Officials are now looking for a person who walked by the person of interest in Brown University mass shooting

By:<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/nancy-lavin/">Nancy Lavin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/janine-weisman/">Janine L. Weisman</a><br><a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/">Rhode Island Current</a>

Investigators are widening their search as the hunt for the man believed responsible for the Brown University mass shooting that&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/15/two-brown-university-students-who-lost-their-lives-in-campus-shooting-identified/">killed two students</a>&nbsp;and injured nine others enters its fifth day.

Providence Police on Wednesday released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.providenceri.gov/tips/" target="_blank">new images</a>&nbsp;of a&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ID-4.png">second person</a>&nbsp;who was walking through the East Side neighborhood at the same time as the suspected shooter on Saturday, along with&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/map.png">a map</a>&nbsp;of a focus area stretching 10 blocks south of the Barus and Holley engineering building where the fatal shooting occurred.

Officials&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/16/investigators-are-counting-on-the-public-to-id-their-person-of-interest-so-far-theyre-getting-it/">are again</a>&nbsp;calling upon the public for help in identifying the second person, shown wearing a dark jacket with a tan sweatshirt underneath, hood pulled up, and carrying a tan bag, believed to have been close to the 5-foot-8 man with a stocky build previously identified as the main “person of interest” in the shooting.

“Videos don’t speak,” Col. Oscar Perez, Providence Police chief, said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. “I wish the video could speak, and then I’d have the answers I need.”

Perez declined to answer whether the second person was connected to the person of interest.&nbsp;

Nearly 100 hours have passed since the fatal shooting at the campus engineering building at 4 p.m. Saturday. More than 200 tips, including photo and video evidence from property security systems and vehicle dash cameras, have poured in as local, state, and federal investigators searched for physical evidence in the surrounding neighborhood.

“This is a very intensive investigation,” Perez said. “It’s going to take public assistance. It’s going to take 21st century policing involving technology, but it’s also going to take good old fashioned police work, which is knocking on doors, going through yards.”

Perez said later, “A person is going to get caught. We’re not going to stop until they do.”

The area of focus has expanded beyond the intersection of Ives and Pitman streets, where the gunman was last detected on video footage after the crime, stretching south into Fox Point, almost reaching the Washington Bridge, according to the new map.

“We want to make sure we don’t miss anything,” Perez said.

Concentric circles growing outward is standard practice for investigations, and Perez said the team is ready to follow tips and leads across and beyond state lines, too.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha offered new insight into officials’ decision to keep key details of the investigation under wraps, including videos from inside the building that show students fleeing after the gunman opened fire with what officials have said was a 9 millimeter gun. They have not confirmed whether the weapon has been found.

“These are not facts that advance the investigation,” Neronha said of the video recorded inside Barus and Holley showing students fleeing. “As we interview witnesses, we don’t want them to learn facts from these press conferences. We’re being careful about the facts that we are sharing for that reason.”

The collaboration of nine federal agencies and state and local investigators appears somewhat disjointed, with the FBI releasing videos and images separately from Providence police on Tuesday. Yet officials presented a united front, stressing teamwork and partnership, including with Brown University.

University officials faced more questions from reporters Wednesday about the lack of camera footage in the part of the academic building where the shooting took place at the end of a review session for an economics final. University Provost Francis Doyle in response said that all evidence had been turned over to law enforcement, while noting that it would be “counterproductive” to reveal the locations of the university’s 1,200 camera security system.

The vacuum of information and images has left the&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/a-community-in-grief-gathers-to-hold-light-in-one-of-providences-darkest-times/">capital city on edge</a>&nbsp;and fueled speculation and misinformation on social media. Brown in a statement Tuesday night warned about harmful doxxing activity toward at least one member of the university.

“Accusations, speculation and conspiracies we’re seeing on social media and in some news reports are irresponsible, harmful, and in some cases dangerous for the safety of individuals in our community” the university said. “It is not unusual as a safety measure to take steps to protect an individual’s safety when this kind of activity happens, including in regard to their online presence.

Mayor Brett Smiley cautioned against AI-generated images being circulated online. Officials have created an online repository of verified photos and videos of the suspect, the second person, and the map area, available on the&nbsp;<a href="http://providenceri.gov/tips" target="_blank">city website</a>.

No additional updates are expected until Thursday when another briefing is scheduled for 4 p.m., Smiley said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766058464325.png" alt="Providence Police on Wednesday released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.providenceri.gov/tips/" target="_blank">new images</a>&nbsp;of a&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ID-4.png">second person</a>&nbsp;who was walking through the East Side neighborhood at the same time as the suspected shooter-Photo Providence Police" />
                        <figcaption>Providence Police on Wednesday released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.providenceri.gov/tips/" target="_blank">new images</a>&nbsp;of a&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ID-4.png">second person</a>&nbsp;who was walking through the East Side neighborhood at the same time as the suspected shooter-Photo Providence Police</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Officials are now looking for a person who walked by the person of interest in Brown University mass shooting</h2><p>By:<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/nancy-lavin/">Nancy Lavin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/janine-weisman/">Janine L. Weisman</a><br><a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/">Rhode Island Current</a></p><p>Investigators are widening their search as the hunt for the man believed responsible for the Brown University mass shooting that&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/15/two-brown-university-students-who-lost-their-lives-in-campus-shooting-identified/">killed two students</a>&nbsp;and injured nine others enters its fifth day.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766058449910.png" alt="Providence police released this image of a person who walked by the person of interest on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Courtesy of Providence Police)" />
                        <figcaption>Providence police released this image of a person who walked by the person of interest on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Courtesy of Providence Police)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Providence Police on Wednesday released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.providenceri.gov/tips/" target="_blank">new images</a>&nbsp;of a&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ID-4.png">second person</a>&nbsp;who was walking through the East Side neighborhood at the same time as the suspected shooter on Saturday, along with&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/map.png">a map</a>&nbsp;of a focus area stretching 10 blocks south of the Barus and Holley engineering building where the fatal shooting occurred.</p><p>Officials&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/16/investigators-are-counting-on-the-public-to-id-their-person-of-interest-so-far-theyre-getting-it/">are again</a>&nbsp;calling upon the public for help in identifying the second person, shown wearing a dark jacket with a tan sweatshirt underneath, hood pulled up, and carrying a tan bag, believed to have been close to the 5-foot-8 man with a stocky build previously identified as the main “person of interest” in the shooting.</p><p>“Videos don’t speak,” Col. Oscar Perez, Providence Police chief, said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. “I wish the video could speak, and then I’d have the answers I need.”</p><p>Perez declined to answer whether the second person was connected to the person of interest.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ENHANCED VIDEO: We are releasing an enhanced video of the person of interest in the Brown University incident. Footage was captured on the East Side of Providence on Saturday afternoon before the incident.<br><br>Please share widely and contact the official tip line if you have… <a href="https://t.co/mewBSflOiO">pic.twitter.com/mewBSflOiO</a></p>&mdash; Providence Police (@ProvidenceRIPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProvidenceRIPD/status/2001035754898653196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Nearly 100 hours have passed since the fatal shooting at the campus engineering building at 4 p.m. Saturday. More than 200 tips, including photo and video evidence from property security systems and vehicle dash cameras, have poured in as local, state, and federal investigators searched for physical evidence in the surrounding neighborhood.</p><p>“This is a very intensive investigation,” Perez said. “It’s going to take public assistance. It’s going to take 21st century policing involving technology, but it’s also going to take good old fashioned police work, which is knocking on doors, going through yards.”</p><p>Perez said later, “A person is going to get caught. We’re not going to stop until they do.”</p><p>The area of focus has expanded beyond the intersection of Ives and Pitman streets, where the gunman was last detected on video footage after the crime, stretching south into Fox Point, almost reaching the Washington Bridge, according to the new map.</p><p>“We want to make sure we don’t miss anything,” Perez said.</p><h2>Expanding circles</h2><p>Concentric circles growing outward is standard practice for investigations, and Perez said the team is ready to follow tips and leads across and beyond state lines, too.</p><p>Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha offered new insight into officials’ decision to keep key details of the investigation under wraps, including videos from inside the building that show students fleeing after the gunman opened fire with what officials have said was a 9 millimeter gun. They have not confirmed whether the weapon has been found.</p><p>“These are not facts that advance the investigation,” Neronha said of the video recorded inside Barus and Holley showing students fleeing. “As we interview witnesses, we don’t want them to learn facts from these press conferences. We’re being careful about the facts that we are sharing for that reason.”</p><p>The collaboration of nine federal agencies and state and local investigators appears somewhat disjointed, with the FBI releasing videos and images separately from Providence police on Tuesday. Yet officials presented a united front, stressing teamwork and partnership, including with Brown University.</p><p>University officials faced more questions from reporters Wednesday about the lack of camera footage in the part of the academic building where the shooting took place at the end of a review session for an economics final. University Provost Francis Doyle in response said that all evidence had been turned over to law enforcement, while noting that it would be “counterproductive” to reveal the locations of the university’s 1,200 camera security system.</p><p>The vacuum of information and images has left the&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/a-community-in-grief-gathers-to-hold-light-in-one-of-providences-darkest-times/">capital city on edge</a>&nbsp;and fueled speculation and misinformation on social media. Brown in a statement Tuesday night warned about harmful doxxing activity toward at least one member of the university.</p><p>“Accusations, speculation and conspiracies we’re seeing on social media and in some news reports are irresponsible, harmful, and in some cases dangerous for the safety of individuals in our community” the university said. “It is not unusual as a safety measure to take steps to protect an individual’s safety when this kind of activity happens, including in regard to their online presence.</p><p>Mayor Brett Smiley cautioned against AI-generated images being circulated online. Officials have created an online repository of verified photos and videos of the suspect, the second person, and the map area, available on the&nbsp;<a href="http://providenceri.gov/tips" target="_blank">city website</a>.</p><p>No additional updates are expected until Thursday when another briefing is scheduled for 4 p.m., Smiley said.</p>

Still no name, motive or weapon: Brown University manhunt continues

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government admitted Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army played a role in causing the collision last January between an airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter near the nation's capital, killing 67 people in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-crashes-history-washington-ee55776ea0c5f9e322fc77ea1ea452d1">deadliest crash</a>&nbsp;on American soil in more than two decades.

