HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College athletic department has announced that Dayana Acevedo Trent has been named the 14th head coach of the Blue Dragon volleyball program.

Acevedo Trent comes to Hutchinson after a highly successful four-year stint at Odessa College. Acevedo Trent had a four-year record of 98-29. She also had a successful run as an assistant at Iowa Western Community College.

“When I played at Iowa Western, Hutchinson was always one of those teams to beat,” Acevedo Trent said. “Every single sport is competitive here and this community really cares about athletics. So when the opportunity came up, it just made sense.

“I’m very excited and humbled to be the new volleyball head coach at Hutchinson Community College.”

Odessa was Acevedo Trent’s first head coaching position. She posted a 15-7 record and advanced to the Region 5 Tournament semifinals in her first season in 2021. OC had three all-conference selections in her first season.

The Wranglers improved by 10 wins in the 2022 season and made it all the way to the Region 5 Tournament championship match where the Wranglers lost to New Mexico Military in five sets.

Acevedo Trent’s third Odessa team in 2023 made a three-win improvement, but broke through in the Region 5 Tournament, defeating New Mexico Junior College in five sets in the championship match to earn the region’s automatic berth into the NJCAA national tournament. The Wranglers dropped a pair of five-set matches in the 2023 national tournament, which was played at the Sports Arena.

This past season, the Wranglers posted a 30-10 overall record. OC won its second-straight Region 5 Tournament championship to advance to nationals. Odessa wound up placing 10th in the 2024 national tournament with a 2-2 record.

Acevedo Trent mentored 15 all-conference/region players, including two-time WJCAC Setter of the Year Jade Cuya (2023 and 2024), 2024 Defensive Player of the year Mana Kaneko and 2023 Newcomer of the Year Devyn Lewis.

Cuya was a second-team NJCAA All-American in 2024.

“Dayana's experience as an assistant coach at Iowa Western and head coach at Odessa has prepared her to elevate Blue Dragon Volleyball on a conference, region and national level,” Blue Dragon athletic  director Josh Gooch said. “Coach Acevedo Trent has earned a reputation as a great recruiter and developer of talent.  I look forward to welcoming her and her husband Alex to our Hutchinson community.”

Before becoming the head coach at Odessa, Acevedo Trent served as the head assistant coach at Iowa Western Community College. From the 2016 to 2020 seasons, Acevedo Trent helped the Reivers to a combined 171-25 record and five NJCAA National Tournament appearances. IWCC finished second in 2016, third in 2018, fifth in 2019 and win the national championship in the 2020/21 season.

Acevedo Trent’s playing collegiate career had stops at Iowa Western and the University of Texas-El Paso.

Playing at Iowa Western in the 2011 and 2012 seasons, Acevedo Trent amassed 1,418 total digs in two seasons which ranks her third on the Reiver career charts. She earned multiple honors including become a two-time NJCAA Division I All-American first team and two-time AVCA All-American first team, two-time All-Region first team and a two-time Academic All-Region first team recipient. Iowa Western won a combined 90 matches with two national tournament appearances during Acevedo Trent’s playing tenure.

At UTEP in 2013 and 2014, Acevedo Trent played in 181 sets with 509 digs and 39 service aces.

Originally from Naranjito, Puerto Rico, Acevedo Trent has an associate's degree in General Studies from Iowa Western Community College and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from UTEP.

DAYANA ACEVEDO TRENT’S YEAR-BY-YEAR RECORDS

2021       Odessa                 15-7               Region 5 semifinals

2022       Odessa                 25-8               Region 5 runner-up

2023       Odessa                 28-8               Region 5 Champion; NJCAA Tournament qualifier

2024       Odessa                 30-10             Region 5 Champion; 10th Place in NJCAA Tournament

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736474668428.jpeg" alt="Acevedo Trent" />
 <figcaption>Acevedo Trent</figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College athletic department has announced that Dayana Acevedo Trent has been named the 14th head coach of the Blue Dragon volleyball program.Acevedo Trent comes to Hutchinson after a highly successful four-year stint at Odessa College. Acevedo Trent had a four-year record of 98-29. She also had a successful run as an assistant at Iowa Western Community College.“When I played at Iowa Western, Hutchinson was always one of those teams to beat,” Acevedo Trent said. “Every single sport is competitive here and this community really cares about athletics. So when the opportunity came up, it just made sense.“I’m very excited and humbled to be the new volleyball head coach at Hutchinson Community College.”Odessa was Acevedo Trent’s first head coaching position. She posted a 15-7 record and advanced to the Region 5 Tournament semifinals in her first season in 2021. OC had three all-conference selections in her first season.The Wranglers improved by 10 wins in the 2022 season and made it all the way to the Region 5 Tournament championship match where the Wranglers lost to New Mexico Military in five sets.Acevedo Trent’s third Odessa team in 2023 made a three-win improvement, but broke through in the Region 5 Tournament, defeating New Mexico Junior College in five sets in the championship match to earn the region’s automatic berth into the NJCAA national tournament. The Wranglers dropped a pair of five-set matches in the 2023 national tournament, which was played at the Sports Arena.This past season, the Wranglers posted a 30-10 overall record. OC won its second-straight Region 5 Tournament championship to advance to nationals. Odessa wound up placing 10th in the 2024 national tournament with a 2-2 record.Acevedo Trent mentored 15 all-conference/region players, including two-time WJCAC Setter of the Year Jade Cuya (2023 and 2024), 2024 Defensive Player of the year Mana Kaneko and 2023 Newcomer of the Year Devyn Lewis.Cuya was a second-team NJCAA All-American in 2024.“Dayana's experience as an assistant coach at Iowa Western and head coach at Odessa has prepared her to elevate Blue Dragon Volleyball on a conference, region and national level,” Blue Dragon athletic director Josh Gooch said. “Coach Acevedo Trent has earned a reputation as a great recruiter and developer of talent. I look forward to welcoming her and her husband Alex to our Hutchinson community.”Before becoming the head coach at Odessa, Acevedo Trent served as the head assistant coach at Iowa Western Community College. From the 2016 to 2020 seasons, Acevedo Trent helped the Reivers to a combined 171-25 record and five NJCAA National Tournament appearances. IWCC finished second in 2016, third in 2018, fifth in 2019 and win the national championship in the 2020/21 season.Acevedo Trent’s playing collegiate career had stops at Iowa Western and the University of Texas-El Paso.Playing at Iowa Western in the 2011 and 2012 seasons, Acevedo Trent amassed 1,418 total digs in two seasons which ranks her third on the Reiver career charts. She earned multiple honors including become a two-time NJCAA Division I All-American first team and two-time AVCA All-American first team, two-time All-Region first team and a two-time Academic All-Region first team recipient. Iowa Western won a combined 90 matches with two national tournament appearances during Acevedo Trent’s playing tenure.At UTEP in 2013 and 2014, Acevedo Trent played in 181 sets with 509 digs and 39 service aces.Originally from Naranjito, Puerto Rico, Acevedo Trent has an associate's degree in General Studies from Iowa Western Community College and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from UTEP.DAYANA ACEVEDO TRENT’S YEAR-BY-YEAR RECORDS2021 Odessa 15-7 Region 5 semifinals2022 Odessa 25-8 Region 5 runner-up2023 Odessa 28-8 Region 5 Champion; NJCAA Tournament qualifier2024 Odessa 30-10 Region 5 Champion; 10th Place in NJCAA Tournament

🏐 Acevedo Trent named Blue Dragon volleyball head coach

NEW YORK (AP) — Lenders will no longer be able to consider unpaid medical bills as a credit history factor when they evaluate potential borrowers in the U.S. for mortgages, car loans or business loans, according to a rule the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-harris-medical-debt-credit-reports-d914b690602a14348d7d25508fa8f890">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>&nbsp;finalized Tuesday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medical-debt-credit-report-biden-ff69ce483467062d94f083116e4de8cc">Removing medical debts from consumer credit reports</a>&nbsp;is expected to increase the credit scores of millions of families by an average of 20 points, the bureau said. The CFPB says its research showed that outstanding health care claims are a poor predictor of someone’s ability to repay a loan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medical-debt-forgiveness-majorities-favor-poll-cc46b73d93dbf883ce9f9f2e07bbfcaf">yet often are used to deny mortgage applications</a>.

The three national credit reporting agencies — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — said last year that they were removing medical collections under $500 from U.S. consumer credit reports. The government agency’s new rule goes further by banning all outstanding medical bills from appearing on credit reports and prohibiting lenders from using the information.

The rule is set to take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, although President-elect Donald Trump has proposed sweeping changes and limits to the CFPB’s regulatory reach.

The CFPB estimates the rule will remove $49 million in medical debt from the credit reports of 15 million Americans. According to the agency, one in five Americans have at least one medical debt collection account on their credit reports, and over half of collection entries on credit reports are for medical debts.

The problem disproportionately affects people of color, the CFPB has found: 28% of Black people and 22% of Latino people in the U.S. carry medical debt versus 17% of white people. While the national credit reporting agencies voluntarily agreed to disregard medical debt below $500, many consumers have amounts much higher than this threshold on their reports.

The CFPB says its action will give millions of consumers increased access to loans and lead to the approval of approximately 22,000 additional mortgages a year. Americans with outstanding medical bills may see their credit scores rise by an average of 20 points, according to the bureau.

The rule was also drafted to increase privacy protections and to help keep debt collectors from using the credit reporting system to coerce people into paying bills they don’t owe. The CFPB has found that consumers frequently receive inaccurate bills or are asked to pay bills that should have been covered by insurance or financial assistance programs.

What’s more, lenders will be barred from using information about medical devices, such as prosthetic limbs, to make them serve as collateral for a loan and subject to repossession, according to the CFPB’s announcement.

Nonprofits in the healthcare space are pleased.

“This decision is great news for everyday Americans,” said Carrie Joy Grimes, founder of personal finance organization WorkMoney. “Medical debt is not a reflection of being bad with money — any one of us can experience illness or injury. With this new rule, Americans will now be able to focus less on the strain of medical debt and more on getting back on their feet.”

