CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia National Guard member who was shot last week in a brazen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-dc-c5785dd8920d2d1ac7d71fab769faf5f">daytime attack in Washington</a>, D.C., remains in serious condition but showed positive signs by giving a thumbs-up that he could hear a nurse’s question and wiggling his toes, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Monday.

Morrisey said the family of 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe has asked the public to pray for him. Another member of the West Virginia National Guard, U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the shooting.

“Andrew is still fighting for his life,” Morrisey said. “Andrew needs prayers.”

Morrisey said he could not yet share details of any funeral arrangements for Beckstrom and wants to respect her family’s wishes.

At a news conference, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey provides an update on the second National Guard member shot last week, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.

Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House while deployed as part of President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">crime-fighting plan</a>&nbsp;that federalized D.C. police.

Investigators are working to determine a motive. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakanwal-national-guard-shooting-suspect-afghan-5e5e9567d95a5d0ef806b714bb3ee3b7">Afghan national</a>, is charged with one count of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-suspect-585e36855d1dddd3e801708987c776c0">first-degree murder</a>&nbsp;and two counts of assault in the shooting.

The shooting prompted the Trump administration to halt all asylum decisions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-washington-shooting-suspect-afghan-national-kabul-aac0e1d5117d9b7aaa8ee12051a7b324">pause issuing visas for people</a>&nbsp;traveling on Afghan passports.

After the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump asked him to send 500 more National Guard members to Washington. Morrisey said he has not been asked to deploy additional troops from West Virginia.

Overall, nearly 2,200 troops currently are assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the government’s latest update. More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed in August. In mid-November, up to 170 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year while the others returned to West Virginia.

“Our sole focus right now is looking after the well-being of the 170 service members who are on the ground, focusing on the family, assuring that prayers are going out,” Morrisey said.

Trump paid tribute to Beckstrom and Wolfe on Monday at a Christmas party that an aide said was the first one at the White House this year.

Associated Press writer Leah Askarinam in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764267409790.png" alt="Andrew Wolfe photo Department of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Wolfe photo Department of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia National Guard member who was shot last week in a brazen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-dc-c5785dd8920d2d1ac7d71fab769faf5f">daytime attack in Washington</a>, D.C., remains in serious condition but showed positive signs by giving a thumbs-up that he could hear a nurse’s question and wiggling his toes, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Monday.Morrisey said the family of 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe has asked the public to pray for him. Another member of the West Virginia National Guard, U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the shooting.“Andrew is still fighting for his life,” Morrisey said. “Andrew needs prayers.”Morrisey said he could not yet share details of any funeral arrangements for Beckstrom and wants to respect her family’s wishes.At a news conference, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey provides an update on the second National Guard member shot last week, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House while deployed as part of President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">crime-fighting plan</a>&nbsp;that federalized D.C. police.Investigators are working to determine a motive. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakanwal-national-guard-shooting-suspect-afghan-5e5e9567d95a5d0ef806b714bb3ee3b7">Afghan national</a>, is charged with one count of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-suspect-585e36855d1dddd3e801708987c776c0">first-degree murder</a>&nbsp;and two counts of assault in the shooting.The shooting prompted the Trump administration to halt all asylum decisions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-washington-shooting-suspect-afghan-national-kabul-aac0e1d5117d9b7aaa8ee12051a7b324">pause issuing visas for people</a>&nbsp;traveling on Afghan passports.After the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump asked him to send 500 more National Guard members to Washington. Morrisey said he has not been asked to deploy additional troops from West Virginia.Overall, nearly 2,200 troops currently are assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the government’s latest update. More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed in August. In mid-November, up to 170 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year while the others returned to West Virginia.“Our sole focus right now is looking after the well-being of the 170 service members who are on the ground, focusing on the family, assuring that prayers are going out,” Morrisey said.Trump paid tribute to Beckstrom and Wolfe on Monday at a Christmas party that an aide said was the first one at the White House this year.___Associated Press writer Leah Askarinam in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.

National Guard soldier shot in DC shows positive signs

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A Kansas teacher, accused of sex crimes involving a student was back in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.

A Sedgwick County Judge determined&nbsp; there was enough evidence against 30-year-old&nbsp; Nicole Morgan Baird Hernandez to go to trial, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A Kansas teacher, accused of sex crimes involving a student, is due back in court Tuesday.

Nicole Morgan Baird Hernandez, 30, will appear for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In May, she was charged with four counts of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She 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, accused of sex crimes involving a student was back in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.A Sedgwick County Judge determined&nbsp; there was enough evidence against 30-year-old&nbsp; Nicole Morgan Baird Hernandez to go to trial, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.----------------SEDGWICK COUNTY– A Kansas teacher, accused of sex crimes involving a student, is due back in court Tuesday.Nicole Morgan Baird Hernandez, 30, will appear for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In May, she was charged with four counts of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She 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.

Preliminary hearing: Kan. art teacher accused of sex crime with student

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Air travelers in the U.S. without a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-id-may-required-air-travel-flying-d3c748cae8c2f496f2b496b53aab6724">REAL ID</a>&nbsp;will be charged a $45 fee beginning in February, the Transportation Security Administration announced Monday.

The updated ID has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-id-travelers-tsa-when-deadline-f0923fe95923e9675d556ee7e08df326">required since May</a>, but passengers without it have so far been allowed to clear security with additional screening and a warning. The Department of Homeland Security says 94% of passengers are already compliant and that the new fee is intended to encourage travelers to obtain the ID.

REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that meets enhanced requirements mandated in the aftermath of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/september-11-attacks">Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks</a>.

Obtaining the ID — indicated by a white star in a yellow circle in most states — means taking more documents to the motor vehicle agency than most states require for regular IDs. It was supposed to be rolled out in 2008 but the implementation had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-i-need-real-id-7911495d6643b02c205d496a9af4e322">repeatedly delayed</a>.

Beginning Feb. 1, travelers 18 and older flying domestically without a REAL ID and who don’t have another accepted form of ID on them, such as a passport, will pay the non-refundable fee to verify their identity through TSA’s alternative “Confirm.ID” system.

TSA officials said that paying the fee does not guarantee verification, and travelers whose identities cannot be verified may be turned away. If approved, however, the verification covers a 10-day travel period.

The fee can be paid online before arriving at the airport. Travelers can also pay online at the airport before entering the security line, but officials said the process may take up to 30 minutes.

The TSA initially proposed an $18 charge for passengers without a REAL ID, but officials said Monday they raised it after realizing the alternative identification program would cost more than anticipated.

