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>

Project relies on combination of state and federal funding, donations and bond debt

TOPEKA — The total price of constructing research and clinical facilities for the new University of Kansas Cancer Center increased nearly $80 million to accommodate plans for additional laboratory space and in response to general inflation, tariff and labor cost spikes.

Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center, said financial requirements of transforming the campus in Kansas City, Kansas, to fulfill the promise of a coveted federal designation as a comprehensive cancer center was estimated in November 2023 to total $250 million. He said the current assessment pegged the project cost at $329 million, which would amount to a 30% escalation in the budget.

Presentations to the Kansas Legislature and Kansas Board of Regents indicated decisions to add 70,000 square feet to the project for research purposes, enough to allow 44 principal laboratories rather than the original 32, would elevate the cost by $67.5 million. Escalation in materials and labor expenses added $6 million to the bottom line. In addition, planners committed $6 million more to the contingency fund.

In May, ground was broken for the cancer center complex. The plan calls for occupancy of the new research building in February 2028. Renovation of the nearby Hemenway Life Sciences and Innovation Center would connect it to the research hub of the cancer center. The entire complex would be operational by February 2029.

“It’s going to be an incredible catalyst for, I think, further growth of the cancer center,” Jensen said. “We’re super excited to have this in progress right now.”

The cancer center complex at 39th and Rainbow campus was designed to provide patients with access to groundbreaking clinical trials and therapies, KU officials said. Physicians and researchers engaged in cancer research and treatment would be brought together to make personalized care more readily available.

Jensen said KU Medical Center attracted 8,500 new cancer patients annually, an increase from 1,700 new patients in 2004. The volume of research at the medical center has grown over the past 20 years from $14 million annually to $94 million annually, he said.

“With that significant growth, we’re in need of an expansion,” Jensen said. “We’re currently in 10 different buildings just on the medical center campus. A big reason for this project was to begin to consolidate.”

Under the revised $329 million budget endorsed by the Board of Regents, the cancer center project would rely on $75 million in state aid, $60.7 million in federal appropriations, $57.2 million in private donations, $98 million in bond debt and $38 million from cash reserves and contributions from KU Health System.

“The Legislature’s allocation of $75 million played a key role in allowing us to move forward with this project,” Jensen said. “The office of Sen. (Jerry) Moran has also been quite helpful with a number of congressionally directed spending allocations.”

Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said unresolved pieces of the puzzle included the potential of supplemental federal funding. U.S. Senate legislation pending in Washington, D.C., would earmark $36 million more to the KU Cancer Center, which Waymaster suggested could be dedicated to reducing KU’s bond debt obligations.

Jensen said extra federal aid might moderate costs of borrowing, but the infusion also could allow shifting of resources to better incentivize hiring of cancer center researchers.

“Some of the cash on hand that’s being set aside for this building could then be used to help us to build recruiting packages to help bring new investigators to the cancer center,” he said.

In 2012, KU was federally designated by the U.S. National Cancer Institute as a clinical cancer center. KU Cancer Center was declared a comprehensive center in 2022, which was the highest level of recognition awarded by NCI.

Fifty-four comprehensive cancer centers have been established in the United States — a figure representing 1% of all cancer treatment facilities in the country, Jensen said.

“It’s impressive,” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence. “I think people should know that because it didn’t happen by accident.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766420960440.png" alt=" Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center at the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas, says the overall cost of the facility will rise nearly $80 million to a total of $329 million. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center at the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas, says the overall cost of the facility will rise nearly $80 million to a total of $329 million. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>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><h2>Project relies on combination of state and federal funding, donations and bond debt</h2>TOPEKA — The total price of constructing research and clinical facilities for the new University of Kansas Cancer Center increased nearly $80 million to accommodate plans for additional laboratory space and in response to general inflation, tariff and labor cost spikes.Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center, said financial requirements of transforming the campus in Kansas City, Kansas, to fulfill the promise of a coveted federal designation as a comprehensive cancer center was estimated in November 2023 to total $250 million. He said the current assessment pegged the project cost at $329 million, which would amount to a 30% escalation in the budget.Presentations to the Kansas Legislature and Kansas Board of Regents indicated decisions to add 70,000 square feet to the project for research purposes, enough to allow 44 principal laboratories rather than the original 32, would elevate the cost by $67.5 million. Escalation in materials and labor expenses added $6 million to the bottom line. In addition, planners committed $6 million more to the contingency fund.In May, ground was broken for the cancer center complex. The plan calls for occupancy of the new research building in February 2028. Renovation of the nearby Hemenway Life Sciences and Innovation Center would connect it to the research hub of the cancer center. The entire complex would be operational by February 2029.“It’s going to be an incredible catalyst for, I think, further growth of the cancer center,” Jensen said. “We’re super excited to have this in progress right now.”The cancer center complex at 39th and Rainbow campus was designed to provide patients with access to groundbreaking clinical trials and therapies, KU officials said. Physicians and researchers engaged in cancer research and treatment would be brought together to make personalized care more readily available.Jensen said KU Medical Center attracted 8,500 new cancer patients annually, an increase from 1,700 new patients in 2004. The volume of research at the medical center has grown over the past 20 years from $14 million annually to $94 million annually, he said.“With that significant growth, we’re in need of an expansion,” Jensen said. “We’re currently in 10 different buildings just on the medical center campus. A big reason for this project was to begin to consolidate.”Under the revised $329 million budget endorsed by the Board of Regents, the cancer center project would rely on $75 million in state aid, $60.7 million in federal appropriations, $57.2 million in private donations, $98 million in bond debt and $38 million from cash reserves and contributions from KU Health System.“The Legislature’s allocation of $75 million played a key role in allowing us to move forward with this project,” Jensen said. “The office of Sen. (Jerry) Moran has also been quite helpful with a number of congressionally directed spending allocations.”Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said unresolved pieces of the puzzle included the potential of supplemental federal funding. U.S. Senate legislation pending in Washington, D.C., would earmark $36 million more to the KU Cancer Center, which Waymaster suggested could be dedicated to reducing KU’s bond debt obligations.Jensen said extra federal aid might moderate costs of borrowing, but the infusion also could allow shifting of resources to better incentivize hiring of cancer center researchers.“Some of the cash on hand that’s being set aside for this building could then be used to help us to build recruiting packages to help bring new investigators to the cancer center,” he said.In 2012, KU was federally designated by the U.S. National Cancer Institute as a clinical cancer center. KU Cancer Center was declared a comprehensive center in 2022, which was the highest level of recognition awarded by NCI.Fifty-four comprehensive cancer centers have been established in the United States — a figure representing 1% of all cancer treatment facilities in the country, Jensen said.“It’s impressive,” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence. “I think people should know that because it didn’t happen by accident.”

Extra lab space, inflation drives cost of University of Kansas Cancer Center to $329 million

JACKSON COUNTY —A Jackson County sheriff's deputy struck by a car while investigating an accident continues to show improvement, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp;

Just after 6p.m. December 17, a 2012 Mercedes driven by a 69-year-old Lee's Summit woman was southbound at South Buckner Tarsney at E. Ryan Road. The vehicle traveled into the crash scene and struck the the 53-year-old deputy, according to the MSHP. 

Central Jackson County EMS transported the deputy to Centerpoint Medical Center.