Patricia Kelmar, health care campaigns director for the U.S. Public Interest Resource Group, said the rule would help “many financially responsible families who have accumulated medical debt from unpredictable health issues, high out-of-pocket costs, insurance claim denials and billing errors.”

What should you do after receiving an unexpectedly high medical bill?

While&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surprise-medical-bills-handle-58dfe56afa490b582ddce491aa0ac3bc">high medical bills are common in the US</a>, including for individuals and households with insurance, there are ways to get relief.

First, determine whether you qualify for charity care. Federal law requires nonprofit hospitals to lower or write off bills for individuals depending on household income. To determine if you qualify, do an internet search for the hospital or health care provider along with the phrase “charity care” or “financial assistance policy.” The nonprofit organization Dollar For also provides&nbsp;<a href="https://dollarfor.org/how-we-help/" target="_blank">a simplified online tool</a>&nbsp;for patients.

Next, appeal under the provisions of the No Surprises Act, a federal law that says insurance companies must reasonably cover any out-of-network services related to emergency and some non-emergency medical care. If you’re being charged more than you’re used to or expect when you receive in-network services, that bill may be illegal.

Also: Always ask for an itemized bill. Medical billing is notoriously complicated and rife with errors. An itemized bill includes the billing codes of all care received. If something is off between these codes and the care provided, contesting your bill can yield changes.

Another approach — comparing the bill with insurance companies’ estimates of fair charges for services can also help. If the price you were charged is more than average, you may have your costs lowered. You could even take the provider to small claims court over the discrepancy - or let them know you have a case.

Finally, always compare your insurance company’s “explanation of benefits” to the bill. The hospital’s bill must match the explanation of costs that are covered and not covered. If it does not, you have another reason not to pay and to ask the provider to work with your insurance company further first.

Even after taking these steps, you can always appeal health claims with your insurance company if you believe there is any reason the bills should be covered entirely or more than the company initially decided. You may also contact your state insurance commissioner for support.

NEW YORK (AP) — Lenders will no longer be able to consider unpaid medical bills as a credit history factor when they evaluate potential borrowers in the U.S. for mortgages, car loans or business loans, according to a rule the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-harris-medical-debt-credit-reports-d914b690602a14348d7d25508fa8f890">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>&nbsp;finalized Tuesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and I finalized a rule that will eliminate medical debt from your credit score. As someone who has spent my career fighting to protect consumers and lower medical bills, I know our historic rule will help more Americans save money, build wealth, and thrive.&mdash; Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1876714422804127753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://apnews.com/article/medical-debt-credit-report-biden-ff69ce483467062d94f083116e4de8cc">Removing medical debts from consumer credit reports</a>&nbsp;is expected to increase the credit scores of millions of families by an average of 20 points, the bureau said. The CFPB says its research showed that outstanding health care claims are a poor predictor of someone’s ability to repay a loan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medical-debt-forgiveness-majorities-favor-poll-cc46b73d93dbf883ce9f9f2e07bbfcaf">yet often are used to deny mortgage applications</a>.The three national credit reporting agencies — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — said last year that they were removing medical collections under $500 from U.S. consumer credit reports. The government agency’s new rule goes further by banning all outstanding medical bills from appearing on credit reports and prohibiting lenders from using the information.The rule is set to take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, although President-elect Donald Trump has proposed sweeping changes and limits to the CFPB’s regulatory reach.Here’s what to know:<h2>How many people will this affect?</h2>The CFPB estimates the rule will remove $49 million in medical debt from the credit reports of 15 million Americans. According to the agency, one in five Americans have at least one medical debt collection account on their credit reports, and over half of collection entries on credit reports are for medical debts.The problem disproportionately affects people of color, the CFPB has found: 28% of Black people and 22% of Latino people in the U.S. carry medical debt versus 17% of white people. While the national credit reporting agencies voluntarily agreed to disregard medical debt below $500, many consumers have amounts much higher than this threshold on their reports.<h2>What will the impact be for consumers?</h2>The CFPB says its action will give millions of consumers increased access to loans and lead to the approval of approximately 22,000 additional mortgages a year. Americans with outstanding medical bills may see their credit scores rise by an average of 20 points, according to the bureau.The rule was also drafted to increase privacy protections and to help keep debt collectors from using the credit reporting system to coerce people into paying bills they don’t owe. The CFPB has found that consumers frequently receive inaccurate bills or are asked to pay bills that should have been covered by insurance or financial assistance programs.What’s more, lenders will be barred from using information about medical devices, such as prosthetic limbs, to make them serve as collateral for a loan and subject to repossession, according to the CFPB’s announcement.<h2>How are advocates responding?</h2>Nonprofits in the healthcare space are pleased.“This decision is great news for everyday Americans,” said Carrie Joy Grimes, founder of personal finance organization WorkMoney. “Medical debt is not a reflection of being bad with money — any one of us can experience illness or injury. With this new rule, Americans will now be able to focus less on the strain of medical debt and more on getting back on their feet.”Patricia Kelmar, health care campaigns director for the U.S. Public Interest Resource Group, said the rule would help “many financially responsible families who have accumulated medical debt from unpredictable health issues, high out-of-pocket costs, insurance claim denials and billing errors.”<h2>What should you do after receiving an unexpectedly high medical bill?</h2>While&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surprise-medical-bills-handle-58dfe56afa490b582ddce491aa0ac3bc">high medical bills are common in the US</a>, including for individuals and households with insurance, there are ways to get relief.First, determine whether you qualify for charity care. Federal law requires nonprofit hospitals to lower or write off bills for individuals depending on household income. To determine if you qualify, do an internet search for the hospital or health care provider along with the phrase “charity care” or “financial assistance policy.” The nonprofit organization Dollar For also provides&nbsp;<a href="https://dollarfor.org/how-we-help/" target="_blank">a simplified online tool</a>&nbsp;for patients.Next, appeal under the provisions of the No Surprises Act, a federal law that says insurance companies must reasonably cover any out-of-network services related to emergency and some non-emergency medical care. If you’re being charged more than you’re used to or expect when you receive in-network services, that bill may be illegal.Also: Always ask for an itemized bill. Medical billing is notoriously complicated and rife with errors. An itemized bill includes the billing codes of all care received. If something is off between these codes and the care provided, contesting your bill can yield changes.Another approach — comparing the bill with insurance companies’ estimates of fair charges for services can also help. If the price you were charged is more than average, you may have your costs lowered. You could even take the provider to small claims court over the discrepancy - or let them know you have a case.Finally, always compare your insurance company’s “explanation of benefits” to the bill. The hospital’s bill must match the explanation of costs that are covered and not covered. If it does not, you have another reason not to pay and to ask the provider to work with your insurance company further first.Even after taking these steps, you can always appeal health claims with your insurance company if you believe there is any reason the bills should be covered entirely or more than the company initially decided. You may also contact your state insurance commissioner for support.

Medical debt banned from credit reports by new Biden admin. rule

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas student-athletes established a new department record with a combined 3.45 grade point average this past fall, surging past the 3.40 they posted in the spring of 2024.

For each of the last five semesters, student-athletes have either tied or broken the department record. Beginning with a 3.33 GPA in the Fall 2022 semester and continuing through the Fall 2024 semester, Kansas student-athletes have continued to elevate the department's GPA each semester with a record-breaking effort.

"Our student-athletes continue to inspire us all with their remarkable performance in the classroom," Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. "Each semester, they have found a way to raise an already exceptionally high bar and elevate our department to unprecedented heights. During a transformative time in college athletics, our student-athletes, academic staff and coaches have remained committed to excellence in the classroom."

Kansas had 109 student-athletes achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA for the Fall 2024 semester. Additionally, 82 percent of student-athletes earned a spot on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll and 334 student-athletes posted a 3.00-3.99 GPA.

Eight sport programs set or tied a program record GPA for the Fall 2024 semester. Women's basketball (3.67), football (3.24), men's golf (3.66), rowing (3.54, ties non-COVID era program record), softball (3.48), men's track &amp; field (3.28, ties non-COVID era program record), men's cross country (3.57) and women's track &amp; field (3.53, ties non-COVID era program record) each claimed a high mark in the classroom. 

For a record sixth-straight semester, all teams reached a 3.0 or higher term GPA. Women's golf led all programs with a 3.81 GPA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736360523186.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas student-athletes established a new department record with a combined 3.45 grade point average this past fall, surging past the 3.40 they posted in the spring of 2024.For each of the last five semesters, student-athletes have either tied or broken the department record. Beginning with a 3.33 GPA in the Fall 2022 semester and continuing through the Fall 2024 semester, Kansas student-athletes have continued to elevate the department's GPA each semester with a record-breaking effort."Our student-athletes continue to inspire us all with their remarkable performance in the classroom," Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. "Each semester, they have found a way to raise an already exceptionally high bar and elevate our department to unprecedented heights. During a transformative time in college athletics, our student-athletes, academic staff and coaches have remained committed to excellence in the classroom."Kansas had 109 student-athletes achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA for the Fall 2024 semester. Additionally, 82 percent of student-athletes earned a spot on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll and 334 student-athletes posted a 3.00-3.99 GPA.Eight sport programs set or tied a program record GPA for the Fall 2024 semester. Women's basketball (3.67), football (3.24), men's golf (3.66), rowing (3.54, ties non-COVID era program record), softball (3.48), men's track &amp; field (3.28, ties non-COVID era program record), men's cross country (3.57) and women's track &amp; field (3.53, ties non-COVID era program record) each claimed a high mark in the classroom. For a record sixth-straight semester, all teams reached a 3.0 or higher term GPA. Women's golf led all programs with a 3.81 GPA.

KU with highest athlete GPA ever

Death toll from wildfire in Los Angeles continues to climb

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works Director Cecil Weible let the City Council know at their meeting on Tuesday how much work has gone into storm recovery thus far.

"Since the storm started January 4th, we have spent about 860 hours, man-hours, either pre-treating or attacking the storm. We actually still have a crew out currently on Main Street until 8 o'clock tonight," Weible said. "Throughout the storm, we used eight tandem dump trucks with plows and salt spreaders. The four new trucks with plows, and then we had the one other small truck, so 13 total trucks out plowing and moving snow and spreading salt."

