ELLSWORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Hyundai Elantra driven by Sithandra A.&nbsp;Bell, 17, Topeka, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Kansas 156. The driver looked at her phone and the car entered the median and rolled&nbsp;

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Hyundai Elantra driven by Sithandra A.&nbsp;Bell, 17, Topeka, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Kansas 156. The driver looked at her phone and the car entered the median and rolled&nbsp;

Kan. teen who looked at her phone injured in rollover accident

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating the death of two people at a home in Topeka have identified the homicide victim as&nbsp;Erica Beckem, 35, of Topeka and the&nbsp;deceased suspect as Travoris Steele, 26, Topeka.

Just after 11:45p.m. Friday, police responded to a report of a possible shooting in the 900 block of SW Lincoln Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. John Trimble.

First responders located Beckem and Steele who were deceased.&nbsp;

The Topeka Police Department is still investigating this incident as a murder-suicide.&nbsp;

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating the death of two people at a home in Topeka have identified the homicide victim as&nbsp;Erica Beckem, 35, of Topeka and the&nbsp;deceased suspect as Travoris Steele, 26, Topeka.Just after 11:45p.m. Friday, police responded to a report of a possible shooting in the 900 block of SW Lincoln Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. John Trimble.First responders located Beckem and Steele who were deceased.&nbsp;The Topeka Police Department is still investigating this incident as a murder-suicide.&nbsp;

Police ID man, woman found dead in Kansas shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting&nbsp; that occurred last week in the basement of a home in Wichita faced a judge on Monday.

&nbsp;Elijah Cynova, 18, was charged with&nbsp;unintentional but reckless second-degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Blaze Arrington, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 10p.m. December 23, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 3600 block of South Eisenhower Court in Wichita and found&nbsp; Arrington suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.&nbsp;

Investigators determined Arrington was in the basement with a friend, later identified as Cynova, showing him two firearms. During the interaction, Cynova reportedly pointed one of the firearms at Arrington and fired, striking him.&nbsp;

Arrington was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; He died four days later.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nicole-kenny-after-losing-blaze">Click here to view the</a> online fundraiser to assist Arrington's family.

Police arrested Cynova and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail originally on a requested charge of aggravated battery.&nbsp; &nbsp;He remains jailed on a $100,000 bond, according to online jail records.

There is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nicole-kenny-after-losing-blaze">GoFundMe</a>&nbsp;established to help Arrington’s family with funeral expenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767094930839.png" alt="Cynova photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Cynova photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting&nbsp; that occurred last week in the basement of a home in Wichita faced a judge on Monday.&nbsp;Elijah Cynova, 18, was charged with&nbsp;unintentional but reckless second-degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Blaze Arrington, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 10p.m. December 23, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 3600 block of South Eisenhower Court in Wichita and found&nbsp; Arrington suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.&nbsp;Investigators determined Arrington was in the basement with a friend, later identified as Cynova, showing him two firearms. During the interaction, Cynova reportedly pointed one of the firearms at Arrington and fired, striking him.&nbsp;Arrington was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; He died four days later.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nicole-kenny-after-losing-blaze">Click here to view the</a> online fundraiser to assist Arrington's family.Police arrested Cynova and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail originally on a requested charge of aggravated battery.&nbsp; &nbsp;He remains jailed on a $100,000 bond, according to online jail records.There is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nicole-kenny-after-losing-blaze">GoFundMe</a>&nbsp;established to help Arrington’s family with funeral expenses.

Unintentional but reckless murder of Kansas teen

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 3p.m. Tuesday in Montgomery County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 GMC Terrain driven by Robert S&nbsp;Deatherage, 70, Coffeyville, was eastbound on U.S. 160 at County Road 4500. The SUV traveled off the roadway to the right, struck a culvert, continued eastbound across County Road 4500, struck another embankment and rolled into the east ditch.

EMS transported Deatherage to Freeman Hospital in Joplin where he was pronounced deceased. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 3p.m. Tuesday in Montgomery County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 GMC Terrain driven by Robert S&nbsp;Deatherage, 70, Coffeyville, was eastbound on U.S. 160 at County Road 4500. The SUV traveled off the roadway to the right, struck a culvert, continued eastbound across County Road 4500, struck another embankment and rolled into the east ditch.EMS transported Deatherage to Freeman Hospital in Joplin where he was pronounced deceased. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies in SUV rollover accident

KANSAS CITY —Police in Kansas City investigating Christmas weekend homicide have identified the victim as 54-year-old Luis Cruz

Just before 2a.m Saturday, officers were dispatched to a shooting in the 3900 block of St. John Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they located Cruz on the sidewalk, suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers began performing life saving measures as KCFD EMS arrived on scene. Medics transported Cruz to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Just before 3a.m., Cruz was pronounced deceased at the hospital.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766854408367.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Police in Kansas City investigating Christmas weekend homicide have identified the victim as 54-year-old Luis CruzJust before 2a.m Saturday, officers were dispatched to a shooting in the 3900 block of St. John Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.As officers arrived they located Cruz on the sidewalk, suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers began performing life saving measures as KCFD EMS arrived on scene. Medics transported Cruz to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.&nbsp;Just before 3a.m., Cruz was pronounced deceased at the hospital.&nbsp;

Police ID Christmas weekend homicide victim in Kansas City

DOUGLAS COUNTY&nbsp; – The Lawrence Kansas Police Department in collaboration with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office announce the arrest of an alleged child sex offender whose crimes date back to 2000-2003. The announcement came during a press conference Tuesday in Lawrence.

 The identification and ultimate arrest are the result of meticulous investigative work and the same science that brought in California’s “Golden State Killer” in 2018.

Monday, December 29, 2025, at the request of the Lawrence Kansas Police Department, U.S. Marshals arrested 58-year-old David James Zimbrick of Raytown, Missouri. Zimbrick is being held in Jackson County Missouri as he awaits extradition to Douglas County.

Between 2000 and 2003, a series of sex crimes occurred in the Naismith Valley Park area, 1400 W. 27th Street. Reports indicate the suspect would lure children into the bushes to perform sexual assaults. The children involved were between 7 and 10 years old.

Despite unknown future technology, detectives thoroughly inspected the scene collecting any potential clues. While a distinct DNA profile was recovered, it yielded no match in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), the national database of known offenders. With no further leads, the case eventually sat dormant.

In 2018, when California’s “Golden State Killer” was arrested, Detective Amy Price, who was involved in the original investigations, took note of their use of genetic genealogy. Detective Price submitted a request for funding and ultimately sent the evidence to Parbon Nanolabs. Parabon specializes in forensic genetic genealogy to solve cases where there is DNA evidence, but the offender’s identity remains unknown.

In March of 2020, Parabon notified Price that they had successfully genotyped the newly submitted DNA from one of the cases. The lengthy investigation that followed led to clues throughout the United States until the suspect was ultimately identified then located in Raytown, MO.

U.S. Marshals made the arrest without incident. David James Zimbrick is charged with one count of Aggravated Criminal Sodomy and one count of Rape in two cases. He’s being held in Jackson County Missouri Correctional Facility awaiting extradition back to Douglas County, Kansas.