"After undergoing several medical procedures the deputy is making progress toward healing, remains in stable condition and is expected to recover," according to Sheriff Forte'

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766358531941.png" alt="Road blocked following the pedestrian incident Dec. 17, -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Road blocked following the pedestrian incident Dec. 17, -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —A Jackson County sheriff's deputy struck by a car while investigating an accident continues to show improvement, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp;Just after 6p.m. December 17, a 2012 Mercedes driven by a 69-year-old Lee's Summit woman was southbound at South Buckner Tarsney at E. Ryan Road. The vehicle traveled into the crash scene and struck the the 53-year-old deputy, according to the MSHP. Central Jackson County EMS transported the deputy to Centerpoint Medical Center."After undergoing several medical procedures the deputy is making progress toward healing, remains in stable condition and is expected to recover," according to Sheriff Forte'

Deputy recovering after struck by a car at scene of earlier crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are poised to vote Monday on a proposal that could lure the Kansas City Chiefs across the state line from Missouri, and replace popular but aging Arrowhead Stadium with a new facility capable of hosting major year-round events.

The meeting of the Legislative Coordinating Council, which includes the state's top lawmakers, is expected to be attended by Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and other team officials. If the proposal is passed, the Chiefs could move swiftly in announcing plans to depart their 53-year-old home at the Truman Sports Complex for a stadium that could cost upwards of $2 billion.

The state's proposal would allow for STAR bonds to be issued to cover up to 70% of the overall cost of the project. They would be paid off with state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around around the sports complex.

The same bonding process was used to build Kansas Speedway and the surrounding shopping and entertainment district, known as The Legends, in Kansas City, Kansas — the area where a future stadium for the Chiefs is most likely to be built.

The area is also home to Children's Mercy Park, where Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer plays its home matches.

“The state of Kansas is in active discussions with the Kansas City Chiefs about the prospects of building a new stadium and other facilities in Kansas,” the Kansas Department of Commerce said last week. “No final agreement has been reached, but this would be a massive economic win for Kansas and benefit Kansans for generations to come. We are aggressively pursuing this opportunity.”

The move by the Chiefs would be a massive blow to Missouri lawmakers and Gov. Mike Kehoe, who have been working on a package of their own to prevent a second NFL franchise in a decade from leaving their borders. The Rams departed St. Louis for Los Angeles a decade ago in part because of their inability to secure funding to help replace The Dome at America’s Center.

Kehoe backed a special legislative session in June to authorize bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.

The special session came in response to Kansas lawmakers approving their bond package.

The Chiefs originally planned an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium in a joint effort with the Kansas City Royals, who are similarly planning to build a new facility to replace Kauffman Stadium — which sits a couple of hundred yards across a parking lot from Arrowhead Stadium — when the two teams' leases with Jackson County, Missouri, expire in January 2031.

But after county voters soundly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-kansas-city-stadiums-e9605296b85e91699441e4ba10e83212">defeated a local sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;last year, the Royals and Chiefs began work on separate plans.

The Royals will not be discussed by Kansas lawmakers Monday, but momentum appears to be building behind their own move across the state line. An affiliate of the club already has purchased the mortgage on a tract of land in Overland Park, Kansas.

Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, has been working to keep both franchises on the Missouri side of the state line. He said in a statement over the weekend that negotiations had continued with the Chiefs throughout last week.

“We’ll reserve further comment until we hear from the Kansas City Chiefs,” Lucas said.

Hunt has long said his preference was to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, which was beloved by his father and team founder, the late Lamar Hunt. It is considered one of the jewels of the NFL, alongside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and is revered for its tailgating scene and home-field advantage; it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar.

This summer, Arrowhead Stadium will host six World Cup matches, including matches in the Round of 32 and quarterfinals.

The Hunt family has warmed in recent years to the idea of leaving their own mark by building its replacement, though. Not only would a new, state-of-the-art stadium provide new revenue streams, through luxury seating and accompanying development, but a fixed or retractable roof would allow it to be used year-round. That would mean the potential to host concerts and events, college football bowl games, the Final Four and one of Lamar Hunt's long-held dreams: a Super Bowl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694055371058.jpeg" alt="Photo KC Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA and JOHN HANNA TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are poised to vote Monday on a proposal that could lure the Kansas City Chiefs across the state line from Missouri, and replace popular but aging Arrowhead Stadium with a new facility capable of hosting major year-round events.The meeting of the Legislative Coordinating Council, which includes the state's top lawmakers, is expected to be attended by Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and other team officials. If the proposal is passed, the Chiefs could move swiftly in announcing plans to depart their 53-year-old home at the Truman Sports Complex for a stadium that could cost upwards of $2 billion.The state's proposal would allow for STAR bonds to be issued to cover up to 70% of the overall cost of the project. They would be paid off with state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around around the sports complex.The same bonding process was used to build Kansas Speedway and the surrounding shopping and entertainment district, known as The Legends, in Kansas City, Kansas — the area where a future stadium for the Chiefs is most likely to be built.The area is also home to Children's Mercy Park, where Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer plays its home matches.“The state of Kansas is in active discussions with the Kansas City Chiefs about the prospects of building a new stadium and other facilities in Kansas,” the Kansas Department of Commerce said last week. “No final agreement has been reached, but this would be a massive economic win for Kansas and benefit Kansans for generations to come. We are aggressively pursuing this opportunity.”The move by the Chiefs would be a massive blow to Missouri lawmakers and Gov. Mike Kehoe, who have been working on a package of their own to prevent a second NFL franchise in a decade from leaving their borders. The Rams departed St. Louis for Los Angeles a decade ago in part because of their inability to secure funding to help replace The Dome at America’s Center.Kehoe backed a special legislative session in June to authorize bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.The special session came in response to Kansas lawmakers approving their bond package.The Chiefs originally planned an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium in a joint effort with the Kansas City Royals, who are similarly planning to build a new facility to replace Kauffman Stadium — which sits a couple of hundred yards across a parking lot from Arrowhead Stadium — when the two teams' leases with Jackson County, Missouri, expire in January 2031.But after county voters soundly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-kansas-city-stadiums-e9605296b85e91699441e4ba10e83212">defeated a local sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;last year, the Royals and Chiefs began work on separate plans.The Royals will not be discussed by Kansas lawmakers Monday, but momentum appears to be building behind their own move across the state line. An affiliate of the club already has purchased the mortgage on a tract of land in Overland Park, Kansas.Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, has been working to keep both franchises on the Missouri side of the state line. He said in a statement over the weekend that negotiations had continued with the Chiefs throughout last week.“We’ll reserve further comment until we hear from the Kansas City Chiefs,” Lucas said.Hunt has long said his preference was to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, which was beloved by his father and team founder, the late Lamar Hunt. It is considered one of the jewels of the NFL, alongside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and is revered for its tailgating scene and home-field advantage; it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar.This summer, Arrowhead Stadium will host six World Cup matches, including matches in the Round of 32 and quarterfinals.The Hunt family has warmed in recent years to the idea of leaving their own mark by building its replacement, though. Not only would a new, state-of-the-art stadium provide new revenue streams, through luxury seating and accompanying development, but a fixed or retractable roof would allow it to be used year-round. That would mean the potential to host concerts and events, college football bowl games, the Final Four and one of Lamar Hunt's long-held dreams: a Super Bowl.___

Kan. lawmakers to vote on proposal to lure Chiefs with new stadium across state line

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Wichita police arrested four people, including two juveniles, after investigators determined a gunshot that struck a 22-year-old woman inside her home was fired from a nearby parking garage.

Just before 10p.m. Dec. 18, police responded to a reported shooting in the 700 block of E. Second Street North in Wichita, according to a media release.