The official response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-plane-crash-army-faa-lawsuit-american-d176654f92a412942c15eafbb7b13e32">first lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed by one of the victims’ families said that the government is liable in the crash partly because the air traffic controller violated procedures about when to rely on pilots to maintain visual separation that night. Plus, the filing said, the Army&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-national-airport-aircraft-crash-ntsb-3dec2686beb43ada10ce392c857751cc">helicopter pilots'</a>&nbsp;“failure to maintain vigilance so as to see and avoid” the airline jet makes the government liable.

But the filing suggested that others, including the pilots of the jet and the airlines, may also have played a role. The lawsuit also blamed American Airlines and its regional partner, PSA Airlines, for roles in the crash, but those airlines have filed motions to dismiss.

At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after the helicopter apparently flew into the path of the American Airlines regional jet while it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport in northern Virginia, just across the river from Washington, D.C., officials said. The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members, and three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.

Robert Clifford, one of the attorneys for the family of victim Casey Crafton, said the government admitted “the Army’s responsibility for the needless loss of life” and the FAA’s failure to follow air traffic control procedures while “rightfully” acknowledging others –- American Airlines and PSA Airlines -– also contributed to the deaths.

The families of the victims “remain deeply saddened and anchored in the grief caused by this tragic loss of life,” he said.

The government's lawyers said in the filing that “the United States admits that it owed a duty of care to plaintiffs, which it breached, thereby proximately causing the tragic accident.”

An American spokesman declined to comment on the filing, but in the airlines motion to dismiss, the airline said "plaintiffs’ proper legal recourse is not against American. It is against the United States government ... The Court should therefore dismiss American from this lawsuit.” The airline said that since the crash it has focused on supporting the families of the victims.

The National Transportation Safety Board will release its report on the cause of the crash early next year, but investigators have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ntsb-dc-plane-crash-midair-collision-helicopter-a08cded88e1d7582fb8d242204d6aeff">already highlighted</a>&nbsp;a number of factors that contributed, including the helicopter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/midair-collision-ntsb-washington-dc-army-helicopter-e9f7b69fe01ff39dc8629d2999104683">flying 78 feet higher (24 meters) than the 200-foot (61-meter) limit</a>&nbsp;on a route that allowed only scant separation between planes landing on Reagan's secondary runway and helicopters passing below. Plus, the NTSB said, the FAA failed to recognize the dangers around the busy airport even after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-crash-investigation-ntsb-faa-near-misses-53cc37d586a981c3382462a07b3d99ec">85 near misses</a>&nbsp;in the three years before the crash.

Before the collision, the controller twice asked the helicopter pilots whether they had the jet in sight, and the pilots said they did and asked for visual separation approval so they could use their own eyes to maintain distance. FAA officials acknowledged at the NTSB’s investigative hearings that the controllers at Reagan had become overly reliant on the use of visual separation. That’s a practice the agency has since ended.

Witnesses told the NTSB that they have serious questions about how well the helicopter crew could spot the plane while wearing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ntsb-hearings-army-helicopter-airplane-crash-potomac-984dc835b1cc63274768192a404bfa2c">night vision goggles</a>&nbsp;and whether the pilots were even looking in the right spot.

Investigators have said the helicopter pilots might not have realized how high they were because the barometric altimeter they were relying on was reading 80 to 100 feet (24 to 30 meters) lower than the altitude registered by the flight data recorder.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fatal-washington-flight-passengers-ca062f03b729c130058d4f74393dfa31">crash victims</a>&nbsp;included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-plane-collision-victims-ee829891574aa35a30d8262b7e07e638">a group of elite young figure skaters</a>, their parents and coaches who had just attended a competition in Wichita, Kansas, and four union steamfitters from the Washington area.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766018905810.png" alt="Photo NTSB&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>Photo NTSB&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government admitted Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army played a role in causing the collision last January between an airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter near the nation's capital, killing 67 people in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-crashes-history-washington-ee55776ea0c5f9e322fc77ea1ea452d1">deadliest crash</a>&nbsp;on American soil in more than two decades.</p><p>The official response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-plane-crash-army-faa-lawsuit-american-d176654f92a412942c15eafbb7b13e32">first lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed by one of the victims’ families said that the government is liable in the crash partly because the air traffic controller violated procedures about when to rely on pilots to maintain visual separation that night. Plus, the filing said, the Army&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-national-airport-aircraft-crash-ntsb-3dec2686beb43ada10ce392c857751cc">helicopter pilots'</a>&nbsp;“failure to maintain vigilance so as to see and avoid” the airline jet makes the government liable.</p><p>But the filing suggested that others, including the pilots of the jet and the airlines, may also have played a role. The lawsuit also blamed American Airlines and its regional partner, PSA Airlines, for roles in the crash, but those airlines have filed motions to dismiss.</p><p>At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after the helicopter apparently flew into the path of the American Airlines regional jet while it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport in northern Virginia, just across the river from Washington, D.C., officials said. The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members, and three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.</p><p>Robert Clifford, one of the attorneys for the family of victim Casey Crafton, said the government admitted “the Army’s responsibility for the needless loss of life” and the FAA’s failure to follow air traffic control procedures while “rightfully” acknowledging others –- American Airlines and PSA Airlines -– also contributed to the deaths.</p><p>The families of the victims “remain deeply saddened and anchored in the grief caused by this tragic loss of life,” he said.</p><p>The government's lawyers said in the filing that “the United States admits that it owed a duty of care to plaintiffs, which it breached, thereby proximately causing the tragic accident.”</p><p>An American spokesman declined to comment on the filing, but in the airlines motion to dismiss, the airline said "plaintiffs’ proper legal recourse is not against American. It is against the United States government ... The Court should therefore dismiss American from this lawsuit.” The airline said that since the crash it has focused on supporting the families of the victims.</p><p>The National Transportation Safety Board will release its report on the cause of the crash early next year, but investigators have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ntsb-dc-plane-crash-midair-collision-helicopter-a08cded88e1d7582fb8d242204d6aeff">already highlighted</a>&nbsp;a number of factors that contributed, including the helicopter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/midair-collision-ntsb-washington-dc-army-helicopter-e9f7b69fe01ff39dc8629d2999104683">flying 78 feet higher (24 meters) than the 200-foot (61-meter) limit</a>&nbsp;on a route that allowed only scant separation between planes landing on Reagan's secondary runway and helicopters passing below. Plus, the NTSB said, the FAA failed to recognize the dangers around the busy airport even after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-crash-investigation-ntsb-faa-near-misses-53cc37d586a981c3382462a07b3d99ec">85 near misses</a>&nbsp;in the three years before the crash.</p><p>Before the collision, the controller twice asked the helicopter pilots whether they had the jet in sight, and the pilots said they did and asked for visual separation approval so they could use their own eyes to maintain distance. FAA officials acknowledged at the NTSB’s investigative hearings that the controllers at Reagan had become overly reliant on the use of visual separation. That’s a practice the agency has since ended.</p><p>Witnesses told the NTSB that they have serious questions about how well the helicopter crew could spot the plane while wearing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ntsb-hearings-army-helicopter-airplane-crash-potomac-984dc835b1cc63274768192a404bfa2c">night vision goggles</a>&nbsp;and whether the pilots were even looking in the right spot.</p><p>Investigators have said the helicopter pilots might not have realized how high they were because the barometric altimeter they were relying on was reading 80 to 100 feet (24 to 30 meters) lower than the altitude registered by the flight data recorder.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fatal-washington-flight-passengers-ca062f03b729c130058d4f74393dfa31">crash victims</a>&nbsp;included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-plane-collision-victims-ee829891574aa35a30d8262b7e07e638">a group of elite young figure skaters</a>, their parents and coaches who had just attended a competition in Wichita, Kansas, and four union steamfitters from the Washington area.</p>

US gov't admits fault in deadly jet from Kansas, helicopter collision 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for information regarding a road rage incident that occurred between approximately 7:05-7:15a.m. on December 16.

The incident began in Lenexa near K-10 and K-7 interchange, and then continued eastbound on K-10, and eventually onto eastbound Interstate 435 Highway, according to Overland Park Officer John Lacy.

 Multiple gunshots were fired at the victim on eastbound Interstate 435 Highway just west of the Quivira Road.

The suspect vehicle was described as a white Chevrolet Malibu, possibly a 2017-2018 model.  Two occupants were inside the Malibu, the driver was a black male. 