“This arrest is a testament to the fact that time does not diminish our commitment to victims and their families,” says Chief Rich Lockhart. “I am continually impressed with the dedicated professionals who work in this department and am specifically proud of Detective Amy Price, who was assigned to this case and never let time nor dead ends deter her from continuing the search. Crimes against children last a lifetime. It is my hope that this arrest provides some comfort.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767123596759.png" alt="Zimbrick-photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Zimbrick-photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY&nbsp; – The Lawrence Kansas Police Department in collaboration with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office announce the arrest of an alleged child sex offender whose crimes date back to 2000-2003. The announcement came during a press conference Tuesday in Lawrence.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLawrenceKansasPolice%2Fvideos%2F1507095610346296%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=58" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div> The identification and ultimate arrest are the result of meticulous investigative work and the same science that brought in California’s “Golden State Killer” in 2018.Monday, December 29, 2025, at the request of the Lawrence Kansas Police Department, U.S. Marshals arrested 58-year-old David James Zimbrick of Raytown, Missouri. Zimbrick is being held in Jackson County Missouri as he awaits extradition to Douglas County.Between 2000 and 2003, a series of sex crimes occurred in the Naismith Valley Park area, 1400 W. 27th Street. Reports indicate the suspect would lure children into the bushes to perform sexual assaults. The children involved were between 7 and 10 years old.Despite unknown future technology, detectives thoroughly inspected the scene collecting any potential clues. While a distinct DNA profile was recovered, it yielded no match in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), the national database of known offenders. With no further leads, the case eventually sat dormant.In 2018, when California’s “Golden State Killer” was arrested, Detective Amy Price, who was involved in the original investigations, took note of their use of genetic genealogy. Detective Price submitted a request for funding and ultimately sent the evidence to Parbon Nanolabs. Parabon specializes in forensic genetic genealogy to solve cases where there is DNA evidence, but the offender’s identity remains unknown.In March of 2020, Parabon notified Price that they had successfully genotyped the newly submitted DNA from one of the cases. The lengthy investigation that followed led to clues throughout the United States until the suspect was ultimately identified then located in Raytown, MO.U.S. Marshals made the arrest without incident. David James Zimbrick is charged with one count of Aggravated Criminal Sodomy and one count of Rape in two cases. He’s being held in Jackson County Missouri Correctional Facility awaiting extradition back to Douglas County, Kansas.“This arrest is a testament to the fact that time does not diminish our commitment to victims and their families,” says Chief Rich Lockhart. “I am continually impressed with the dedicated professionals who work in this department and am specifically proud of Detective Amy Price, who was assigned to this case and never let time nor dead ends deter her from continuing the search. Crimes against children last a lifetime. It is my hope that this arrest provides some comfort.”

🎥 Arrest made in decades-old Kan. cold case involving child sex assault

The Lawrence Kansas Police Department has cancelled the Silver Alert for Mr. Roger Bean.&nbsp; Information led us to the Kansas City metro area where an officer traveled to confirm his identity.&nbsp;

DOUGLAS COUNTY —The Lawrence Kansas Police Department is issuing a Silver Alert and asking for help in finding 77-year-old Roger Harry Bean.  He has not been seen since December 23.

Mr Bean has cognitive issues, and is known to wander and hitchhike. He is described 6-feet-2&nbsp; and weighs 195 pounds.&nbsp;If you see Mr. Bean, please call dispatch at 785.843.0250 or 911 immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767056119593.png" alt="Bean photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Bean photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The Lawrence Kansas Police Department has cancelled the Silver Alert for Mr. Roger Bean.&nbsp; Information led us to the Kansas City metro area where an officer traveled to confirm his identity.&nbsp;-------DOUGLAS COUNTY —The Lawrence Kansas Police Department is issuing a Silver Alert and asking for help in finding 77-year-old Roger Harry Bean. He has not been seen since December 23.Mr Bean has cognitive issues, and is known to wander and hitchhike. He is described 6-feet-2&nbsp; and weighs 195 pounds.&nbsp;If you see Mr. Bean, please call dispatch at 785.843.0250 or 911 immediately.

Silver Alert canceled, Kan. man missing for a week found safe

On Monday at the Statehouse, Governor Kelly celebrated Kwanzaa—a time to reflect on our shared values of unity, purpose, and community. 

On social media the governor wrote, "lighting the kinara today served as a powerful reminder of Kansas' commitment to the guiding principles and rich history of Kwanzaa."

The weeklong Kwanzaa holiday from Dec. 26 through Jan 1. celebrates African-American family, community and culture. Its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767061185582.png" alt="Photos from Kansas Governor's office" />
 <figcaption>Photos from Kansas Governor's office</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday at the Statehouse, Governor Kelly celebrated Kwanzaa—a time to reflect on our shared values of unity, purpose, and community. On social media the governor wrote, "lighting the kinara today served as a powerful reminder of Kansas' commitment to the guiding principles and rich history of Kwanzaa."The weeklong Kwanzaa holiday from Dec. 26 through Jan 1. celebrates African-American family, community and culture. Its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa.

Gov. attends Kwanzaa celebration at the Kansas Statehouse

BOSTON (AP) —Environmental journalist Tatiana Schlossberg, one of three grandchildren of the late President John F. Kennedy, has died. She was 35.

Schlossberg, daughter of Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy, and Edwin Schlossberg, revealed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-granddaughter-tatiana-schlossberg-cancer-cb813c7ef36faca26041c11de78adf2e">she had terminal cancer</a>&nbsp;in a November 2025 essay in The New Yorker. A family statement disclosing her death was posted on social media Tuesday by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

“Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts,” the statement said. It did not disclose a cause of death or say where she had died.

Schlossberg was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in May 2024 at 34. After the birth of her second child, her doctor noticed her white blood cell count was high. It turned out to be acute myeloid leukemia with a rare mutation, mostly seen in older people.

In the essay,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/a-battle-with-my-blood?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=dhtwitter&amp;utm_content=null">“A Battle With My Blood,”</a>&nbsp;Schlossberg recounted going through rounds of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants and participating in clinical trials. During the most recent trial, she wrote, her doctor told her “he could keep me alive for a year, maybe.”

Schlossberg also criticized policies pushed by her mother's cousin, Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-rfk-jr-maha-summit-199786933b09fc610feb9c08695cbfc8">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, in the essay, saying policies he backed could hurt cancer patients like her. Her mother had urged senators to reject his confirmation.

“As I spent more and more of my life under the care of doctors, nurses, and researchers striving to improve the lives of others, I watched as Bobby cut nearly a half billion dollars for research into mRNA vaccines, technology that could be used against certain cancers,” the essay reads.

Schlossberg had worked as a reporter covering climate change and the environment for The New York Times’ Science section. Her 2019 book “Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don’t Know You Have” won the Society of Environmental Journalists’ Rachel Carson Environment Book Award in 2020.

Schlossberg wrote in The New Yorker essay that she feared her daughter and son wouldn’t remember her. She felt cheated and sad that she wouldn’t get to keep living “the wonderful life” she had with her husband, George Moran.

While her parents and two siblings tried to hide their pain from her, she said she felt it every day. Her siblings, Rose and Jack Schlossberg, are JFK's other grandchildren.

“For my whole life, I have tried to be good, to be a good student and a good sister and a good daughter, and to protect my mother and never make her upset or angry,” she said. “Now I have added a new tragedy to her life, to our family’s life, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.”

Schlossberg's mother Caroline was 5 years old when her father, President Kennedy, was assassinated in Dallas in 1963. She was 10 when her uncle, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in Los Angeles in 1968 while he was running for president.

Caroline's brother, John F. Kennedy Jr., died in 1999 when the single-engine plane he was piloting plunged into the Atlantic Ocean, near Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. His wife, Carolyn, and her sister, Lauren Bessette, also died in the crash.