The injured woman told officers she had just arrived home with a friend when a bullet came through a window and struck her in the upper body. She went to a local hospital in a private vehicle and was later treated and released.

Investigators determined the shot came from the Warren Parking Garage, 315 N. Moore Street., across from the apartment complex at 701 E. Second St. North.

Cameras in the area were used to identify a vehicle of interest. Later that night, officers observed and stopped that vehicle near Mount Vernon and Washington. Officers detained five people and took them for interviews. Police later booked four suspects into the Sedgwick County Jail and the Juvenile Detention Facility.

Those arrested include a 17-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy, an 18-year-old woman identified in county booking records at Pamela Nunez and a 20-year-old man identified in county booking records as Franklin L. Hernandez Murillo. They are being held on requested charges of aggravated battery, discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling and unlawful possession of a firearm by a juvenile.

“This has to stop,” Chief Joe Sullivan said. “One reckless decision can change a life forever. Juveniles, or any person, who make the intentional decision to pick up a firearm and use it in the commission of a crime need to and will be held accountable.”

Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 316-268-4407. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766245844778.png" alt="Hernandez Murillo-Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Hernandez Murillo-Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Wichita police arrested four people, including two juveniles, after investigators determined a gunshot that struck a 22-year-old woman inside her home was fired from a nearby parking garage.Just before 10p.m. Dec. 18, police responded to a reported shooting in the 700 block of E. Second Street North in Wichita, according to a media release.The injured woman told officers she had just arrived home with a friend when a bullet came through a window and struck her in the upper body. She went to a local hospital in a private vehicle and was later treated and released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766246386311.png" alt="Nunez photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Nunez photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators determined the shot came from the Warren Parking Garage, 315 N. Moore Street., across from the apartment complex at 701 E. Second St. North.Cameras in the area were used to identify a vehicle of interest. Later that night, officers observed and stopped that vehicle near Mount Vernon and Washington. Officers detained five people and took them for interviews. Police later booked four suspects into the Sedgwick County Jail and the Juvenile Detention Facility.Those arrested include a 17-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy, an 18-year-old woman identified in county booking records at Pamela Nunez and a 20-year-old man identified in county booking records as Franklin L. Hernandez Murillo. They are being held on requested charges of aggravated battery, discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling and unlawful possession of a firearm by a juvenile.“This has to stop,” Chief Joe Sullivan said. “One reckless decision can change a life forever. Juveniles, or any person, who make the intentional decision to pick up a firearm and use it in the commission of a crime need to and will be held accountable.”Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 316-268-4407. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Gunfire struck Kansas woman in her home, 4 arrested

KANSAS CITY—Three people were injured in a fire on Sunday in Kansas City.

Just after 10:30a.m. crews were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 3300 block of Askew Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

On arrival, crews reported smoke on the 2nd&nbsp;floor of a 2-story house and initiated an offensive fire attack.&nbsp;Residents reported that all residents were able to get out on their own. Crews did conduct a search of the structure, which came back all clear. The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to a single room.&nbsp;KCFD ambulances transported 3 occupants of the residence, to local hospitals. Late Sunday, there was no update on their condition. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—Three people were injured in a fire on Sunday in Kansas City.Just after 10:30a.m. crews were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 3300 block of Askew Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.On arrival, crews reported smoke on the 2nd&nbsp;floor of a 2-story house and initiated an offensive fire attack.&nbsp;Residents reported that all residents were able to get out on their own. Crews did conduct a search of the structure, which came back all clear. The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to a single room.&nbsp;KCFD ambulances transported 3 occupants of the residence, to local hospitals. Late Sunday, there was no update on their condition. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;

3 hospitalized after fire at home in Kansas City

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday defended the Justice Department’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">release just a fraction</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;files by the congressionally mandated deadline as necessary to protect survivors of sexual abuse by the disgraced financier.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the Epstein files and do a search

Blanche pledged that the Trump administration eventually would meet its obligation required by law. But he stressed that the department was obligated to act with caution as it goes about making public thousands of documents that can include sensitive information.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">Friday's partial release</a>&nbsp;of the Epstein files has led to a new crush of criticism from Democrats who have accused the Republican administration of trying to hide information.

Blanche called that pushback disingenuous as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;administration continues to struggle with calls for greater transparency, including from members of his political base, about the government’s investigations into Epstein, who once counted Trump as well as several political leaders and business titans among his peers.

“The reason why we are still reviewing documents and still continuing our process is simply that to protect victims,” Blanche told NBC's "Meet the Press." “So the same individuals that are out there complaining about the lack of documents that were produced on Friday are the same individuals who apparently don’t want us to protect victims.”

Blanche's comments were the most extensive by the administration since the file dump, which included photographs, interview transcripts, call logs, court records and other documents. But some of the most consequential records expected about Epstein were nowhere to be found, such as FBI interviews with survivors and internal Justice Department memos examining charging decisions. Those records could help explain how investigators viewed the case and why Epstein was allowed in 2008 to plead guilty to a relatively minor state-level prostitution charge.

Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and that the public should focus on other issues.

Federal prosecutors in New York brought sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">he killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;after his arrest.

Democrat see a cover-up, not an effort to protect victims

But Democratic lawmakers on Sunday hammered Trump and the Justice Department for a partial release.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., argued that the Justice Department is obstructing the implementation of the law mandating the release of the documents not because it wants to protect the Epstein victims.

“It’s all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn’t want to go public, either about himself, other members of his family, friends, Jeffrey Epstein, or just the social, business, cultural network that he was involved in for at least a decade, if not longer," he said on CNN's “State of the Union.”

Blanche also defended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-9290fcaad1cb6fcb1cbc1befabc01994">department's decision to remove several files</a>&nbsp;related to the case from its public webpage, including a photograph showing Trump, less than a day after they were posted.

The missing files, which were available Friday but no longer accessible by Saturday, included images of paintings depicting nude women, and one showed a series of photographs along a credenza and in drawers. In that image, inside a drawer among other photos, was a photograph of Trump, alongside Epstein, Melania Trump and Epstein’s longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Blanche said the documents were removed because they also showed victims of Epstein. Blanche said that Trump photo and the other documents will be reposted once redactions are made to protect survivors.

“It has nothing to do with President Trump,” Blanche said. “There are dozens of photos of President Trump already released to the public seeing him with Mr. Epstein.”

The thousands of Epstein-related records posted publicly offer the most detailed look yet at nearly two decades worth of government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">scrutiny of Epstein’s sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;of young women and underage girls. Yet Friday's release, replete with redactions, has not dulled the clamor for information given how many records had yet to be released and because some of the materials had already been made public.

Justice Department has just learned the names of more potential victims, Blanche says

Blanche said that the department continues to review the trove of documents and has learned the names of additional potential victims in recent days.

The deputy attorney general also defended the decision by the federal Bureau of Prisons, which Blanche oversees, to transfer Maxwell to a less restrictive, minimum-security federal prison earlier this year soon after he interviewed her about Epstein. Blanche said that the transfer was made because of concerns about her safety.

Maxwell, Epstein's onetime girlfriend, is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for her 2021 conviction for sex trafficking crimes.

“She was suffering numerous and numerous threats against her life,” Blanche said. “So the BOP is not only responsible for putting people in jail and making sure they stay in jail, but also for their safety.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., have indicated they could draft articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi for what they see as the gross failure of the department to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

“It’s not about the timeline, it’s about the selective concealment,” Khanna said on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” adding that the redactions in the released files are excessive. He said he believes there will be "bipartisan support in holding her accountable, and a committee of Congress should determine whether these redactions are justified or not."

