Double Take will be a 30-minute program at the Beach Museum of Art hosted by Museum Outreach Specialist Nate McClendon that invites participants to take a deeper look at selected artworks on display. It is scheuled from 5:30 - 6 pm Nov. 20.

Through conversations with curators, artists, and museum staff, the program explores the stories, intentions, and societal themes behind the art and exhibitions. You can gain insight into artistic techniques, philosophies, and the role of art in everyday life, while also having the opportunity to share and observe real-time reactions to the works.&nbsp;

This free and open to the public. The theme is Meaning from Materials.

Double Take: Gallery Tour of Select Artworks at Beach Museum of Art

The boys finalists were determined Tuesday at Manhattan Christian College in the 2025 Hoop Holler N’ Shoot free throw contest. Six boys from a field of twelve go on to shoot in the finals of the boy's competition on December 8th at the K-State men’s game. 

✓ Elijah Middleton, Amanda Arnold…hitting 5 of 7 shots.

✓ Henry Robke, Manhattan Catholic…hitting 4 of 7 shots.

✓ Baldwin Severs, Oliver Brown…hitting 4 of 7 shots.

✓ Yigithan Ciftci, Bergman…hitting 4 of 7 shots.

✓ Avi Lundberg, Bluemont…hitting 4 of 7 shots.

✓ Wesley Johnson, Northview…hitting 3 of 7 shots.

Other boy school champions who did not make it to the finals are:

✓ Paxton, Mosier, Flint Hills Christian

Hoop Holler N’ Shoot, a program of the Manhattan Optimist Club, is a free throw contest for 5th graders in the Manhattan area grade schools. A boy and girl champion is determined at each school. 

The grade school champions move onto the semi-finals and finals held at Kansas State University basketball games. Over 550 students participated in the school competitions.

Boys Semifinal results - Hoop Holler N' Shoot contest

The finalists were determined Friday at Manhattan Christian College in the 2025 Hoop Holler N’ Shoot free throw contest. Six girls from a field of twelve go on to shoot in the finals of the girl’s competition on November 18th at the K-State women’s basketball game. 

✓ Elodie Boxberger, Amanda Arnold…hitting 3 of 7 shots.

✓ Jacqui Crow, Flint Hills Christian…hitting 2 of 7 shots.

✓ Darcy Kump, Theodore Roosevelt…hitting 2 of 7 shots.

✓ Tessalyn Lamb-Brumbaugh, Lee…hitting 2 of 7 shots.

✓ Milan Williams, Woodrow Wilson…hitting 2 of 7 shots.

✓ Molly Downs, Manhattan Catholic…hitting 1 of 7 shots.

Other girl school champions who did not make it to the finals are:

Girls Semifinal results - Hoop Holler N' Shoot contest

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Riley County Arrest Report November 17

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged vehicle theft in Manhattan.

Just before 11a.m. Friday, officers filed a report of vehicle theft in the 1700 block of Airport Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 A 40-year-old woman reported a 2019 Honda CRV was taken from a rental car parking lot without permission. The total estimated loss associated with this case is $12,000. 

Anyone with information, contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.

RCPD: Rental car taken from airport lot without permission

Riley County Arrest Report November 15, 16

The Young Trustees are proud to continue our annual tradition of spreading holiday cheer through&nbsp;Letters to Santa, a program that fulfills wish lists for children in need acrossthe community. This year, they anticipate supporting over&nbsp;350 children, and they’re inviting local businesses to join in making this season brighter.

They’re seeking&nbsp;Stocking Sponsors&nbsp;to help provide essential toiletries—items children request year after year. As a Stocking Sponsor your business will be recognized on their social media platforms, celebrating your commitment to the community and helping amplify your impact.

They’re currently seeking donations of&nbsp;$500, though any amount is&nbsp; appreciated and will be acknowledged by the Young Trustees.

Your contribution will directly fund the purchase of:

These items will be distributed through nonprofit partners, ensuring children receive support not only during the holidays but throughout the year.

If you or your business’s employees would like a copy of the children’s wish lists, please let them know and they will share those with you as they become available.

If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please reach out!

GMCF Young Trustees Letters to Santa Program

It was a SPECIAL night on Thursday as Dr. Reginald Eggleston, USD 475 Superintendent of Schools, was honored at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasSupts?__cft__[0]=AZUhAuIH05sRIo5kX8l68Vwq_REvEVBtJDO2k1tTQ0je1aj4LNwGGK_lFY37TblKyC9GVI05mSeKLD7JUx5wRu0LnvGw8jQ1NM0TjKxF3N9Do3ci1y77vtUwaW2kLJyVebq4JEW0gVJALBfwa8hZNOEWKYIVkhkhAfu2f_R43X6DCw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas School Superintendents' Association</a>’s Superintendent of the Year Awards Gala in Wichita.