Levy reported from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Brumfield from Cockeysville, Maryland.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763869170904.jpeg" alt="FILE - Tatiana Schlossberg, the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, addresses an audience during the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award ceremony, at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Oct. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Tatiana Schlossberg, the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, addresses an audience during the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award ceremony, at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Oct. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARC LEVY and SARAH BRUMFIELD&nbsp;BOSTON (AP) —Environmental journalist Tatiana Schlossberg, one of three grandchildren of the late President John F. Kennedy, has died. She was 35.Schlossberg, daughter of Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy, and Edwin Schlossberg, revealed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-granddaughter-tatiana-schlossberg-cancer-cb813c7ef36faca26041c11de78adf2e">she had terminal cancer</a>&nbsp;in a November 2025 essay in The New Yorker. A family statement disclosing her death was posted on social media Tuesday by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.“Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts,” the statement said. It did not disclose a cause of death or say where she had died.Schlossberg was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in May 2024 at 34. After the birth of her second child, her doctor noticed her white blood cell count was high. It turned out to be acute myeloid leukemia with a rare mutation, mostly seen in older people.In the essay,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/a-battle-with-my-blood?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=dhtwitter&amp;utm_content=null">“A Battle With My Blood,”</a>&nbsp;Schlossberg recounted going through rounds of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants and participating in clinical trials. During the most recent trial, she wrote, her doctor told her “he could keep me alive for a year, maybe.”Schlossberg also criticized policies pushed by her mother's cousin, Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-rfk-jr-maha-summit-199786933b09fc610feb9c08695cbfc8">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, in the essay, saying policies he backed could hurt cancer patients like her. Her mother had urged senators to reject his confirmation.“As I spent more and more of my life under the care of doctors, nurses, and researchers striving to improve the lives of others, I watched as Bobby cut nearly a half billion dollars for research into mRNA vaccines, technology that could be used against certain cancers,” the essay reads.Schlossberg had worked as a reporter covering climate change and the environment for The New York Times’ Science section. Her 2019 book “Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don’t Know You Have” won the Society of Environmental Journalists’ Rachel Carson Environment Book Award in 2020.Schlossberg wrote in The New Yorker essay that she feared her daughter and son wouldn’t remember her. She felt cheated and sad that she wouldn’t get to keep living “the wonderful life” she had with her husband, George Moran.While her parents and two siblings tried to hide their pain from her, she said she felt it every day. Her siblings, Rose and Jack Schlossberg, are JFK's other grandchildren.“For my whole life, I have tried to be good, to be a good student and a good sister and a good daughter, and to protect my mother and never make her upset or angry,” she said. “Now I have added a new tragedy to her life, to our family’s life, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.”Schlossberg's mother Caroline was 5 years old when her father, President Kennedy, was assassinated in Dallas in 1963. She was 10 when her uncle, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in Los Angeles in 1968 while he was running for president.Caroline's brother, John F. Kennedy Jr., died in 1999 when the single-engine plane he was piloting plunged into the Atlantic Ocean, near Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. His wife, Carolyn, and her sister, Lauren Bessette, also died in the crash.___Levy reported from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Brumfield from Cockeysville, Maryland.

Granddaughter of the late President John F. Kennedy has died at 35

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal Homeland Security officials were conducting a fraud investigation on Monday in Minneapolis, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.

The action comes after years of investigation that began with the $300 million scheme at the nonprofit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/feeding-our-future-pandemic-fraud-trial-847f42be252ecd373c60125fd4fae6e9">Feeding Our Future,</a>&nbsp;for which 57 defendants in Minnesota have been convicted. Prosecutors said the organization was at the center of the country’s largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-food-fraud-bag-of-cash-7106883911765bb0c3794fe6196fcf9d">COVID-19-related fraud</a>&nbsp;scam, when defendants exploited a state-run, federally funded program intended to provide food for children.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-fraud-charges-fbad68312012dc02a4060852474f72ee">federal prosecutor alleged</a>&nbsp;earlier in December that half or more of the roughly $18 billion in federal funds that supported 14 programs in Minnesota since 2018&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-fraud-somalis-minnesota-walz-omar-64bfe699cc409f3f1ff6aa49b9210996">may have been stolen</a>. Most of the defendants are Somali Americans, they said.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said then that fraud will not be tolerated and that his administration “will continue to work with federal partners to ensure fraud is stopped and fraudsters are caught.”

Noem on Monday posted a video on the social platform X showing DHS officers going into an unidentified business and questioning the person working behind the counter. Noem said that officers were “conducting a massive investigation on childcare and other rampant fraud.”

“The American people deserve answers on how their taxpayer money is being used and ARRESTS when abuse is found,” U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement posted.

The action comes a day after FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that the agency had “surged personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs.”

Patel said that previous fraud arrests in Minnesota were “just the tip of a very large iceberg.”

President Donald Trump has criticized Walz’s administration over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-fraud-charges-fbad68312012dc02a4060852474f72ee">fraud cases</a>&nbsp;to date.

In recent weeks,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-minneapolis-somalia-de1187fd703abbc9dc4dc1c5c6a243c5">tensions have been high</a>&nbsp;between state and federal enforcement in the area as the Trump administration’s immigration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalis-minnesota-trump-immigration-5b772dfcf1b342693f12083779247359">crackdown</a>&nbsp;focused on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalis-immigration-crackdown-minneapolis-minnesota-trump-54d7f381845dc747cd1c7e366663f0b0">Somali community</a>&nbsp;in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, which is the largest in the country.

Among those running schemes to get funds for child nutrition, housing services and autism programs, 82 of the 92 defendants are Somali Americans, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota.

Walz spokesperson Claire Lancaster said that the governor has worked for years to “crack down on fraud” and was seeking more authority from the Legislature to take aggressive action. Walz has supported criminal prosecutions and taken a number of other steps, including strengthening oversight and hiring an outside firm to audit payments to high-risk programs, Lancaster said.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal Homeland Security officials were conducting a fraud investigation on Monday in Minneapolis, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DHS is on the ground in Minneapolis, going DOOR TO DOOR at suspected fraud sites. The American people deserve answers on how their taxpayer money is being used and ARRESTS when abuse is found. Under the leadership of <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a>, DHS is working to deliver results. <a href="https://t.co/7XtRflv36b">pic.twitter.com/7XtRflv36b</a>&mdash; Homeland Security (@DHSgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/2005688262695018606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The action comes after years of investigation that began with the $300 million scheme at the nonprofit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/feeding-our-future-pandemic-fraud-trial-847f42be252ecd373c60125fd4fae6e9">Feeding Our Future,</a>&nbsp;for which 57 defendants in Minnesota have been convicted. Prosecutors said the organization was at the center of the country’s largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-food-fraud-bag-of-cash-7106883911765bb0c3794fe6196fcf9d">COVID-19-related fraud</a>&nbsp;scam, when defendants exploited a state-run, federally funded program intended to provide food for children.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-fraud-charges-fbad68312012dc02a4060852474f72ee">federal prosecutor alleged</a>&nbsp;earlier in December that half or more of the roughly $18 billion in federal funds that supported 14 programs in Minnesota since 2018&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-fraud-somalis-minnesota-walz-omar-64bfe699cc409f3f1ff6aa49b9210996">may have been stolen</a>. Most of the defendants are Somali Americans, they said.Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said then that fraud will not be tolerated and that his administration “will continue to work with federal partners to ensure fraud is stopped and fraudsters are caught.”Noem on Monday posted a video on the social platform X showing DHS officers going into an unidentified business and questioning the person working behind the counter. Noem said that officers were “conducting a massive investigation on childcare and other rampant fraud.”“The American people deserve answers on how their taxpayer money is being used and ARRESTS when abuse is found,” U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement posted.The action comes a day after FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that the agency had “surged personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs.”Patel said that previous fraud arrests in Minnesota were “just the tip of a very large iceberg.”President Donald Trump has criticized Walz’s administration over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-fraud-charges-fbad68312012dc02a4060852474f72ee">fraud cases</a>&nbsp;to date.In recent weeks,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-minneapolis-somalia-de1187fd703abbc9dc4dc1c5c6a243c5">tensions have been high</a>&nbsp;between state and federal enforcement in the area as the Trump administration’s immigration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalis-minnesota-trump-immigration-5b772dfcf1b342693f12083779247359">crackdown</a>&nbsp;focused on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalis-immigration-crackdown-minneapolis-minnesota-trump-54d7f381845dc747cd1c7e366663f0b0">Somali community</a>&nbsp;in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, which is the largest in the country.Among those running schemes to get funds for child nutrition, housing services and autism programs, 82 of the 92 defendants are Somali Americans, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota.Walz spokesperson Claire Lancaster said that the governor has worked for years to “crack down on fraud” and was seeking more authority from the Legislature to take aggressive action. Walz has supported criminal prosecutions and taken a number of other steps, including strengthening oversight and hiring an outside firm to audit payments to high-risk programs, Lancaster said.