There were a lot of city employees involved in the project.

"We used 33 employees for that 860 hours," Weible said. "We used a lot on pre-treating since we also pre-treated all the residential streets this time. So we actually used 34,000 gallons of salt brine for this storm event. That was in pre-treating and pre-wetting the salt while we were out. That also equated to 349 tons of salt, so it was a very cold event. The salt did its job slowly, but we are getting some good melt, so through all the lanes, lane miles pre-treated and or plowed, cycling that through a couple times on certain streets. We did about 4,000 lane miles within Hutch, so that's a lot of time spent behind the wheel moving snow around."

If you still have issues in your neighborhood, use the See, Click, Fix app to let the city know and they can come out and address them in the next few days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736298937565.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson Public Works Director Cecil Weible" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Public Works Director Cecil Weible</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works Director Cecil Weible let the City Council know at their meeting on Tuesday how much work has gone into storm recovery thus far."Since the storm started January 4th, we have spent about 860 hours, man-hours, either pre-treating or attacking the storm. We actually still have a crew out currently on Main Street until 8 o'clock tonight," Weible said. "Throughout the storm, we used eight tandem dump trucks with plows and salt spreaders. The four new trucks with plows, and then we had the one other small truck, so 13 total trucks out plowing and moving snow and spreading salt."There were a lot of city employees involved in the project."We used 33 employees for that 860 hours," Weible said. "We used a lot on pre-treating since we also pre-treated all the residential streets this time. So we actually used 34,000 gallons of salt brine for this storm event. That was in pre-treating and pre-wetting the salt while we were out. That also equated to 349 tons of salt, so it was a very cold event. The salt did its job slowly, but we are getting some good melt, so through all the lanes, lane miles pre-treated and or plowed, cycling that through a couple times on certain streets. We did about 4,000 lane miles within Hutch, so that's a lot of time spent behind the wheel moving snow around."If you still have issues in your neighborhood, use the See, Click, Fix app to let the city know and they can come out and address them in the next few days.

Public Works gives storm update

MOLLY M. CARVER Bethany College

LINDSBORG, Kan. — Bethany College is excited to welcome Christina Highsmith as Director of Marketing and Communications to its leadership team. Highsmith brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit marketing, media, and creative collaborations, making her an exceptional fit for Bethany's mission to foster academic and personal growth in a supportive community.

In this role, Highsmith will oversee and direct social media, public relations, print releases, photography, and film for the campus, along with general promotion across all platforms. Her extensive background includes work with Missouri Humanities, KWCH, multiple churches, and various film and photography projects.

A graduate of the University of Kansas and a native of Hesston, Kan., Highsmith has strong ties to central Kansas and is eager to reconnect with her roots while advancing Bethany's reach and impact.

"I am thrilled to have Christina join the Bethany College and Lindsborg community. Our campus will not only benefit from her gifts and talents but also

from the vast amount of experience she has in her career and life," said Vicki Cornett, Dean of Enrollment at Bethany College. "Christina will actively engage with our entire community since marketing is a powerful tool for recruitment, retention, alumni engagement, outside relations, and so much more. I am confident that Christina will elevate Bethany College in all these areas and beyond. We can't wait for her to start her journey here this year."

Highsmith's leadership and expertise will play a key role in strengthening Bethany College's connection with the community, enhancing campus events, and broadening the college's reach to new audiences. Her ability to bring fresh perspectives and creative strategies to Bethany's marketing efforts aligns with the college's commitment to excellence in education and engagement. By fostering meaningful relationships and promoting Bethany's mission, Christina will help elevate the institution's presence and impact both locally and beyond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736286180965.jpeg" alt="Christina Highsmith-Bethany College" />
 <figcaption>Christina Highsmith-Bethany College</figcaption>
 </figure>MOLLY M. CARVER Bethany CollegeLINDSBORG, Kan. — Bethany College is excited to welcome Christina Highsmith as Director of Marketing and Communications to its leadership team. Highsmith brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit marketing, media, and creative collaborations, making her an exceptional fit for Bethany's mission to foster academic and personal growth in a supportive community.In this role, Highsmith will oversee and direct social media, public relations, print releases, photography, and film for the campus, along with general promotion across all platforms. Her extensive background includes work with Missouri Humanities, KWCH, multiple churches, and various film and photography projects.A graduate of the University of Kansas and a native of Hesston, Kan., Highsmith has strong ties to central Kansas and is eager to reconnect with her roots while advancing Bethany's reach and impact."I am thrilled to have Christina join the Bethany College and Lindsborg community. Our campus will not only benefit from her gifts and talents but alsofrom the vast amount of experience she has in her career and life," said Vicki Cornett, Dean of Enrollment at Bethany College. "Christina will actively engage with our entire community since marketing is a powerful tool for recruitment, retention, alumni engagement, outside relations, and so much more. I am confident that Christina will elevate Bethany College in all these areas and beyond. We can't wait for her to start her journey here this year."Highsmith's leadership and expertise will play a key role in strengthening Bethany College's connection with the community, enhancing campus events, and broadening the college's reach to new audiences. Her ability to bring fresh perspectives and creative strategies to Bethany's marketing efforts aligns with the college's commitment to excellence in education and engagement. By fostering meaningful relationships and promoting Bethany's mission, Christina will help elevate the institution's presence and impact both locally and beyond.

Highsmith joining Bethany College

MANHATTAN — Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) Campaign School will hold its comprehensive two-day training at the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce on April 16-17. It also will offer seven mini sessions around the state beginning from March to September. 

The sessions are for current office holders, future candidates, campaign managers and volunteer leaders on how to mount a successful campaign.“Putting your name on the ballot for any public office is the first step of many before raising your hand and swearing your oath of office,” KFB’s Director of Political Affairs Brenden Wirth says. “KFB’s Campaign School can help you take crucial steps to give you a winning advantage on Election Day. This program has been used across the nation with candidates winning more than 80 percent of their races.”

This nonpartisan, unbiased program offers in-depth instruction from national, state and local political experts on topics like strategy, tactics, selecting issues, budgeting, fundraising and identifying voters. KFB Campaign School was designed to give potential candidates a solid foundation as they seek elected office. It also offers incumbents an opportunity to enhance their campaign skills.

The two-day KFB Campaign School is limited to 20 participants. Farm Bureau members of Kansas can attend for $300 and nonmembers can join for $350.

Mini sessions are condensed opportunities to learn the fundamentals of campaign management skills and cost $60 for KFB members and $85 for nonmembers. Up to 20 participants can take part in each session. They will be offered on the following dates and locations:

To learn about KFB’s Campaign School or register for any of the upcoming sessions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=470e295994&amp;e=f12fae02a8" target="_blank">www.kfb.org/CampaignSchool</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575384916134.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) Campaign School will hold its comprehensive two-day training at the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce on April 16-17. It also will offer seven mini sessions around the state beginning from March to September. The sessions are for current office holders, future candidates, campaign managers and volunteer leaders on how to mount a successful campaign.“Putting your name on the ballot for any public office is the first step of many before raising your hand and swearing your oath of office,” KFB’s Director of Political Affairs Brenden Wirth says. “KFB’s Campaign School can help you take crucial steps to give you a winning advantage on Election Day. This program has been used across the nation with candidates winning more than 80 percent of their races.”This nonpartisan, unbiased program offers in-depth instruction from national, state and local political experts on topics like strategy, tactics, selecting issues, budgeting, fundraising and identifying voters. KFB Campaign School was designed to give potential candidates a solid foundation as they seek elected office. It also offers incumbents an opportunity to enhance their campaign skills.The two-day KFB Campaign School is limited to 20 participants. Farm Bureau members of Kansas can attend for $300 and nonmembers can join for $350.Mini sessions are condensed opportunities to learn the fundamentals of campaign management skills and cost $60 for KFB members and $85 for nonmembers. Up to 20 participants can take part in each session. They will be offered on the following dates and locations:<ul>
 <li>March 5, Minneapolis Public Library, 519 Delia Ave., Minneapolis</li><li>March 27, NCCC Ottawa Campus, 900 E. Logan St., Ottawa</li><li>April 30, Scott County Library, 110 W. Eighth St., Scott City</li><li>May 13, Kansas Oil Museum, 383 E. Central Ave., El Dorado</li><li>July 10, Jackson County Courthouse Memorial Hall, 400 New York Ave., Holton</li><li>July 16, Huck Boyd Community Center, 860 Park St., Phillipsburg</li><li>Sept. 4, American Ag Credit, 5634 10th&nbsp;St., Great Bend</li>
 </ul>To learn about KFB’s Campaign School or register for any of the upcoming sessions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=470e295994&amp;e=f12fae02a8" target="_blank">www.kfb.org/CampaignSchool</a>.

KFB Campaign School taking registrations

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Recreation Commission announces the promotion of two staff members to start the New Year.

Kelsey Loutensock was promoted to Director of Sports &amp; Aquatics on Jan. 1. Loutensock started at Hutch Rec as the Aquatics and Special Events Manager on April 1, 2024 with past parks and recreation experience at Hesston Recreation, where she was the Assistant Recreation Director/Aquatics Director. Loutensock attended both Hesston College and Tabor College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in sports management.

In her new role at Hutch Rec, Loutensock is responsible for the sports operations and programs. She will continue to manage Hutch Rec Race Series events and oversee the daily operations at the seasonal Salt City Splash Aquatic Center.

Denice Gilliland was promoted to Director of Community Initiatives on Jan. 1. Gilliland started at Hutch Rec as the Neighborhood Development Manager on June 1, 2023. Prior to Hutch Rec, Gilliland worked at the United Way of Reno County and has a diverse background in the business and nonprofit sector. She is a Hutchinson native and a graduate of Bethany College, where she majored in secondary education and political science.