 By being named the 2026 Kansas Superintendent of the Year, Eggleston was recognized at the Hudson Commerce in Wichita alongside fellow finalists Dr. Jessica Dain of Piper USD 202 and Jamie Rumford of Scott County USD 466. Eggleston is only the third USD 475 Superintendent all-time to be named Kansas Superintendent of the Year, joining Mary Devin who claimed the award in 1999 and Max Heim who received the honor in 1990&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 475 Superintendent of Schools is honored

Riley County Arrest Report November 14

MANHATTAN — For generations of Wildcats and Manhattan residents, C. Clyde Jones was more than a university leader — he was a symbol of service, optimism and deep-rooted commitment to the place he chose to call home. Known throughout town as "Mr. Manhattan," Jones lived to 102 and spent more than six decades strengthening Kansas State University and the surrounding community he loved.

Born in Huntington, West Virginia, in 1922, Jones spent his early years along the Ohio River before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II. After serving in the North Pacific, he began building a career in higher education. His early academic appointments took him from Northwestern University to Georgia State University and the University of Illinois — a path that ultimately led him to Manhattan in 1960 to become the first dean of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/">K-State's College of Business Administration</a>.<a target="_blank" href="https://issuu.com/slogback/docs/fall_2022_k-stater_issuu_upload/61">That move set the course for the rest of his life</a>.

In his role as the inaugural dean, Jones established programs, recruited faculty and built the foundation for what would become one of the university's signature colleges. His leadership helped define business education at K-State during a period of rapid growth, positioning the college as a destination for students across Kansas and beyond. Jones kept a close relationship with the College of Business faculty, staff and students. "He cut the dedication ribbon when we opened the new Business College building in 2016, we hosted his 100th birthday party in the atrium of the Business College, and we dedicated the C. Clyde Jones Executive Lounge on the fourth floor of the building to honor his work at K-State and in the community," said Kevin Gwinner, Edgerley Family Dean of the College of Business Administration.&nbsp;"

For the past decade, he has come back each semester as a guest lecturer in our business classes. His primary message to the students was the importance of being concerned with the welfare of others by showing compassion and empathy. He would implore the students to meet someone new every day. His mark on the college, university and community will be felt for generations."In addition to his leadership in the business college, Jones served K-State as vice president for university development from 1966 to 1970 and chaired the University Athletic Council from 1965 to 1975. In that role, he played a key part in designing and securing funding for what became a 34,000-seat football stadium — a transformational project that shaped the trajectory of K-State Athletics for decades.

"C. Clyde Jones left a legacy on this campus few can compare with," said Adam Walker, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association. "The College of Business Administration is the most obvious example. He helped build that program, serving as the college's first dean. As chairman of the University Athletic Council, he helped lay the groundwork and raised the funds for KSU Stadium, which we now enjoy as Bill Snyder Family Stadium. In the community, he helped many people through his charitable work, especially with Shepherd's Crossing. But his greatest legacy are the countless K-Staters he taught in the classroom, many of whom today are still using the lessons he taught them."

Jones retired from the university in 1987, but retirement did little to slow him down. In many ways, the years that followed demonstrated the fullest expression of his belief in service, community and connection. The most far-reaching example occurred in 2001, when he joined local faith leaders in establishing Shepherd's Crossing—a nonprofit that provides financial assistance and budgeting guidance to families in need.

According to Ann Knackendoffel, president of the Shepherd's Crossing board, Jones' leadership was essential from the beginning. "C. Clyde played a key role in founding Shepherd's Crossing," she said. "A group of churches united to better coordinate efforts to meet the growing financial needs of families in our communities. Both C. Clyde and Rev. Jim Reed were essential in establishing Shepherd's Crossing 25 years ago. They had a vision and provided the leadership needed to launch the organization."

Knackendoffel said the scale of the organization's reach today reflects Jones' early determination to create something built to last. "In the beginning, we were providing about $4,000 a year in assistance; today, that amount is over $400,000," she said.