Homeland Security: Massive fraud investigation underway in Minneapolis

SHERMAN COUNTY—Law enforcement released additional details on activity that prompted a shelter in place in Goodland early Monday.

Just before 10p.m. Sunday, police responded to a reported domestic incident at a home in the 400 Block of East a4th Street in Goodland, according to a media release. Officers determined the suspect used a knife in an attempt to stab a female victim, resulting in cuts to the victim's hand.

The victim left the home and went to the local hospital where she was treated for her injuries and released.

Police along with Sherman County Deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers attempted to make contact with the suspect at the residence. The suspect failed to respond and barricaded himself inside the home.

Due to the violent nature of the situation, the KHP Special Response Team responded. This team made multiple attempts through the night to establish contact with the suspect. He refused to respond or comply.&nbsp;

At 7 a.m., Monday, the KHP team located the suspect in the attic of the residence and took him into custody without further incident. There were no further injuries reported. The suspect faces multiple felony charges.

SHERMAN COUNTY—Law enforcement released additional details on activity that prompted a shelter in place in Goodland early Monday.Just before 10p.m. Sunday, police responded to a reported domestic incident at a home in the 400 Block of East a4th Street in Goodland, according to a media release. Officers determined the suspect used a knife in an attempt to stab a female victim, resulting in cuts to the victim's hand.The victim left the home and went to the local hospital where she was treated for her injuries and released.Police along with Sherman County Deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers attempted to make contact with the suspect at the residence. The suspect failed to respond and barricaded himself inside the home.Due to the violent nature of the situation, the KHP Special Response Team responded. This team made multiple attempts through the night to establish contact with the suspect. He refused to respond or comply.&nbsp;At 7 a.m., Monday, the KHP team located the suspect in the attic of the residence and took him into custody without further incident. There were no further injuries reported. The suspect faces multiple felony charges.

Police detail arrest that led to shelter in place in NW Kansas

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Patients with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas health insurance will be covered in network when they receive care from the St. Francis campus in Topeka after the two organizations reached agreement last week.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is pleased to announce that the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis will remain in the Blue Cross network for 2026, ensuring continued access to local care for our members,” according to a BCBS statement.

The University of Kansas St. Francis campus said in a Monday statement that their patients with BCBS of Kansas plans won’t experience care disruptions and do not need to take any action.

The two organizations&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/01/kansas-blue-cross-topeka-hospital-system-struggle-to-reach-agreement/">had been unable to reach agreement</a>&nbsp;for the St. Francis system to be in network, which concerned insurance customers who didn’t want to lose their health providers if a contract wasn’t in place by the end of the year.

“This agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring patients across the region have uninterrupted access to care,” St. Francis said in a statement.

The St. Francis campus in Topeka is owned by Ardent Health, which manages operations, and the University of Kansas Health System. Ardent is based in Brentwood, Tennessee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767112585253.png" alt=" Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, which is headquartered in Topeka, reached a contract with the University of Kansas St. Francis campus so the health system will be in network for patients. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, which is headquartered in Topeka, reached a contract with the University of Kansas St. Francis campus so the health system will be in network for patients. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Patients with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas health insurance will be covered in network when they receive care from the St. Francis campus in Topeka after the two organizations reached agreement last week.“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is pleased to announce that the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis will remain in the Blue Cross network for 2026, ensuring continued access to local care for our members,” according to a BCBS statement.The University of Kansas St. Francis campus said in a Monday statement that their patients with BCBS of Kansas plans won’t experience care disruptions and do not need to take any action.The two organizations&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/01/kansas-blue-cross-topeka-hospital-system-struggle-to-reach-agreement/">had been unable to reach agreement</a>&nbsp;for the St. Francis system to be in network, which concerned insurance customers who didn’t want to lose their health providers if a contract wasn’t in place by the end of the year.“This agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring patients across the region have uninterrupted access to care,” St. Francis said in a statement.The St. Francis campus in Topeka is owned by Ardent Health, which manages operations, and the University of Kansas Health System. Ardent is based in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Kansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, St. Francis health system reach agreement

KANSAS CITY —Two people were injured in a fire at an apartment building in Kansas City, Missouri. Police are now investigating.

Just before 7:30p.m. Monday, crews&nbsp;were dispatched to a reported apartment fire in the 1700 block of Kansas Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

On arrival, crews reported heavy fire showing from the 2nd and 3rd floors, with residents trapped inside the structure. An offensive fire attack, with rescue operations was immediately initiated.

A 2nd Alarm response was ordered.&nbsp;Crews rescued 5 people from the third floor of the building, and multiple handlines were used to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control at 7:46 p.m.

EMS transported 2 people to area hospitals. They were listed in stable condition. Red Cross has been ordered for 14 people.&nbsp;After an initial investigation conducted by KCFD, the Kansas City Police Departments Bomb and Arson unit was requested and the investigation has been turned over to their agency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767064105388.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Two people were injured in a fire at an apartment building in Kansas City, Missouri. Police are now investigating.Just before 7:30p.m. Monday, crews&nbsp;were dispatched to a reported apartment fire in the 1700 block of Kansas Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.On arrival, crews reported heavy fire showing from the 2nd and 3rd floors, with residents trapped inside the structure. An offensive fire attack, with rescue operations was immediately initiated.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767064084522.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>A 2nd Alarm response was ordered.&nbsp;Crews rescued 5 people from the third floor of the building, and multiple handlines were used to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control at 7:46 p.m.EMS transported 2 people to area hospitals. They were listed in stable condition. Red Cross has been ordered for 14 people.&nbsp;After an initial investigation conducted by KCFD, the Kansas City Police Departments Bomb and Arson unit was requested and the investigation has been turned over to their agency.

5 rescued, 2 hospitalized after KC apartment fire

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;warned Iran on Monday that the U.S. could carry out further military strikes if the country attempts to reconstitute its nuclear program as he held wide-ranging talks with Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;at his home in Florida.

Trump had previously insisted that Tehran's nuclear capabilities were “completely and fully obliterated” by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-nuclear-fordo-ef530114e5297884b1c3b76a04a3b1de">U.S. strikes on key nuclear enrichment sites</a>&nbsp;in June. But with Netanyahu by his side, Trump raised the possibility that suspected activity could be taking place outside those sites. Israeli officials, meanwhile, have been quoted in local media expressing concern about Iran rebuilding its supply of long-range missiles capable of striking Israel.

“Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again,” Trump told reporters gathered at his Mar-a-Lago estate. “And if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down. We'll knock them down. We'll knock the hell out of them. But hopefully that’s not happening.”