In her new role at Hutch Rec, Gilliland is responsible for the planning and development of community festivals and various initiatives. She will continue to oversee the operations of the Healthy Neighborhood Initiative and the neighborhood development program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718748509156.jpeg" alt="Hutch Rec" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Rec</figcaption>
 </figure>AMY CONKLING Hutch RecHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Recreation Commission announces the promotion of two staff members to start the New Year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736266066073.jpeg" alt="Kelsey Loutensock-Hutch Rec" />
 <figcaption>Kelsey Loutensock-Hutch Rec</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelsey Loutensock was promoted to Director of Sports &amp; Aquatics on Jan. 1. Loutensock started at Hutch Rec as the Aquatics and Special Events Manager on April 1, 2024 with past parks and recreation experience at Hesston Recreation, where she was the Assistant Recreation Director/Aquatics Director. Loutensock attended both Hesston College and Tabor College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in sports management.In her new role at Hutch Rec, Loutensock is responsible for the sports operations and programs. She will continue to manage Hutch Rec Race Series events and oversee the daily operations at the seasonal Salt City Splash Aquatic Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736266101784.jpeg" alt="Denice Gilliland-Hutch Rec" />
 <figcaption>Denice Gilliland-Hutch Rec</figcaption>
 </figure>Denice Gilliland was promoted to Director of Community Initiatives on Jan. 1. Gilliland started at Hutch Rec as the Neighborhood Development Manager on June 1, 2023. Prior to Hutch Rec, Gilliland worked at the United Way of Reno County and has a diverse background in the business and nonprofit sector. She is a Hutchinson native and a graduate of Bethany College, where she majored in secondary education and political science.In her new role at Hutch Rec, Gilliland is responsible for the planning and development of community festivals and various initiatives. She will continue to oversee the operations of the Healthy Neighborhood Initiative and the neighborhood development program.

Hutch Rec promotes two

NEW YORK (AP) — The first U.S. bird flu death has been reported — a person in Louisiana who had been hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms.

State health officials announced the death on Monday, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed it was the nation's first due to bird flu.

Health officials have said the person was older than 65, had underlying medical problems and had been in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. They also said a genetic analysis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-louisiana-mutations-cdc-a870a8d4d86d3dd95f4c0d5c7e9edee5">had suggested</a>&nbsp;the bird flu virus had mutated inside the patient, which could have led to the more severe illness.

Few other details about the person have been disclosed.

Since March, 66 confirmed bird flu infections have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html">reported</a>&nbsp;in the U.S., but previous illnesses have been mild and most have been detected among farmworkers exposed to sick poultry or dairy cows.

A bird flu death was not unexpected, virus experts said. There have been more than 950 confirmed bird flu infections globally since 2003, and more than 460 of those people died, according to the World Health Organization.

The bird flu virus "is a serious threat and it has historically been a deadly virus," said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health. “This is just a tragic reminder of that.”

Nuzzo noted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-canada-teen-hospitalized-45d7c944883fb17aeb37e96e679cc53e">Canadian teen</a>&nbsp;became severely ill after being infected recently. Researchers are still trying to gauge the dangers of the current version of the virus and determine what causes it to hit some people harder than others, she said.

“Just because we have seen mild cases does not mean future cases will continue to be mild,” she added.

In a statement, CDC officials described the Louisiana death as tragic but also said “there are no concerning virologic changes actively spreading in wild birds, poultry or cows that would raise the risk to human health.”

In two of the recent U.S. cases — an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-cows-chickens-missouri-57c3effbb8d0431321368d086fe1cba5">adult in Missouri</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-cdc-6798cd1e2f33067d5b7082b7d34a81a9">child in California</a>&nbsp;— health officials have not determined how they caught the virus. The origin of the Louisiana person's infection was not considered a mystery. But it was the first human case in the U.S. linked to exposure to backyard birds, according to the CDC.

Louisiana officials say they are not aware of any other cases in their state, and U.S. officials have said they do not have any evidence that the virus is spreading from person to person.

The H5N1 bird flu&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-humans-animals-deaths-ae01d3717783f0cf41e23f3fedb97017">has been spreading widely</a>&nbsp;among wild birds, poultry, cows and other animals. Its growing presence in the environment increases the chances that people will be exposed, and potentially catch it, officials have said.

Officials continue to urge people who have contact with sick or dead birds to take precautions, including wearing respiratory and eye protection and gloves when handling poultry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725718440042.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The first U.S. bird flu death has been reported — a person in Louisiana who had been hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms.State health officials announced the death on Monday, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed it was the nation's first due to bird flu.Health officials have said the person was older than 65, had underlying medical problems and had been in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. They also said a genetic analysis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-louisiana-mutations-cdc-a870a8d4d86d3dd95f4c0d5c7e9edee5">had suggested</a>&nbsp;the bird flu virus had mutated inside the patient, which could have led to the more severe illness.Few other details about the person have been disclosed.Since March, 66 confirmed bird flu infections have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html">reported</a>&nbsp;in the U.S., but previous illnesses have been mild and most have been detected among farmworkers exposed to sick poultry or dairy cows.A bird flu death was not unexpected, virus experts said. There have been more than 950 confirmed bird flu infections globally since 2003, and more than 460 of those people died, according to the World Health Organization.The bird flu virus "is a serious threat and it has historically been a deadly virus," said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health. “This is just a tragic reminder of that.”Nuzzo noted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-canada-teen-hospitalized-45d7c944883fb17aeb37e96e679cc53e">Canadian teen</a>&nbsp;became severely ill after being infected recently. Researchers are still trying to gauge the dangers of the current version of the virus and determine what causes it to hit some people harder than others, she said.“Just because we have seen mild cases does not mean future cases will continue to be mild,” she added.In a statement, CDC officials described the Louisiana death as tragic but also said “there are no concerning virologic changes actively spreading in wild birds, poultry or cows that would raise the risk to human health.”In two of the recent U.S. cases — an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-cows-chickens-missouri-57c3effbb8d0431321368d086fe1cba5">adult in Missouri</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-cdc-6798cd1e2f33067d5b7082b7d34a81a9">child in California</a>&nbsp;— health officials have not determined how they caught the virus. The origin of the Louisiana person's infection was not considered a mystery. But it was the first human case in the U.S. linked to exposure to backyard birds, according to the CDC.Louisiana officials say they are not aware of any other cases in their state, and U.S. officials have said they do not have any evidence that the virus is spreading from person to person.The H5N1 bird flu&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-humans-animals-deaths-ae01d3717783f0cf41e23f3fedb97017">has been spreading widely</a>&nbsp;among wild birds, poultry, cows and other animals. Its growing presence in the environment increases the chances that people will be exposed, and potentially catch it, officials have said.Officials continue to urge people who have contact with sick or dead birds to take precautions, including wearing respiratory and eye protection and gloves when handling poultry.___

U.S. records first human bird flu death

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-joint-session-trump-harris-certification-36d63d51027cce9c0a73a42c408ca6f3">certified</a>&nbsp;President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;as the winner of the 2024 election in proceedings that unfolded Monday without violence or mayhem, in stark contrast to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">Jan. 6, 2021, violence</a>&nbsp;as his mob of supporters stormed the Capitol.

Lawmakers convened under heavy security and a snowstorm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-joint-session-trump-harris-certification-36d63d51027cce9c0a73a42c408ca6f3">to meet the date required by law to certify</a>&nbsp;the election, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">the legacy of Jan. 6</a>&nbsp;leaves an extraordinary fact: The candidate who tried to overturn the previous election won this time and is legitimately returning to power.

Layers of tall black fencing flank the U.S. Capitol complex in a stark reminder of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-plaque-trump-reminders-erased-police-af6fe32d72b36c880aec0639ba92e869">what happened four years ago</a>, when a defeated Trump sent his mob to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-us-capitol-remarks-221518bc174f9bc3dd6e108e653ed08d">“fight like hell”</a>&nbsp;in what became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the most gruesome attack</a>&nbsp;on the seat of American democracy in 200 years. It is the tightest national security level possible.

Vice President Kamala Harris, presiding over proceedings as the role of the office, read the tally.

The chamber broke into applause, first Republicans for Trump, then Democrats for Harris.

The whole process happened swiftly and without unrest. One by one, the state results were read aloud by the tellers as senators and representatives sat in seats in the House chamber. Vice President-elect JD Vance joined his former colleagues. Within half an hour the process was done.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-electoral-college-republicans-trump-certification-2c6d9fc07979d2ce4ece23cca74d5c0e">No violence, protests or even procedural objections</a>&nbsp;in Congress this time. Republicans who challenged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">the 2020 election results</a>&nbsp;when Trump lost to Democrat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-election-security-republicans-trump-ap-poll-6171a25bd64dbb47505b8c907ddcb037">no qualms</a>&nbsp;this year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-day-trump-harris-white-house-83c8e246ab97f5b97be45cdc156af4e2">he defeated</a><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Harris</a>.

And Democrats frustrated by Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2024/?office=P">312-226 Electoral College victory</a>&nbsp;nevertheless accept the choice of the American voters. Even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-snow-ice-blizzard-da173992b438907b477bcd03afa17897">the winter snow</a>&nbsp;blanketing the grounds didn't interfere with Jan. 6, the day set by law to certify the vote.

Trump said in a Monday post online that Congress was certifying a “GREAT” election victory and called it “A BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY.”

The day's return to a U.S. tradition that launches the peaceful transfer of presidential power comes with an asterisk as Trump prepares to take office in two weeks with a revived sense of authority. He denies that he lost four years ago, muses about staying beyond the Constitution's two-term White House limit and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardons-congress-capitol-riot-crimes-4443c672fc3b1492640684652647cde6">promises to pardon</a>&nbsp;some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/jan-6-prosecutions/">more than 1,250 people</a>&nbsp;who have pleaded guilty or were convicted of crimes for the Capitol siege.

What’s unclear is if Jan. 6, 2021, was the anomaly, the year Americans violently attacked their own government, or if this year's expected calm becomes the outlier. The U.S. is struggling to cope with its political and cultural differences at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democracy-voters-turnout-elections-interference-disinformation-ai-b792e49cf037624a5e88dc82cac4c899">democracy worldwide is threatened</a>. Trump calls Jan. 6, 2021, a “day of love.”

“We should not be lulled into complacency,” said Ian Bassin, executive director of the cross-ideological nonprofit Protect Democracy.