Other acceptable forms of ID include military IDs, permanent resident cards and photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations. TSA also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-iphone-travel-passport-ae7ab15d6a32e6005d9c85def4e39737">accepts digital IDs</a>&nbsp;through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsa.gov/digital-id/participating-states" target="_blank">more than 250 airports</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764636170272.png" alt="photo KCI" />
 <figcaption>photo KCI</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —Air travelers in the U.S. without a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-id-may-required-air-travel-flying-d3c748cae8c2f496f2b496b53aab6724">REAL ID</a>&nbsp;will be charged a $45 fee beginning in February, the Transportation Security Administration announced Monday.The updated ID has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-id-travelers-tsa-when-deadline-f0923fe95923e9675d556ee7e08df326">required since May</a>, but passengers without it have so far been allowed to clear security with additional screening and a warning. The Department of Homeland Security says 94% of passengers are already compliant and that the new fee is intended to encourage travelers to obtain the ID.REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that meets enhanced requirements mandated in the aftermath of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/september-11-attacks">Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks</a>.Obtaining the ID — indicated by a white star in a yellow circle in most states — means taking more documents to the motor vehicle agency than most states require for regular IDs. It was supposed to be rolled out in 2008 but the implementation had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-i-need-real-id-7911495d6643b02c205d496a9af4e322">repeatedly delayed</a>.Beginning Feb. 1, travelers 18 and older flying domestically without a REAL ID and who don’t have another accepted form of ID on them, such as a passport, will pay the non-refundable fee to verify their identity through TSA’s alternative “Confirm.ID” system.TSA officials said that paying the fee does not guarantee verification, and travelers whose identities cannot be verified may be turned away. If approved, however, the verification covers a 10-day travel period.The fee can be paid online before arriving at the airport. Travelers can also pay online at the airport before entering the security line, but officials said the process may take up to 30 minutes.The TSA initially proposed an $18 charge for passengers without a REAL ID, but officials said Monday they raised it after realizing the alternative identification program would cost more than anticipated.Other acceptable forms of ID include military IDs, permanent resident cards and photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations. TSA also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-iphone-travel-passport-ae7ab15d6a32e6005d9c85def4e39737">accepts digital IDs</a>&nbsp;through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsa.gov/digital-id/participating-states" target="_blank">more than 250 airports</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.

US air travelers without REAL IDs will soon be charged a hefty fee

FINNEY COUNTY —A southwest Kansas man is another casualty of the war between Ukraine and Russia.

On their social media page, the Garden City airport shared the news of the death of Zach Scheiman who worked at the airport since 2014.

"We are truly heartbroken with the loss of our colleague and top notch air traffic controller Zach Scheiman. Zach was killed in action in Stepnohirsk, Ukraine while serving with the Ukrainian Special Forces."

"Zach spent many days in his youth in Garden City, taking pictures of aircraft, helping with events, and observing his father Mike in the air traffic control tower."

"As an adult, Zach served in the US Air Force at Altus AFB, Mildenhall RAF, England, Iraq, Qatar and Eglin AFB.  Zach came back to Garden City as an air traffic controller for the past 11 years."

"Zach was always an inspiration to the school kids that would tour the tower. He was patient and helpful with student pilots over the air and in person when they visited the tower."

"Zach volunteered his time in the community serving on the local arts board and presenting on the air traffic control field at local career fairs. He also devoted much time to producing recitals and shows, like The Nutcracker and the Wizard of Oz, for a local dance studio."

"Zach built kids games for the Art in the Park festival and volunteered his off-duty time to setting up, working, and tearing down the Tumbleweed Music Festival."

"Zach was a lover of aviation and animals, rescuing and adopting many animals himself. In lieu of cards or flowers, donations may be made in Zach's honor with the Wings of Rescue, which provides transportation for animals from overcrowded shelters and disaster areas."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764628003152.png" alt="Zach Scheiman-photo Garden City airport" />
 <figcaption>Zach Scheiman-photo Garden City airport</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —A southwest Kansas man is another casualty of the war between Ukraine and Russia.On their social media page, the Garden City airport shared the news of the death of Zach Scheiman who worked at the airport since 2014."We are truly heartbroken with the loss of our colleague and top notch air traffic controller Zach Scheiman. Zach was killed in action in Stepnohirsk, Ukraine while serving with the Ukrainian Special Forces.""Zach spent many days in his youth in Garden City, taking pictures of aircraft, helping with events, and observing his father Mike in the air traffic control tower.""As an adult, Zach served in the US Air Force at Altus AFB, Mildenhall RAF, England, Iraq, Qatar and Eglin AFB. Zach came back to Garden City as an air traffic controller for the past 11 years.""Zach was always an inspiration to the school kids that would tour the tower. He was patient and helpful with student pilots over the air and in person when they visited the tower.""Zach volunteered his time in the community serving on the local arts board and presenting on the air traffic control field at local career fairs. He also devoted much time to producing recitals and shows, like The Nutcracker and the Wizard of Oz, for a local dance studio.""Zach built kids games for the Art in the Park festival and volunteered his off-duty time to setting up, working, and tearing down the Tumbleweed Music Festival.""Zach was a lover of aviation and animals, rescuing and adopting many animals himself. In lieu of cards or flowers, donations may be made in Zach's honor with the Wings of Rescue, which provides transportation for animals from overcrowded shelters and disaster areas."

SW Kansas man killed  serving in the Ukraine -Russia war

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a missing persons case say it is now a homicide investigation.

The victim, according to Independence police, Elayjah Murray, was reported missing on Nov. 28. Police learned Murray had possibly been shot. He was found dead in South Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday.

Police want to speak with 28-year-old Eric Phillips II in connection with the homicide investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764469003746.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a missing persons case say it is now a homicide investigation.The victim, according to Independence police, Elayjah Murray, was reported missing on Nov. 28. Police learned Murray had possibly been shot. He was found dead in South Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday.Police want to speak with 28-year-old Eric Phillips II in connection with the homicide investigation.

Search continues: Missing person case now KC homicide investigation

BARTON COUNTY—Two Kansas teens are in custody for a burglary in Great Bend.

Just after 4a.m. November 28, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a commercial burglary alarm at N-Stant Convenience, 3220 10th Street, Great Bend, according to a media release.

Officers located a large window broken out by a brick. Officers made entry into the building and ensured the building was unoccupied. After contacting staff members of the business, police were able to identify two juvenile suspects, ages 16 and 17, due to prior contacts throughout the night.&nbsp;

Prior to receiving this call for service, at 12:30 a.m. that same morning, Officers had received a similar alarm call at Ampride, 2300 10th Street, Great Bend.&nbsp; At the time of the call, the business was secure and undamaged. Later in the morning, Officers returned to Ampride and requested to observe security video prior to the alarm going off. Officers were able to identify the same two juveniles attempting to throw a large rock through the window to gain access to the business, but they were unsuccessful. The two juveniles fled the scene prior to officer arrival for the alarm. 

Officers located the juveniles and placed them under arrest for Burglary and Possession of Tobacco by Minors and Attempted Burglary for their actions at Ampride.

 The juveniles were booked into the Barton County Jail where they were referred to the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services for placement in juvenile detention.

BARTON COUNTY—Two Kansas teens are in custody for a burglary in Great Bend.Just after 4a.m. November 28, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a commercial burglary alarm at N-Stant Convenience, 3220 10th Street, Great Bend, according to a media release.Officers located a large window broken out by a brick. Officers made entry into the building and ensured the building was unoccupied. After contacting staff members of the business, police were able to identify two juvenile suspects, ages 16 and 17, due to prior contacts throughout the night.&nbsp;Prior to receiving this call for service, at 12:30 a.m. that same morning, Officers had received a similar alarm call at Ampride, 2300 10th Street, Great Bend.&nbsp; At the time of the call, the business was secure and undamaged. Later in the morning, Officers returned to Ampride and requested to observe security video prior to the alarm going off. Officers were able to identify the same two juveniles attempting to throw a large rock through the window to gain access to the business, but they were unsuccessful. The two juveniles fled the scene prior to officer arrival for the alarm. Officers located the juveniles and placed them under arrest for Burglary and Possession of Tobacco by Minors and Attempted Burglary for their actions at Ampride. The juveniles were booked into the Barton County Jail where they were referred to the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services for placement in juvenile detention.