Jones embodied the shared spirit of service that defines both K-State and the Manhattan community. "K-State promotes the idea of family. As a member of the Manhattan community for 40 years, I have seen that clearly in our community as well. C. Clyde had both feet firmly planted in K-State and the Manhattan community," she said. "When he saw a problem or a need, he never backed away or said, 'that is too big of an issue,' nor did he ever say, 'that's someone else's problem to solve.' He didn't see a line between the university and the larger community and never separated the two."Jones also poured his energy into community events that brought people together for a cause. He created the C. Clyde Run and later Midge's Mile — named for his wife, Margaret "Midge" Jones — as annual fundraisers for Shepherd's Crossing. The events became traditions that reflected the warm, joyful spirit of the couple and the values they lived by.His ability to build relationships across generations was one of his greatest gifts. 

Knackendoffel recalled meeting Jones and his wife early in her time in Manhattan — a moment that marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship."C. Clyde had a knack for finding people and getting them involved," Knackendoffel said. "He continued serving on the Shepherd's Crossing board well into his 90s, submitting grant proposals on our behalf, and challenging us as an organization to do more. His presence will be greatly missed."

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at First United Methodist Church on Poyntz Avenue.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/71353/donations/new">The C. Clyde Jones Memorial Fund</a>&nbsp;through the KSU Foundation celebrates his impact and supports future Wildcats who share his passion for learning and community. Throughout his long life, Jones approached his work with humility and gratitude. As Manhattan and K-State gather to honor him, Jones' legacy lives on in the institutions he strengthened, the community he cherished and the countless people he lifted along the way. His example endures as a reminder that leadership rooted in kindness, service and commitment can shape not only a university, but an entire community.&nbsp;

Honoring C. Clyde Jones: A lifetime of service to K-State and Manhattan

Here’s a quick rundown of the Anderson Avenue project. The City of Manhattan said that it will run through 2027 and is split into three primary phases, with the main goal of replacing the aging waterline beneath the roadway. This line has reached the end of its lifespan and has caused repeated main breaks in the area.

While we’re in there, they’re also upgrading the concrete roadway, improving storm water infrastructure, and adding wider, ADA-accessible sidewalks to make the corridor safer and more reliable for everyone.

Learn more and follow updates on our project page:&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.andersonwaterstorm.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExTm1zc25hUEZxVXpYNE9qaXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7z8RKabsBxyvYnILTJ0UIfTZPu2R3NWKOQcVkaPysYu4pcbpGLkYaMeBTqYA_aem_uOsOR89zCxGjbXk4OLzBNQ&amp;h=AT35KOsR4qhH5HfYL8MpbpOxmzZqStSXZKfvfSpyn07aO1x64G1Wflu5JxDZ_jykm1G1r2cNkVtISYI-wX3DuZqBCOCawKRa35aAtdWIBlB9pXkdmYM3RbFfikOoyduGn6hZNOrB9ndjaz0DGrvgqitYUXQ8alLe&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2Sw_69XSIx7hRBfEBPa90rQ3BmO2fZGIOkOZWav1k5cUrEKjc85WyBQJ6qjl9oPnMSsrgg-pC5Xx3FQz5qsxvhVrjKmWm3dpPuDARM1su3Wx2OL5bb_GS0PMGaD8UbfHDC3GQeA-RpUAxKzHbWD67DAUZDDyfplHUdbSl3fCiA6AKJ1wxRx6ZagkizgutrkV847kdc8FaBOMunNAvuCXjJ_7NGJYp7Jgq6pw" target="_blank">www.andersonwaterstorm.com</a>.

Anderson Avenue project

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man is going to prison for a fatal crash that killed a passenger in his vehicle.

This week, Charles Smith, Jr., 31, was&nbsp;&nbsp;sentenced to to 128 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In September, Smith pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and aggravated battery. He was&nbsp;originally charged with driving under the influence.&nbsp;

Just after 2:30a.m. December 14, 2024, police were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash in the 1700 block of S. Mosley in Wichita, according to a media release.

First responders located a white 4-door sedan that had collided with multiple trees.&nbsp; Lanashia Clay, 22, from Wichita was seated in the front passenger seat and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A 25-year-old woman from Wichita was the rear seat passenger. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries.

The 30-year-old driver later identified as Smith was also transported to a local hospital for treatment. After being medically cleared, he was taken into custody on requested charges of&nbsp;Involuntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Battery-DUI, and Driving after suspended.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. man going to prison for crash that killed passenger

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Democratic leader favors candidate she labels ‘true middle-of-the-road’ politician

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly formally endorsed state Sen. Ethan Corson’s campaign for governor on Monday, favoring a “true middle-of-the-road” politician she believed capable of drawing enough votes from Kansas Republicans, Democrats and independents to prevail in 2026.