He and others have warned that returning to power an emboldened leader who has demonstrated his unwillingness to give up the office “is an unprecedentedly dangerous move for a free country to voluntarily take.”

Biden, speaking Sunday at events at the White House, said, “We’ve got to get back to the basic, normal transfer of power,” the president said. What Trump did last time, Biden said, “was a genuine threat to democracy. I’m hopeful we’re beyond that now.”

Still, American democracy has proven to be resilient, and Congress, the branch of government closest to the people, was coming together to affirm the choice of Americans.

With pomp and tradition, the day unfolded as it has countless times before, with the arrival of ceremonial mahogany boxes filled with the electoral certificates from the states — boxes that staff were frantically grabbing and protecting as Trump’s mob stormed the building last time.

Senators walked across the Capitol — which four years ago had filled with roaming rioters, some defecating and menacingly calling out for leaders, others engaging in hand-to-hand combat with police — to the House to begin certifying the vote.

Harris presided over the counting, as is the requirement for the vice president, and certify her own defeat — much the way Democrat Al Gore did in 2001 and Republican Richard Nixon in 1961.

She stood at the dais where then-Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;was abruptly rushed to safety last time as the mob closed in and lawmakers fumbled to put on gas masks and flee, and shots rang out as police killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-district-of-columbia-protests-and-demonstrations-b69d5e146a3be85c8610a760a9367abd">Ashli Babbitt</a>, a Trump supporter trying to climb through a broken glass door toward the chamber.

The House chaplain, Margaret Kibben, who delivered a prayer during the mayhem four years ago, gave a simple request as the chamber opened to “shine your light in the darkness.”

There are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-jan-6-electoral-count-challenges-64b1ceeeacff133731ca4af01425a7c9">new procedural rules</a>&nbsp;in place in the aftermath of what happened four years ago, when Republicans parroting Trump’s lie that the election was fraudulent challenged the results their own states had certified.

Under changes to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-donald-trump-e4366ca9e350ef87ebbb7638517cbde3">Electoral Count Act</a>, it now requires one-fifth of lawmakers, instead of just one in each chamber, to raise any objections to election results. With security as tight as it is for the Super Bowl or the Olympics, law enforcement is on high alert for intruders. No tourists will be allowed.

But none of that is expected to be necessary.

Republicans, who met with Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-mo-brooks-elections-927d23e741ff7b2ca73afe734ffe278d">behind closed doors</a>&nbsp;at the White House before Jan. 6, 2021, to craft a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-biden-elections-government-and-politics-presidential-42911f613bee85913dcbcbaeed096b2c">complex plan</a>&nbsp;to challenge his election defeat, have accepted his win this time.

Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., who led the House floor challenge in 2021, said people at the time were so astonished by the election’s outcome and there were “lots of claims and allegations.”

This time, he said, “I think the win was so decisive.... It stifled most of that.”

Democrats, who have raised symbolic objections in the past, including during the disputed 2000 election that Gore lost to George W. Bush and ultimately decided by the Supreme Court, have no intention of objecting. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has said the Democratic Party is not “infested” with election denialism.

“There are no election deniers on our side of the aisle,” Jeffries said on the first day of the new Congress, to applause from Democrats in the chamber.

“You see, one should love America when you win and when you lose. That's the patriotic thing to do,” Jeffries said.

Last time, far-right militias helped lead the mob to break into the Capitol in a war-zone-like scene. Officers have described being crushed and pepper-sprayed and beaten with Trump flag poles,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-takeaways-ffca17be819364b00fb8cf0a24805a47">“slipping in other people's blood.”</a>

Leaders of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oath-keepers-stewart-rhodes-judge-amit-mehta-d2a498d980bc9fa3186e1072a94c0dad">Oath Keepers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-da60222b3e1e54902db2bbbb219dc3fb">Proud Boys</a>&nbsp;have been convicted of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-b3ed4556a3dec577539c4181639f666c">seditious conspiracy</a>&nbsp;and sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Many others faced prison, probation, home confinement or other penalties.

Democrats issued statements decrying the day, but many Republicans held firm in their views. Republican Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia posted Monday morning about the “thousands of peaceful grandmothers” at the Capitol that day. He said he was thankful that Trump has promised pardons.

Trump was impeached by the House on the charge of inciting an insurrection that day but was acquitted by the Senate. At the time, GOP leader Mitch McConnell blamed Trump for the siege but said his culpability was for the courts to decide.

Federal prosecutors subsequently issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/trump-election-2020-indictment">four-count indictment</a>&nbsp;of Trump for working to overturn the election, including for conspiracy to defraud the United States, but special counsel Jack Smith was forced to pare back the case once the Supreme Court ruled that a president has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-capitol-riot-immunity-2dc0d1c2368d404adc0054151490f542">broad immunity</a>&nbsp;for actions taken in office.

Smith last month withdrew the case after Trump won reelection, adhering to Justice Department guidelines that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted.

Biden, in one of his outgoing acts, awarded the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-citizens-medals-jan-6-cheney-thompson-f725b7003ea11239b90962a8cf0d5305">Presidential Citizens Medal</a>&nbsp;to Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., who had been the chair and vice chair of the congressional committee that conducted an investigation into Jan. 6, 2021.