Police: 16 and 17-year-old used a brick in Kan. business burglary

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The State of Kansas ends November 2025 with total tax collections at $687.0 million. That is $1.9 million, or 0.3%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were up 1.7% from November 2024, according to a media release from the governor's office.

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2025%2F12%2F01%2Ffile_attachments%2F3477830%2F05_November_Revenue_FY2026_12-01-2025_Final.pdf/1/0101019adb79f0c5-7a9f1fbe-6801-41de-a747-3369c8ea9658-000000/kNcVtjhbLgOnlnkMo6TKHmxoELownFjgIxcTnGG8mmg=433">here</a>&nbsp;to view the November 2025 revenue numbers.

“November’s tax collections were nearly on target overall. While individual income tax collections were up, corporate income tax collections were again below estimates and significantly below November 2024 levels,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“As I develop my next budget proposal I am not considering just Fiscal Year 2027, I am also looking on to the out-years to keep our state on solid financial footing.”

Individual income tax collections were $368.5 million. That is $7.9 million, or 2.2% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 9.9% from November 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $18.7 million. That is $968,253, or 4.9% below the estimate, and down 23.5% from November 2024.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $276.2 million, which is $9.0 million, or 3.1% below the estimate, and down 3.9% from November 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The State of Kansas ends November 2025 with total tax collections at $687.0 million. That is $1.9 million, or 0.3%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were up 1.7% from November 2024, according to a media release from the governor's office.Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2025%2F12%2F01%2Ffile_attachments%2F3477830%2F05_November_Revenue_FY2026_12-01-2025_Final.pdf/1/0101019adb79f0c5-7a9f1fbe-6801-41de-a747-3369c8ea9658-000000/kNcVtjhbLgOnlnkMo6TKHmxoELownFjgIxcTnGG8mmg=433">here</a>&nbsp;to view the November 2025 revenue numbers.“November’s tax collections were nearly on target overall. While individual income tax collections were up, corporate income tax collections were again below estimates and significantly below November 2024 levels,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“As I develop my next budget proposal I am not considering just Fiscal Year 2027, I am also looking on to the out-years to keep our state on solid financial footing.”Individual income tax collections were $368.5 million. That is $7.9 million, or 2.2% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 9.9% from November 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $18.7 million. That is $968,253, or 4.9% below the estimate, and down 23.5% from November 2024.Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $276.2 million, which is $9.0 million, or 3.1% below the estimate, and down 3.9% from November 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor: Not great news in Kan. November tax collection report

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has commuted the prison sentence of former investment manager David Gentile, who was convicted of defrauding investors — the latest in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardon-justice-department-f9c5b82dfea0128a49c218fa7f1cbeac">series of clemency actions</a>&nbsp;Trump has taken in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pardons-trump-clemency-prisoners-donors-campaign-a81cb5e1115dd7f9e3df69cfb19c948b">white-collar criminal cases</a>.

Gentile had reported to prison on Nov. 14, just days before Trump commuted his sentence, according to a White House official who requested anonymity to provide details of the clemency action. Gentile had been the CEO and co-founder of GPB Capital, which had raised $1.6 billion in capital to acquire companies in the auto, retail, health care and housing sectors.

He had been sentenced to seven years in prison after an August 2024 conviction for his role in what the Justice Department at the time described as a scheme to defraud more than 10,000 investors by misrepresenting the performance of three private equity funds.

But the White House official said GPB Capital had disclosed to investors in 2015 that their capital might go to pay dividends to other investors, which the White House said undercut claims that the company had engaged in a “Ponzi” scheme in which new investments are used to reimburse previous investors.

The government has agreed to no restitution in the criminal case, though various civil cases are handling repayments and damages to investors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764588170737.png" alt="File photo- President Trump spoke to reporters Nov. 24- White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo- President Trump spoke to reporters Nov. 24- White House</figcaption>
 </figure>HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has commuted the prison sentence of former investment manager David Gentile, who was convicted of defrauding investors — the latest in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardon-justice-department-f9c5b82dfea0128a49c218fa7f1cbeac">series of clemency actions</a>&nbsp;Trump has taken in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pardons-trump-clemency-prisoners-donors-campaign-a81cb5e1115dd7f9e3df69cfb19c948b">white-collar criminal cases</a>.Gentile had reported to prison on Nov. 14, just days before Trump commuted his sentence, according to a White House official who requested anonymity to provide details of the clemency action. Gentile had been the CEO and co-founder of GPB Capital, which had raised $1.6 billion in capital to acquire companies in the auto, retail, health care and housing sectors.He had been sentenced to seven years in prison after an August 2024 conviction for his role in what the Justice Department at the time described as a scheme to defraud more than 10,000 investors by misrepresenting the performance of three private equity funds.But the White House official said GPB Capital had disclosed to investors in 2015 that their capital might go to pay dividends to other investors, which the White House said undercut claims that the company had engaged in a “Ponzi” scheme in which new investments are used to reimburse previous investors.The government has agreed to no restitution in the criminal case, though various civil cases are handling repayments and damages to investors.

Trump frees man convicted of fraud just days Into 7-year prison sentence

ALLEN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Monday in Allen County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reporrted a 2015 Ford F150 driven by Jerri Linn Francis, 58, Chanute, was southbound on U.S. 169 just east of 150th Street. The pickup crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2019 GMC Sierra driven by Rogers II, Charles Edward&nbsp; Rogers II, 19, Iola, head-on.

Francis was pronounced at the scene. EMS transported Rogers to Wesley Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the crash, according to the KHP.

ALLEN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Monday in Allen County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reporrted a 2015 Ford F150 driven by Jerri Linn Francis, 58, Chanute, was southbound on U.S. 169 just east of 150th Street. The pickup crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2019 GMC Sierra driven by Rogers II, Charles Edward&nbsp; Rogers II, 19, Iola, head-on.Francis was pronounced at the scene. EMS transported Rogers to Wesley Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the crash, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman killed in head-on pickup crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy is in jail on felony charges out of St. Charles County, Missouri.

On Sunday, Derby police conducted a traffic stop on Deputy Kadin Scritchfield, 20, of Derby, for an alleged traffic violation. During the stop, officers confirmed Scritchfield had an active felony warrant, according to sheriff's department spokesman Branden Stitt.

Scritchfield was taken into custody on allegations of Threatening Nonconsensual Dissemination of Private Sexual Images and First-Degree Harassment from an incident reported in December 2024.

Although the allegations against Scritchfield are reported to have occurred in December 2024, the felony warrant was not signed by a St. Charles County judge until Oct. 1, 2025.

The deputy completed a full background investigation before being hired in August 2025 and had already entered the training academy prior to the issuance of the warrant, according to the sheriff's office. At the time of the background check, Scritchfield did not have any active warrants and was not listed as a suspect in any case.