Kelly, a popular governor forbidden from seeking reelection to a third term, said the Democrat from Fairway was the candidate most capable of being a voice of reason in terms of the state budget, protecting K-12 public school funding, lowering taxes and delivering economic growth. These themes, and a relentless critique of former Gov. Sam Brownback, anchored Kelly’s gubernatorial victory over Republican nominee Kris Kobach in 2018 and narrow defeat of GOP candidate Derek Schmidt in 2022.

“Kansas is in good shape right now. And that is why I am enthusiastically endorsing Ethan&nbsp;Corson,” Kelly said in a statement. “Ethan will build on my work, but he will also bring visionary and bold new ideas to the job. His allegiance will be to Kansans, not party or politics. Ethan is a good man. He wants to be governor for the right reasons. He is a true public servant.”

Kelly’s endorsement of Corson wasn’t a surprise, given her statement in July that he would be a “very strong candidate” and pointing to Corson as “someone laser focused on the issues Kansans really care about.”

“Ethan is a true middle-of-the-road candidate who will attract that same broad base of support that is necessary to win but also to then govern effectively. He is the most qualified and most suited to be our next governor,” Kelly said.

In the Kansas Democratic Party’s primary set for August, Corson’s main rival would appear to be Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park. Democrat Marty Tuley of Lawrence also declared his candidacy.

Corson, an attorney and former director of the Kansas Democratic Party, was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2020 and reelected in 2024 to serve a northeast Johnson County district. In the Senate, Corson said, he joined bipartisan efforts to cut property and income taxes, eliminate a state sales tax on groceries and end the state tax on Social Security benefits. He also sought to target tax relief for the benefit of seniors, veterans and working Kansans.

“I’m honored to have Gov. Kelly’s endorsement and grateful for her confidence in my ability to keep Kansas moving forward,” Corson said.

Corson entered the race for governor in July. He reported Nov. 5 the campaign raised $500,000 from nearly 2,000 donors in the initial 100 days of the campaign. During an 8,000-mile, crisscross journey of Kansas, Corson emphasized lowering the cost of living for working-class families, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening investment in public schools. He said his goal was to bring “both parties to the table to deliver results for all Kansans.”

“Our campaign is about creating a Kansas where the next generation can build a life right here,”&nbsp;he said. “That means lower costs for families, the best public schools in America, safer communities and a growing economy in all 105 counties.”

Corson, 43, earned a law degree at Washington University in St. Louis and worked seven years for a firm in Washington, D.C. He was employed by the U.S. Department of Commerce before returning to Kansas in 2019 to be executive director of the state Democratic Party.

Kansas candidates for governor must maneuver through an electorate that delivered double-digit victories in 2016, 2020 and 2024 for President Donald Trump.

In addition, no political party in Kansas has retained the governorship for more than eight consecutive years since the 1950s.

Candidates for the Republican Party’s nomination for governor include former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Senate President Ty Masterson, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, businessman Philip Sarnecki, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara and former Wichita school board member Joy Eakins.

Gov. Kelly offers formal endorsement of Democratic Sen. Ethan Corson for governor

MITCHELL COUNTY —Investigators determined the cause of a home explosion in Mitchell County on Wednesday was an accidental gas leak inside the home, according to Mitchell County Sheriff Anthony Perez. An issue with a furnace may have contributed to the accident, according to the State Fire Marshal's office.

Just before 6:30pm, the Mitchell County Communication Center received calls of a house explosion had occurred at the corner of Elkhorn Street and Wisconsin Street in Simpson, Kansas.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and located two adult victims with severe injuries. Both victims were transported to the Mitchell County Health Hospital Systems ER initially. The victims were then flown to a Wichita hospital burn unit. Authorities have not released an update on the two who were injured.

Faulty furnace may have caused Kansas home explosion 

HOUSTON – A 50-year-old resident of Sedgwick County, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to lying to law enforcement, according to a media release from the office of U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

In July 2019, Summer Heather Worden alleged her estranged spouse, NASA Astronaut Anne McClain, had guessed the password and illegally accessed her bank account while McClain was deployed to the International Space Station. &nbsp;

However, Worden had actually opened the account in April 2018. Both parties had accessed it until January 2019 when Worden changed the credentials. &nbsp;

The investigation revealed Worden had granted McClain access to her bank records from at least 2015, including her login credentials.&nbsp;

U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea Nov. 13. He will impose sentencing&nbsp;Feb. 12, 2026. At that time, Worden faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.&nbsp;

Worden was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.&nbsp;

NASA-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Brandon Fyffe prosecuted the case.&nbsp;

Kan. woman admits lying about astronaut wife accessing bank account from Space Station

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted to sex crimes involving a runaway teen learned his fate on Friday.