Trump has said those who worked on the Jan. 6 committee should be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-tariffs-pardons-abortion-prosecutions-riot-72c08269f0a870d20e29033319201e22">locked up</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736188945617.png" alt="Vice President Kamala Harris, presiding over proceedings as the role of the office, read the tally." />
 <figcaption>Vice President Kamala Harris, presiding over proceedings as the role of the office, read the tally.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-joint-session-trump-harris-certification-36d63d51027cce9c0a73a42c408ca6f3">certified</a>&nbsp;President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;as the winner of the 2024 election in proceedings that unfolded Monday without violence or mayhem, in stark contrast to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">Jan. 6, 2021, violence</a>&nbsp;as his mob of supporters stormed the Capitol.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> Kamala Harris: &quot;This announcement of the state of the vote by the President of the Senate shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of the persons elected president and vice president of the United States, each for a term beginning on the 20th day of January 2025.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ePBAZ9i08q">pic.twitter.com/ePBAZ9i08q</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1876339014393110595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Lawmakers convened under heavy security and a snowstorm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-joint-session-trump-harris-certification-36d63d51027cce9c0a73a42c408ca6f3">to meet the date required by law to certify</a>&nbsp;the election, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">the legacy of Jan. 6</a>&nbsp;leaves an extraordinary fact: The candidate who tried to overturn the previous election won this time and is legitimately returning to power.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736188268010.jpeg" alt="Joint session of Congress Monday afternoon for the certification-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Joint session of Congress Monday afternoon for the certification-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Layers of tall black fencing flank the U.S. Capitol complex in a stark reminder of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-plaque-trump-reminders-erased-police-af6fe32d72b36c880aec0639ba92e869">what happened four years ago</a>, when a defeated Trump sent his mob to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-us-capitol-remarks-221518bc174f9bc3dd6e108e653ed08d">“fight like hell”</a>&nbsp;in what became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the most gruesome attack</a>&nbsp;on the seat of American democracy in 200 years. It is the tightest national security level possible.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736187158508.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall visiting with Senators ahead of the certification joint-session of Congress" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall visiting with Senators ahead of the certification joint-session of Congress</figcaption>
 </figure>Vice President Kamala Harris, presiding over proceedings as the role of the office, read the tally.The chamber broke into applause, first Republicans for Trump, then Democrats for Harris.The whole process happened swiftly and without unrest. One by one, the state results were read aloud by the tellers as senators and representatives sat in seats in the House chamber. Vice President-elect JD Vance joined his former colleagues. Within half an hour the process was done.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736189700417.png" alt="Vice President-elect JD Vance joined former Senate colleagues for the certification-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Vice President-elect JD Vance joined former Senate colleagues for the certification-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-electoral-college-republicans-trump-certification-2c6d9fc07979d2ce4ece23cca74d5c0e">No violence, protests or even procedural objections</a>&nbsp;in Congress this time. Republicans who challenged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">the 2020 election results</a>&nbsp;when Trump lost to Democrat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-election-security-republicans-trump-ap-poll-6171a25bd64dbb47505b8c907ddcb037">no qualms</a>&nbsp;this year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-day-trump-harris-white-house-83c8e246ab97f5b97be45cdc156af4e2">he defeated</a><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Harris</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736189947753.png" alt="The The mahogany boxes that hold the electoral votes for each state were opened -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The The mahogany boxes that hold the electoral votes for each state were opened -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>And Democrats frustrated by Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2024/?office=P">312-226 Electoral College victory</a>&nbsp;nevertheless accept the choice of the American voters. Even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-snow-ice-blizzard-da173992b438907b477bcd03afa17897">the winter snow</a>&nbsp;blanketing the grounds didn't interfere with Jan. 6, the day set by law to certify the vote.Trump said in a Monday post online that Congress was certifying a “GREAT” election victory and called it “A BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY.”The day's return to a U.S. tradition that launches the peaceful transfer of presidential power comes with an asterisk as Trump prepares to take office in two weeks with a revived sense of authority. He denies that he lost four years ago, muses about staying beyond the Constitution's two-term White House limit and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardons-congress-capitol-riot-crimes-4443c672fc3b1492640684652647cde6">promises to pardon</a>&nbsp;some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/jan-6-prosecutions/">more than 1,250 people</a>&nbsp;who have pleaded guilty or were convicted of crimes for the Capitol siege.What’s unclear is if Jan. 6, 2021, was the anomaly, the year Americans violently attacked their own government, or if this year's expected calm becomes the outlier. The U.S. is struggling to cope with its political and cultural differences at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democracy-voters-turnout-elections-interference-disinformation-ai-b792e49cf037624a5e88dc82cac4c899">democracy worldwide is threatened</a>. Trump calls Jan. 6, 2021, a “day of love.”“We should not be lulled into complacency,” said Ian Bassin, executive director of the cross-ideological nonprofit Protect Democracy.He and others have warned that returning to power an emboldened leader who has demonstrated his unwillingness to give up the office “is an unprecedentedly dangerous move for a free country to voluntarily take.”Biden, speaking Sunday at events at the White House, said, “We’ve got to get back to the basic, normal transfer of power,” the president said. What Trump did last time, Biden said, “was a genuine threat to democracy. I’m hopeful we’re beyond that now.”Still, American democracy has proven to be resilient, and Congress, the branch of government closest to the people, was coming together to affirm the choice of Americans.With pomp and tradition, the day unfolded as it has countless times before, with the arrival of ceremonial mahogany boxes filled with the electoral certificates from the states — boxes that staff were frantically grabbing and protecting as Trump’s mob stormed the building last time.Senators walked across the Capitol — which four years ago had filled with roaming rioters, some defecating and menacingly calling out for leaders, others engaging in hand-to-hand combat with police — to the House to begin certifying the vote.Harris presided over the counting, as is the requirement for the vice president, and certify her own defeat — much the way Democrat Al Gore did in 2001 and Republican Richard Nixon in 1961.She stood at the dais where then-Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;was abruptly rushed to safety last time as the mob closed in and lawmakers fumbled to put on gas masks and flee, and shots rang out as police killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-district-of-columbia-protests-and-demonstrations-b69d5e146a3be85c8610a760a9367abd">Ashli Babbitt</a>, a Trump supporter trying to climb through a broken glass door toward the chamber.The House chaplain, Margaret Kibben, who delivered a prayer during the mayhem four years ago, gave a simple request as the chamber opened to “shine your light in the darkness.”There are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-jan-6-electoral-count-challenges-64b1ceeeacff133731ca4af01425a7c9">new procedural rules</a>&nbsp;in place in the aftermath of what happened four years ago, when Republicans parroting Trump’s lie that the election was fraudulent challenged the results their own states had certified.Under changes to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-donald-trump-e4366ca9e350ef87ebbb7638517cbde3">Electoral Count Act</a>, it now requires one-fifth of lawmakers, instead of just one in each chamber, to raise any objections to election results. With security as tight as it is for the Super Bowl or the Olympics, law enforcement is on high alert for intruders. No tourists will be allowed.But none of that is expected to be necessary.Republicans, who met with Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-mo-brooks-elections-927d23e741ff7b2ca73afe734ffe278d">behind closed doors</a>&nbsp;at the White House before Jan. 6, 2021, to craft a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-biden-elections-government-and-politics-presidential-42911f613bee85913dcbcbaeed096b2c">complex plan</a>&nbsp;to challenge his election defeat, have accepted his win this time.Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., who led the House floor challenge in 2021, said people at the time were so astonished by the election’s outcome and there were “lots of claims and allegations.”This time, he said, “I think the win was so decisive.... It stifled most of that.”Democrats, who have raised symbolic objections in the past, including during the disputed 2000 election that Gore lost to George W. Bush and ultimately decided by the Supreme Court, have no intention of objecting. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has said the Democratic Party is not “infested” with election denialism.“There are no election deniers on our side of the aisle,” Jeffries said on the first day of the new Congress, to applause from Democrats in the chamber.“You see, one should love America when you win and when you lose. That's the patriotic thing to do,” Jeffries said.Last time, far-right militias helped lead the mob to break into the Capitol in a war-zone-like scene. Officers have described being crushed and pepper-sprayed and beaten with Trump flag poles,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-takeaways-ffca17be819364b00fb8cf0a24805a47">“slipping in other people's blood.”</a>Leaders of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oath-keepers-stewart-rhodes-judge-amit-mehta-d2a498d980bc9fa3186e1072a94c0dad">Oath Keepers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-da60222b3e1e54902db2bbbb219dc3fb">Proud Boys</a>&nbsp;have been convicted of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-b3ed4556a3dec577539c4181639f666c">seditious conspiracy</a>&nbsp;and sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Many others faced prison, probation, home confinement or other penalties.Democrats issued statements decrying the day, but many Republicans held firm in their views. Republican Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia posted Monday morning about the “thousands of peaceful grandmothers” at the Capitol that day. He said he was thankful that Trump has promised pardons.Trump was impeached by the House on the charge of inciting an insurrection that day but was acquitted by the Senate. At the time, GOP leader Mitch McConnell blamed Trump for the siege but said his culpability was for the courts to decide.Federal prosecutors subsequently issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/trump-election-2020-indictment">four-count indictment</a>&nbsp;of Trump for working to overturn the election, including for conspiracy to defraud the United States, but special counsel Jack Smith was forced to pare back the case once the Supreme Court ruled that a president has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-capitol-riot-immunity-2dc0d1c2368d404adc0054151490f542">broad immunity</a>&nbsp;for actions taken in office.Smith last month withdrew the case after Trump won reelection, adhering to Justice Department guidelines that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted.Biden, in one of his outgoing acts, awarded the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-citizens-medals-jan-6-cheney-thompson-f725b7003ea11239b90962a8cf0d5305">Presidential Citizens Medal</a>&nbsp;to Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., who had been the chair and vice chair of the congressional committee that conducted an investigation into Jan. 6, 2021.Trump has said those who worked on the Jan. 6 committee should be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-tariffs-pardons-abortion-prosecutions-riot-72c08269f0a870d20e29033319201e22">locked up</a>.

🎥Harris certifies Trump’s Presidential election victory

NEWTON, Kan. —&nbsp; Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday that Kansas has received a 2024 Deal of the Year Impact Award from Business Facilities magazine in the Building Supply Manufacturing category. The award recognizes the planned commissioning of a new $300 million shingle plant in Newton by GAF, a Standards Industries company and North America’s largest manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing products.

“This significant investment from GAF in Newton was essential not only for growing the economy in Kansas, but also for expanding their portfolio to meet the needs of their customers,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “The recognition and award are proof of our state’s ability to provide companies with a resourceful business environment and a prosperous future in Kansas.”

Putting more than a century of shingle manufacturing expertise to work, GAF will build a world-class shingle manufacturing facility in Newton. The facility will bring more than 130 new manufacturing jobs spanning management, engineering, and operations to the area, with a focus on continuous process manufacturing. &nbsp;

“In the last five years, Kansas has become a nationwide leader in economic growth, receiving several accolades that attest to the transformative efforts happening here in our state,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These awards and recognitions go beyond our capacity to land investments, they speak to our ability to provide companies with a reliable workforce, good-quality and affordable housing, quality places and communities, and so much more.”

Plans to build the new shingle plant were announced in 2024 with production anticipated to begin in 2027 and reach full production capacity by mid-2029. The company has already begun hiring key leadership roles for the new manufacturing facility, with more positions opening beginning in spring 2025.

“Harvey County has strong community values, with a talented workforce that brings a wealth of experience and innovative manufacturing capabilities that will be an immense asset to GAF’s future operations,”&nbsp;GAF CEO John Altmeyer said. “This new facility allows us to meet customer demand for our high-quality products and also serve and support the greater Newton area as proud members of the community.”

“Creating a culture that encourages growth is a big deal. That includes building meaningful relationships with regional partners and state officials that understand how important culture is in the selection process for economic development prospects,”&nbsp;former Newton Mayor and Harvey County EDC Board President Rod Kreie said.&nbsp;“While there were other communities with suitable sites, GAF mentioned several times how Newton’s culture played an important role in their decision.&nbsp;After working together with the GAF team for just north of two years, it’s amazing how the GAF culture blends so well with the culture of our community.”

“The capital investment and the jobs generated by this project will be transformational for Newton and Harvey County,”&nbsp;Harvey County EDC Executive Director Beth Shelton said. “GAF has been an engaged community partner since our very first conversation and after learning more about the company, I feel confident in saying that Newton is choosing GAF as well.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732237897174.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Gov. Laura KellyNEWTON, Kan. —&nbsp; Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday that Kansas has received a 2024 Deal of the Year Impact Award from Business Facilities magazine in the Building Supply Manufacturing category. The award recognizes the planned commissioning of a new $300 million shingle plant in Newton by GAF, a Standards Industries company and North America’s largest manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing products.“This significant investment from GAF in Newton was essential not only for growing the economy in Kansas, but also for expanding their portfolio to meet the needs of their customers,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “The recognition and award are proof of our state’s ability to provide companies with a resourceful business environment and a prosperous future in Kansas.”Putting more than a century of shingle manufacturing expertise to work, GAF will build a world-class shingle manufacturing facility in Newton. The facility will bring more than 130 new manufacturing jobs spanning management, engineering, and operations to the area, with a focus on continuous process manufacturing. &nbsp;“In the last five years, Kansas has become a nationwide leader in economic growth, receiving several accolades that attest to the transformative efforts happening here in our state,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These awards and recognitions go beyond our capacity to land investments, they speak to our ability to provide companies with a reliable workforce, good-quality and affordable housing, quality places and communities, and so much more.”Plans to build the new shingle plant were announced in 2024 with production anticipated to begin in 2027 and reach full production capacity by mid-2029. The company has already begun hiring key leadership roles for the new manufacturing facility, with more positions opening beginning in spring 2025.“Harvey County has strong community values, with a talented workforce that brings a wealth of experience and innovative manufacturing capabilities that will be an immense asset to GAF’s future operations,”&nbsp;GAF CEO John Altmeyer said. “This new facility allows us to meet customer demand for our high-quality products and also serve and support the greater Newton area as proud members of the community.”“Creating a culture that encourages growth is a big deal. That includes building meaningful relationships with regional partners and state officials that understand how important culture is in the selection process for economic development prospects,”&nbsp;former Newton Mayor and Harvey County EDC Board President Rod Kreie said.&nbsp;“While there were other communities with suitable sites, GAF mentioned several times how Newton’s culture played an important role in their decision.&nbsp;After working together with the GAF team for just north of two years, it’s amazing how the GAF culture blends so well with the culture of our community.”“The capital investment and the jobs generated by this project will be transformational for Newton and Harvey County,”&nbsp;Harvey County EDC Executive Director Beth Shelton said. “GAF has been an engaged community partner since our very first conversation and after learning more about the company, I feel confident in saying that Newton is choosing GAF as well.”