Trump’s warning to Iran comes as his administration has committed significant resources to targeting drug trafficking in South America and the president looks to create fresh momentum for the U.S.-brokered Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The Gaza deal is in danger of stalling before reaching its complicated second phase that would involve naming an international governing body and rebuilding the devastated Palestinian territory.

At a news conference with Netanyahu after their meeting, Trump suggested that he could order another U.S. strike.

“If it’s confirmed, they know the consequences, and the consequences will be very powerful, maybe more powerful than the last time,” Trump said.

Iran has insisted that it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-sites-explained-israel-attack-4535b4ecb4aefb2f3de9e3ad62fe363f">no longer enriching uranium</a>&nbsp;at any site in the country, trying to signal to the West that it remains open to potential negotiations over its atomic program. The two leaders discussed the possibility of taking new military action against Tehran just months after June’s 12-day war.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s warning.

Trump, with Netanyahu by his side, said he wants to get to the second phase of the Gaza deal “as quickly as we can.”

“But there has to be a disarming of Hamas,” Trump added.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">ceasefire between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;that Trump championed has mostly held, but progress has slowed recently. Both sides&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-war-news-24-12-2025-64ef5cd8810543e62360b639c3e47010">accuse each other of violations</a>, and divisions have emerged among the U.S., Israel and Arab countries about the path forward.

The truce's first phase began in October, days after the two-year anniversary of the initial Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">All but one of the 251 hostages</a>&nbsp;taken then have been released,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostages-alon-ohel-5b87cb0e35544d0edd1076c04a0ec95d">alive or dead</a>.

The Israeli leader, who also met separately with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has signaled he is in no rush to move forward with the next phase as long as the remains of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">Ran Gvili</a>&nbsp;are still in Gaza.

Gvili’s parents met with Netanyahu as well as Rubio, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Florida on Monday.

“They’re waiting for their son to come home," Trump said of the family of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">the young police officer</a>&nbsp;known affectionately as “Rani."

The path to implementing Trump's peace plan is certainly complicated.

If successful, the second phase would see the rebuilding of a demilitarized Gaza under international supervision by a group chaired by Trump and known as the Board of Peace. The Palestinians would form a “technocratic, apolitical” committee to run daily affairs in Gaza, under Board of Peace supervision.

It further calls for normalized relations between Israel and the Arab world and a possible pathway to Palestinian independence. Then there are thorny logistical and humanitarian questions, including rebuilding war-ravaged Gaza, disarming Hamas and creating a security apparatus called the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-stabilization-force-gaza-united-nations-trump-464cfda6fbec02b8553a9df9d093df06">International Stabilization Force</a>.

Two main challenges have complicated moving to the second phase, according to an official who was briefed on those meetings. Israeli officials have been taking a lot of time to vet and approve members of the Palestinian technocratic committee from a list given to them by the mediators, and Israel continues its military strikes.

Trump’s plan also calls for the stabilization force, proposed as a multinational body, to maintain security. But it, too, has yet to be formed. Whether details will be forthcoming after Monday's meeting is unclear.

A Western diplomat said there is a “huge gulf” between the U.S.-Israeli understanding of the force's mandate and that of other major countries in the region, as well as European governments.

All spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that haven't been made public.

The U.S. and Israel want the force to have a “commanding role” in security duties, including disarming Hamas and other militant groups. But countries being courted to contribute troops fear that mandate will make it an “occupation force,” the diplomat said.

Hamas has said it is ready to discuss “freezing or storing” its arsenal of weapons but insists it has a right to armed resistance as long as Israel occupies Palestinian territory. One U.S. official said a potential plan might be to offer cash incentives in exchange for weapons, echoing a “buyback” program Witkoff has previously floated.

Trump makes case once again for Netanyahu pardon

The two leaders, who have a long and close relationship, heaped praise on each other. Trump also tweaked the Israeli leader, who at moments during the war has raised Trump's ire, for being “very difficult on occasion.”

Netanyahu said Trump during the lunch was formally told that his country's education ministry will award him the Israel Prize, breaking the long-held convention of bestowing the honor on an Israeli citizen or resident.

“President Trump has broken so many conventions to the surprise of people,” Netanyahu said. He added, “So we decided to break a convention too, or create a new one."

Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-trump-politics-letter-trial-36cfeeacf4fa038e784f43f31a56fe4e">renewed his call</a>&nbsp;on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant Netanyahu, who is in the midst of a corruption trial, a pardon.

Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in Israeli history to stand trial, after being charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-corruption-netanyahu-gaza-war-scandal-17518bca5b27fc47216eed974e96f3e6">fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes</a>&nbsp;in three separate cases accusing him of exchanging favors with wealthy political supporters.

Trump has previously written to Herzog to urge a pardon and advocated for one during his October speech before the Knesset. He said Monday that Herzog has told him “it’s on its way" without offering further details.

“He’s a wartime prime minister who’s a hero. How do you not give a pardon?" Trump said.

Herzog's office said in a statement that the Israeli president and Trump have not spoken since the pardon request was submitted, but that Herzog has spoken with a Trump representative about the U.S. president's letter advocating for Netanyahu's pardon.

“During that conversation, an explanation was provided regarding the stage of the process in which the request currently stands, and that any decision on the matter will be made in accordance with the established procedures,” the Israeli president's office said.