The Overland Park Police Criminal Investigations Division asks anyone with information regarding this incident to call 913-344-8750 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

<p>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for information regarding a road rage incident that occurred between approximately 7:05-7:15a.m. on December 16.</p><p>The incident began in Lenexa near K-10 and K-7 interchange, and then continued eastbound on K-10, and eventually onto eastbound Interstate 435 Highway, according to Overland Park Officer John Lacy.</p><p> Multiple gunshots were fired at the victim on eastbound Interstate 435 Highway just west of the Quivira Road.</p><p>The suspect vehicle was described as a white Chevrolet Malibu, possibly a 2017-2018 model.  Two occupants were inside the Malibu, the driver was a black male. </p><p>The Overland Park Police Criminal Investigations Division asks anyone with information regarding this incident to call 913-344-8750 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).</p>

Police release details in Kansas road-rage shooting 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 39-year-old Anthony Alexander, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 3100 block of Kensington, according to Becchina. 911 received a call to the location asking for help.

First responders contacted people in the area that heard the sound of a disturbance followed by what they thought was possible gunfire.&nbsp;Officers checked the area and located Alexander unresponsive on the ground next to a residence.&nbsp;

Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS took over treatment and declared Alexander deceased at the scene, according to Becchina.

Preliminary investigation indicates Alexander appears to have been shot. Investigation further appears he had an interaction at the location with unknown suspect(s) that led to gunfire that killed Alexander

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765389300809.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 39-year-old Anthony Alexander, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.</p><p>Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 3100 block of Kensington, according to Becchina. 911 received a call to the location asking for help.</p><p>First responders contacted people in the area that heard the sound of a disturbance followed by what they thought was possible gunfire.&nbsp;Officers checked the area and located Alexander unresponsive on the ground next to a residence.&nbsp;</p><p>Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS took over treatment and declared Alexander deceased at the scene, according to Becchina.</p><p>Preliminary investigation indicates Alexander appears to have been shot. Investigation further appears he had an interaction at the location with unknown suspect(s) that led to gunfire that killed Alexander</p>

Homicide: Police ID man found dead outside KC home

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said Wednesday that it attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing four people on the same day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-congress-trump-war-powers-99b1f29e3501b2dfc0e0bd0e16164aea">the House rejected efforts</a>&nbsp;to limit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;power to use military force against drug cartels.

U.S. Southern Command stated on social media that the vessel was operated by narco-terrorists along a known trafficking route. The military didn’t provide evidence behind the allegations but posted a video of a boat moving through water before there was an explosion.

The attack brought&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">the total number of known boat strikes</a>&nbsp;to 26 while at least 99 people have been killed, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. 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 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>.

The administration is facing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-pete-hegseth-venezuela-9f46a5f074b5b3c979ee41082949b196">increasing scrutiny from lawmakers</a>&nbsp;over the boat strike campaign. 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.

House Republicans rejected a pair of Democratic-backed resolutions Wednesday that would have forced the Trump administration to seek authorization from Congress before continuing attacks against cartels. They were the first votes in the House on Trump’s military campaign in Central and South America. A majority of Republicans in the Senate had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-war-power-congress-2c8c491f88836249801b6b15b19217b5">previously voted against similar resolutions</a>, and Trump would almost certainly veto them if they were to pass Congress.

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said Wednesday that it attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing four people on the same day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-congress-trump-war-powers-99b1f29e3501b2dfc0e0bd0e16164aea">the House rejected efforts</a>&nbsp;to limit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;power to use military force against drug cartels.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On Dec. 17, 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 a Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was transiting along a known… <a href="https://t.co/Yhu3LSOyea">pic.twitter.com/Yhu3LSOyea</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2001464448750621120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>U.S. Southern Command stated on social media that the vessel was operated by narco-terrorists along a known trafficking route. The military didn’t provide evidence behind the allegations but posted a video of a boat moving through water before there was an explosion.</p><p>The attack brought&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">the total number of known boat strikes</a>&nbsp;to 26 while at least 99 people have been killed, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. 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 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>.</p><p>The administration is facing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-pete-hegseth-venezuela-9f46a5f074b5b3c979ee41082949b196">increasing scrutiny from lawmakers</a>&nbsp;over the boat strike campaign. 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.</p><p>House Republicans rejected a pair of Democratic-backed resolutions Wednesday that would have forced the Trump administration to seek authorization from Congress before continuing attacks against cartels. They were the first votes in the House on Trump’s military campaign in Central and South America. A majority of Republicans in the Senate had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-war-power-congress-2c8c491f88836249801b6b15b19217b5">previously voted against similar resolutions</a>, and Trump would almost certainly veto them if they were to pass Congress.</p>

U.S. military reports another deadly attack on a drug boat

The Powerball® jackpot has jumped to an estimated $1.5 billion for Saturday night’s drawing, extending the game’s holiday jackpot streak. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $686.5 million, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association.

Saturday’s jackpot ranks as the fifth largest in the Powerball game and the seventh largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.

“This jackpot is set to deliver the ultimate windfall,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “The jackpot grows with every $2 ticket sold, and a portion of each ticket supports local public programs and services. We encourage everyone to have fun and play responsibly.”

The jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 25, 33, 53, 62, 66 and red Powerball 17. The Power Play® multiplier was 4.

Although there was no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many tickets won cash prizes in last night’s drawing.

Nationwide, six tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in Connecticut, New York (3), Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

Two tickets, sold in Arizona and Massachusetts, matched all five white balls and, because the players added the Power Play® option for $1 more, the $1 million prize increased to $2 million for each ticket.

The drawing also produced 72 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 14 tickets that won $200,000 prizes. Note: In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.

In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in Florida won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>following the main Powerball drawing.

Saturday’s Powerball drawing will be the 45th in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.

This marks only the second time in Powerball history that the game has produced back-to-back jackpots exceeding $1 billion. The only other occurrence was in 2023, when a $1.08 billion jackpot was won on July 19, followed by a $1.765 billion jackpot on Oct. 11. Both jackpots were won in California.

If a player wins Saturday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.5 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $686.5 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on Powerball.com.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

<p>The Powerball® jackpot has jumped to an estimated $1.5 billion for Saturday night’s drawing, extending the game’s holiday jackpot streak. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $686.5 million, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association.</p><p>Saturday’s jackpot ranks as the fifth largest in the Powerball game and the seventh largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.</p><p>“This jackpot is set to deliver the ultimate windfall,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “The jackpot grows with every $2 ticket sold, and a portion of each ticket supports local public programs and services. We encourage everyone to have fun and play responsibly.”</p><p>The jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 25, 33, 53, 62, 66 and red Powerball 17. The Power Play® multiplier was 4.</p><p>Although there was no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many tickets won cash prizes in last night’s drawing.</p><p>Nationwide, six tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in Connecticut, New York (3), Pennsylvania and Tennessee.</p><p>Two tickets, sold in Arizona and Massachusetts, matched all five white balls and, because the players added the Power Play® option for $1 more, the $1 million prize increased to $2 million for each ticket.</p><p>The drawing also produced 72 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 14 tickets that won $200,000 prizes. Note: In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.</p><p>In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in Florida won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>following the main Powerball drawing.</p><p>Saturday’s Powerball drawing will be the 45th in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.</p><p>This marks only the second time in Powerball history that the game has produced back-to-back jackpots exceeding $1 billion. The only other occurrence was in 2023, when a $1.08 billion jackpot was won on July 19, followed by a $1.765 billion jackpot on Oct. 11. Both jackpots were won in California.</p><p>If a player wins Saturday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.5 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $686.5 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.</p><p>Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.</p><p>Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on Powerball.com.</p><p>The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.</p><p>Top U.S. Lottery Jackpots</p><ol>
                        <li>$2.04 Billion – Powerball – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.787 Billion – Powerball – Sept. 6, 2025 – MO, TX</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Powerball – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.602 Billion – Mega Millions – Aug. 8, 2023 - FL</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Powerball – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.537 Billion – Mega Millions – Oct. 23, 2018 – SC</li><li>$1.5 Billion est. – Powerball – Dec. 20, 2025</li><li>$1.348 Billion – Mega Millions – Jan. 13, 2023 – ME</li><li>$1.337 Billion – Mega Millions – July 29, 2022 – IL</li><li>$1.326 Billion – Powerball – April 6, 2024 – OR</li>
                    </ol>

Powerball jackpot climbs to fifth-largest in game’s history

KANSAS CITY—A suspect in a deadly Kansas City gas station killing is facing multiple charges.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2777/Stallings-RED-COMPLAINT-AS">Adrian Stallings</a>, 27, is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

On November 18, Kansas City police responded to a gas station and located a victim inside the store, shot multiple times. He was confirmed deceased on the scene.&nbsp;

Detectives reviewed surveillance footage and observed a man, later identified as the Stallings, enter the gas station store, speak with the victim and other individuals present briefly, and then approached the clerk at the register to purchase an item.&nbsp;

Stallings then looked back at the group of individuals and asked what they were laughing at and an argument and altercation ensued. Stallings pulled out a firearm and shot at the victim, who fell to the ground. Stallings then shot at the victim again as he was on the ground. He stepped back and then stepped forward and fired a third time toward the victim’s head and then fled.&nbsp;