GAF in Newton is Deal of the Year

A British man who was killed when the driver of a white pickup truck sped down Bourbon Street packed with holiday revelers was identified Saturday as the stepson of a former nanny to the Royal Family. A nursing assistant has been the last of the 14 victims killed in the New Orleans truck attack to be identified. Her family says the coroner's office confirmed the death of LaTasha Polk on Saturday. The coroner's office says all the victims died from blunt force injuries. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was fatally shot in a firefight with police. About 30 people were injured and 16 remain hospitalized, half in intensive care.

A British man who was killed when the driver of a white pickup truck sped down Bourbon Street packed with holiday revelers was identified Saturday as the stepson of a former nanny to the Royal Family. Prince William expressed shock and sadness at the news of the death of Edward Pettifer of London.

A nursing assistant in her 40s was the last of the 14 victims killed in the New Orleans truck attack to be identified, according to her family who said the coroner's office confirmed LaTasha Polk's death on Saturday.

The coroner's office said all the victims died from blunt force injuries. The suspect in the attack, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was fatally shot in a firefight with police.

The youngest victim was 18 years old and the oldest 63. Most victims were in their 20s. They came from from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, New Jersey and Great Britain.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the innocent lives lost will never be forgotten, as he declared on Friday a period of mourning for the victims, which is scheduled to begin Jan. 6. A different victim is to be remembered each day.

"However, Louisiana and her people will never cower in fear," he said. "Instead, we will unite and come back stronger in honor of every person who lost their lives that day."

About 30 people were injured and 16 remained hospitalized as of Friday.

LaTasha Polk, a nursing assistant and mother of a teenage boy, was the last victim in the New Year's truck attack to be identified, according to her family, who gathered at a vigil Saturday evening to light candles. They said the coroner's office informed them Saturday morning. They had been looking for her and were grateful for the closure.

"It was the wrong call we got, but at least we got the call," said LaTasha Polk's cousin, Sebastian Polk. He said he was all out of tears by the time he arrived at the vigil to honor his cousin, whom he described being as close as a sister.

The coroner did not specify the reason for the delay, her aunt Kim Polk said.

"Every time you saw her she was smiling," said her cousin Courtney Polk, pressing her hands together in front of her face and holding back tears. "It's hard but we see all the love for her."

Some of LaTasha's relatives held each other crying on the curb near the cross where they had placed candles for her and other victims.

"Tasha, she was a loving person, and for her life to be taken away — unimaginable," Kim Polk said. "To wake up and have that taken from you."

Thirty-one year old Edward Pettifer, a British citizen, was identified Saturday as one of the 14 victims killed in the truck attack.

Pettifer's family said they were "devastated at the tragic news of Ed's death" and described him as "a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to so many."

"We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack," the family added.

The U.K.'s Foreign Office also said it was supporting Pettifer's family and was in contact with U.S. authorities.

Brandon Taylor, 43, of Harvey, Louisiana, was killed when the pickup truck careened down Bourbon Street.

Elliot Wilkinson, 40, of Slidell, Louisiana, died in the New Year's attack. Cecil Wilkinson said in a message to his little brother, Elliot Wilkinson, on Facebook that he was loved "and you will truly be missed."

"I know life was hard for you at times. But I wasn't expecting to get the phone call this morning you was one of them that got hit in New Orleans in the French Quarter," Wilkinson said in the post.

After years working in the service industry and maintenance, New Orleans native Terrence Kennedy spent his retirement doing what he loved: strolling down to catch the ever-present party in the French Quarter.

"Bourbon is like a free party," his niece, Monisha James, told The Associated Press. "He was enjoying his city that he enjoyed for 63 years."

James said her uncle liked to people-watch around the French Quarter and often sparked conversations with strangers. "That was what he was doing to enjoy his retirement," she said.

Kennedy had told his sister on New Year's Eve that he was going out. When he didn't answer the phone the next morning, the family spent a frantic day searching until the coroner confirmed he died in the New Year's Day attack.

The family still doesn't know if he died from the car's impact or gunshot wounds; all they were told is that he was still alive when he got to the hospital.

James, 43, described her uncle as a humble helper and a handyman. Whether it was fixing up a house or playing with his nieces and nephews, he was always eager to serve others.

"Just a sweet, kind, loving, helpful person that would not harm anyone," James said.

Sadly, illness had affected his family in recent years. Four of Kennedy's siblings died before him, including a sister who had passed away a month earlier. The violent nature of Kennedy's death stunned the family, on top of everything they've been through lately. Right now, said James, they're supporting each other.

"That's such a shock to our family because never in a million years would you be able to tell me that's what happened to him," she said.

Kennedy's younger sister Jacqueline Kennedy, 59, said her brother was known for his big heart and his love of sports.

"My brother had a kind heart. He was loving and caring and giving and he loved the Pittsburgh Steelers," she said.

Billy DiMaio, 25, of Holmdel, New Jersey, was humble and gentled-hearted, so devoted to family that he had a tattoo featuring all of his cousins' names, his parents told NOLA.com.

A New York City-based account executive for the media company Audacy, DiMaio was in New Orleans to celebrate New Year's Eve and see friends who planned to go to the Sugar Bowl, Tracie and Bill DiMaio, of Holmdel, New Jersey, told the news site. His friends escaped injury.

"He was a good, humble kid," Bill DiMaio said. "He loved life."

Billy DiMaio grew up on Long Island, New York, before the family moved to New Jersey. He graduated in 2022 from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, where he was on the lacrosse team and earned a master's degree.

"He was a pure, gentle-hearted soul," his mother said. "He will be truly missed."

"Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness," Audacy said in an emailed statement.

Hurbert Gauthreaux, 21, of Gretna, Louisiana, was among the victims, the coroner's office said.

Archbishop Shaw High School, in Marrero, Louisiana, posted on Facebook that Gauthreaux was from the class of 2021.

Gauthreaux "was tragically killed in the senseless act of violence that occurred early this morning in the French Quarter. He was 21 years old," the Catholic boys school posted Wednesday.

Kareem Badawi, 23, was a University of Alabama freshman when he was killed in the attack. A native of Louisiana and a graduate of the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, Badawi had started at the Alabama university this fall.

"My son was full of life," his father Belal Badawi said in an interview.

Back home in Baton Rouge for winter break, Badawi had gone to New Orleans with friends to celebrate the new year, his father said. After they saw the news of the truck attack, they tried to reach Kareem, but he didn't answer.

"Then I saw his phone when I tracked it was in the area that it happened," belal Badawi said. "So, then we knew that's something wrong. He's not answering. We drove to New Orleans. We live in Baton Rouge, we went to the hospital and we waited a few hours and the FBI came with the list of all the casualties."

"I lost my son. He's a good boy," he said of his son. "Unfortunately, his life ended that quick and with no reason. Just nothing he did to deserve for somebody to come and kill him."

Andrew Dauphin, 26, of Montgomery, Alabama, did in the attack.

Christopher B. Roberts, president of Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, said on the social platform X that Dauphin was 2023 graduate.

"Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn Family feels for Drew's family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time," Roberts said. "Our thoughts are with the Dauphin family and the families of all the victims of this senseless tragedy."