Judge Quentin Pittman sentenced 22-year-old Samuel Loredo to 174 months in prison with Lifetime Post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In October, Loredo pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sodomy and one count each of indecent liberties with a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and aggravated interference with parental custody, according to the District Attorney's office.

Just after noon November 18, 2024 law enforcement in Murray, Kentucky informed the Wichita Police Department that a 14-year-old runaway may be in Wichita based on their investigation, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

Wichita police responded to the area of 2300 N Woodlawn in Wichita where it was believed that the child may have been. Patrol and Investigations began working together to find additional information to locate the juvenile and determine the circumstances around their presence in Wichita.

Throughout the afternoon and the evening detectives with the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit worked to conduct additional interviews. Through those interviews, detectives determined that Loredo was communicating with the 14-year-old and arranged for the juvenile to travel to Wichita.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested&nbsp; Loredo, and booked him into Sedgwick County Jail.

Officers with the Wichita Police Department NET team located the juvenile wandering the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Years in prison for Kan. man in sex assault of runaway 14-year-old

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 8:30a.m. Sunday, Kansas City Police responded to report of an armed robbery at a gas station in the 8200 Block of North Church Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The suspect allegedly threatened a store clerk with a handgun. the suspect fled before officers arrived. Through an on scene investigation, a suspect description and suspect vehicle description were obtained. This information led officers to the 1200 Block of Northeast Parvin Road.

Just after 10a.m. Sunday, one officer arrived at that location and saw the suspect vehicle and the suspect involved in the armed robbery. The officer confronted the suspect outside of an apartment building. The suspect presented a handgun. The officer fired shots and struck the suspect.&nbsp;

EMS transported the suspect to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The officer was not injured. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. The investigation will forward the details to the the Clay County Prosecuting attorney's office.

Officer shot Kansas City armed robbery suspect 

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (AP) — President Donald Trump said Sunday that the U.S. “may be having some discussions” with Venezuelan President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a>, a potential diplomatic avenue as the U.S. further builds up its military presence near the South American country with the arrival of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-ford-aircraft-carrier-drugs-military-trump-a86ddc6f5f51e12c87cbd9c55978c911">most advanced aircraft carrier</a>.

Trump didn't offer details about the possible discussions with Maduro, but he said “Venezuela would like to talk."

The development comes as the Trump administration has carried out a series of military strikes against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">vessels suspected of transporting drugs</a>. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-hegseth-drugs-boat-strikes-6c3316b2852723e26c39dc701bba9d52">arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford</a>&nbsp;and other warships, announced by the Navy in a statement, marks a major moment in what the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-boat-strikes-drugs-cocaine-trafficking-95b54a3a5efec74f12f82396a79617ea">insists is a counterdrug operation</a>&nbsp;but has been seen as an escalating pressure tactic against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Maduro</a>.

When asked Sunday what he meant when he said Maduro wants to talk, Trump simply said: “What does it mean? You tell me, I don’t know.”

“I’ll talk to anybody," he added a few moments later. "We’ll see what happens.”

Venezuela’s government didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.

The Ford rounds off the largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c">buildup of U.S. firepower</a>&nbsp;in the region in generations. With its arrival, the “Operation Southern Spear" mission includes nearly a dozen Navy ships and about 12,000 sailors and Marines.

The carrier’s arrival came as the military announced its latest deadly strike on a small boat it claims was engaged in ferrying illegal drugs. The military’s Southern Command posted a video on X on Sunday showing the boat being blown up, an attack it said took place Saturday in international waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean and killed three men. The military did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

Since early September, such strikes by the U.S. in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strike-drugs-venezuela-military-trump-3a13baec2e07a75af9cd9eafb3cc99e7">killed at least 83 people in 21 attacks</a>.

The carrier strike group, which includes squadrons of fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers, transited the Anegada Passage near the British Virgin Islands on Sunday morning, the Navy said.

Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, who commands the strike group, said it will bolster an already large force of American warships to "protect our nation’s security and prosperity against narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.”

Adm. Alvin Holsey, the commander who oversees the Caribbean and Latin America, said in a statement that the American forces “stand ready to combat the transnational threats that seek to destabilize our region.”

Holsey,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alvin-holsey-southern-command-boat-strikes-venezuela-7cf34c822b56945129baf7f0d2635f95">who will retire next month</a>&nbsp;after just a year on the job, said the strike group's deployment is "a critical step in reinforcing our resolve to protect the security of the Western Hemisphere and the safety of the American Homeland.”