Detectives used department resources to help identify Stallings including booking pictures and social media. Stallings&nbsp;is being held without bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765539778097.png" alt="Stallings photo Jackson Co." />
                        <figcaption>Stallings photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY—A suspect in a deadly Kansas City gas station killing is facing multiple charges.</p><p><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2777/Stallings-RED-COMPLAINT-AS">Adrian Stallings</a>, 27, is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.</p><p>On November 18, Kansas City police responded to a gas station and located a victim inside the store, shot multiple times. He was confirmed deceased on the scene.&nbsp;</p><p>Detectives reviewed surveillance footage and observed a man, later identified as the Stallings, enter the gas station store, speak with the victim and other individuals present briefly, and then approached the clerk at the register to purchase an item.&nbsp;</p><p>Stallings then looked back at the group of individuals and asked what they were laughing at and an argument and altercation ensued. Stallings pulled out a firearm and shot at the victim, who fell to the ground. Stallings then shot at the victim again as he was on the ground. He stepped back and then stepped forward and fired a third time toward the victim’s head and then fled.&nbsp;</p><p>Detectives used department resources to help identify Stallings including booking pictures and social media. Stallings&nbsp;is being held without bond.&nbsp;</p>

Court records: KC man killed victim after group laughed at him

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump: &quot;I am also proud to announce that more than 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special Warrior Dividend before Christmas...We are sending every soldier $1,776...and the checks are already on the way.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Sb2cVv8AK2">pic.twitter.com/Sb2cVv8AK2</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2001477122934673907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces &quot;WARRIOR DIVIDENDS&quot; — a $1,776 non-taxable lump sum payment for our great service members, already on its way. <a href="https://t.co/s9lVlknp6x">https://t.co/s9lVlknp6x</a> <a href="https://t.co/PsINTaUoVt">pic.twitter.com/PsINTaUoVt</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001476701436420554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces &quot;WARRIOR DIVIDENDS.&quot;<br><br>Active duty service members in grades O-6 and below, and reserve component service members in grades O-6 and below and on active duty orders of 31 days or more as of November 30, 2025, are eligible. <a href="https://t.co/e8McJo0NH2">pic.twitter.com/e8McJo0NH2</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001475635781501225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump announces Warrior Dividend checks for the military 

WASHINGTON — President&nbsp;Donald Trump delivered a speech from the White House Wednesday night.

<p>WASHINGTON — President&nbsp;Donald Trump delivered a speech from the White House Wednesday night.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump Delivers an Address to the Nation <a href="https://t.co/MFdbVqP2Ty">https://t.co/MFdbVqP2Ty</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2001472912063074380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: Soon, we will host the World Cup, the Olympics, and most importantly, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. <br><br>When the world looks at us next year, let them see a nation that is LOYAL to its citizens, FAITHFUL to its workers,… <a href="https://t.co/Bz8XoaGwq4">pic.twitter.com/Bz8XoaGwq4</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001478813222338796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;When the world looks at us next year, let them see a nation that is loyal to its citizens, faithful to its workers, confidant to its identity, certain to its destiny and the envy of the entire globe. We are respected again like we have never been respected before.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/L8iSdMiUKD">pic.twitter.com/L8iSdMiUKD</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2001479523619975433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump: &quot;I am also proud to announce that more than 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special Warrior Dividend before Christmas...We are sending every soldier $1,776...and the checks are already on the way.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Sb2cVv8AK2">pic.twitter.com/Sb2cVv8AK2</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2001477122934673907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump: &quot;Do you remember when Joe Biden said that he needed Congress to pass legislation to help close the border? He was was always blaming Congress and everyone else. As it turned out we didn&#39;t need legislation. We just needed a new president.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/3QkVoQ2Jys">pic.twitter.com/3QkVoQ2Jys</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2001475575001633178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Tonight, after 11 months, our border is secure, inflation is stopped, wages are up, prices are down, our nation is strong, America is respected, and our country is back... <br><br>We&#39;re poised for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4VWkFR4159">pic.twitter.com/4VWkFR4159</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001478813063024686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;The last administration and their allies in Congress brought in millions of migrants, and gave them taxpayer-funded housing, while your rent and housing costs skyrocketed... For the first time in 50 years, we are now seeing reverse migration... leaving more housing and… <a href="https://t.co/GKETu3mjby">pic.twitter.com/GKETu3mjby</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001478484552749428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: For so long, the vast majority of good and decent Americans were forced to watch as corrupt politicians plundered the halls of power, exploited our taxpayers, and pillaged every system that makes civilized society function.<br><br>NOT ANYMORE. We are putting AMERICA FIRST. <a href="https://t.co/Ioc4xMd3Du">pic.twitter.com/Ioc4xMd3Du</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001478358803296599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;The yearly cost of a typical new mortgage increased by $15,000 dollars under Democrat rule. In 11 months, I have already gotten that annual cost down by $3,000 dollars.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/2YWbxBIk8G">pic.twitter.com/2YWbxBIk8G</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001477956955443563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: For years, Radical Left Democrats exploited the Green Energy SCAM as an excuse to funnel billions into their own massive slush funds as their restrictions drastically drove up prices. Electricity costs surged 30 to 100% under Biden.<br><br>On Day One, I declared a National… <a href="https://t.co/bnGx547Mf1">pic.twitter.com/bnGx547Mf1</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001477919865213145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;I&#39;m doing what no politician of either party has ever done—standing up to the special interests to dramatically reduce the price of prescription drugs...<br><br>The first of these unprecedented price reductions will be available starting in January through a new website:… <a href="https://t.co/G1AtlYCXu6">pic.twitter.com/G1AtlYCXu6</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001477670299681212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;I&#39;m also taking on the gigantic health insurance companies that have gotten rich on billions of dollars of money that should go directly to the people... so they can buy their own health insurance, which will give far better benefits at much lower costs.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/TpKwqzCDzL">pic.twitter.com/TpKwqzCDzL</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001477172108611796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Next year, you will also see the results of the largest tax cuts in American history... many families will be saving between $11,000 and $20,000 dollars a year, and next spring is projected to be the largest tax refund season of all time.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MdzWRy3YMw">pic.twitter.com/MdzWRy3YMw</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001476724564070471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Already, I&#39;ve secured a record-breaking $18 trillion dollars of investment into the United States—which means Jobs, wage increases, growth, factory openings, and far greater national security.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/tWiOGpm95y">pic.twitter.com/tWiOGpm95y</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001476352315429273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Under the Biden administration, Car prices rose 22%, and in many states 30% or more. Gasoline rose 30 to 50%. Hotel rates rose 37%. Airfares rose 31%. Now, under our leadership, they are all coming down and coming down fast.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/RYvdHkiDxt">pic.twitter.com/RYvdHkiDxt</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001475912643060084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Highlights of President Trump's address to the nation

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for theft of lottery tickets from where he worked.

Just after 9a.m., the Casey's in the 500 Block of N. Ohio in Salina reported that an employee stole over 100 lottery tickets from the store between November 30 and December 14, according to&nbsp;Police Captain Jim Feldman. The lottery tickets were valued at $2,700.

Lottery tickets in Kansas are tracked using barcodes and a centralized computer system that logs each ticket sale and activation.

Officers arrested the suspect identified as 37-year old Robert Davis.

Davis was booked into the Saline County Jail on a requested charge of Felony Theft. He also had a warrant out of Russell County.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765981883090.jpeg" alt="Davis photo Saline Co." />
                        <figcaption>Davis photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for theft of lottery tickets from where he worked.</p><p>Just after 9a.m., the Casey's in the 500 Block of N. Ohio in Salina reported that an employee stole over 100 lottery tickets from the store between November 30 and December 14, according to&nbsp;Police Captain Jim Feldman. The lottery tickets were valued at $2,700.</p><p>Lottery tickets in Kansas are tracked using barcodes and a centralized computer system that logs each ticket sale and activation.</p><p>Officers arrested the suspect identified as 37-year old Robert Davis.</p><p>Davis was booked into the Saline County Jail on a requested charge of Felony Theft. He also had a warrant out of Russell County.</p>

Kan. convenience store employee accused of stealing lottery tickets

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday paid his respects to two Iowa National Guard members and a U.S. civilian interpreter who were killed in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-us-military-attack-palmyra-is-22f67e54c1a15fcc643de2672b83aacb">an attack in the Syrian desert</a>, joining their grieving families as their remains were brought back to the country they served.

Trump met privately with the families at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware before the dignified transfer, a solemn ritual conducted in honor of U.S. service members killed in action. The civilian was also included in the transfer.

Trump, who traveled to Dover several times in his first term, once described it as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-ae37de2f1c6b450ab60ce236c8f04450">“the toughest thing I have to do”</a>&nbsp;as president.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-attack-iowa-national-guard-islamic-state-38dd71dca411213f3789ccdb94e37f4e">The two guardsmen</a>&nbsp;killed in Syria on Saturday were Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, according to the U.S. Army. Both were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, and have been hailed as heroes by the Iowa National Guard.

Torres-Tovar’s and Howard’s families were at Dover for the return of their remains, alongside Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, members of Iowa’s congressional delegation and leaders of the Iowa National Guard. Their remains will be taken to Iowa after the transfer.

A U.S. civilian working as an interpreter, identified Tuesday as Ayad Mansoor Sakat, of Macomb, Michigan, was also killed. Three other members of the Iowa National Guard were injured in the attack. The Pentagon has not identified them.

They were among hundreds of U.S. troops deployed in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

The process of returning service member remains

There is no formal role for a president at a dignified transfer other than to watch in silence, with all thoughts about what happened in the past and what is happening at Dover kept to himself for the moment. There is no speaking by any of the dignitaries who attend, with the only words coming from the military officials who direct the highly choreographed transfers.

Trump arrived without first lady Melania Trump, who had been scheduled to accompany him, according to the president’s public schedule. Her office declined to elaborate, with spokesperson Nick Clemens saying the first lady “was not able to attend today.”