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said on ABC's “This Week” that there needs “to be a full and complete explanation and then a full and complete investigation as to why the document production has fallen short of what the law clearly required,” but he stopped short of backing impeachment.

“Bring it on,” Blanche said. “We are doing everything we’re supposed to be doing to comply with this statute.”

Gómez Licón reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday defended the Justice Department’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">release just a fraction</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;files by the congressionally mandated deadline as necessary to protect survivors of sexual abuse by the disgraced financier.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the Epstein files and do a search<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/ZbpE6Uq6xh">pic.twitter.com/ZbpE6Uq6xh</a>&mdash; U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept/status/2002843217633632644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Blanche pledged that the Trump administration eventually would meet its obligation required by law. But he stressed that the department was obligated to act with caution as it goes about making public thousands of documents that can include sensitive information.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">Friday's partial release</a>&nbsp;of the Epstein files has led to a new crush of criticism from Democrats who have accused the Republican administration of trying to hide information.Blanche called that pushback disingenuous as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;administration continues to struggle with calls for greater transparency, including from members of his political base, about the government’s investigations into Epstein, who once counted Trump as well as several political leaders and business titans among his peers.“The reason why we are still reviewing documents and still continuing our process is simply that to protect victims,” Blanche told NBC's "Meet the Press." “So the same individuals that are out there complaining about the lack of documents that were produced on Friday are the same individuals who apparently don’t want us to protect victims.”Blanche's comments were the most extensive by the administration since the file dump, which included photographs, interview transcripts, call logs, court records and other documents. But some of the most consequential records expected about Epstein were nowhere to be found, such as FBI interviews with survivors and internal Justice Department memos examining charging decisions. Those records could help explain how investigators viewed the case and why Epstein was allowed in 2008 to plead guilty to a relatively minor state-level prostitution charge.Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and that the public should focus on other issues.Federal prosecutors in New York brought sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">he killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;after his arrest.<h2>Democrat see a cover-up, not an effort to protect victims</h2>But Democratic lawmakers on Sunday hammered Trump and the Justice Department for a partial release.Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., argued that the Justice Department is obstructing the implementation of the law mandating the release of the documents not because it wants to protect the Epstein victims.“It’s all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn’t want to go public, either about himself, other members of his family, friends, Jeffrey Epstein, or just the social, business, cultural network that he was involved in for at least a decade, if not longer," he said on CNN's “State of the Union.”Blanche also defended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-9290fcaad1cb6fcb1cbc1befabc01994">department's decision to remove several files</a>&nbsp;related to the case from its public webpage, including a photograph showing Trump, less than a day after they were posted.The missing files, which were available Friday but no longer accessible by Saturday, included images of paintings depicting nude women, and one showed a series of photographs along a credenza and in drawers. In that image, inside a drawer among other photos, was a photograph of Trump, alongside Epstein, Melania Trump and Epstein’s longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.Blanche said the documents were removed because they also showed victims of Epstein. Blanche said that Trump photo and the other documents will be reposted once redactions are made to protect survivors.“It has nothing to do with President Trump,” Blanche said. “There are dozens of photos of President Trump already released to the public seeing him with Mr. Epstein.”The thousands of Epstein-related records posted publicly offer the most detailed look yet at nearly two decades worth of government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">scrutiny of Epstein’s sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;of young women and underage girls. Yet Friday's release, replete with redactions, has not dulled the clamor for information given how many records had yet to be released and because some of the materials had already been made public.<h2>Justice Department has just learned the names of more potential victims, Blanche says</h2>Blanche said that the department continues to review the trove of documents and has learned the names of additional potential victims in recent days.The deputy attorney general also defended the decision by the federal Bureau of Prisons, which Blanche oversees, to transfer Maxwell to a less restrictive, minimum-security federal prison earlier this year soon after he interviewed her about Epstein. Blanche said that the transfer was made because of concerns about her safety.Maxwell, Epstein's onetime girlfriend, is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for her 2021 conviction for sex trafficking crimes.“She was suffering numerous and numerous threats against her life,” Blanche said. “So the BOP is not only responsible for putting people in jail and making sure they stay in jail, but also for their safety.”Meanwhile, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., have indicated they could draft articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi for what they see as the gross failure of the department to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.“It’s not about the timeline, it’s about the selective concealment,” Khanna said on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” adding that the redactions in the released files are excessive. He said he believes there will be "bipartisan support in holding her accountable, and a committee of Congress should determine whether these redactions are justified or not."House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said on ABC's “This Week” that there needs “to be a full and complete explanation and then a full and complete investigation as to why the document production has fallen short of what the law clearly required,” but he stopped short of backing impeachment.Blanche dismissed the impeachment talk.“Bring it on,” Blanche said. “We are doing everything we’re supposed to be doing to comply with this statute.”___Gómez Licón reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

DOJ issues new statement on release of Epstein files

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

just before 4:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the intersection of Admiral and Paseo on a reported shooting, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

First responders found a man lying in the street near the intersection, unresponsive, and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene&nbsp; and pronounced the victim deceased.

There is no preliminary information indicating what led up to the shooting and a subject of interest has not been identified at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766337684429.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.just before 4:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the intersection of Admiral and Paseo on a reported shooting, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766337663096.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found a man lying in the street near the intersection, unresponsive, and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene&nbsp; and pronounced the victim deceased.There is no preliminary information indicating what led up to the shooting and a subject of interest has not been identified at this time.

Homicide: Shooting victim found on Kansas City street

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A Kansas teacher charged with sex crimes involving a student was back in court Friday for an arraignment hearing.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Nicole Morgan Baird Hernandez, 30, pleaded not guilty in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Earlier this month, the judge determined&nbsp; there was enough evidence against Hernandez to go to trial on charges of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the District Attorney's office.&nbsp; 

Hernandez&nbsp; was an art teacher at Wichita North High School, according to the school web site.&nbsp;The student involved was over the age of 16, according to the arrest report.

On May 22, police arrested her in the 300 Block of West Tyler in Wichita. She met the requirement for bond and was released from custody the following day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749221483052.png" alt="Hernandez photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hernandez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY– A Kansas teacher charged with sex crimes involving a student was back in court Friday for an arraignment hearing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nicole Morgan Baird Hernandez, 30, pleaded not guilty in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Earlier this month, the judge determined&nbsp; there was enough evidence against Hernandez to go to trial on charges of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Hernandez&nbsp; was an art teacher at Wichita North High School, according to the school web site.&nbsp;The student involved was over the age of 16, according to the arrest report.On May 22, police arrested her in the 300 Block of West Tyler in Wichita. She met the requirement for bond and was released from custody the following day.

Kan. art teacher accused of sex crime with student enters a plea

GREENE COUNTY, Mo. —The pilot of a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing Saturday in Missouri.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the aircraft made the "off-field landing just before 1 p.m. on U.S. 65 one and one half miles north of Interstate 44 near Springfield. "

 The pilot and one passenger were not injured.&nbsp; The mishap affected traffic&nbsp; for a short time until they plane was removed.&nbsp; The FAA and NTSB will investigate.&nbsp; The Patrol released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766357879881.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>GREENE COUNTY, Mo. —The pilot of a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing Saturday in Missouri.According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the aircraft made the "off-field landing just before 1 p.m. on U.S. 65 one and one half miles north of Interstate 44 near Springfield. " The pilot and one passenger were not injured.&nbsp; The mishap affected traffic&nbsp; for a short time until they plane was removed.&nbsp; The FAA and NTSB will investigate.&nbsp; The Patrol released no additional details..