In Trinidad and Tobago, which is only 7 miles from Venezuela at its closest point, government officials said troops have begun “training exercises” with the U.S. military that will run through much of the week.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sean Sobers described the joint exercises as the second in less than a month and said they are aimed at tackling violent crime on the island nation, which has become a stopover point for drug shipments headed to Europe and North America. The prime minister has been a vocal supporter of the U.S. military strikes.

The exercises will include Marines from the 22nd Expeditionary Unit who have been stationed aboard the Navy ships that have been looming off Venezuela's coast for months.

Venezuela’s government has described the training exercises as an act of aggression. It had no immediate comment Sunday on the arrival of the aircraft carrier.

Meanwhile, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said Sunday that U.S. troops have been training in Panama, underscoring the administration’s increasing focus on Latin America.

“We’re reactivating our jungle school in Panama. We would be ready to act on whatever” Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth needed, he told CBS’ “Face the Nation."

The administration has insisted that the buildup of American forces in the region is focused on stopping the flow of drugs into the U.S., but it has released no evidence to support its assertions that those killed in the boats were “narcoterrorists.” Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carriers-trump-venezuela-middle-east-a458b9c4f1a5690e19d7c532dd6b7fd7">indicated military action would expand beyond strikes by sea</a>, saying the U.S. would "stop the drugs coming in by land.”

On Friday, Trump was asked by reporters if he had made up his mind on what he intended to do about Venezuela. He did not offer details but said, “I sort of have made up my mind."

The U.S. has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carriers-trump-venezuela-middle-east-a458b9c4f1a5690e19d7c532dd6b7fd7">long used aircraft carriers</a>&nbsp;to pressure and deter aggression by other nations because their warplanes can strike targets deep inside another country. Some experts say the Ford is ill-suited to fighting cartels, but it could be an effective&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-ford-aircraft-carrier-drugs-military-trump-a86ddc6f5f51e12c87cbd9c55978c911">instrument of intimidation</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Maduro</a>&nbsp;in a push to get him to step down.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the United States does not recognize Maduro, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-election-tally-sheets-actas-oas-carter-center-41d1000926d0ab99e522e53bf6c2b916">widely accused of stealing last year’s election</a>, as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. Rubio has called Venezuela's government a “transshipment organization” that openly cooperates with those trafficking drugs.

Rubio said in a statement released Sunday evening that the State Department intends to designate Cartel de los Soles, or Cartel of the Suns, a foreign terrorist organization. Rubio said the cartel is headed by Maduro and other high-ranking members of his government and is among those “responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe.” When the designation takes effect on Nov. 24, it will be a crime to provide “material support” to the cartel or its members.

Maduro, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S., has said the U.S. government is “fabricating” a war against him. On his Facebook page, Maduro wrote on Sunday that the “Venezuelan people are ready to defend their homeland against any criminal aggression.”

Venezuela’s government recently touted a “massive” mobilization of troops and civilians to defend against possible U.S. attacks. Maduro and other officials in Venezuela’s socialist party also have been attending rallies this weekend to back the creation of neighborhood committees that will be in charge of increasing membership in Venezuela’s socialist party, and promoting the party’s policies.

Trump has justified the attacks on drug boats by saying the U.S. is in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>&nbsp;while claiming the boats are operated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-foreign-terrorist-organizations-eb35567b69fc66f13f7f79fb90906a50">foreign terrorist organizations</a>.

He has faced pushback from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colombia-trump-drug-strikes-intelligence-2424e84a97f3a584a491143627dfdaa7">leaders in the region</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-us-military-strikes-south-america-ed0ce092af5ad2c64b34ed51f8ab59cc">U.N. human rights chief</a>&nbsp;and U.S. lawmakers, including Republicans, who have pressed for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-boat-strikes-trump-cartels-democrats-briefing-40cd5b30897ba97de824af7b76f22b46">more information on who is being targeted</a>&nbsp;and the legal justification for the boat strikes.

Senate Republicans, however, recently voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-strikes-congress-6c0061bf5a9c417e66f76fcc6ee57405">reject legislation that would have put a check</a>&nbsp;on Trump’s ability to launch an attack against Venezuela without congressional authorization.

Experts disagree on whether or not American warplanes may be used to strike land targets inside Venezuela. Either way, the 100,000-ton warship is sending a message.

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

Finley reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Anselm Gibbs in Port of Spain, Trinidad,, Gabriela Molina in Caracas, Venezuela, and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.