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;warned Iran on Monday that the U.S. could carry out further military strikes if the country attempts to reconstitute its nuclear program as he held wide-ranging talks with Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;at his home in Florida.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On Dec. 29, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known… <a href="https://t.co/69ywxXk30N">pic.twitter.com/69ywxXk30N</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2005776276100207032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump had previously insisted that Tehran's nuclear capabilities were “completely and fully obliterated” by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-nuclear-fordo-ef530114e5297884b1c3b76a04a3b1de">U.S. strikes on key nuclear enrichment sites</a>&nbsp;in June. But with Netanyahu by his side, Trump raised the possibility that suspected activity could be taking place outside those sites. Israeli officials, meanwhile, have been quoted in local media expressing concern about Iran rebuilding its supply of long-range missiles capable of striking Israel.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump: &quot;Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are we&#39;re going to have to knock &#39;em down ... We&#39;ll knock the hell out of them.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/12IAi7AmfS">pic.twitter.com/12IAi7AmfS</a>&mdash; The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) <a href="https://twitter.com/TPostMillennial/status/2005709488817590695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again,” Trump told reporters gathered at his Mar-a-Lago estate. “And if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down. We'll knock them down. We'll knock the hell out of them. But hopefully that’s not happening.”Trump’s warning to Iran comes as his administration has committed significant resources to targeting drug trafficking in South America and the president looks to create fresh momentum for the U.S.-brokered Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The Gaza deal is in danger of stalling before reaching its complicated second phase that would involve naming an international governing body and rebuilding the devastated Palestinian territory.At a news conference with Netanyahu after their meeting, Trump suggested that he could order another U.S. strike.“If it’s confirmed, they know the consequences, and the consequences will be very powerful, maybe more powerful than the last time,” Trump said.Iran has insisted that it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-sites-explained-israel-attack-4535b4ecb4aefb2f3de9e3ad62fe363f">no longer enriching uranium</a>&nbsp;at any site in the country, trying to signal to the West that it remains open to potential negotiations over its atomic program. The two leaders discussed the possibility of taking new military action against Tehran just months after June’s 12-day war.The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s warning.<h2>Gaza ceasefire progress has slowed</h2>Trump, with Netanyahu by his side, said he wants to get to the second phase of the Gaza deal “as quickly as we can.”“But there has to be a disarming of Hamas,” Trump added.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">ceasefire between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;that Trump championed has mostly held, but progress has slowed recently. Both sides&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-war-news-24-12-2025-64ef5cd8810543e62360b639c3e47010">accuse each other of violations</a>, and divisions have emerged among the U.S., Israel and Arab countries about the path forward.The truce's first phase began in October, days after the two-year anniversary of the initial Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">All but one of the 251 hostages</a>&nbsp;taken then have been released,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostages-alon-ohel-5b87cb0e35544d0edd1076c04a0ec95d">alive or dead</a>.The Israeli leader, who also met separately with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has signaled he is in no rush to move forward with the next phase as long as the remains of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">Ran Gvili</a>&nbsp;are still in Gaza.Gvili’s parents met with Netanyahu as well as Rubio, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Florida on Monday.“They’re waiting for their son to come home," Trump said of the family of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">the young police officer</a>&nbsp;known affectionately as “Rani."<h2>Next phase is complex</h2>The path to implementing Trump's peace plan is certainly complicated.If successful, the second phase would see the rebuilding of a demilitarized Gaza under international supervision by a group chaired by Trump and known as the Board of Peace. The Palestinians would form a “technocratic, apolitical” committee to run daily affairs in Gaza, under Board of Peace supervision.It further calls for normalized relations between Israel and the Arab world and a possible pathway to Palestinian independence. Then there are thorny logistical and humanitarian questions, including rebuilding war-ravaged Gaza, disarming Hamas and creating a security apparatus called the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-stabilization-force-gaza-united-nations-trump-464cfda6fbec02b8553a9df9d093df06">International Stabilization Force</a>.<h2>Much remains unsettled</h2>Two main challenges have complicated moving to the second phase, according to an official who was briefed on those meetings. Israeli officials have been taking a lot of time to vet and approve members of the Palestinian technocratic committee from a list given to them by the mediators, and Israel continues its military strikes.Trump’s plan also calls for the stabilization force, proposed as a multinational body, to maintain security. But it, too, has yet to be formed. Whether details will be forthcoming after Monday's meeting is unclear.A Western diplomat said there is a “huge gulf” between the U.S.-Israeli understanding of the force's mandate and that of other major countries in the region, as well as European governments.All spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that haven't been made public.The U.S. and Israel want the force to have a “commanding role” in security duties, including disarming Hamas and other militant groups. But countries being courted to contribute troops fear that mandate will make it an “occupation force,” the diplomat said.Hamas has said it is ready to discuss “freezing or storing” its arsenal of weapons but insists it has a right to armed resistance as long as Israel occupies Palestinian territory. One U.S. official said a potential plan might be to offer cash incentives in exchange for weapons, echoing a “buyback” program Witkoff has previously floated.<h2>Trump makes case once again for Netanyahu pardon</h2>The two leaders, who have a long and close relationship, heaped praise on each other. Trump also tweaked the Israeli leader, who at moments during the war has raised Trump's ire, for being “very difficult on occasion.”Netanyahu said Trump during the lunch was formally told that his country's education ministry will award him the Israel Prize, breaking the long-held convention of bestowing the honor on an Israeli citizen or resident.“President Trump has broken so many conventions to the surprise of people,” Netanyahu said. He added, “So we decided to break a convention too, or create a new one."Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-trump-politics-letter-trial-36cfeeacf4fa038e784f43f31a56fe4e">renewed his call</a>&nbsp;on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant Netanyahu, who is in the midst of a corruption trial, a pardon.Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in Israeli history to stand trial, after being charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-corruption-netanyahu-gaza-war-scandal-17518bca5b27fc47216eed974e96f3e6">fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes</a>&nbsp;in three separate cases accusing him of exchanging favors with wealthy political supporters.Trump has previously written to Herzog to urge a pardon and advocated for one during his October speech before the Knesset. He said Monday that Herzog has told him “it’s on its way" without offering further details.“He’s a wartime prime minister who’s a hero. How do you not give a pardon?" Trump said.Herzog's office said in a statement that the Israeli president and Trump have not spoken since the pardon request was submitted, but that Herzog has spoken with a Trump representative about the U.S. president's letter advocating for Netanyahu's pardon.“During that conversation, an explanation was provided regarding the stage of the process in which the request currently stands, and that any decision on the matter will be made in accordance with the established procedures,” the Israeli president's office said.___

🎥Trump issues new warning to Iran of further US strikes 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department have announced that additional charges have been filed against Damon Leonard, 47, of Pleasanton, Kan., in connection with the death of his 13-year-old neighbor, Airen Andula, according to a media release from the department.

Leonard was originally charged in Bates County, Mo. with abandonment of a corpse related to the boy's death. KCKPD detectives have now filed further charges in Linn County, Kan. including interference with law enforcement, criminal desecration, and having a vicious dog at large. 

Multiple dogs were also seized from his property. The investigation remains ongoing, with the potential for additional charges being filed.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767095993444.png" alt="Leonard Photo Bates Co. Missouri Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Leonard Photo Bates Co. Missouri Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department have announced that additional charges have been filed against Damon Leonard, 47, of Pleasanton, Kan., in connection with the death of his 13-year-old neighbor, Airen Andula, according to a media release from the department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766528035692.png" alt="Airen Andula.-Photo Linn Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Airen Andula.-Photo Linn Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Leonard was originally charged in Bates County, Mo. with abandonment of a corpse related to the boy's death. KCKPD detectives have now filed further charges in Linn County, Kan. including interference with law enforcement, criminal desecration, and having a vicious dog at large. Multiple dogs were also seized from his property. The investigation remains ongoing, with the potential for additional charges being filed.This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.

Kansas man faces additional charges after body of neighbor boy found

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cms.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Fpress-releases%2Fcms-announces-50-billion-awards-strengthen-rural-health-all-50-states/1/0101019b6c552aff-770d94a1-6661-4a57-a53a-8b7ca8fa65b4-000000/YajhsuQRZzmycvGzItsHayLgaQzrvnnUloQLAM1Vl8A=437">awarded&nbsp;$221&nbsp;million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)</a>&nbsp;to support the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program, according to a media release from the governor's office.

This funding will strengthen rural health systems, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes for Kansans across the state. This funding award exceeds the base amount states allocated and reflects the quality of Kansas’ application.

“This funding for Kansas will go a long way in fundamentally changing the health care delivery system for rural communities across the state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “I want to thank the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance for their input on the application development, KDHE, KDADS, and the team at the University of Kansas Health Care Collaborative, who partnered with the State in the development and submission of the plan to CMS.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will serve as the lead agency for this grant. This process will include coordination with key stakeholders, including the Rural Health Alliance, across the state to ensure funds are distributed in alignment with the approved program framework and federal requirements. Kansas’ framework will provide for projects under five key initiatives:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F828%2F56%3Fnpage=2/1/0101019b6c552aff-770d94a1-6661-4a57-a53a-8b7ca8fa65b4-000000/orxj_SCi1R5QZdVPbfBjLjN1X-9q7BSAaUSOOXNqJAU=437">submitted</a>&nbsp;its application to CMS on Nov. 3. The full application is available on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F2361%2FRural-Health-Transformation-Program/1/0101019b6c552aff-770d94a1-6661-4a57-a53a-8b7ca8fa65b4-000000/cgbcAtQZyou6fOIZZRFuwgaIq_HmoL4Zq51FDB62-3U=437">KDHE Rural Health Transformation Program webpage</a>.&nbsp;