During the process at Dover, transfer cases draped with the American flag that hold the soldiers’ remains are carried from the belly of a hulking C-17 military aircraft to a waiting vehicle under the watchful eyes of grieving family members. The vehicle then transports the remains to the mortuary facility at the base, where the fallen are prepared for burial at their final resting places.

Iowa National Guard members hailed as heroes

Howard’s stepfather, Jeffrey Bunn, has said Howard “loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out.” He said Howard had wanted to be a soldier since he was a boy.

In a social media post, Bunn, who is chief of the Tama, Iowa, police department, said Howard was a loving husband and an “amazing man of faith.” He said Howard’s brother, a staff sergeant in the Iowa National Guard, would escort “Nate” back to Iowa.

Torres-Tovar was remembered as a “very positive” family-oriented person who always put others first, according to fellow Guard members who were deployed with him and issued a statement to the local TV broadcast station WOI.

Dina Qiryaqoz, the daughter of the civilian interpreter who was killed, said Wednesday in a statement that her father worked for the U.S. Army during the invasion of Iraq from 2003 to 2007. Sakat is survived by his wife and four adult children.

The interpreter was from Bakhdida, Iraq, a small Catholic village southeast of Mosul, and the family immigrated to the U.S. in 2007 on a special visa, Qiryaqoz said. At the time of his death, Sakat was employed as an independent contractor for Virginia-based Valiant Integrated Services.

Sakat’s family was still struggling to believe that he is gone. “He was a devoted father and husband, a courageous interpreter and a man who believed deeply in the mission he served,” Qiryaqoz said.

Trump’s reaction to the attack in Syria

Trump told reporters over the weekend that he was mourning the deaths. He vowed retaliation. The most recent instance of U.S. service members killed in action was in January 2024, when three American troops died in a drone attack in Jordan.

Saturday’s deadly attack followed a rapprochement between the U.S. and Syria, bringing the former pariah state into a U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

Trump has forged a relationship with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-sanctions-trump-treasury-state-2ed65c895905e2e7bc385098a6ab1301">interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa</a>, the onetime leader of an Islamic insurgent group who led the ouster of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-assad-sweida-daraa-homs-hts-qatar-816e538565d1ae47e016b5765b044d31">former President Bashar Assad</a>.

Trump, who met with al-Sharaa last month at the White House, said Monday that the attack had nothing to do with the Syrian leader, who Trump said was “devastated by what happened.”

During his first term, Trump visited Dover in 2017 to honor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-d4bccd7dc3a64e56aa51ad75379d1ef6">a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during a raid</a>&nbsp;in Yemen, in 2019 for two Army officers whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-ae37de2f1c6b450ab60ce236c8f04450">helicopter crashed in Afghanistan</a>, and in 2020 for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/trump-pays-tribute-to-2-soldiers-killed-in-afghanistan-e85a952dbdc71d23f592064073518da3">two Army soldiers killed in Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;when a person dressed in an Afghan army uniform opened fire.

<p>DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday paid his respects to two Iowa National Guard members and a U.S. civilian interpreter who were killed in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-us-military-attack-palmyra-is-22f67e54c1a15fcc643de2672b83aacb">an attack in the Syrian desert</a>, joining their grieving families as their remains were brought back to the country they served.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rest in Peace, Heroes. 🙏🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/Gb73qEQyNl">pic.twitter.com/Gb73qEQyNl</a></p>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2001385127511994405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Biden, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine and others participate in dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base of two Iowa National Guardsmen and an American civilian interpreter killed in Syria.<br><br>(Note: Video has no audio) <a href="https://t.co/i37jEAiLAF">pic.twitter.com/i37jEAiLAF</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2001387339805835338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> witnesses the dignified transfer of the three American Patriots killed in Syria over the weekend.<br><br>May God bless their families, may God bless our military, and may God bless the United States of America. <a href="https://t.co/1DUJLF0Wna">pic.twitter.com/1DUJLF0Wna</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001380379098509806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">May God bless the memory of these fallen American Patriots and may God be with their loved ones.<br><br>Rest in Peace, Heroes.<br><br>🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/Uks0MyVWqS">pic.twitter.com/Uks0MyVWqS</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001381519190003756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Trump met privately with the families at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware before the dignified transfer, a solemn ritual conducted in honor of U.S. service members killed in action. The civilian was also included in the transfer.</p><p>Trump, who traveled to Dover several times in his first term, once described it as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-ae37de2f1c6b450ab60ce236c8f04450">“the toughest thing I have to do”</a>&nbsp;as president.</p><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-attack-iowa-national-guard-islamic-state-38dd71dca411213f3789ccdb94e37f4e">The two guardsmen</a>&nbsp;killed in Syria on Saturday were Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, according to the U.S. Army. Both were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, and have been hailed as heroes by the Iowa National Guard.</p><p>Torres-Tovar’s and Howard’s families were at Dover for the return of their remains, alongside Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, members of Iowa’s congressional delegation and leaders of the Iowa National Guard. Their remains will be taken to Iowa after the transfer.</p><p>A U.S. civilian working as an interpreter, identified Tuesday as Ayad Mansoor Sakat, of Macomb, Michigan, was also killed. Three other members of the Iowa National Guard were injured in the attack. The Pentagon has not identified them.</p><p>They were among hundreds of U.S. troops deployed in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting the Islamic State group.</p><h2>The process of returning service member remains</h2><p>There is no formal role for a president at a dignified transfer other than to watch in silence, with all thoughts about what happened in the past and what is happening at Dover kept to himself for the moment. There is no speaking by any of the dignitaries who attend, with the only words coming from the military officials who direct the highly choreographed transfers.</p><p>Trump arrived without first lady Melania Trump, who had been scheduled to accompany him, according to the president’s public schedule. Her office declined to elaborate, with spokesperson Nick Clemens saying the first lady “was not able to attend today.”</p><p>During the process at Dover, transfer cases draped with the American flag that hold the soldiers’ remains are carried from the belly of a hulking C-17 military aircraft to a waiting vehicle under the watchful eyes of grieving family members. The vehicle then transports the remains to the mortuary facility at the base, where the fallen are prepared for burial at their final resting places.</p><h2>Iowa National Guard members hailed as heroes</h2><p>Howard’s stepfather, Jeffrey Bunn, has said Howard “loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out.” He said Howard had wanted to be a soldier since he was a boy.</p><p>In a social media post, Bunn, who is chief of the Tama, Iowa, police department, said Howard was a loving husband and an “amazing man of faith.” He said Howard’s brother, a staff sergeant in the Iowa National Guard, would escort “Nate” back to Iowa.</p><p>Torres-Tovar was remembered as a “very positive” family-oriented person who always put others first, according to fellow Guard members who were deployed with him and issued a statement to the local TV broadcast station WOI.</p><p>Dina Qiryaqoz, the daughter of the civilian interpreter who was killed, said Wednesday in a statement that her father worked for the U.S. Army during the invasion of Iraq from 2003 to 2007. Sakat is survived by his wife and four adult children.</p><p>The interpreter was from Bakhdida, Iraq, a small Catholic village southeast of Mosul, and the family immigrated to the U.S. in 2007 on a special visa, Qiryaqoz said. At the time of his death, Sakat was employed as an independent contractor for Virginia-based Valiant Integrated Services.</p><p>Sakat’s family was still struggling to believe that he is gone. “He was a devoted father and husband, a courageous interpreter and a man who believed deeply in the mission he served,” Qiryaqoz said.</p><h2>Trump’s reaction to the attack in Syria</h2><p>Trump told reporters over the weekend that he was mourning the deaths. He vowed retaliation. The most recent instance of U.S. service members killed in action was in January 2024, when three American troops died in a drone attack in Jordan.</p><p>Saturday’s deadly attack followed a rapprochement between the U.S. and Syria, bringing the former pariah state into a U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group.</p><p>Trump has forged a relationship with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-sanctions-trump-treasury-state-2ed65c895905e2e7bc385098a6ab1301">interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa</a>, the onetime leader of an Islamic insurgent group who led the ouster of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-assad-sweida-daraa-homs-hts-qatar-816e538565d1ae47e016b5765b044d31">former President Bashar Assad</a>.</p><p>Trump, who met with al-Sharaa last month at the White House, said Monday that the attack had nothing to do with the Syrian leader, who Trump said was “devastated by what happened.”</p><p>During his first term, Trump visited Dover in 2017 to honor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-d4bccd7dc3a64e56aa51ad75379d1ef6">a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during a raid</a>&nbsp;in Yemen, in 2019 for two Army officers whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-ae37de2f1c6b450ab60ce236c8f04450">helicopter crashed in Afghanistan</a>, and in 2020 for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/trump-pays-tribute-to-2-soldiers-killed-in-afghanistan-e85a952dbdc71d23f592064073518da3">two Army soldiers killed in Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;when a person dressed in an Afghan army uniform opened fire.</p><p>——</p>

Trump pays respects to National Guardsmen, interpreter killed in Syria 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Police have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with an ongoing child abuse investigation.

Just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to an EMS assist call at a residence in the 5500 block of South Handley in Wichita, according to a media release.

 Upon arrival, officers found a 1-year-old child unresponsive. The child was transported to a medical facility in critical condition and is currently listed as critical but stable.

Five children were in the home at the time of the incident, ranging from 6 months old to 9 years old. In addition to the 1-year-old, the 6-month-old was also taken to the hospital for medical treatment. All five children have been placed in police protective custody.