US show of force: Venezuelan President may want to talk with Trump

NEMAHA COUNTY —The Nemaha County Sheriff on Sunday released the name of a Kansas teen who died in an accident over the weekend in Nemaha County.

Just after 7a.m. Sunday Nemaha County Communications received a call to respond to the scene of a one vehicle crash, according to a media release.

A 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by Kenton L. Farwell, 17, Sabetha was westbound on 192nd Road just east of V Road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck a culvert and overturned into a ditch.  The exact time of the crash has not been determined.&nbsp;

Sheriff IDs Kansas teen who died in rollover crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said House Republicans should vote to release the files in the Jeffrey Epstein case, a startling reversal after previously fighting the proposal as a growing number of those in his own party supported it.

“We have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics in order to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party,” Trump wrote on social media late Sunday after landing at Joint Base Andrews following a weekend in Florida.

Trump's statement followed a fierce fight within the GOP over the files, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-marjorie-taylor-greene-republicans-maga-feud-f4b0dffe06440dfed16d336d08a05422">an increasingly nasty split with Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene</a>, who had long been one of his fiercest supporters.

The president’s shift is an implicit acknowledgement that supporters of the measure have enough votes to pass it the House, although it has an unclear future in the Senate.

It is a rare example of Trump backtracking because of opposition within the GOP. In his return to office and in his second term as president, Trump has largely consolidated power in the Republican Party.

“I DON’T CARE!” Trump wrote in his social media post. “All I do care about is that Republicans get BACK ON POINT.”

Lawmakers who support the bill have been predicting a big win in the House this week with a “deluge of Republicans” voting for it, bucking the GOP leadership and the president.

In his opposition to the proposal, Trump even reached out to two of the Republican lawmakers who signed it. One, Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert, met last week with administration officials in the White House Situation Room to discuss it.

The bill would force the Justice Department to release all files and communications related to Epstein, as well as any information about the investigation into his death in federal prison. Information about Epstein’s victims or ongoing federal investigations would be allowed to be redacted.

“There could be 100 or more” votes from Republicans, said Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., among the lawmakers discussing the legislation on Sunday news show appearances. “I'm hoping to get a veto-proof majority on this legislation when it comes up for a vote.”

Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., introduced a discharge petition in July to force a vote on their bill. That is a rarely successful tool that allows a majority of members to bypass House leadership and force a floor vote.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had panned the discharge petition effort and sent members home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-jeffrey-epstein-trump-f2a03eca247268b14a9e38858338eded">early</a>&nbsp;for their August recess when the GOP's legislative agenda was upended in the clamoring for an Epstein vote. Democrats also contend the seating of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adelita-grijalva-arizona-house-epstein-files-johnson-da75c9f0e362291f3d0edb1da99e019d">Rep. Adelita Grijalva</a>, D-Ariz., was stalled to delay her becoming the 218th member to sign the petition and gain the threshold needed to force a vote. She became the 218th signature moments after taking the oath of office last week.

Massie said Johnson, Trump and others who have been critical of his efforts would be “taking a big loss this week.”

“I'm not tired of winning yet, but we are winning,” Massie said.

Johnson seems to expect the House will decisively back the Epstein bill.

“We’ll just get this done and move it on. There’s nothing to hide,” adding that the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has been releasing “far more information than the discharge petition, their little gambit.”

The vote comes at a time when new documents are raising fresh questions about Epstein and his associates, including a 2019 email that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-emails-trump-house-democrats-db7df1042a73e610fb5deddf2f90bd3a">Epstein wrote</a>&nbsp;to a journalist that said Trump “knew about the girls.” The White House has accused Democrats of selectively leaking the emails to smear the Republican president.

Johnson said Trump “has nothing to hide from this.”

“They’re doing this to go after President Trump on this theory that he has something to do with it. He does not,” Johnson said.

Trump's association with Epstein is well-established and the president's name was included in records&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-pam-bondi-trump-1a6af3e9fa1cfb6d267985a971a4929a">that his own Justice Department released in February</a>&nbsp;as part of an effort to satisfy public interest in information from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-epstein-trump-testify-congress-4faaafceba09bec37dae8422a5171b49">sex-trafficking investigation</a>.

Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and the mere inclusion of someone’s name in files from the investigation does not imply otherwise. Epstein, who killed himself in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial, also had many prominent acquaintances in political and celebrity circles besides Trump.

Khanna voiced more modest expectations on the vote count than Massie. Still, Khanna said he was hoping for 40 or more Republicans to join the effort.

“I don't even know how involved Trump was,” Khanna said. “There are a lot of other people involved who have to be held accountable.”