Small plane forced to make emergency landing on highway

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has suspended men's basketball assistant coach Joe Dooley after he was arrested late Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence and failure to stop at an accident, the school said in a statement Sunday.

Jayhawks coach Bill Self said Dooley “exercised poor judgement and will be suspended for three weeks, effectively immediately.”

“Joe is remorseful, apologetic and accepts the consequences of his actions,” Self added.

Dooley was hired by Self in 2003 and worked with him for a decade before serving as the head coach at Florida Gulf Coast and East Carolina. He returned to the Jayhawks in 2022, first as the director of student-athlete development and now an assistant coach.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 17</a>&nbsp;Kansas plays Davidson on Monday night before opening Big 12 play against UCF on Jan. 3 in Orlando, Florida.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766354045813.png" alt="Coach Joe Dooley photo KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Coach Joe Dooley photo KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has suspended men's basketball assistant coach Joe Dooley after he was arrested late Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence and failure to stop at an accident, the school said in a statement Sunday.Jayhawks coach Bill Self said Dooley “exercised poor judgement and will be suspended for three weeks, effectively immediately.”“Joe is remorseful, apologetic and accepts the consequences of his actions,” Self added.Dooley was hired by Self in 2003 and worked with him for a decade before serving as the head coach at Florida Gulf Coast and East Carolina. He returned to the Jayhawks in 2022, first as the director of student-athlete development and now an assistant coach.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 17</a>&nbsp;Kansas plays Davidson on Monday night before opening Big 12 play against UCF on Jan. 3 in Orlando, Florida.

KU  suspends assistant basketball coach after DUI arrest

KINGMAN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting in Kingman County.

On Sunday, Deputies of the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office were called to report of a shooting at 339 South Somerset Street in Norwich, according to a media release.. 

 Upon arrival emergency crews located a  37-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. Norwich EMS transported him to a Wichita hospital for treatment of critical injuries.  A second subject, a 44-year-old man was found deceased at the scene. 

 The KBI is aiding in the investigation with the assistance of their crime scene unit.. The sheriff's office reported the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing danger to the community or public.

KINGMAN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting in Kingman County.On Sunday, Deputies of the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office were called to report of a shooting at 339 South Somerset Street in Norwich, according to a media release.. Upon arrival emergency crews located a 37-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. Norwich EMS transported him to a Wichita hospital for treatment of critical injuries. A second subject, a 44-year-old man was found deceased at the scene. The KBI is aiding in the investigation with the assistance of their crime scene unit.. The sheriff's office reported the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing danger to the community or public.

Sheriff: One dead, one critically injured in Kansas gunfight

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-boak">JOSH BOAK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/michelle-l-price">MICHELLE L. PRICE</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — The “Warrior Dividend” that President Donald Trump announced during his televised address to the nation Wednesday is not a Christmas bonus made possible by tariff revenues, as the president suggested.

Instead, the $1,776 payments to troops are coming from a congressionally-approved housing supplement — money they were already set to receive — that was a part of tax cut extensions and expansions bill signed into law in July. Trump’s administration identified the source of the “dividend” payments Thursday.

In his remarks, Trump alluded to his “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” playing a role, but suggested that tariffs were largely responsible for the payments already on the way to 1.45 million members of the military.

“We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs and the bill helped us along. Nobody deserves it more than our military,” he said in announcing what he described as a “dividend.”

Trump has teased the idea of using his sweeping tariffs on imports to give Americans dividends ever since he imposed them in April. But these new payments are being disbursed by the Pentagon from a $2.9 billion military housing supplement that was part of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to augment existing housing allowances, according to a senior administration official who requested anonymity to describe the payments.

The amount of the payments is a nod to next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In total, the measure is expected to cost $2.6 billion.

Trump’s announcement comes as he’s faced pressure to show he’s working to address rising costs for Americans, with prices remaining stubbornly high as the president has imposed double-digit tariffs on imports from almost every country. Trump has promised to lower prices, but he has struggled to do so. Inflation hit a four-decade high in June 2022 during Joe Biden’s presidency and then began to fall. But inflation has stayed elevated under Trump in part because of his tariffs.

Separately, members of the U.S. Coast Guard will be getting a similar one-time payment, the Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday. The “Devotion to Duty” payments, authorized by Secretary Kristi Noem a day earlier, will be $2,000 because, unlike the “Warrior Dividend,” they are subject to taxes. The amount Coast Guard members take home will be closer to $1,776.

The payments, according to the Coast Guard, will be classified as “special duty pay.” They will be paid for with money in a measure Trump signed in November, after a 43-day shutdown, that funds the government through January.

It’s not the first time Trump has brandished ‘dividends’

Sending money to voters is a timeworn tool for politicians and one that Trump has repeatedly tried to use, including this year.

Trump has for months suggested every American could receive a $2,000 dividend from the import taxes — an effort that seemed designed to try to shore up support for tariffs, which the president has said protect American industries and will lure manufacturing back from overseas.

But that particular pledge appeared to exceed the revenues being generated by his tariffs, according to a November analysis by the right-leaning Tax Foundation. The analysis estimated that the $2,000 payments being promised to taxpayers could add up to between $279.8 billion and $606.8 billion, depending on how they were structured.

The analysis estimated that Trump’s import taxes would produce $158.4 billion in total revenue during 2025 and another $207.5 billion in 2026. That’s not enough money to provide the payments as well as reduce the budget deficit, which Trump has also claimed his tariffs are doing.

Earlier this year, as his Department of Government Efficiency was slashing the U.S. government and its workforce, Trump had briefly proposed sending a DOGE “dividend” back to U.S. citizens.

Neither the tariff dividend or DOGE dividend has come to fruition, and members of Trump’s own party as well as officials in his administration have expressed some skepticism about the idea. There is also the risk that the payments being promised by Trump could push up inflation, as they would likely spur greater consumer spending. Republican lawmakers argued in 2021 that the pandemic relief package from then-President Biden — which included direct payments — helped trigger the run-up in inflation.