Wichita police began investigating at the scene, which led to the arrest of the 30-year-old Kevin D. Mitchell, identified according to county booking records.&nbsp;

Police will present their case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765990410968.png" alt="Mitchell photo Sedgwick County" />
                        <figcaption>Mitchell photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Police have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with an ongoing child abuse investigation.</p><p>Just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to an EMS assist call at a residence in the 5500 block of South Handley in Wichita, according to a media release.</p><p> Upon arrival, officers found a 1-year-old child unresponsive. The child was transported to a medical facility in critical condition and is currently listed as critical but stable.</p><p>Five children were in the home at the time of the incident, ranging from 6 months old to 9 years old. In addition to the 1-year-old, the 6-month-old was also taken to the hospital for medical treatment. All five children have been placed in police protective custody.</p><p>Wichita police began investigating at the scene, which led to the arrest of the 30-year-old Kevin D. Mitchell, identified according to county booking records.&nbsp;</p><p>Police will present their case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.</p>

2 children hospitalized, Kansas man arrested for alleged abuse

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/daniel-bongino">FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino</a>&nbsp;said Wednesday that he will resign from the bureau next month, ending a brief and tumultuous tenure in which he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-dan-bongino-bondi-trump-fbi-0f02f67b6c97fc50e4d93bc4dbf4c4d0">clashed with the Justice Department over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files</a>&nbsp;and was forced to reconcile the realities of his law enforcement job with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracy-theories-bondi-bongino-fbi-a143076353acbc1193cb9697e7fc4a90">provocative claims he made in his prior role</a>&nbsp;as a popular podcast host.

The departure would be among the highest-profile resignations of the Trump administration,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-george-floyd-kash-patel-72ac540b4d5afd90d6be3199ac808630">coming as the firing of career agents</a>&nbsp;has contributed to upheaval at the FBI and as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kash-patel">Director Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;faces continued criticism over his use of a government plane for personal purposes and social media posts about active investigations.

Bongino announced his departure, which had been expected, in a post on X in which he said he was grateful for the “opportunity to serve with purpose.” He did not say precisely when in January he would leave or reveal his future plans, but President Donald Trump, in response to a question earlier in the day about Bongino's fate, said: “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.”

Bongino was always an unconventional pick for the No. 2 job at the FBI, a position that historically has entailed oversight of the bureau’s day-to-day operations and has been typically held by a career agent. Though he had previously worked as a New York City police officer and Secret Service agent, neither he nor Patel had any experience at the FBI before being picked for their jobs. But both came in pledging overhauls to an FBI they insisted had been weaponized against Trump.

Bongino was installed in the role in March by Trump after years as a conservative podcast host, where he used his platform to repeatedly rail against FBI leadership and to encourage conspiracy theories related to the Epstein sex-trafficking case and pipe bombs discovered in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021.

Once in the job, he used social media to communicate directly to Trump supporters restless over a perceived lack of action by the new FBI leadership to address their concerns. He reassured them the FBI under his watch was giving renewed attention to issues like the pipe bomb case,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-wade-supreme-court-leaked-draft-opinion-c6a923f6e370672f4a5ccfd3be325786">the leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion in 2022</a>&nbsp;and the discovery of cocaine in the White House during the Biden administration.

Yet he struggled to placate elements of Trump’s base who expected him to quickly deliver the reform he had long said was needed at the FBI and to uncover the truths he claimed had been hidden by the federal government.

On the Epstein case, for instance, he had previously challenged the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">official ruling that the wealthy financier had taken his own life</a>&nbsp;in a New York jail soon after his 2019 arrest. But after his arrival in the bureau, he said in a Fox News interview: “I’ve seen the whole file. He killed himself.”

Bongino had separately speculated as recently as last year that the pipe bombs placed on the eve of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot were an “inside job,” the truth shielded by a “massive cover-up.” He was presented with those same comments when the FBI earlier this month arrested a 30-year-old Virginia man with no evident connection to the federal government, promoting skepticism from some that investigators had actually arrested the right person.

“I was paid in the past, Sean, for my opinions, that's clear,” Bongino said in a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity. “And one day, I'll be back in that space but that’s not what I’m paid for now. I’m paid to be your deputy director and we base investigations on facts.”

Questions about Bongino's future had lingered for months, particular after a tense exchange at the White House last July with Attorney General Pam Bondi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">following the abrupt announcement by the FBI and Justice Department</a>&nbsp;that they would not be releasing any additional records from the Epstein investigation.

After that encounter, Bongino, normally active on social media, went silent from his FBI account for several days. Far-right activist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-laura-loomer-national-security-council-959b718b04b240c5c8ba3736b4d8aa62">Laura Loomer</a>, who is close to Trump, posted on X at the time that she was told that Bongino was “seriously thinking about resigning” and had taken the day off to contemplate his future.

In August, the Trump administration took the unusual step of adding a co-deputy director, former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740405860491.png" alt="Dan Bongino photo courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Dan Bongino photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/daniel-bongino">FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino</a>&nbsp;said Wednesday that he will resign from the bureau next month, ending a brief and tumultuous tenure in which he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-dan-bongino-bondi-trump-fbi-0f02f67b6c97fc50e4d93bc4dbf4c4d0">clashed with the Justice Department over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files</a>&nbsp;and was forced to reconcile the realities of his law enforcement job with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracy-theories-bondi-bongino-fbi-a143076353acbc1193cb9697e7fc4a90">provocative claims he made in his prior role</a>&nbsp;as a popular podcast host.</p><p>The departure would be among the highest-profile resignations of the Trump administration,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-george-floyd-kash-patel-72ac540b4d5afd90d6be3199ac808630">coming as the firing of career agents</a>&nbsp;has contributed to upheaval at the FBI and as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kash-patel">Director Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;faces continued criticism over his use of a government plane for personal purposes and social media posts about active investigations.</p><p>Bongino announced his departure, which had been expected, in a post on X in which he said he was grateful for the “opportunity to serve with purpose.” He did not say precisely when in January he would leave or reveal his future plans, but President Donald Trump, in response to a question earlier in the day about Bongino's fate, said: “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.”</p><p>Bongino was always an unconventional pick for the No. 2 job at the FBI, a position that historically has entailed oversight of the bureau’s day-to-day operations and has been typically held by a career agent. Though he had previously worked as a New York City police officer and Secret Service agent, neither he nor Patel had any experience at the FBI before being picked for their jobs. But both came in pledging overhauls to an FBI they insisted had been weaponized against Trump.</p><p>Bongino was installed in the role in March by Trump after years as a conservative podcast host, where he used his platform to repeatedly rail against FBI leadership and to encourage conspiracy theories related to the Epstein sex-trafficking case and pipe bombs discovered in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021.</p><p>Once in the job, he used social media to communicate directly to Trump supporters restless over a perceived lack of action by the new FBI leadership to address their concerns. He reassured them the FBI under his watch was giving renewed attention to issues like the pipe bomb case,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-wade-supreme-court-leaked-draft-opinion-c6a923f6e370672f4a5ccfd3be325786">the leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion in 2022</a>&nbsp;and the discovery of cocaine in the White House during the Biden administration.</p><p>Yet he struggled to placate elements of Trump’s base who expected him to quickly deliver the reform he had long said was needed at the FBI and to uncover the truths he claimed had been hidden by the federal government.</p><p>On the Epstein case, for instance, he had previously challenged the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">official ruling that the wealthy financier had taken his own life</a>&nbsp;in a New York jail soon after his 2019 arrest. But after his arrival in the bureau, he said in a Fox News interview: “I’ve seen the whole file. He killed himself.”</p><p>Bongino had separately speculated as recently as last year that the pipe bombs placed on the eve of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot were an “inside job,” the truth shielded by a “massive cover-up.” He was presented with those same comments when the FBI earlier this month arrested a 30-year-old Virginia man with no evident connection to the federal government, promoting skepticism from some that investigators had actually arrested the right person.</p><p>“I was paid in the past, Sean, for my opinions, that's clear,” Bongino said in a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity. “And one day, I'll be back in that space but that’s not what I’m paid for now. I’m paid to be your deputy director and we base investigations on facts.”</p><p>Questions about Bongino's future had lingered for months, particular after a tense exchange at the White House last July with Attorney General Pam Bondi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">following the abrupt announcement by the FBI and Justice Department</a>&nbsp;that they would not be releasing any additional records from the Epstein investigation.</p><p>After that encounter, Bongino, normally active on social media, went silent from his FBI account for several days. Far-right activist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-laura-loomer-national-security-council-959b718b04b240c5c8ba3736b4d8aa62">Laura Loomer</a>, who is close to Trump, posted on X at the time that she was told that Bongino was “seriously thinking about resigning” and had taken the day off to contemplate his future.</p><p>In August, the Trump administration took the unusual step of adding a co-deputy director, former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.</p><p>\</p>

FBI Deputy Director Bongino says he plans to resign next month 

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Powerball jackpot has grown to an estimated $1.25 billion for Wednesday night’s drawing after lottery officials said no ticket matched all six numbers drawn Monday night.

The U.S. has seen more than a dozen lottery jackpot prizes exceed $1 billion since 2016. Here is a look at the largest U.S. jackpots won and the places where the winning tickets were sold:

1. $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 7, 2022. The winning ticket was sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sacramento-california-los-angeles-business-0a72f926487b51b7a6d60451679f8c76">Los Angeles-area gas station</a>.