The Sheriff’s Office was not notified of the Missouri charges or the warrant when it was issued in October. Sedgwick County officials first became aware of the situation during the deputy’s arrest on Sunday.

All applicants are required to report any law enforcement contact during the hiring and background investigation process. The deputy did not report any law enforcement contact related to this matter, as required by policy.

Scritchfield joined the Sheriff’s Office as a probationary employee in September 2025. His employment has since been terminated.

Scritchfield is being held without bond in the Sedgwick County Jail pending extradition to Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764607289893.png" alt="Scritchfield photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Scritchfield photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy is in jail on felony charges out of St. Charles County, Missouri.On Sunday, Derby police conducted a traffic stop on Deputy Kadin Scritchfield, 20, of Derby, for an alleged traffic violation. During the stop, officers confirmed Scritchfield had an active felony warrant, according to sheriff's department spokesman Branden Stitt.Scritchfield was taken into custody on allegations of Threatening Nonconsensual Dissemination of Private Sexual Images and First-Degree Harassment from an incident reported in December 2024.Although the allegations against Scritchfield are reported to have occurred in December 2024, the felony warrant was not signed by a St. Charles County judge until Oct. 1, 2025.The deputy completed a full background investigation before being hired in August 2025 and had already entered the training academy prior to the issuance of the warrant, according to the sheriff's office. At the time of the background check, Scritchfield did not have any active warrants and was not listed as a suspect in any case.The Sheriff’s Office was not notified of the Missouri charges or the warrant when it was issued in October. Sedgwick County officials first became aware of the situation during the deputy’s arrest on Sunday.All applicants are required to report any law enforcement contact during the hiring and background investigation process. The deputy did not report any law enforcement contact related to this matter, as required by policy.Scritchfield joined the Sheriff’s Office as a probationary employee in September 2025. His employment has since been terminated.Scritchfield is being held without bond in the Sedgwick County Jail pending extradition to Missouri.

Man was wanted in Missouri when he was hired as Kan. jail deputy

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;on Monday unveiled the holiday decorations for her family’s first Christmas back at the White House and her theme is “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”

The decor also nods to next year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-cuts-humanities-america250-anniversary-doge-572cf095773c66856a1da94030ffd5a9">250th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and founding of the United States of America.

Several dozen volunteer decorators from across the country helped deck the halls of the Executive Mansion with 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet (213 meters) of garland, more than 2,000 strands of lights, over 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) of ribbon, over 2,800 gold stars, more than 10,000 butterflies and 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread.

A few things are different because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-57512e0d91432f75529946fddfbfe2c5">President Donald Trump tore down the East Wing</a>&nbsp;to build a ballroom he’s long desired.

This year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-christmas-tree-3249c03bec94e4ac99cc6002733a971c">official White House Christmas tree, which is always</a>&nbsp;on display in the Blue Room, also honors Gold Star families, those that lost a member during active-duty military service.

That tree was an East Wing fixture and the first one visitors encountered after they entered through those doors, but the building and a covered walkway, or colonnade, connecting it to the White House were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-mclaurin-f3ca84b49843b3eb3c14ad6d48f117c3">demolished by Trump</a>&nbsp;in October as part of his ballroom plan.

Public tours, which had been suspended because of the construction, are to resume Tuesday but with a shorter route limited to just the State Floor, which includes the East Room; the Green, Blue and Red Rooms; the State Dining Room; the Cross Hall; and the Grand Foyer.

The Library and the Vermeil and China Rooms on the Ground Floor — one level below the State Floor — were cut from the tour route because of the construction.

The White House expects tens of thousands of visitors for holiday tours, receptions and parties before Christmas. Visitors will now enter through the North Portico doors on Pennsylvania Avenue using a new, semi-permanent walkway and entrance.

A statement from the White House said Christmas is a time to celebrate what makes the U.S. exceptional and that, while every home has its own traditions, shared values unite Americans.

“In every community, we are lifted by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism, and gratitude,” the statement said. “These moments remind us that the heart of America is strong and that Home Is Where The Heart Is.”

Planning for the holidays starts months in advance, and the White House said Melania Trump chose every detail of the decor.

Trees in the East Room are trimmed in patriotic red, white and blue and national symbols, including golden eagle tree toppers, to highlight the coming America250 national celebration.

The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room is decorated with gold stars honoring families that lost a member in the line of active-duty military service. The official tree traditionally recognizes each state and territory and this year’s fir is decorated with ornaments showcasing the official bird and flower of each.

The Green Room celebrates family fun, featuring large portraits of the first and the current presidents, George Washington and Donald Trump, respectively, each made from more than 6,000 Lego puzzle pieces.

Thousands of blue butterflies decorate the Red Room and its tree in a celebration of young people and in tribute to Melania Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-white-house-foster-care-5301987e676786c793b2b9fba0eb4c2f">Fostering the Future initiative</a>&nbsp;, which is part of her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/parenting-united-states-government-2aefddc6f11044d4ac340809f9e75bb3">Be Best</a>&nbsp;child-focused initiative, to support people who have been in foster care.

A holiday highlight, the gingerbread White House on display in the State Dining Room shows off the mansion’s South Portico and offers a special glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room, a sitting room off the Truman Balcony in the president’s private living quarters on the second floor.

It was made using 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread, 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of pastillage, a sugar-based modeling paste; over 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of chocolate and 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms) of royal icing.

Part of the White House creche is on display in the Grand Foyer while the rest of it is undergoing a restoration overseen by the curator’s office.