Associated Press writers Rebecca Santana, Konstantin Toropin and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-boak">JOSH BOAK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/michelle-l-price">MICHELLE L. PRICE</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — The “Warrior Dividend” that President Donald Trump announced during his televised address to the nation Wednesday is not a Christmas bonus made possible by tariff revenues, as the president suggested.Instead, the $1,776 payments to troops are coming from a congressionally-approved housing supplement — money they were already set to receive — that was a part of tax cut extensions and expansions bill signed into law in July. Trump’s administration identified the source of the “dividend” payments Thursday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;I am also proud to announce that more than 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special Warrior Dividend before Christmas...We are sending every soldier $1,776...and the checks are already on the way.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Sb2cVv8AK2">pic.twitter.com/Sb2cVv8AK2</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2001477122934673907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces &quot;WARRIOR DIVIDENDS&quot; — a $1,776 non-taxable lump sum payment for our great service members, already on its way. <a href="https://t.co/s9lVlknp6x">https://t.co/s9lVlknp6x</a> <a href="https://t.co/PsINTaUoVt">pic.twitter.com/PsINTaUoVt</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001476701436420554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In his remarks, Trump alluded to his “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” playing a role, but suggested that tariffs were largely responsible for the payments already on the way to 1.45 million members of the military.“We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs and the bill helped us along. Nobody deserves it more than our military,” he said in announcing what he described as a “dividend.”Trump has teased the idea of using his sweeping tariffs on imports to give Americans dividends ever since he imposed them in April. But these new payments are being disbursed by the Pentagon from a $2.9 billion military housing supplement that was part of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to augment existing housing allowances, according to a senior administration official who requested anonymity to describe the payments.The amount of the payments is a nod to next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In total, the measure is expected to cost $2.6 billion.Trump’s announcement comes as he’s faced pressure to show he’s working to address rising costs for Americans, with prices remaining stubbornly high as the president has imposed double-digit tariffs on imports from almost every country. Trump has promised to lower prices, but he has struggled to do so. Inflation hit a four-decade high in June 2022 during Joe Biden’s presidency and then began to fall. But inflation has stayed elevated under Trump in part because of his tariffs.Separately, members of the U.S. Coast Guard will be getting a similar one-time payment, the Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday. The “Devotion to Duty” payments, authorized by Secretary Kristi Noem a day earlier, will be $2,000 because, unlike the “Warrior Dividend,” they are subject to taxes. The amount Coast Guard members take home will be closer to $1,776.The payments, according to the Coast Guard, will be classified as “special duty pay.” They will be paid for with money in a measure Trump signed in November, after a 43-day shutdown, that funds the government through January.<h2>It’s not the first time Trump has brandished ‘dividends’</h2>Sending money to voters is a timeworn tool for politicians and one that Trump has repeatedly tried to use, including this year.Trump has for months suggested every American could receive a $2,000 dividend from the import taxes — an effort that seemed designed to try to shore up support for tariffs, which the president has said protect American industries and will lure manufacturing back from overseas.But that particular pledge appeared to exceed the revenues being generated by his tariffs, according to a November analysis by the right-leaning Tax Foundation. The analysis estimated that the $2,000 payments being promised to taxpayers could add up to between $279.8 billion and $606.8 billion, depending on how they were structured.The analysis estimated that Trump’s import taxes would produce $158.4 billion in total revenue during 2025 and another $207.5 billion in 2026. That’s not enough money to provide the payments as well as reduce the budget deficit, which Trump has also claimed his tariffs are doing.Earlier this year, as his Department of Government Efficiency was slashing the U.S. government and its workforce, Trump had briefly proposed sending a DOGE “dividend” back to U.S. citizens.Neither the tariff dividend or DOGE dividend has come to fruition, and members of Trump’s own party as well as officials in his administration have expressed some skepticism about the idea. There is also the risk that the payments being promised by Trump could push up inflation, as they would likely spur greater consumer spending. Republican lawmakers argued in 2021 that the pandemic relief package from then-President Biden — which included direct payments — helped trigger the run-up in inflation.___Associated Press writers Rebecca Santana, Konstantin Toropin and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.

How Trump is paying for the $1,776 ‘Warrior Dividend’ to troops 

CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Sunday in Crawford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Hyundai Elantra driven by Melinda Canet, 54, Pittsburg, was northbound on S 260th Street just north of E 510th Avenue.&nbsp; The car struck a pedestrian identified as Nicklas&nbsp;Thompson, 37, Pittsburg, who walking in the roadway.

Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Derfelt Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported Cannet to Mercy Hospital. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Sunday in Crawford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Hyundai Elantra driven by Melinda Canet, 54, Pittsburg, was northbound on S 260th Street just north of E 510th Avenue.&nbsp; The car struck a pedestrian identified as Nicklas&nbsp;Thompson, 37, Pittsburg, who walking in the roadway.Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Derfelt Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported Cannet to Mercy Hospital. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after struck by a car 

The Powerball® holiday jackpot streak continues! No ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night, sending the jackpot soaring to an estimated $1.60 billion for Monday night’s drawing, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $735.3 million.

Monday’s jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Powerball history and the fifth largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.

“Powerball is giving players a chance to dream bigger than ever this holiday season,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “Every ticket sold not only offers the chance at a life-changing prize but also supports important public programs and services in communities nationwide. We encourage everyone to enjoy the thrill responsibly.”

The jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 4, 5, 28, 52, 69 and red Powerball 20. The Power Play® multiplier was 3.

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

Nationwide, eight tickets matched all five white balls. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan (2), New Hampshire and Ohio. The Match 5 prize is a set cash prize of $1 million in all jurisdictions except California, where prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.

The drawing also produced 112 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 22 tickets that won $150,000 prizes.

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

Monday’s Powerball drawing will be the 46th in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.

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

If a player wins Monday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.60 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $735.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

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

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

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

The Powerball® holiday jackpot streak continues! No ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night, sending the jackpot soaring to an estimated $1.60 billion for Monday night’s drawing, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $735.3 million.Monday’s jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Powerball history and the fifth largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.“Powerball is giving players a chance to dream bigger than ever this holiday season,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “Every ticket sold not only offers the chance at a life-changing prize but also supports important public programs and services in communities nationwide. We encourage everyone to enjoy the thrill responsibly.”The jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 4, 5, 28, 52, 69 and red Powerball 20. The Power Play® multiplier was 3.Although there was no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many tickets won cash prizes in last night’s drawing.Nationwide, eight tickets matched all five white balls. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan (2), New Hampshire and Ohio. The Match 5 prize is a set cash prize of $1 million in all jurisdictions except California, where prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.The drawing also produced 112 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 22 tickets that won $150,000 prizes.In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in New Jersey won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. The Double Play drawing is live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;following the main Powerball drawing.Monday’s Powerball drawing will be the 46th in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.This marks only the second time in Powerball history that the game has produced back-to-back jackpots exceeding $1 billion. The only other occurrence was in 2023, when a $1.08 billion jackpot was won on July 19, followed by a $1.765 billion jackpot on Oct. 11. Both jackpots were won in California.If a player wins Monday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.60 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $735.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.Record U.S. Lottery Jackpots<ol>
 <li>$2.04 Billion – Powerball – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.787 Billion – Powerball – Sept. 6, 2025 – MO, TX</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Powerball – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.602 Billion – Mega Millions – Aug. 8, 2023 – FL</li><li>$1.60 Billion est. – Powerball – Dec. 22, 2025</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Powerball – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.537 Billion – Mega Millions – Oct. 23, 2018 – SC</li><li>$1.348 Billion – Mega Millions – Jan. 13, 2023 – ME</li><li>$1.337 Billion – Mega Millions – July 29, 2022 – IL</li><li>$1.326 Billion – Powerball – April 6, 2024 – OR</li>
 </ol>

Powerball jackpot jumps up to 4th largest prize in game’s history

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert will step down from her position at the start of the new year and retire within weeks, she announced Friday.

Luckert, the second woman appointed to the state Supreme Court, suffered a stroke in October and temporarily withdrew from her public-facing duties. She said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NGjIp0AL_U" target="_blank">a video address</a>&nbsp;the decision to resign and retire was one of the hardest of her life.

“I am on a path to recovery,” she said in the video, “but I have had to face a difficult truth.”

She is unable to fully fulfill the demands of chief justice, she said. Luckert said she will resign from the office of chief justice Jan. 2 and retire weeks later, in late January or early February. As the most senior member on the court, Justice Eric Rosen, who has been serving as interim chief justice while Luckert was on medical leave, will step into the role Jan. 2.