2. $1.787 billion, Powerball, Sept. 6, 2025. The winning tickets were sold&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-drawing-winner-4261a3909c9e01dacc0869c50030e198">in Missouri and Texas.</a>

3. $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023. The winning ticket was sold at a liquor store in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-california-6ad701f4a9ebb4df7a3afe8ecee2eb30">tiny California mountain town</a>.

4. $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023. The winning ticket was sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-claimed-florida-8c86594edcd16cdcda7521059ef7c7ed">supermarket in Neptune Beach, Florida</a>.

5. $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016. The winning tickets were sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-e22dde0b7ace4c87b230b84be827a0fe">Los Angeles-area convenience store</a>, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/article60951392.html" target="_blank">Florida supermarket</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-4c8a00811ae84fa49fe25a4035a51fc4">Tennessee grocery store</a>.

6. $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018. The winning ticket was sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6ef692a129b049a8bbf9eb4e77a8b91e">South Carolina convenience store</a>.

7. $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023. The winning ticket was sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-lottery-identity-lawsuit-8cc884a8b0b3e3cbc14629b4d8e2b180">Maine gas station</a>.

<p>KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Powerball jackpot has grown to an estimated $1.25 billion for Wednesday night’s drawing after lottery officials said no ticket matched all six numbers drawn Monday night.</p><p>The U.S. has seen more than a dozen lottery jackpot prizes exceed $1 billion since 2016. Here is a look at the largest U.S. jackpots won and the places where the winning tickets were sold:</p><p>1. $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 7, 2022. The winning ticket was sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sacramento-california-los-angeles-business-0a72f926487b51b7a6d60451679f8c76">Los Angeles-area gas station</a>.</p><p>2. $1.787 billion, Powerball, Sept. 6, 2025. The winning tickets were sold&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-drawing-winner-4261a3909c9e01dacc0869c50030e198">in Missouri and Texas.</a></p><p>3. $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023. The winning ticket was sold at a liquor store in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-california-6ad701f4a9ebb4df7a3afe8ecee2eb30">tiny California mountain town</a>.</p><p>4. $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023. The winning ticket was sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-claimed-florida-8c86594edcd16cdcda7521059ef7c7ed">supermarket in Neptune Beach, Florida</a>.</p><p>5. $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016. The winning tickets were sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-e22dde0b7ace4c87b230b84be827a0fe">Los Angeles-area convenience store</a>, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/article60951392.html" target="_blank">Florida supermarket</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-4c8a00811ae84fa49fe25a4035a51fc4">Tennessee grocery store</a>.</p><p>6. $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018. The winning ticket was sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6ef692a129b049a8bbf9eb4e77a8b91e">South Carolina convenience store</a>.</p><p>7. $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023. The winning ticket was sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-lottery-identity-lawsuit-8cc884a8b0b3e3cbc14629b4d8e2b180">Maine gas station</a>.</p>

What are the 10 largest US lottery jackpots ever won?

WASHINGTON (AP) — Four centrist Republicans broke with Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday and signed onto a Democratic-led petition that will force a House vote on extending for three years an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy that lowers health insurance costs for millions of Americans.

The stunning move comes after House Republican leaders pushed ahead with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-house-health-care-plan-obamacare-subsidies-208b30670d0486c8d27ceb59c59003e0">health care bill</a>&nbsp;that does not address the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-tax-credits-affordable-care-act-2b5ae3651ff16783a00e00dc1ce264bf">soaring monthly premiums</a>&nbsp;that millions of people will soon endure when the tax credits for those who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act expire at year’s end.

Democrats led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York needed 218 signatures to force a floor vote on their bill, which would extend the subsides for three years.

Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie, all from Pennsylvania, and Mike Lawler of New York signed on Wednesday morning, pushing it to the magic number of 218. A vote on the subsidy bill could come as soon as January under House rules.

“Unfortunately, it is House leadership themselves that have forced this outcome.” Fitzpatrick said in a statement.

Johnson told reporters Wednesday that “I have not lost control of the House” and he noted that Republicans have a razor-thin majority that allows a small number of members to employ procedures that would not usually be successful in getting around leadership.

“These are not normal times,” said Johnson, R-La.

The revolt against GOP leadership came after days of talks centered on the health care subsidies.

Johnson had discussed allowing more politically vulnerable GOP lawmakers a chance to vote on bills that would temporarily extend the subsidies while also adding changes such as income caps for beneficiaries. But after days of discussions, the leadership sided with the more conservative wing of the party's conference, which has assailed the subsidies as propping up a failed marketplace through the ACA, which is widely known as “Obamacare.”

House Republicans pushed ahead Wednesday a 100-plus-page health care package without the subsidies, instead focusing on long-sought GOP proposals designed to expand insurance coverage options for small businesses and the self-employed.

Fitzpatrick and Lawler tried to add a temporary extension of the subsidies to the bill, but were denied.

“Our only request was a floor vote on this compromise, so that the American People’s voice could be heard on this issue. That request was rejected. Then, at the request of House leadership I, along with my colleagues, filed multiple amendments, and testified at length to those amendments,” Fitzpatrick said. “House leadership then decided to reject every single one of these amendments.

“As I’ve stated many times before, the only policy that is worse than a clean three-year extension without any reforms, is a policy of complete expiration without any bridge," Fitzpatrick said.

Lawler, in a social media post, similarly said that “the failure of leadership” to permit a vote had left him with “no choice” but to sign the petition. He urged Johnson to bring the plan up for an immediate floor vote.

Jeffries, for several weeks, had called on Republicans to sign his discharge petition. He particularly challenged Republicans in competitive congressional districts to join the effort if they really wanted to prevent premium increases for their constituents.

“Mike Johnson needs to bring the bill to the floor today,” Jeffries said. “Our position from the very beginning was that we are standing on the right side of the American people who want to see the Affordable Care Act tax credits extended, and we’re appreciative that we now have the bipartisan coalition to get that done.”

Even if the subsidy bill were to pass the House, which is far from assured, it would face an arduous climb in the Republican-led Senate.

Republicans last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-vote-affordable-care-act-obamacare-6ffc1ea9f878c6b3da995589ef8a012c">voted down</a>&nbsp;a three-year extension of the subsidies and proposed an alternative that also failed. But in an encouraging sign for Democrats, four Republican senators crossed party lines to support their proposal.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765625556088.png" alt="By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/elisha-brown/">Elisha Brown</a>" />
                        <figcaption>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/elisha-brown/">Elisha Brown</a></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Four centrist Republicans broke with Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday and signed onto a Democratic-led petition that will force a House vote on extending for three years an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy that lowers health insurance costs for millions of Americans.</p><p>The stunning move comes after House Republican leaders pushed ahead with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-house-health-care-plan-obamacare-subsidies-208b30670d0486c8d27ceb59c59003e0">health care bill</a>&nbsp;that does not address the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-tax-credits-affordable-care-act-2b5ae3651ff16783a00e00dc1ce264bf">soaring monthly premiums</a>&nbsp;that millions of people will soon endure when the tax credits for those who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act expire at year’s end.</p><p>Democrats led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York needed 218 signatures to force a floor vote on their bill, which would extend the subsides for three years.</p><p>Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie, all from Pennsylvania, and Mike Lawler of New York signed on Wednesday morning, pushing it to the magic number of 218. A vote on the subsidy bill could come as soon as January under House rules.</p><p>“Unfortunately, it is House leadership themselves that have forced this outcome.” Fitzpatrick said in a statement.</p><p>Johnson told reporters Wednesday that “I have not lost control of the House” and he noted that Republicans have a razor-thin majority that allows a small number of members to employ procedures that would not usually be successful in getting around leadership.</p><p>“These are not normal times,” said Johnson, R-La.</p><h2>Origins of a Republican revolt</h2><p>The revolt against GOP leadership came after days of talks centered on the health care subsidies.</p><p>Johnson had discussed allowing more politically vulnerable GOP lawmakers a chance to vote on bills that would temporarily extend the subsidies while also adding changes such as income caps for beneficiaries. But after days of discussions, the leadership sided with the more conservative wing of the party's conference, which has assailed the subsidies as propping up a failed marketplace through the ACA, which is widely known as “Obamacare.”</p><p>House Republicans pushed ahead Wednesday a 100-plus-page health care package without the subsidies, instead focusing on long-sought GOP proposals designed to expand insurance coverage options for small businesses and the self-employed.</p><p>Fitzpatrick and Lawler tried to add a temporary extension of the subsidies to the bill, but were denied.</p><p>“Our only request was a floor vote on this compromise, so that the American People’s voice could be heard on this issue. That request was rejected. Then, at the request of House leadership I, along with my colleagues, filed multiple amendments, and testified at length to those amendments,” Fitzpatrick said. “House leadership then decided to reject every single one of these amendments.</p><p>“As I’ve stated many times before, the only policy that is worse than a clean three-year extension without any reforms, is a policy of complete expiration without any bridge," Fitzpatrick said.</p><p>Lawler, in a social media post, similarly said that “the failure of leadership” to permit a vote had left him with “no choice” but to sign the petition. He urged Johnson to bring the plan up for an immediate floor vote.</p><p>Jeffries, for several weeks, had called on Republicans to sign his discharge petition. He particularly challenged Republicans in competitive congressional districts to join the effort if they really wanted to prevent premium increases for their constituents.</p><p>“Mike Johnson needs to bring the bill to the floor today,” Jeffries said. “Our position from the very beginning was that we are standing on the right side of the American people who want to see the Affordable Care Act tax credits extended, and we’re appreciative that we now have the bipartisan coalition to get that done.”</p><h2>Path ahead is uncertain</h2><p>Even if the subsidy bill were to pass the House, which is far from assured, it would face an arduous climb in the Republican-led Senate.</p><p>Republicans last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-vote-affordable-care-act-obamacare-6ffc1ea9f878c6b3da995589ef8a012c">voted down</a>&nbsp;a three-year extension of the subsidies and proposed an alternative that also failed. But in an encouraging sign for Democrats, four Republican senators crossed party lines to support their proposal.</p>

Republicans defy Speaker to force House vote on extending ACA subsidies

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department says it has upgraded its investigation into Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly over a video where he and other members of Congress told members of the military they didn’t need to follow illegal orders.&nbsp;

“The Office of the Secretary of War, in conjunction with the Department of War’s Office of the General Counsel, is escalating the preliminary review of Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.), to an official Command Investigation,” a spokesperson for the department wrote in an email Monday night.&nbsp;

“Retired Captain Kelly is currently under investigation for serious allegations of misconduct,” the spokesperson continued. “Further official comments will be limited to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.”