Additional details regarding implementation timelines and next steps will be shared as the work progresses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767055377070.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cms.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Fpress-releases%2Fcms-announces-50-billion-awards-strengthen-rural-health-all-50-states/1/0101019b6c552aff-770d94a1-6661-4a57-a53a-8b7ca8fa65b4-000000/YajhsuQRZzmycvGzItsHayLgaQzrvnnUloQLAM1Vl8A=437">awarded&nbsp;$221&nbsp;million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)</a>&nbsp;to support the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program, according to a media release from the governor's office. This funding will strengthen rural health systems, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes for Kansans across the state. This funding award exceeds the base amount states allocated and reflects the quality of Kansas’ application.“This funding for Kansas will go a long way in fundamentally changing the health care delivery system for rural communities across the state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “I want to thank the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance for their input on the application development, KDHE, KDADS, and the team at the University of Kansas Health Care Collaborative, who partnered with the State in the development and submission of the plan to CMS.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will serve as the lead agency for this grant. This process will include coordination with key stakeholders, including the Rural Health Alliance, across the state to ensure funds are distributed in alignment with the approved program framework and federal requirements. Kansas’ framework will provide for projects under five key initiatives:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Expand Primary and Secondary Prevention Programs&nbsp;</li><li>Secure Local Access to Primary Care</li><li>Build a Sustainable Rural Health Workforce&nbsp;</li><li>Enable Value-Based Care&nbsp;</li><li>Harness Data and Technology&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Kansas&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F828%2F56%3Fnpage=2/1/0101019b6c552aff-770d94a1-6661-4a57-a53a-8b7ca8fa65b4-000000/orxj_SCi1R5QZdVPbfBjLjN1X-9q7BSAaUSOOXNqJAU=437">submitted</a>&nbsp;its application to CMS on Nov. 3. The full application is available on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F2361%2FRural-Health-Transformation-Program/1/0101019b6c552aff-770d94a1-6661-4a57-a53a-8b7ca8fa65b4-000000/cgbcAtQZyou6fOIZZRFuwgaIq_HmoL4Zq51FDB62-3U=437">KDHE Rural Health Transformation Program webpage</a>.&nbsp;Additional details regarding implementation timelines and next steps will be shared as the work progresses.

Kansas  secures $221 Million in 2026 from Rural Healthcare Transformation Fund

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said Monday that it had conducted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-drugs-boat-strike-pacific-fcd146ec2dda50735405627b68905197">another strike against a boat</a>&nbsp;accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people.

The strike, which was announced by U.S. Southern Command on social media, has brought&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">the total number of known boat strikes</a>&nbsp;to 30 and the number of people killed at least 107 since early September, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration.

The military said the vessel “was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” though it did not provide evidence to back up the claim.

In a video of the strike posted to social media, a boat is seen moving through water before being struck by two explosions.

President Donald Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">justified the attacks</a>&nbsp;as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>.

Along with the strikes, the Trump administration has built up military forces in the region as part of an escalating pressure campaign on Venezuelan President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a>, who has been charged with narcoterrorism in the United States.

Trump, when asked by reporters Monday about “an explosion in Venezuela,” said the U.S. had “hit” a dock facility along a shore where boats accused of carrying drugs “load up.”

“There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs,” Trump said while meeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-gaza-ceasefire-arab-nations-229253766673f18c1195550572edd2ce">with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida</a>. Trump, the White House and the Pentagon have provided no other details.

In December, the Trump administration also launched a new tactic by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tanker-seized-venezuela-maduro-0a148ba01684fc6ce1a228dd276732c0">seizing two sanctioned oil tankers</a>&nbsp;off the coast of Venezuela and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-trump-blockade-ship-intercepted-coast-guard-00056eed8071c51ca681fc74528d66f1">pursuing a third</a>. As a result, some sanctioned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-tankers-maduro-trump-blockade-2460e98e4c504cd2a1c86b951e825013">tankers began to divert</a>&nbsp;away from the South American country.

Maduro has insisted the real purpose of the U.S. operations is to force him from power. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">for months has suggested</a>&nbsp;that he may conduct land strikes in Venezuela or possibly another country.

The Trump administration has been faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-pete-hegseth-venezuela-9f46a5f074b5b3c979ee41082949b196">scrutiny from lawmakers</a>&nbsp;over the boat strike campaign. It grew amid revelations that the first attack in early September involved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-strike-video-footage-boat-caribbean-3cf2ca9cbe4523978e935b99c2979caa">a follow-up strike that killed two survivors</a>&nbsp;clinging to the wreckage of a boat after the first hit.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said Monday that it had conducted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-drugs-boat-strike-pacific-fcd146ec2dda50735405627b68905197">another strike against a boat</a>&nbsp;accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On Dec. 29, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known… <a href="https://t.co/69ywxXk30N">pic.twitter.com/69ywxXk30N</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2005776276100207032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The strike, which was announced by U.S. Southern Command on social media, has brought&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">the total number of known boat strikes</a>&nbsp;to 30 and the number of people killed at least 107 since early September, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration.The military said the vessel “was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” though it did not provide evidence to back up the claim.In a video of the strike posted to social media, a boat is seen moving through water before being struck by two explosions.President Donald Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">justified the attacks</a>&nbsp;as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>.Along with the strikes, the Trump administration has built up military forces in the region as part of an escalating pressure campaign on Venezuelan President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a>, who has been charged with narcoterrorism in the United States.Trump, when asked by reporters Monday about “an explosion in Venezuela,” said the U.S. had “hit” a dock facility along a shore where boats accused of carrying drugs “load up.”“There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs,” Trump said while meeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-gaza-ceasefire-arab-nations-229253766673f18c1195550572edd2ce">with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida</a>. Trump, the White House and the Pentagon have provided no other details.In December, the Trump administration also launched a new tactic by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tanker-seized-venezuela-maduro-0a148ba01684fc6ce1a228dd276732c0">seizing two sanctioned oil tankers</a>&nbsp;off the coast of Venezuela and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-trump-blockade-ship-intercepted-coast-guard-00056eed8071c51ca681fc74528d66f1">pursuing a third</a>. As a result, some sanctioned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-tankers-maduro-trump-blockade-2460e98e4c504cd2a1c86b951e825013">tankers began to divert</a>&nbsp;away from the South American country.Maduro has insisted the real purpose of the U.S. operations is to force him from power. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">for months has suggested</a>&nbsp;that he may conduct land strikes in Venezuela or possibly another country.The Trump administration has been faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-pete-hegseth-venezuela-9f46a5f074b5b3c979ee41082949b196">scrutiny from lawmakers</a>&nbsp;over the boat strike campaign. It grew amid revelations that the first attack in early September involved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-strike-video-footage-boat-caribbean-3cf2ca9cbe4523978e935b99c2979caa">a follow-up strike that killed two survivors</a>&nbsp;clinging to the wreckage of a boat after the first hit.

🎥2 dead: US military carries out 30th strike on alleged drug boat 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Several firefighters were injured in two separate fires that occurred late Sunday and early Monday in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 5p.m. Sunday, crews responded to an industrial facility on Sunshine Road in Fairfax, according to a media release.

The fire in a large storage warehouse required firefighters to deploy multiple hose lines and use ventilation tactics to control the fire.

One firefighter was in during the operations and was transported to a local hospital. That firefighter remains "under observation in stable condition," the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department reported on Monday.

No employees at the facility were injured. The fire was under control around 6:20 p.m.

Just after 3:30 a.m. Monday crews responded fire at a vacant single-story, wood frame home at 5801 Parallel Parkway.

A "Mayday" was declared around 3:55 a.m. when a portion of the floor collapsed, and three firefighters fell into the basement. A Rapid Intervention Team helped get all three firefighters to safety. A second Mayday was declared around 4:03 a.m. Evacuations were ordered, and firefighters continued a defensive fire attack.m The fire was under control at 5:53 a.m.