Luckert’s retirement will give Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly a fifth installation on the court before her term is up at the end of 2026. Justices Dan Biles and Rosen will be required to retire after completing the term during which they turn 75 years old, per state law. Justice Evelyn Wilson retired in July, citing a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis, and her replacement,<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">&nbsp;Justice Larkin Walsh, took the bench</a>&nbsp;in November.&nbsp;Voters in August 2026 will decide if they want to change the way state Supreme Court justices are selected. They will have the choice of switching to a popular vote system or retaining the current nomination and gubernatorial appointment process.

Luckert, 70, also announced her resignation from three national committees.

Before the Supreme Court, she was a district judge in Shawnee County, becoming the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge.

“I wanted small town Kansas children, including girls, to see themselves reflected in positions of leadership and to know their voices, their intelligence and their perseverance matter,” she said.

Luckert was born in Goodland, and she obtained undergraduate and law degrees at Washburn University in Topeka. She worked in private practice before Gov. Joan Finney appointed her to the district court.

Gov. Bill Graves appointed Luckert to the Supreme Court in 2003, where she has sat for 22 years. She became chief justice in 2019 following the retirement of former Chief Justice Lawton Nuss.

“Serving as chief justice has given me a front row seat to the courage and compassion that define our judicial system,” Luckert said. “I have watched judges make difficult decisions with integrity. Courts staff treat people with dignity during their most vulnerable moments, and employees adapt to change with grace and resolve.”

Rosen said in a news release Luckert’s time on the bench has been “fraught with challenge.” He lauded her efforts to build relationships in state government and overcome major obstacles. She made the court system “stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future,” he said.

Luckert said Kansas’ three branches of government have come together during her tenure to create a “more accessible, more efficient and better equipped” judiciary that can “respond to complex issues such as mental illness and the needs of children in care.”

“That spirit of cooperation gives me great hope for the future,” Luckert said, “and confidence that the three branches can continue to build upon that foundation, and to continue to strengthen a dedicated court system designed to bring accessible justice to all.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766272088494.png" alt=" Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert greets lawmakers as she arrives Jan. 11, 2023, in the House chamber in Topeka. Behind her are Supreme Court Justices Eric Rosen, Dan Biles and Caleb Stegall. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert greets lawmakers as she arrives Jan. 11, 2023, in the House chamber in Topeka. Behind her are Supreme Court Justices Eric Rosen, Dan Biles and Caleb Stegall. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert will step down from her position at the start of the new year and retire within weeks, she announced Friday.Luckert, the second woman appointed to the state Supreme Court, suffered a stroke in October and temporarily withdrew from her public-facing duties. She said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NGjIp0AL_U" target="_blank">a video address</a>&nbsp;the decision to resign and retire was one of the hardest of her life.“I am on a path to recovery,” she said in the video, “but I have had to face a difficult truth.”She is unable to fully fulfill the demands of chief justice, she said. Luckert said she will resign from the office of chief justice Jan. 2 and retire weeks later, in late January or early February. As the most senior member on the court, Justice Eric Rosen, who has been serving as interim chief justice while Luckert was on medical leave, will step into the role Jan. 2.Luckert’s retirement will give Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly a fifth installation on the court before her term is up at the end of 2026. Justices Dan Biles and Rosen will be required to retire after completing the term during which they turn 75 years old, per state law. Justice Evelyn Wilson retired in July, citing a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis, and her replacement,<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">&nbsp;Justice Larkin Walsh, took the bench</a>&nbsp;in November.&nbsp;Voters in August 2026 will decide if they want to change the way state Supreme Court justices are selected. They will have the choice of switching to a popular vote system or retaining the current nomination and gubernatorial appointment process.Luckert, 70, also announced her resignation from three national committees.Before the Supreme Court, she was a district judge in Shawnee County, becoming the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge.“I wanted small town Kansas children, including girls, to see themselves reflected in positions of leadership and to know their voices, their intelligence and their perseverance matter,” she said.Luckert was born in Goodland, and she obtained undergraduate and law degrees at Washburn University in Topeka. She worked in private practice before Gov. Joan Finney appointed her to the district court.Gov. Bill Graves appointed Luckert to the Supreme Court in 2003, where she has sat for 22 years. She became chief justice in 2019 following the retirement of former Chief Justice Lawton Nuss.“Serving as chief justice has given me a front row seat to the courage and compassion that define our judicial system,” Luckert said. “I have watched judges make difficult decisions with integrity. Courts staff treat people with dignity during their most vulnerable moments, and employees adapt to change with grace and resolve.”Rosen said in a news release Luckert’s time on the bench has been “fraught with challenge.” He lauded her efforts to build relationships in state government and overcome major obstacles. She made the court system “stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future,” he said.Luckert said Kansas’ three branches of government have come together during her tenure to create a “more accessible, more efficient and better equipped” judiciary that can “respond to complex issues such as mental illness and the needs of children in care.”“That spirit of cooperation gives me great hope for the future,” Luckert said, “and confidence that the three branches can continue to build upon that foundation, and to continue to strengthen a dedicated court system designed to bring accessible justice to all.”

Kansas Supreme Court chief justice to retire by early February

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in Kansas City.

According to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a silver Chevrolet Malibu crossed the double yellow line and was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Independence Avenue. In the area of Independence Avenue and Jackson Street, the Chevrolet struck an eastbound Ford Taurus head-on.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver of the Chevrolet to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and they were pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

EMS transported the driver of the Ford and a front seat passenger of the Chevrolet to local hospitals. Both had life-threatening injuries and were listed in critical condition. This is fatality #65 compared to #89 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the driver who died or additional details.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in Kansas City.According to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a silver Chevrolet Malibu crossed the double yellow line and was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Independence Avenue. In the area of Independence Avenue and Jackson Street, the Chevrolet struck an eastbound Ford Taurus head-on.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver of the Chevrolet to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and they were pronounced deceased.&nbsp;EMS transported the driver of the Ford and a front seat passenger of the Chevrolet to local hospitals. Both had life-threatening injuries and were listed in critical condition. This is fatality #65 compared to #89 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the driver who died or additional details.

Driver dies, 2 critically injured after head-on crash in Kansas City

WASHINGTON (AP) —Four moderate House Republicans — from swing districts Democrats are already eyeing for next year’s midterms — have broken ranks with Speaker Mike Johnson, signing on to Democrats’ petition to force a vote on extending health care subsidies that expire at the end of this year.

From battleground districts in Pennsylvania and New York, the members on Wednesday sided against their party on the Democratic-led measure to force a vote on subsidy extensions related to Affordable Care Act — a move that came after House Republican leaders pushed ahead with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-house-health-care-plan-obamacare-subsidies-208b30670d0486c8d27ceb59c59003e0">GOP health care bill</a>&nbsp;that does not address impending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-tax-credits-affordable-care-act-2b5ae3651ff16783a00e00dc1ce264bf">soaring monthly premiums</a>.

Acknowledging “these are not normal times,” Johnson said his party’s razor-thin majority allows a small number of GOP members to have an outsize influence in some of the chamber’s mechanics.

Meet the four Republicans bucking their party’s leadership over health care:

Fitzpatrick, who has been part of several bipartisan pushes this year, represents a perennial swing district in the presidential battleground state. Amassing bipartisan signatures for his own discharge petition related to ACA subsidy extension, earlier this year he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-trading-ban-congress-7467604e26652de32687442bcb277774">part of a coalition</a>&nbsp;that spanned the political spectrum to rally support for a bill that would prohibit members of Congress and their families from owning and trading individual stocks.

“It’s not every day you see this cast of characters up here,” Fitzpatrick said. “You’re all smirking out there. That’s a good thing. It speaks to the power of this cause.”