Most of the tree trimming and hall decking was done after the Trumps decamped to their Florida home early last week for the Thanksgiving holiday. They returned to the White House on Sunday.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;on Monday unveiled the holiday decorations for her family’s first Christmas back at the White House and her theme is “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS ❤️ America&#39;s Christmas at the White House. <a href="https://t.co/acueX2bKjz">pic.twitter.com/acueX2bKjz</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1995502174810632359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Home Is Where the Heart Is AMERICA’S CHRISTMAS This Christmas, let’s celebrate the love we hold within ourselves and share it with the world around us. After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with endless possibilities. <a href="https://t.co/VouZAtLpHU">pic.twitter.com/VouZAtLpHU</a>&mdash; First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1995493761363906621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The decor also nods to next year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-cuts-humanities-america250-anniversary-doge-572cf095773c66856a1da94030ffd5a9">250th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and founding of the United States of America.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“We’re saying MERRY CHRISTMAS again!” - <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> 🎄🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/TcfyP5h5Uc">pic.twitter.com/TcfyP5h5Uc</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1995610845632757781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Several dozen volunteer decorators from across the country helped deck the halls of the Executive Mansion with 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet (213 meters) of garland, more than 2,000 strands of lights, over 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) of ribbon, over 2,800 gold stars, more than 10,000 butterflies and 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread.A few things are different because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-57512e0d91432f75529946fddfbfe2c5">President Donald Trump tore down the East Wing</a>&nbsp;to build a ballroom he’s long desired.This year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-christmas-tree-3249c03bec94e4ac99cc6002733a971c">official White House Christmas tree, which is always</a>&nbsp;on display in the Blue Room, also honors Gold Star families, those that lost a member during active-duty military service.That tree was an East Wing fixture and the first one visitors encountered after they entered through those doors, but the building and a covered walkway, or colonnade, connecting it to the White House were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-mclaurin-f3ca84b49843b3eb3c14ad6d48f117c3">demolished by Trump</a>&nbsp;in October as part of his ballroom plan.Public tours, which had been suspended because of the construction, are to resume Tuesday but with a shorter route limited to just the State Floor, which includes the East Room; the Green, Blue and Red Rooms; the State Dining Room; the Cross Hall; and the Grand Foyer.The Library and the Vermeil and China Rooms on the Ground Floor — one level below the State Floor — were cut from the tour route because of the construction.The White House expects tens of thousands of visitors for holiday tours, receptions and parties before Christmas. Visitors will now enter through the North Portico doors on Pennsylvania Avenue using a new, semi-permanent walkway and entrance.A statement from the White House said Christmas is a time to celebrate what makes the U.S. exceptional and that, while every home has its own traditions, shared values unite Americans.“In every community, we are lifted by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism, and gratitude,” the statement said. “These moments remind us that the heart of America is strong and that Home Is Where The Heart Is.”Planning for the holidays starts months in advance, and the White House said Melania Trump chose every detail of the decor.Trees in the East Room are trimmed in patriotic red, white and blue and national symbols, including golden eagle tree toppers, to highlight the coming America250 national celebration.The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room is decorated with gold stars honoring families that lost a member in the line of active-duty military service. The official tree traditionally recognizes each state and territory and this year’s fir is decorated with ornaments showcasing the official bird and flower of each.The Green Room celebrates family fun, featuring large portraits of the first and the current presidents, George Washington and Donald Trump, respectively, each made from more than 6,000 Lego puzzle pieces.Thousands of blue butterflies decorate the Red Room and its tree in a celebration of young people and in tribute to Melania Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-white-house-foster-care-5301987e676786c793b2b9fba0eb4c2f">Fostering the Future initiative</a>&nbsp;, which is part of her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/parenting-united-states-government-2aefddc6f11044d4ac340809f9e75bb3">Be Best</a>&nbsp;child-focused initiative, to support people who have been in foster care.A holiday highlight, the gingerbread White House on display in the State Dining Room shows off the mansion’s South Portico and offers a special glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room, a sitting room off the Truman Balcony in the president’s private living quarters on the second floor.It was made using 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread, 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of pastillage, a sugar-based modeling paste; over 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of chocolate and 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms) of royal icing.Part of the White House creche is on display in the Grand Foyer while the rest of it is undergoing a restoration overseen by the curator’s office.Most of the tree trimming and hall decking was done after the Trumps decamped to their Florida home early last week for the Thanksgiving holiday. They returned to the White House on Sunday.

First lady reveals White House Christmas decorations and her theme

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest in Barton County.

Just before 10:30p.m. November 27, police&nbsp;contacted 41-year-old Laveta Elam in the 200 block of Main Street in Great Bend, according to a statement from police.

Barton County Communications confirmed Elam to have an outstanding warrant for failure to appear. While being taken into custody, Elam refused to comply with the Officer's directives, and actively resisted arrest. 

Elam was ultimately arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail. While at the Barton County Jail, narcotics were located, hidden on Elam's person. 

Elam was booked into jail on requested charges of Resisting Arrest, Trafficking Contraband into a Correctional Facility, and the Failure to Appear warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764634799282.png" alt="Elam-photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Elam-photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest in Barton County.Just before 10:30p.m. November 27, police&nbsp;contacted 41-year-old Laveta Elam in the 200 block of Main Street in Great Bend, according to a statement from police.Barton County Communications confirmed Elam to have an outstanding warrant for failure to appear. While being taken into custody, Elam refused to comply with the Officer's directives, and actively resisted arrest. Elam was ultimately arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail. While at the Barton County Jail, narcotics were located, hidden on Elam's person. Elam was booked into jail on requested charges of Resisting Arrest, Trafficking Contraband into a Correctional Facility, and the Failure to Appear warrant.

Kan. woman hid her illegal drugs when she was booked into jail

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump'</a>&nbsp;s doctor says the president had MRI imaging on his heart and abdomen in October as part of a preventative screening for men his age, according to a memo from the physician released by the White House on Monday.

Sean Barbabella said in a statement that Trump’s physical exam included “advanced imaging” that is “standard for an executive physical” in Trump’s age group. Barbabella concluded that the cardiovascular and abdominal imaging was “perfectly normal.”

“The purpose of this imaging is preventative: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function,” the doctor wrote.

The White House released Barbabella's memo after Trump on Sunday said he would release the results of the scan. He and the White House have said the scan was “part of his routine physical examination” but had declined until Monday to detail why Trump had an MRI during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-physical-walter-reed-e4c3cd4ef5aab8e4d86d00b02a1ed710">his physical</a>&nbsp;in October at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center or on what part of his body.

“I think that’s quite a bit of detail,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday when announcing the memo's release.

The Republican president said Sunday during an exchange with reporters as he traveled back to Washington from Florida that the results of the MRI were “perfect.”

“If you want to have it released, I’ll release it,” Trump said.

Trump added Sunday that he has “no idea” on what part of his body he got the MRI.

“It was just an MRI,” he said. “What part of the body? It wasn’t the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it.”

Doctors typically order an MRI to help with diagnosing symptoms or to monitor an ongoing health problem. So-called "preventive” cardiac and abdominal MRIs are not part of routine screening recommendations. What Trump’s doctor called an “executive physical” generally refers to adding extra, non-routine tests including MRIs to pricey and lengthy exams, not covered by insurance, that are marketed to wealthy people.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump'</a>&nbsp;s doctor says the president had MRI imaging on his heart and abdomen in October as part of a preventative screening for men his age, according to a memo from the physician released by the White House on Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald J. Trump&#39;s Advanced Imaging Results: &quot;His cardiovascular system shows excellent health... and confirms that he remains at excellent overall health.&quot; — Capt Sean P. Barbabella, D.O. Physician to the President <a href="https://t.co/WJxdZEBUFS">pic.twitter.com/WJxdZEBUFS</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1995569253748211743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764616418997.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Sean Barbabella said in a statement that Trump’s physical exam included “advanced imaging” that is “standard for an executive physical” in Trump’s age group. Barbabella concluded that the cardiovascular and abdominal imaging was “perfectly normal.”“The purpose of this imaging is preventative: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function,” the doctor wrote.The White House released Barbabella's memo after Trump on Sunday said he would release the results of the scan. He and the White House have said the scan was “part of his routine physical examination” but had declined until Monday to detail why Trump had an MRI during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-physical-walter-reed-e4c3cd4ef5aab8e4d86d00b02a1ed710">his physical</a>&nbsp;in October at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center or on what part of his body.“I think that’s quite a bit of detail,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday when announcing the memo's release.The Republican president said Sunday during an exchange with reporters as he traveled back to Washington from Florida that the results of the MRI were “perfect.”“If you want to have it released, I’ll release it,” Trump said.Trump added Sunday that he has “no idea” on what part of his body he got the MRI.“It was just an MRI,” he said. “What part of the body? It wasn’t the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it.”Doctors typically order an MRI to help with diagnosing symptoms or to monitor an ongoing health problem. So-called "preventive” cardiac and abdominal MRIs are not part of routine screening recommendations. What Trump’s doctor called an “executive physical” generally refers to adding extra, non-routine tests including MRIs to pricey and lengthy exams, not covered by insurance, that are marketed to wealthy people.