Khanna also asked Trump to meet with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-survivors-congress-trump-5d980740245f935c994a90b8ce824642">those who were abused</a>. Some will be at the Capitol on Tuesday for a news conference, he said.

Massie said Republican lawmakers who fear losing Trump's endorsement because of how they vote will have a mark on their record, if they vote “no,” that could hurt their political prospects in the long term.

“The record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump's presidency," Massie said.

On the Republican side, three Republicans joined with Massie in signing the discharge petition: Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Boebert.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marjorie-taylor-greene-endorsement-trump-attack-epstein-db357b20a1ed419318e9486f55345875">publicly</a>&nbsp;called it quits with Greene last week and said he would endorse a challenger against her in 2026 “if the right person runs.”

Greene attributed the fallout with Trump as “unfortunately, it has all come down to the Epstein files.” She said the country deserves transparency on the issue and that Trump's criticism of her is confusing because the women she has talked to say he did nothing wrong.

"I have no idea what’s in the files. I can’t even guess. But that is the questions everyone is asking, is, why fight this so hard?” Greene said.

Trump’s feud with Greene escalated over the weekend, with Trump sending out one last social media post about her while still sitting in his helicopter on the White House lawn when he arrived home late Sunday, writing “The fact is, nobody cares about this Traitor to our Country!”

Even if the bill passes the House, there is no guarantee that Senate Republicans will go along. Massie said he just hopes Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., “will do the right thing.”

“The pressure is going to be there if we get a big vote in the House," Massie said, who thinks “we could have a deluge of Republicans.”

Massie appeared on ABC's “This Week,” Johnson was on “Fox News Sunday,” Khanna spoke on NBC's “Meet the Press” and Greene was interviewed on CNN's “State of the Union.”

Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price contributed to this report.

In reversal, Trump says House Republicans should vote to release Epstein files

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for five counts of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Jeremy Weber, 47, of Topeka uploaded photographs of women and children he knew into a publicly available Artificial Intelligence platform. He then utilized AI to manipulate and merge their images into hundreds of depictions of child sexual abuse material (or CSAM). &nbsp;Weber also uploaded previously trafficked images of CSAM to the same platform. Weber morphed the original CSAM image with the face of the adult or minor female, creating a new image of CSAM.&nbsp;

The investigation identified approximately 32 women whose images were used to produce the new CSAM. &nbsp;In addition, Weber utilized the same AI program to produce adult pornographic images of 50-60 women without their consent. &nbsp;

The investigation into Weber began after an IT professional observed criminal activity on Weber’s computer and reported it to local law enforcement. &nbsp;A subsequent search warrant led to a search of Weber’s residence and the discovery of an encrypted hard drive containing a folder titled “AI Swap.” In the folder was a large number of files organized into folders named after women. Each of the named folders contained anywhere from a handful to hundreds of newly manufactured sexually explicit images of each individual.

“While it is still an emerging technology, I believe there can be many wonderful and beneficial aspects of artificial intelligence, but there is also a dark side. Unfortunately, child predators are using AI for twisted and perverse activities,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The fact that Jeremy Weber was able to create realistic looking images of child pornography using the faces of children and adults should remind us that we are all vulnerable to this type of violation. Although the images were ‘fake’, the harm he inflicted on the victims and the consequences were very real.”&nbsp;

Prison: Kan. man used Artificial Intelligence to make child porn

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and ESPN have announced&nbsp; that Kansas State’s game this Saturday at Utah will kick at 3 p.m. (CT) and be televised on ESPN2.

This is the first ever meeting between the Wildcats and Utes as Utah is in its second season in the Big 12. The Wildcats will be in search of their first win in the state of Utah after going 0-4 in Provo (BYU) and 0-1 in Logan (Utah State).

Following the game at Utah, K-State hosts Colorado on Saturday, November 29, for the Wildcats’ annual Senior Day contest.&nbsp;

K-State - Utah will play an afternoon game on Saturday

By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer

DENVER (AP) — At this point in the season, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are usually cruising toward another division title and being touted as Super Bowl favorites.

Instead, they're losing the close games they used to win and, at 5-5, they're looking up in the AFC West at the Denver Broncos (9-2) and the Los Angeles Chargers (7-4).

It's all new territory for Mahomes and the startled Chiefs.

Sunday's 22-19 loss to the Broncos on Wil Lutz's 35-yard field goal as time expired makes a record-tying 10th straight division crown a long shot. The Chiefs are currently out of playoff position; they haven't missed the postseason since 2014.

Local

Region

Sports