Mackenzie drew an opponent barely 48 hours after voting for the House budget bill earlier this year.

Part of a bipartisan group pressing for an eleventh-hour compromise over the ACA subsidies, Mackenzie&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-tax-credits-congress-trump-swing-districts-e030d7a0dd61ca8815fe4722ddbe94b7">told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;earlier this month that lawmakers needed to understand that, “even if you have a broken system, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t provide or offer relief to individuals who are dealing with those high costs right now.”

Bresnahan and Mackenzie, both freshmen, won in November by some of the smallest margins in all of Congress. Already a top target for Democrats in next year’s midterms, Bresnahan and his district have already had high-level political attention.

Last week, President Donald Trump was in his district for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-affordability-pennsylvania-speech-6a7884b814f448ab6b17b9d924a356ba">an official White House event</a>&nbsp;that seemed more like one of his signature campaign rallies that officials said he would hold regularly ahead of next year’s midterms.

Lawler’s district has been considered a crucial swing seat in recent elections, and Democrats are expected to again dedicate heavy resources to flip it next year. A moderate who last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-congress-long-island-election-2024-d9971985ba0440117d41b1fd0d921e56">won a second term</a>, he openly expressed interest in running for governor but backed off those plans, saying he wanted to defend his battleground district.

Earlier this year, while many House Republicans shunned holding town halls in their districts as the Trump administration’s aggressive actions roiled constituents, Lawler instead sought to put himself in front of voters, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-congress-lawler-trump-dc074f165919c3d5305b3fa0e382c2b0">peppered him with questions</a>&nbsp;and devolved into a chaotic chorus of boos.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Four moderate House Republicans — from swing districts Democrats are already eyeing for next year’s midterms — have broken ranks with Speaker Mike Johnson, signing on to Democrats’ petition to force a vote on extending health care subsidies that expire at the end of this year.From battleground districts in Pennsylvania and New York, the members on Wednesday sided against their party on the Democratic-led measure to force a vote on subsidy extensions related to Affordable Care Act — a move that came after House Republican leaders pushed ahead with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-house-health-care-plan-obamacare-subsidies-208b30670d0486c8d27ceb59c59003e0">GOP health care bill</a>&nbsp;that does not address impending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-tax-credits-affordable-care-act-2b5ae3651ff16783a00e00dc1ce264bf">soaring monthly premiums</a>.Acknowledging “these are not normal times,” Johnson said his party’s razor-thin majority allows a small number of GOP members to have an outsize influence in some of the chamber’s mechanics.Meet the four Republicans bucking their party’s leadership over health care:<h2>Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Pennsylvania</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fitzpatrick Statement on ACA Negotiations: <a href="https://t.co/UqgUz8COod">https://t.co/UqgUz8COod</a>&mdash; Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick 🇺🇸 (@RepBrianFitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepBrianFitz/status/2001451305970119089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Fitzpatrick, who has been part of several bipartisan pushes this year, represents a perennial swing district in the presidential battleground state. Amassing bipartisan signatures for his own discharge petition related to ACA subsidy extension, earlier this year he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-trading-ban-congress-7467604e26652de32687442bcb277774">part of a coalition</a>&nbsp;that spanned the political spectrum to rally support for a bill that would prohibit members of Congress and their families from owning and trading individual stocks.“It’s not every day you see this cast of characters up here,” Fitzpatrick said. “You’re all smirking out there. That’s a good thing. It speaks to the power of this cause.”<h2>Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, Pennsylvania</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Commonsense, bipartisan healthcare reform that brings down costs is possible, but it will require more members to put politics aside. It’s time for Congress to work together to pass legislation that delivers on the healthcare priorities of the American people. <a href="https://t.co/Y7hJNbUICp">pic.twitter.com/Y7hJNbUICp</a>&mdash; U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (@RepMackenzie) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMackenzie/status/2002134176443634061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This morning, I joined a discharge petition on a three-year extension of enhanced health insurance tax credits. My priority is to reduce costs for the people of the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, including for healthcare. Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/hJhfjR4fke">https://t.co/hJhfjR4fke</a> <a href="https://t.co/omSNeqZ5Y6">pic.twitter.com/omSNeqZ5Y6</a>&mdash; U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (@RepMackenzie) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMackenzie/status/2001392727531942120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Mackenzie drew an opponent barely 48 hours after voting for the House budget bill earlier this year.Part of a bipartisan group pressing for an eleventh-hour compromise over the ACA subsidies, Mackenzie&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-tax-credits-congress-trump-swing-districts-e030d7a0dd61ca8815fe4722ddbe94b7">told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;earlier this month that lawmakers needed to understand that, “even if you have a broken system, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t provide or offer relief to individuals who are dealing with those high costs right now.”<h2>Rep. Robert Bresnahan, Pennsylvania</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Despite our months-long call for action, leadership on both sides of the aisle failed to work together to advance any bipartisan compromise, leaving this as the only way to protect the 28,000 people in my district from higher costs. Families in NEPA cannot afford to have the…&mdash; Congressman Rob Bresnahan Jr. (@RepBresnahan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepBresnahan/status/2001313805771370643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Bresnahan and Mackenzie, both freshmen, won in November by some of the smallest margins in all of Congress. Already a top target for Democrats in next year’s midterms, Bresnahan and his district have already had high-level political attention.Last week, President Donald Trump was in his district for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-affordability-pennsylvania-speech-6a7884b814f448ab6b17b9d924a356ba">an official White House event</a>&nbsp;that seemed more like one of his signature campaign rallies that officials said he would hold regularly ahead of next year’s midterms.<h2>Rep. Mike Lawler, New York</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">If you want this vote to move forward, if you want to extend these subsidies, and if you want to ensure that the American people&#39;s health care premiums don&#39;t skyrocket, then go sign Discharge Petition 12 &amp; 13 now. <a href="https://t.co/U68dN8uYXO">pic.twitter.com/U68dN8uYXO</a>&mdash; Congressman Mike Lawler (@RepMikeLawler) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMikeLawler/status/2000976574502592744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Lawler’s district has been considered a crucial swing seat in recent elections, and Democrats are expected to again dedicate heavy resources to flip it next year. A moderate who last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-congress-long-island-election-2024-d9971985ba0440117d41b1fd0d921e56">won a second term</a>, he openly expressed interest in running for governor but backed off those plans, saying he wanted to defend his battleground district.Earlier this year, while many House Republicans shunned holding town halls in their districts as the Trump administration’s aggressive actions roiled constituents, Lawler instead sought to put himself in front of voters, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-congress-lawler-trump-dc074f165919c3d5305b3fa0e382c2b0">peppered him with questions</a>&nbsp;and devolved into a chaotic chorus of boos.

Meet the 4 Republicans who defied House Speaker on ACA subsidies

GRAHAM COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Saturday in Graham County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford Escape driven by Cody Harmon, 33, Phillipsburg, was westbound on J Road just east of 390th Avenue. The driver lost control of the SUV.&nbsp; The vehicle traveled into the south ditch, continued westbound in the&nbsp; ditch and struck a tree.

Harmon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Stinemetz Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

GRAHAM COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Saturday in Graham County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford Escape driven by Cody Harmon, 33, Phillipsburg, was westbound on J Road just east of 390th Avenue. The driver lost control of the SUV.&nbsp; The vehicle traveled into the south ditch, continued westbound in the&nbsp; ditch and struck a tree.Harmon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Stinemetz Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.