsp;his conviction for a different reason: the Supreme Court's immunity decision, which gave presidents broad protection from criminal prosecution.The Trump hush money attorneys contended that the jury got some evidence that should have been shielded by presidential immunity. Merchan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-conviction-stormy-daniels-908465ed0b7f2005c72226b5b2546260">later rejected</a>&nbsp;that argument, but in the meantime, the election raised new issues.While urging Merchan to nix the conviction, Trump also sought to move the case to federal court, where he could also assert immunity. A federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-sentencing-new-york-immunity-a905207c7db9fc48d022d68ac6cc12e1">repeatedly said no</a>, but Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-appeal-immunity-sentencing-c143a098e633bbe8f624966806996fc2">appealed</a>.The hush money case was the only one of Trump’s four criminal indictments to go to trial.Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-justice-department-jack-smith-d6172cf98d8e03e099571c908267456c">ended his two federal cases</a>. One pertained to Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss; the other alleged he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.A separate, state-level&nbsp;<a href="https://state%20election%20interference%20case%20i/">election interference case in Georgia</a>&nbsp;is in limbo after an appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fani-willis-georgia-election-indictment-removed-0aa6db3b7abed22eb08ed9323f687972">removed prosecutor Fani Willis from the case</a>.Trump's lawyers argued that Smith’s decision to dismiss the federal indictments against Trump should propel a dismissal of the New York hush money case, as well. But Merchan said he found that argument unpersuasive, noting that the hush money case was in a “vastly” different stage.Trump's sentencing initially was set for last July 11, then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-sentencing-bragg-4d5f8ce399656abff72d7c114a04060d">postponed</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-sentencing-delay-postponed-election-be5a6fd3481055187543236c8dd3b045">twice</a>&nbsp;at the defense's request.