Dauphin was a supplier process engineer at the American Honda Motor Company in Birmingham, Alabama, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Matthew Tenedorio of Picayune, Mississippi, was killed in the truck attack, the coroner's office said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735738471176.png" alt="Police investigators on the scene early Tuesday d-photo courtesy WDSU" />
 <figcaption>Police investigators on the scene early Tuesday d-photo courtesy WDSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARTHA BELLISLE Associated PressA British man who was killed when the driver of a white pickup truck sped down Bourbon Street packed with holiday revelers was identified Saturday as the stepson of a former nanny to the Royal Family. A nursing assistant has been the last of the 14 victims killed in the New Orleans truck attack to be identified. Her family says the coroner's office confirmed the death of LaTasha Polk on Saturday. The coroner's office says all the victims died from blunt force injuries. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was fatally shot in a firefight with police. About 30 people were injured and 16 remain hospitalized, half in intensive care.A British man who was killed when the driver of a white pickup truck sped down Bourbon Street packed with holiday revelers was identified Saturday as the stepson of a former nanny to the Royal Family. Prince William expressed shock and sadness at the news of the death of Edward Pettifer of London.A nursing assistant in her 40s was the last of the 14 victims killed in the New Orleans truck attack to be identified, according to her family who said the coroner's office confirmed LaTasha Polk's death on Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735753500592.png" alt="Photo courtesy WDSU TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WDSU TV</figcaption>
 </figure>The coroner's office said all the victims died from blunt force injuries. The suspect in the attack, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was fatally shot in a firefight with police.The youngest victim was 18 years old and the oldest 63. Most victims were in their 20s. They came from from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, New Jersey and Great Britain.Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the innocent lives lost will never be forgotten, as he declared on Friday a period of mourning for the victims, which is scheduled to begin Jan. 6. A different victim is to be remembered each day."However, Louisiana and her people will never cower in fear," he said. "Instead, we will unite and come back stronger in honor of every person who lost their lives that day."About 30 people were injured and 16 remained hospitalized as of Friday.LaTasha PolkLaTasha Polk, a nursing assistant and mother of a teenage boy, was the last victim in the New Year's truck attack to be identified, according to her family, who gathered at a vigil Saturday evening to light candles. They said the coroner's office informed them Saturday morning. They had been looking for her and were grateful for the closure."It was the wrong call we got, but at least we got the call," said LaTasha Polk's cousin, Sebastian Polk. He said he was all out of tears by the time he arrived at the vigil to honor his cousin, whom he described being as close as a sister.The coroner did not specify the reason for the delay, her aunt Kim Polk said."Every time you saw her she was smiling," said her cousin Courtney Polk, pressing her hands together in front of her face and holding back tears. "It's hard but we see all the love for her."Some of LaTasha's relatives held each other crying on the curb near the cross where they had placed candles for her and other victims."Tasha, she was a loving person, and for her life to be taken away — unimaginable," Kim Polk said. "To wake up and have that taken from you."Edward PettiferThirty-one year old Edward Pettifer, a British citizen, was identified Saturday as one of the 14 victims killed in the truck attack.Pettifer's family said they were "devastated at the tragic news of Ed's death" and described him as "a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to so many.""We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack," the family added.The U.K.'s Foreign Office also said it was supporting Pettifer's family and was in contact with U.S. authorities.Brandon TaylorBrandon Taylor, 43, of Harvey, Louisiana, was killed when the pickup truck careened down Bourbon Street.Elliot WilkinsonElliot Wilkinson, 40, of Slidell, Louisiana, died in the New Year's attack. Cecil Wilkinson said in a message to his little brother, Elliot Wilkinson, on Facebook that he was loved "and you will truly be missed.""I know life was hard for you at times. But I wasn't expecting to get the phone call this morning you was one of them that got hit in New Orleans in the French Quarter," Wilkinson said in the post.Terrence "Terry" KennedyAfter years working in the service industry and maintenance, New Orleans native Terrence Kennedy spent his retirement doing what he loved: strolling down to catch the ever-present party in the French Quarter."Bourbon is like a free party," his niece, Monisha James, told The Associated Press. "He was enjoying his city that he enjoyed for 63 years."James said her uncle liked to people-watch around the French Quarter and often sparked conversations with strangers. "That was what he was doing to enjoy his retirement," she said.Kennedy had told his sister on New Year's Eve that he was going out. When he didn't answer the phone the next morning, the family spent a frantic day searching until the coroner confirmed he died in the New Year's Day attack.The family still doesn't know if he died from the car's impact or gunshot wounds; all they were told is that he was still alive when he got to the hospital.James, 43, described her uncle as a humble helper and a handyman. Whether it was fixing up a house or playing with his nieces and nephews, he was always eager to serve others."Just a sweet, kind, loving, helpful person that would not harm anyone," James said.Sadly, illness had affected his family in recent years. Four of Kennedy's siblings died before him, including a sister who had passed away a month earlier. The violent nature of Kennedy's death stunned the family, on top of everything they've been through lately. Right now, said James, they're supporting each other."That's such a shock to our family because never in a million years would you be able to tell me that's what happened to him," she said.Kennedy's younger sister Jacqueline Kennedy, 59, said her brother was known for his big heart and his love of sports."My brother had a kind heart. He was loving and caring and giving and he loved the Pittsburgh Steelers," she said.William "Billy" DiMaioBilly DiMaio, 25, of Holmdel, New Jersey, was humble and gentled-hearted, so devoted to family that he had a tattoo featuring all of his cousins' names, his parents told NOLA.com.A New York City-based account executive for the media company Audacy, DiMaio was in New Orleans to celebrate New Year's Eve and see friends who planned to go to the Sugar Bowl, Tracie and Bill DiMaio, of Holmdel, New Jersey, told the news site. His friends escaped injury."He was a good, humble kid," Bill DiMaio said. "He loved life."Billy DiMaio grew up on Long Island, New York, before the family moved to New Jersey. He graduated in 2022 from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, where he was on the lacrosse team and earned a master's degree."He was a pure, gentle-hearted soul," his mother said. "He will be truly missed."He had worked for Audacy since 2023."Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness," Audacy said in an emailed statement.Hubert GauthreauxHurbert Gauthreaux, 21, of Gretna, Louisiana, was among the victims, the coroner's office said.Archbishop Shaw High School, in Marrero, Louisiana, posted on Facebook that Gauthreaux was from the class of 2021.Gauthreaux "was tragically killed in the senseless act of violence that occurred early this morning in the French Quarter. He was 21 years old," the Catholic boys school posted Wednesday.Kareem BadawiKareem Badawi, 23, was a University of Alabama freshman when he was killed in the attack. A native of Louisiana and a graduate of the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, Badawi had started at the Alabama university this fall."My son was full of life," his father Belal Badawi said in an interview.Back home in Baton Rouge for winter break, Badawi had gone to New Orleans with friends to celebrate the new year, his father said. After they saw the news of the truck attack, they tried to reach Kareem, but he didn't answer."Then I saw his phone when I tracked it was in the area that it happened," belal Badawi said. "So, then we knew that's something wrong. He's not answering. We drove to New Orleans. We live in Baton Rouge, we went to the hospital and we waited a few hours and the FBI came with the list of all the casualties."Badawi said he was a lovely boy."I lost my son. He's a good boy," he said of his son. "Unfortunately, his life ended that quick and with no reason. Just nothing he did to deserve for somebody to come and kill him."Andrew "Drew" DauphinAndrew Dauphin, 26, of Montgomery, Alabama, did in the attack.Christopher B. Roberts, president of Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, said on the social platform X that Dauphin was 2023 graduate."Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn Family feels for Drew's family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time," Roberts said. "Our thoughts are with the Dauphin family and the families of all the victims of this senseless tragedy."Dauphin was a supplier process engineer at the American Honda Motor Company in Birmingham, Alabama, according to his LinkedIn profile.Matthew TenedorioMatthew Tenedorio of Picayune, Mississippi, was killed in the truck attack, the coroner's office said."He was 25 years old. He was just starting life. He had the job of his dreams," his mother, Cathy Tenedorio, told NBC News. "It's just very sad."A GoFundMe page created by a cousin says he was an audiovisual technician at the Superdome."He was a wonderful kid," Louis Tenedorio added. "He loved people. He loved animals. He always had a smile. So many friends. He had so many friends."Cathy Tenedorio said she had spent New Year's Eve with Matthew and another one of her sons."We had dinner and we did fireworks outside, and just laughing and hugging each other and telling each other we loved each other," she said. She added that they had tried to dissuade him from going into the city."They don't think about risk," she said.Nikyra DedeauxZion Parsons, of Gulfport, Mississippi, had been celebrating New Year's Eve at his first night on Bourbon Street when a vehicle appeared and plowed into his friend, Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, who he said had dreamed of becoming a nurse."A truck hit the corner and comes barreling through throwing people like in a movie scene, throwing people into the air," Parsons told The Associated Press. "It hit her and flung her like at least 30 feet and I was just lucky to be alive."As the crowd scattered in the chaos he ran through a gruesome aftermath of bleeding and maimed victims, hearing gunshots and explosive sounds."Bodies, bodies all up and down the street, everybody screaming and hollering" Parsons said. "People crying on the floor, like brain matter all over the ground. It was just insane, like the closest thing to a war zone that I've ever seen."Dedeaux had a job at a hospital and was set to start college and begin working towards her goal of becoming a registered nurse."She had her mindset — she didn't have everything figured out but she had the plan laid down," Parsons said.Reggie HunterA 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge, Reggie Hunter had just left work and headed to celebrate New Year's with a cousin when the attack happened, his first cousin Shirell Jackson told Nola.com.Hunter died and his cousin was injured, Jackson said. The coroner's office said he was from Prairieville, Louisiana.Martin "Tiger" BechTiger Bech, a 27-year-old former high school and college football player from Louisiana was among those killed.Kim Broussard, athletic director at St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette, told NOLA.com that Bech attended the high school, where he played wide receiver, quarterback, punt returner and defensive back. Bech played football at Princeton University before graduating in 2021.Marty Cannon, STM principal and former coach of Bech, said he was charismatic, intelligent and an incredibly talented football player. He regularly returned home to visit his tight-knit family, close friends and people at the school. He was home over Christmas."We live in a relatively small community here where not a lot of people leave but many do," Cannon said. "I'm not surprised at all that Tiger could take off from south Louisiana and go off and get an amazing education at a place like Princeton and then lock himself into a community up there and just flourish. He's that kind of guy."Bech has been working at Seaport Global. "He was extremely well regarded by everybody who knew him," said company spokesperson Lisa Lieberman.Nicole PerezNicole Perez was a single mother to a 4-year-old son working hard to make life better for her family when she was killed, according to her employer.Perez, 27, was recently promoted to manager at Kimmy's Deli in Metairie, Louisiana, and "was really excited about it," deli owner Kimberly Usher said in an interview with the AP. Usher confirmed Perez's death through her sister, who also works for her.Usher said Perez would walk in the morning to the deli, which opened at breakfast time, and ask lots of questions about the business side of the operations. She also was permitted to bring her son, Melo, to work."She was a really good mom," said Usher, who started a GoFundMe account to cover Perez's burial costs and to help with expenses for her son that "he will need to transition into a new living situation," the donation request says.Injured in the Attack— Heaven Sensky-Kirsch said her father, Jeremi Sensky, endured 10 hours of surgery for injuries that included two broken legs. He was taken off a ventilator Thursday.Jeremi Sensky was ejected from the wheelchair he was using and had bruises to his face and head, Sensky-Kirsch said in a phone interview from a hospital intensive care unit."He's talking right now," Sensky-Kirsch said late Thursday morning.Sensky, 51, who works in the family's tree service business, had driven from his home in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, to New Orleans to celebrate the holiday.Before the attack, Sensky and two friends had been having pizza, his daughter said. Sensky left them to return to his hotel on Canal Street because he felt cold, she said.Sensky-Kirsch said others could see the attacker coming and were able to run out of the way, but her father "was stuck on the road." His wheelchair can be seen in some images lodged against a crane.When he didn't return to the hotel, they went to look for him, she said."We thought he was dead," Sensky-Kirsch said. "We can't believe he's alive."— Ryan Quigley, who was a teammate of Bech's at Princeton, was with him when they were struck by the truck. Quigley was injured, according to family and friends."Ryan is doing okay. He is stable and resting in the company of his family and friends," the Quigleys said in an update on a GoFundMe page set up by his friends. "Ryan loves you all. Please keep the Bech family, the other families, and all of those affected by this tragedy in your prayers. Thank you all."— University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead said on X that a student was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment. He did not name the student.— The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on X that two Israeli citizens were injured in the attack.— University of Mississippi Chancellor Glenn Boyce said Thursday that one of the university's students was critically injured in New Orleans. Boyce did not identify the student.___Jack Brook and Sharon Lurye in New Orleans, Gary Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, Emily Wagster Pettus in Jackson, Mississippi, Travis Loller in Nashville and Kimberly Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama contributed to this report. Bellisle reported from Seattle.