Read the report: President Trump shares his MRI results

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect accused in a deadly hit-and-run in Wichita faced a judge for the first time last week. 

Chance Flores-Leach, 27, Wichita, was charged with unintentional but reckless second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a fatal accident, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 22, officers responded to a call about a pedestrian struck near Central and Hillside in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. First responders found a man who had been struck by multiple vehicles. Wichita Fire Department personnel extricated the victim and took him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Initial investigation indicated the pedestrian was hit by three different vehicles. Two drivers stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The third vehicle fled but was later located by officers. The driver, identified as Flores-Leach was initially outstanding but was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. He is being held on bonds totaling $200,000, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763948742947.png" alt="View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect accused in a deadly hit-and-run in Wichita faced a judge for the first time last week. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763983059541.png" alt="FLORES-LEACH photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>FLORES-LEACH photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Chance Flores-Leach, 27, Wichita, was charged with unintentional but reckless second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a fatal accident, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 22, officers responded to a call about a pedestrian struck near Central and Hillside in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. First responders found a man who had been struck by multiple vehicles. Wichita Fire Department personnel extricated the victim and took him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.Initial investigation indicated the pedestrian was hit by three different vehicles. Two drivers stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The third vehicle fled but was later located by officers. The driver, identified as Flores-Leach was initially outstanding but was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. He is being held on bonds totaling $200,000, according to online jail records.

Kansas man in deadly hit-and-run faces a judge

SALINE COUNTY —An electrical issue caused a rural Kansas house fire on Sunday.&nbsp;

Just after 10a.m., the owner of a home in the&nbsp;400 block of West 2nd Street in Brookville heard a popping sound coming from a breaker box, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

Reportedly, the 39-year old male owner of the home reported he was in his house and suddenly heard a "popping sound." The man went to check his breaker box in a utility room and noticed sparks and smoke.

Rural Fire District #5 responded to the scene and found fire coming from the attic. Firefighters needed to break down parts of the ceiling in order to successfully extinguish the fire. There was smoke and water damage to the house and its contents. There were no injuries, according to Soldan.

 Value of the home is about a $140,000 not including personal property that was damaged, according to soldan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764612691693.jpeg" alt="Brookville house fire on Sunday, November 30. Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Brookville house fire on Sunday, November 30. Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —An electrical issue caused a rural Kansas house fire on Sunday.&nbsp;Just after 10a.m., the owner of a home in the&nbsp;400 block of West 2nd Street in Brookville heard a popping sound coming from a breaker box, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764614442814.png" alt="Photo Saline Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Saline Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Reportedly, the 39-year old male owner of the home reported he was in his house and suddenly heard a "popping sound." The man went to check his breaker box in a utility room and noticed sparks and smoke.Rural Fire District #5 responded to the scene and found fire coming from the attic. Firefighters needed to break down parts of the ceiling in order to successfully extinguish the fire. There was smoke and water damage to the house and its contents. There were no injuries, according to Soldan. Value of the home is about a $140,000 not including personal property that was damaged, according to soldan.

Crews remove portion of roof to extinguish rural Kan. house fire

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

TOPEKA — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Topeka’s St. Francis hospital have failed to reach a contract agreement, leaving insurance customers out of network beginning Jan. 1 for one of Topeka’s major health care systems.

Officials with both organizations say discussions are ongoing. The current contract ends Dec. 31.

“We’re having productive talks,” said Matt All, president and CEO of BCBS of Kansas. “It’s a little complicated because they have an out-of-state owner, so we’re not just talking to people here on the ground.”

“I’m not in the business of making predictions, but our expectation is that we’ll work this out and that they’ll be in network,” he added.

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

People covered by BCBS of Kansas have been posting social media messages, upset about the possible loss of their doctors.

“I refuse to abandon my primary care provider whom I trust with my care, so Blue Cross Blue Shield just lost another customer,” said Topekan Carol Baldwin on her personal Facebook page.

In an emailed statement to Kansas Reflector, hospital officials said: “The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus is committed to protecting access to high-quality care for our community. We have made repeated efforts to engage directly with senior decision-makers at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and remain committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair resolution.”

Rising costs in health care are causing the challenge in reaching agreement, both sides said. For All, the discussions are indicative of broader problems throughout the health care system.

“We are seeking an agreement that reimburses St. Francis Campus at rates consistent with rising costs due to inflation and supply chain pressures,” the hospital’s statement said. “Equitable reimbursement rates are critical to supporting the high-quality care that our patients deserve.”

All said BCBS, which is a mutual nonprofit that is created to benefit its members, must negotiate so that reimbursements to the hospital are reasonable and don’t translate into premiums that members can’t afford.

“For the whole 19 years I’ve been with Blue Cross, and basically our whole history, we’ve had every hospital in our service area in network, and we want St. Francis in network,” he said.

There are many good things about the country’s health care, All said, but the availability of resources isn’t evenly spread out.

“We have too many people that can’t afford coverage,” All said. “The big problem in American health care that’s existed for as long as any of us have been thinking about this is that it doesn’t control costs very well, and so there’s this steady rise in costs over the decades, and some decades are faster than others.”

For the years 2024 through 2033, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/data-research/statistics-trends-and-reports/national-health-expenditure-data/nhe-fact-sheet" target="_blank">predicts that national health expenditures</a>&nbsp;will grow 5.8%.

“Across the industry, in every market, whether you’re talking about commercial plans, the public programs and so forth, costs are rising really quickly right now,” All said. “We’ve seen it in our plan and when you combine that with possibly losing some of the subsidies in the (Affordable Care Act) market, you’re going to have some consumers that are just going to be priced out of the market.”

“That should be unacceptable to us,” All added. “In 2025, in a nation as prosperous as ours, we should be able to make sure that everybody can afford good health care.”

The health care system needs a major overhaul, All said, but having what he called an “adult conversation” on the topic is difficult.

“We need to really talk about the root causes of higher costs and the toll that takes, but also the consequences of controlling costs, because there’s another side to this,” he said. “The fact that we’re able to have two beautiful hospitals in Topeka, two great hospitals in Wichita, a beautiful hospital in Lawrence, and you can actually go there and get care — that is partly because we fund our health care system really lavishly.”

But that system isn’t working if people don’t have access to it, All said.

“If we solve the cost problem, we can solve all of the other problems,” he said. “The other problems are just technical. At that point, we have to get the cost problem solved, and we just haven’t been willing to do it yet as a country.”

The Commonwealth Fund, a foundation that focuses on affordable health care,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2023/oct/high-us-health-care-spending-where-is-it-all-going" target="_blank">compared U.S. health care costs</a>&nbsp;to those in 12 countries. It found the U.S. pays more for:

The U.S. industry is highly concentrated, All said, with about 20% of health care dollars spent on 1% of the population and more than half of health care dollars on about 5% of the population. Those are patients with chronic diseases, people with metastatic cancer, babies born prematurely and others, he said.