A total of four firefighters were transported to the hospital. Two were treated and released, and two remain in the hospital for further care and observation on Monday afternoon.&nbsp; They were reported to be in stable condition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767107129368.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Several firefighters were injured in two separate fires that occurred late Sunday and early Monday in Kansas City, Kansas.Just after 5p.m. Sunday, crews responded to an industrial facility on Sunshine Road in Fairfax, according to a media release.The fire in a large storage warehouse required firefighters to deploy multiple hose lines and use ventilation tactics to control the fire.One firefighter was in during the operations and was transported to a local hospital. That firefighter remains "under observation in stable condition," the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department reported on Monday.No employees at the facility were injured. The fire was under control around 6:20 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767107088586.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 3:30 a.m. Monday crews responded fire at a vacant single-story, wood frame home at 5801 Parallel Parkway.A "Mayday" was declared around 3:55 a.m. when a portion of the floor collapsed, and three firefighters fell into the basement. A Rapid Intervention Team helped get all three firefighters to safety. A second Mayday was declared around 4:03 a.m. Evacuations were ordered, and firefighters continued a defensive fire attack.m The fire was under control at 5:53 a.m.A total of four firefighters were transported to the hospital. Two were treated and released, and two remain in the hospital for further care and observation on Monday afternoon.&nbsp; They were reported to be in stable condition.

Kan. firefighters hospitalized after warehouse fire, floor collapse

KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges against a Kansas City man in connection with a fatal stabbing and assault stemming from a domestic dispute.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2785/Leonard-Johnson-Complaint">Leonard J. Johnson</a>, 54, faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Assault.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2786/JohnsonLeonard-PC-1">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a residence on Dec. 22 on a reported cutting and located an injured victim who said she was stabbed in her head and neck area while in a vehicle with the defendant. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Detectives found the defendant’s vehicle at his home with blood and a knife in plain view inside the vehicle. While at his home, police located the defendant who had apparent blood on his hands and shoes. He was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp;

Officers were informed by a party on scene that there was a deceased female in the residence. Officers then entered the defendant’s residence and found a deceased female victim on the kitchen floor with several stab wounds.

Witnesses reported to police that the deceased victim was the defendant’s girlfriend, and the defendant had a history of violence toward her.&nbsp;

During an interview with detectives, the defendant admitted that he killed the victim, then later said he didn’t kill anyone.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond at $500,000 cash-only.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766596535734.png" alt="Johnson photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges against a Kansas City man in connection with a fatal stabbing and assault stemming from a domestic dispute.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2785/Leonard-Johnson-Complaint">Leonard J. Johnson</a>, 54, faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Assault.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2786/JohnsonLeonard-PC-1">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a residence on Dec. 22 on a reported cutting and located an injured victim who said she was stabbed in her head and neck area while in a vehicle with the defendant. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.Detectives found the defendant’s vehicle at his home with blood and a knife in plain view inside the vehicle. While at his home, police located the defendant who had apparent blood on his hands and shoes. He was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp;Officers were informed by a party on scene that there was a deceased female in the residence. Officers then entered the defendant’s residence and found a deceased female victim on the kitchen floor with several stab wounds.Witnesses reported to police that the deceased victim was the defendant’s girlfriend, and the defendant had a history of violence toward her.&nbsp;During an interview with detectives, the defendant admitted that he killed the victim, then later said he didn’t kill anyone.&nbsp;A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond at $500,000 cash-only.&nbsp;

Police found blood and a knife in KC murder suspect's car

SEWARD COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a small plane mishap that occurred just after 1:30p.m. Monday in Seward County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Cessna 2100 piloted by Braxon G.&nbsp;Blackwood, 20, Sublette, was coming&nbsp;in for landing at Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport. The pilot was unsure if the landing gear was deployed and landed on the belly of the aircraft on the runway.

Blackwood was not injured. The FAA and NTSB will be in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767057010484.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a small plane mishap that occurred just after 1:30p.m. Monday in Seward County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Cessna 2100 piloted by Braxon G.&nbsp;Blackwood, 20, Sublette, was coming&nbsp;in for landing at Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport. The pilot was unsure if the landing gear was deployed and landed on the belly of the aircraft on the runway.Blackwood was not injured. The FAA and NTSB will be in charge of the investigation.

Kansas pilot lands on belly of small plane on the runway

A Utah judge on Monday ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">killing Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;must be shackled during court proceedings.

State District Judge Tony Graf said the transcript must be posted on the court docket by the end of the day. Attorneys for media outlets including The Associated Press had argued for details of the closed hearing to be made public.

Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Sept. 10 shooting</a>&nbsp;of the conservative activist on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-police-charlie-kirk-d7d464c949ec9d4abad0eb3910d6a96b">Utah Valley University</a>&nbsp;campus in Orem, just a few miles north of the Provo courthouse. They plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">seek the death penalty</a>.

Defense attorneys for Robinson in early October requested that he be allowed to appear in court in civilian clothes and without restraints, to prevent any bias against him among potential jurors.

Days after an Oct. 24 closed door hearing on the matter, Graf ruled that Robinson could appear in civilian clothes but must wear restraints. Utah court rules require defendants who are in custody to be restrained unless otherwise ordered.

Graf wrote in an Oct. 27 order that restraints for Robinson would protect the safety of court staff and the defendant, by allowing him to be quickly secured if court proceedings were disrupted.

But the judge said Monday that public transparency was “foundational” to the judicial system before ordering details of the closed hearing to be released. The judge ordered limited redactions to remove discussions of security protocols in the closely watched case.

Graf also ordered the release of an audio recording of the hearing, again with redactions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765490146270.jpeg" alt="File photo Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool)" />
 <figcaption>File photo Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATTHEW BROWN Associated PressA Utah judge on Monday ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">killing Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;must be shackled during court proceedings.State District Judge Tony Graf said the transcript must be posted on the court docket by the end of the day. Attorneys for media outlets including The Associated Press had argued for details of the closed hearing to be made public.Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Sept. 10 shooting</a>&nbsp;of the conservative activist on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-police-charlie-kirk-d7d464c949ec9d4abad0eb3910d6a96b">Utah Valley University</a>&nbsp;campus in Orem, just a few miles north of the Provo courthouse. They plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">seek the death penalty</a>.Defense attorneys for Robinson in early October requested that he be allowed to appear in court in civilian clothes and without restraints, to prevent any bias against him among potential jurors.Days after an Oct. 24 closed door hearing on the matter, Graf ruled that Robinson could appear in civilian clothes but must wear restraints. Utah court rules require defendants who are in custody to be restrained unless otherwise ordered.Graf wrote in an Oct. 27 order that restraints for Robinson would protect the safety of court staff and the defendant, by allowing him to be quickly secured if court proceedings were disrupted.But the judge said Monday that public transparency was “foundational” to the judicial system before ordering details of the closed hearing to be released. The judge ordered limited redactions to remove discussions of security protocols in the closely watched case.Graf also ordered the release of an audio recording of the hearing, again with redactions.Lawyers for the media wrote in recent filings that an open court “safeguards the integrity of the fact-finding process” while fostering public confidence in judicial proceedings. Criminal cases in the U.S. have long been open to the public, which the attorneys argued is proof that trials can be conducted fairly without restricting reporters.Graf has said in a separate order that Robinson's restraints could not be shown by media outlets that publish photographs of court proceedings or broadcast them.Graf briefly stopped a media livestream of a hearing earlier this month and ordered the camera be moved after Robinson’s attorneys said the stream showed the defendant’s shackles.In a separate ruling Monday, Graf denied a request from attorneys for the media who sought to intervene in the case. The judge said members of the press do not need to be formal parties in the proceedings to access court records.Robinson was not present in court Monday but appeared via audio link from the Utah County Jail. In a separate ruling onA preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will lay out their case against him, is scheduled for the week of May 18.