Paul J. Fishman, an attorney at the Arnold &amp; Porter law firm who is representing Kelly, wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26379142-ltr-to-secretary-phelan-dec-15-2025/#document/p1" target="_blank">a Monday letter</a>&nbsp;to the secretary of the Navy that “there is no legitimate basis for any type of proceeding against Senator Kelly, and any such effort would be unconstitutional and an extraordinary abuse of power.”

“If the Executive Branch were to move forward in any forum—criminal, disciplinary, or administrative—we will take all appropriate legal action on Senator Kelly’s behalf to halt the Administration’s unprecedented and dangerous overreach,” Fishman wrote.&nbsp;

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had set Dec. 10 as the deadline for the secretary of the Navy to recommend what to do about Kelly’s appearance in the video, but that came and went without any public announcements.

Hegseth also remained silent on the matter after rebuking Kelly weeks ago for posting the video where he and five other Democrats warned against illegal orders.

Kelly said on Dec. 9, one day before the deadline, he hadn’t received any information from the Navy or other administration officials.&nbsp;

“Forget about an update. I haven’t heard anything from the guy,” Kelly told reporters. “That’s a good question for you guys to ask the Navy.”

The secretary of the Navy’s office did not respond to multiple requests for comment from States Newsroom.&nbsp;

The Department of Defense posted in late November that officials were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pentagon-investigates-arizona-sen-mark-kelly-after-he-appears-video-blasted-trump" target="_blank">looking into</a>&nbsp;“serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly for appearing in the video.&nbsp;

It didn’t detail how Kelly might have violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice but stated that “a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”&nbsp;

Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865/photo/1" target="_blank">referred</a>&nbsp;the issue to Navy Secretary John Phelan for any “review, consideration, and disposition” he deemed appropriate. Hegseth then asked for a briefing on the outcome of the review “by no later than December 10.”

Kelly said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-kelly-vows-stay-outspoken-despite-threats-over-illegal-order-video" target="_blank">during a press conference</a>&nbsp;in early December the military’s investigation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-threatened-trump-over-video-say-theyre-now-being-probed-fbi" target="_blank">a separate one</a>&nbsp;by the FBI were designed to intimidate the six lawmakers in the video from speaking out against President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The lawmakers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1990774492356902948" target="_blank">video</a>, who have backgrounds in the military or intelligence agencies, told members of those communities they “can” and “must refuse illegal orders.”

“No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant,” they said. “But whether you’re serving in the CIA, in the Army, or Navy, or the Air Force, your vigilance is critical.”

The other Democrats in the video — Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, Pennsylvania Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander — are not subject to the military justice system.&nbsp;

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-accuses-6-democratic-lawmakers-seditious-behavior-punishable-death" target="_blank">railed against the video</a>&nbsp;a couple days after it posted, saying the statements represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764097679232.png" alt="Image from the controversial video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from the controversial video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — The Defense Department says it has upgraded its investigation into Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly over a video where he and other members of Congress told members of the military they didn’t need to follow illegal orders.&nbsp;</p><p>“The Office of the Secretary of War, in conjunction with the Department of War’s Office of the General Counsel, is escalating the preliminary review of Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.), to an official Command Investigation,” a spokesperson for the department wrote in an email Monday night.&nbsp;</p><p>“Retired Captain Kelly is currently under investigation for serious allegations of misconduct,” the spokesperson continued. “Further official comments will be limited to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.”</p><p>Paul J. Fishman, an attorney at the Arnold &amp; Porter law firm who is representing Kelly, wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26379142-ltr-to-secretary-phelan-dec-15-2025/#document/p1" target="_blank">a Monday letter</a>&nbsp;to the secretary of the Navy that “there is no legitimate basis for any type of proceeding against Senator Kelly, and any such effort would be unconstitutional and an extraordinary abuse of power.”</p><p>“If the Executive Branch were to move forward in any forum—criminal, disciplinary, or administrative—we will take all appropriate legal action on Senator Kelly’s behalf to halt the Administration’s unprecedented and dangerous overreach,” Fishman wrote.&nbsp;</p><p>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had set Dec. 10 as the deadline for the secretary of the Navy to recommend what to do about Kelly’s appearance in the video, but that came and went without any public announcements.</p><p>Hegseth also remained silent on the matter after rebuking Kelly weeks ago for posting the video where he and five other Democrats warned against illegal orders.</p><p>Kelly said on Dec. 9, one day before the deadline, he hadn’t received any information from the Navy or other administration officials.&nbsp;</p><p>“Forget about an update. I haven’t heard anything from the guy,” Kelly told reporters. “That’s a good question for you guys to ask the Navy.”</p><p>The secretary of the Navy’s office did not respond to multiple requests for comment from States Newsroom.&nbsp;</p><p>The Department of Defense posted in late November that officials were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pentagon-investigates-arizona-sen-mark-kelly-after-he-appears-video-blasted-trump" target="_blank">looking into</a>&nbsp;“serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly for appearing in the video.&nbsp;</p><p>It didn’t detail how Kelly might have violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice but stated that “a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”&nbsp;</p><p>Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865/photo/1" target="_blank">referred</a>&nbsp;the issue to Navy Secretary John Phelan for any “review, consideration, and disposition” he deemed appropriate. Hegseth then asked for a briefing on the outcome of the review “by no later than December 10.”</p><p>Kelly said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-kelly-vows-stay-outspoken-despite-threats-over-illegal-order-video" target="_blank">during a press conference</a>&nbsp;in early December the military’s investigation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-threatened-trump-over-video-say-theyre-now-being-probed-fbi" target="_blank">a separate one</a>&nbsp;by the FBI were designed to intimidate the six lawmakers in the video from speaking out against President Donald Trump.&nbsp;</p><p>The lawmakers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1990774492356902948" target="_blank">video</a>, who have backgrounds in the military or intelligence agencies, told members of those communities they “can” and “must refuse illegal orders.”</p><p>“No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant,” they said. “But whether you’re serving in the CIA, in the Army, or Navy, or the Air Force, your vigilance is critical.”</p><p>The other Democrats in the video — Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, Pennsylvania Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander — are not subject to the military justice system.&nbsp;</p><p>Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-accuses-6-democratic-lawmakers-seditious-behavior-punishable-death" target="_blank">railed against the video</a>&nbsp;a couple days after it posted, saying the statements represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”</p>

Pentagon ‘escalating’ investigation into Sen. Kelly for illegal-orders video

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A driver charged in a crash that killed two Kansas women decided she did not want to return to Judge Rodger Woods courtroom on Monday for a preliminary hearing. Clowie&nbsp; Ann McLaughlin, 80, Augusta, waived her right to the hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

McLaughlin is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, severity level 4 person felonies, in the deaths of 42-year-old LaShea Bell and her daughter, 25-year-old A’Niah Bell.

The crash happened around 9:35 p.m.&nbsp; August 30, at the intersection of Central and Webb Road in Wichita

According to Wichita police, McLaughlin’s black Chevrolet truck collided with a white BMW carrying the Bells and a gray Jeep driven by a 41-year-old man. LaShea Bell was pronounced dead at the scene, while A’Niah Bell later died at a local hospital. The Jeep driver was treated at the scene and released.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757541241700.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A driver charged in a crash that killed two Kansas women decided she did not want to return to Judge Rodger Woods courtroom on Monday for a preliminary hearing. Clowie&nbsp; Ann McLaughlin, 80, Augusta, waived her right to the hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756722147795.png" alt="Mclaughlin photo Sedgwick Co." />
                        <figcaption>Mclaughlin photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>McLaughlin is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, severity level 4 person felonies, in the deaths of 42-year-old LaShea Bell and her daughter, 25-year-old A’Niah Bell.</p><p>The crash happened around 9:35 p.m.&nbsp; August 30, at the intersection of Central and Webb Road in Wichita</p><p>According to Wichita police, McLaughlin’s black Chevrolet truck collided with a white BMW carrying the Bells and a gray Jeep driven by a 41-year-old man. LaShea Bell was pronounced dead at the scene, while A’Niah Bell later died at a local hospital. The Jeep driver was treated at the scene and released.</p><p>Police said speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in the collision. McLaughlin was taken to a hospital for treatment of her own injuries and was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail after being medically cleared. She bonded out of jail the following day after posting a $100,000 bond. She is scheduled to return to court January 8.</p>