“In some ways that makes it easier to address because you’re talking about a smaller set of the population, but I think it actually makes it much harder to address because these are people who very much need care, and we want them to have the best care that’s available,” he said. “So how do you make that less expensive? That is the conundrum that we face in American health care.”

It’s important to make sure healthy people are covered by insurance, which was the point of the ACA mandate that required everyone to have insurance, All said. That mandate was struck down but the ACA covers about one in every six people under age 65, or about 44 million people,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/affordable-care-act-marketplace-and-medicaid-expansion-enrollment-reached-a-combined-44-million-in-2024/#:~:text=A%20new%20KFF%20analysis%20finds,age%2065%2C%20or%2016.4%25." target="_blank">according to KFF,</a>&nbsp;which tracks health policies.&nbsp;

“If you only cover people who have the costliest care then, then they won’t be able to afford it at all. None of us could,” he said.&nbsp;

All said it’s frustrating to hear people against ACA subsidies say that “most people don’t use the care anyway.”

“You would never have auto insurance, for example, where only people who get into wrecks pay their auto premium,” he said.

All said smaller towns, in particular, could be in jeopardy of losing access to local health care services with Medicaid cuts and the possibility of ACA subsidies not being renewed.

Many Kansas hospitals are in difficult financial condition with rising costs. The Kansas Hospital Association said non-reimbursed care costs continue to rise for community hospitals. In 2023, the amount was over $26 billion, and since 2015 non-reimbursed care has increased by 77%.

All said insurance companies have a responsibility to be stewards of the health care industry and work to make sure care is affordable and available.

“I think there’s a lot of criticism that’s fair of the insurance industry, but it’s not really the reason why health care costs keep going up,” All said. “It is really because we have decided that we’re going to have a system that is really rich for some people and not so rich for others and unavailable for others. Until we make a real commitment to universal coverage that’s affordable, we’re going to be in this fix.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764610665564.png" alt="Matt All, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (Photo by BCBS of Kansas)" />
 <figcaption>Matt All, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (Photo by BCBS of Kansas)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Topeka’s St. Francis hospital have failed to reach a contract agreement, leaving insurance customers out of network beginning Jan. 1 for one of Topeka’s major health care systems.Officials with both organizations say discussions are ongoing. The current contract ends Dec. 31.“We’re having productive talks,” said Matt All, president and CEO of BCBS of Kansas. “It’s a little complicated because they have an out-of-state owner, so we’re not just talking to people here on the ground.”“I’m not in the business of making predictions, but our expectation is that we’ll work this out and that they’ll be in network,” he added.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764610620731.png" alt=" Topeka’s St. Francis hospital system and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas are struggling to reach agreement, which could leave insurance customers out of network. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption> Topeka’s St. Francis hospital system and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas are struggling to reach agreement, which could leave insurance customers out of network. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka’s St. Francis campus is owned by Ardent Health, which manages operations, and the University of Kansas Health System. Ardent is based in Brentwood, Tennessee.People covered by BCBS of Kansas have been posting social media messages, upset about the possible loss of their doctors.“I refuse to abandon my primary care provider whom I trust with my care, so Blue Cross Blue Shield just lost another customer,” said Topekan Carol Baldwin on her personal Facebook page.In an emailed statement to Kansas Reflector, hospital officials said: “The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus is committed to protecting access to high-quality care for our community. We have made repeated efforts to engage directly with senior decision-makers at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and remain committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair resolution.”Rising costs in health care are causing the challenge in reaching agreement, both sides said. For All, the discussions are indicative of broader problems throughout the health care system.“We are seeking an agreement that reimburses St. Francis Campus at rates consistent with rising costs due to inflation and supply chain pressures,” the hospital’s statement said. “Equitable reimbursement rates are critical to supporting the high-quality care that our patients deserve.”All said BCBS, which is a mutual nonprofit that is created to benefit its members, must negotiate so that reimbursements to the hospital are reasonable and don’t translate into premiums that members can’t afford.“For the whole 19 years I’ve been with Blue Cross, and basically our whole history, we’ve had every hospital in our service area in network, and we want St. Francis in network,” he said.<h2>Changes needed</h2>There are many good things about the country’s health care, All said, but the availability of resources isn’t evenly spread out.“We have too many people that can’t afford coverage,” All said. “The big problem in American health care that’s existed for as long as any of us have been thinking about this is that it doesn’t control costs very well, and so there’s this steady rise in costs over the decades, and some decades are faster than others.”For the years 2024 through 2033, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/data-research/statistics-trends-and-reports/national-health-expenditure-data/nhe-fact-sheet" target="_blank">predicts that national health expenditures</a>&nbsp;will grow 5.8%.“Across the industry, in every market, whether you’re talking about commercial plans, the public programs and so forth, costs are rising really quickly right now,” All said. “We’ve seen it in our plan and when you combine that with possibly losing some of the subsidies in the (Affordable Care Act) market, you’re going to have some consumers that are just going to be priced out of the market.”“That should be unacceptable to us,” All added. “In 2025, in a nation as prosperous as ours, we should be able to make sure that everybody can afford good health care.”The health care system needs a major overhaul, All said, but having what he called an “adult conversation” on the topic is difficult.“We need to really talk about the root causes of higher costs and the toll that takes, but also the consequences of controlling costs, because there’s another side to this,” he said. “The fact that we’re able to have two beautiful hospitals in Topeka, two great hospitals in Wichita, a beautiful hospital in Lawrence, and you can actually go there and get care — that is partly because we fund our health care system really lavishly.”But that system isn’t working if people don’t have access to it, All said.“If we solve the cost problem, we can solve all of the other problems,” he said. “The other problems are just technical. At that point, we have to get the cost problem solved, and we just haven’t been willing to do it yet as a country.”<h2>Health expenses</h2>The Commonwealth Fund, a foundation that focuses on affordable health care,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2023/oct/high-us-health-care-spending-where-is-it-all-going" target="_blank">compared U.S. health care costs</a>&nbsp;to those in 12 countries. It found the U.S. pays more for:<ul>
 <li>Insurance administrative costs, responsible for about 15% of the excess costs.</li><li>Administrative activities, 15% of excess.</li><li>Prescription drugs, 10% of excess.</li><li>Physician salaries, 10% of excess.</li><li>Registered nurse salaries, 5% of excess.</li><li>Investments in medical machinery and equipment, less than 5%.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The U.S. industry is highly concentrated, All said, with about 20% of health care dollars spent on 1% of the population and more than half of health care dollars on about 5% of the population. Those are patients with chronic diseases, people with metastatic cancer, babies born prematurely and others, he said.“In some ways that makes it easier to address because you’re talking about a smaller set of the population, but I think it actually makes it much harder to address because these are people who very much need care, and we want them to have the best care that’s available,” he said. “So how do you make that less expensive? That is the conundrum that we face in American health care.”It’s important to make sure healthy people are covered by insurance, which was the point of the ACA mandate that required everyone to have insurance, All said. That mandate was struck down but the ACA covers about one in every six people under age 65, or about 44 million people,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/affordable-care-act-marketplace-and-medicaid-expansion-enrollment-reached-a-combined-44-million-in-2024/#:~:text=A%20new%20KFF%20analysis%20finds,age%2065%2C%20or%2016.4%25." target="_blank">according to KFF,</a>&nbsp;which tracks health policies.&nbsp;“If you only cover people who have the costliest care then, then they won’t be able to afford it at all. None of us could,” he said.&nbsp;All said it’s frustrating to hear people against ACA subsidies say that “most people don’t use the care anyway.”“You would never have auto insurance, for example, where only people who get into wrecks pay their auto premium,” he said.All said smaller towns, in particular, could be in jeopardy of losing access to local health care services with Medicaid cuts and the possibility of ACA subsidies not being renewed.Many Kansas hospitals are in difficult financial condition with rising costs. The Kansas Hospital Association said non-reimbursed care costs continue to rise for community hospitals. In 2023, the amount was over $26 billion, and since 2015 non-reimbursed care has increased by 77%.All said insurance companies have a responsibility to be stewards of the health care industry and work to make sure care is affordable and available.“I think there’s a lot of criticism that’s fair of the insurance industry, but it’s not really the reason why health care costs keep going up,” All said. “It is really because we have decided that we’re going to have a system that is really rich for some people and not so rich for others and unavailable for others. Until we make a real commitment to universal coverage that’s affordable, we’re going to be in this fix.”

Kansas Blue Cross, Topeka hospital system struggle to reach agreement

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for allegedly selling drugs near a school.

Just after 1p.m. November 28, 2025, around 1 p.m., the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in the 2900 block of SE Freemont Street on a black 2015 Volkswagen, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

A subsequent narcotics related search warrant was then conducted in the 3200 block of SE Bryant Street.

During the investigation, distribution amounts of illegal narcotics were located. Jason D. Sweet, 43, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges: of Distribute opiate/narcotic/certain stimulant/heroin within 1000’ of a school, Distribute/possess with intent drug paraphernalia to a minor or within 1000’ of a school, Distribute/possess with intent to distribute marijuana within 1000’ of a school and Possession of a hallucinogenic drug

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763589462944.png" alt="Sweet photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Sweet photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for allegedly selling drugs near a school.Just after 1p.m. November 28, 2025, around 1 p.m., the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in the 2900 block of SE Freemont Street on a black 2015 Volkswagen, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.A subsequent narcotics related search warrant was then conducted in the 3200 block of SE Bryant Street.During the investigation, distribution amounts of illegal narcotics were located. Jason D. Sweet, 43, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges: of Distribute opiate/narcotic/certain stimulant/heroin within 1000’ of a school, Distribute/possess with intent drug paraphernalia to a minor or within 1000’ of a school, Distribute/possess with intent to distribute marijuana within 1000’ of a school and Possession of a hallucinogenic drug

Kansas man accused of selling meth near a school

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers from both parties said Sunday they support congressional reviews of U.S. military&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">strikes</a>&nbsp;against vessels suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, citing a published report that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order for all crew members to be killed as part of a Sept. 2 attack.

The lawmakers said they did not know whether last week's Washington Post report was true, and some Republicans were skeptical, but they said attacking survivors of an initial missile strike poses serious legal concerns.

“This rises to the level of a war crime if it's true,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va.

Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, when asked about a follow-up strike aimed at people no longer able to fight, said Congress does not have information that happened. He noted that leaders of the Armed Services Committee in both the House and Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-airspace-faa-maduro-pressure-campaign-39d624a0f5d5422cdfb62826a5a56373">have opened investigations</a>.

“Obviously, if that occurred, that would be very serious and I agree that that would be an illegal act,” Turner said.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump on Sunday evening while flying back to Washington from Florida, where he celebrated Thanksgiving, confirmed that he had recently spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The U.S. administration says the strikes in the Caribbean are aimed at cartels, some of which it claims are controlled by Maduro. Trump also is weighing whether to carry out strikes on the Venezuelan mainland.

Trump declined to comment on details of the call, which was first reported by The New York Times.

“I wouldn’t say it went well or badly,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, when asked about the call.

The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the call with Trump.

Turner said there are concerns in Congress about the attacks on vessels that the Trump administration says are transporting drugs, but the allegation regarding the Sept. 2 attack “is completely outside anything that has been discussed with Congress and there is an ongoing investigation.”

The comments from lawmakers during news show appearances come as the administration escalates a campaign to combat drug trafficking into the U.S. On Saturday, Trump said the airspace “above and surrounding”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela</a>&nbsp;should be considered as “closed in its entirety,” an assertion that raised more questions about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-cartel-soles-us-drugs-terrorist-f778922c04b4f514092bd29b91e77358">U.S. pressure</a>&nbsp;on Maduro. Maduro's government accused Trump of making a ”colonial threat” and seeking to undermine the South American country’s sovereignty.

After the Post's report, Hegseth said Friday on X that “fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.”

"Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict—and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command," Hegseth wrote.

Trump said on Sunday the administration “will look into” the matter but added, “I wouldn’t have wanted that — not a second strike.” The president also defended Hegseth.

“Pete said he did not order the death of those two men,” Trump said. He added, “And I believe him.”

Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and its top Democrat, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, said in a joint statement late Friday that the committee “will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.”

That was followed Saturday with the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Republican Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, and the ranking Democratic member, Washington Rep. Adam Smith, issuing a joint statement saying the panel was committed to “providing rigorous oversight of the Department of Defense’s military operations in the Caribbean.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756850570919.png" alt="U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat Sept. 2-image from Department of War" />
 <figcaption>U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat Sept. 2-image from Department of War</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers from both parties said Sunday they support congressional reviews of U.S. military&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">strikes</a>&nbsp;against vessels suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, citing a published report that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order for all crew members to be killed as part of a Sept. 2 attack.The lawmakers said they did not know whether last week's Washington Post report was true, and some Republicans were skeptical, but they said attacking survivors of an initial missile strike poses serious legal concerns.“This rises to the level of a war crime if it's true,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va.Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, when asked about a follow-up strike aimed at people no longer able to fight, said Congress does not have information that happened. He noted that leaders of the Armed Services Committee in both the House and Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-airspace-faa-maduro-pressure-campaign-39d624a0f5d5422cdfb62826a5a56373">have opened investigations</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764605216020.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>“Obviously, if that occurred, that would be very serious and I agree that that would be an illegal act,” Turner said.Meanwhile, President Donald Trump on Sunday evening while flying back to Washington from Florida, where he celebrated Thanksgiving, confirmed that he had recently spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.The U.S. administration says the strikes in the Caribbean are aimed at cartels, some of which it claims are controlled by Maduro. Trump also is weighing whether to carry out strikes on the Venezuelan mainland.Trump declined to comment on details of the call, which was first reported by The New York Times.“I wouldn’t say it went well or badly,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, when asked about the call.The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the call with Trump.Turner said there are concerns in Congress about the attacks on vessels that the Trump administration says are transporting drugs, but the allegation regarding the Sept. 2 attack “is completely outside anything that has been discussed with Congress and there is an ongoing investigation.”The comments from lawmakers during news show appearances come as the administration escalates a campaign to combat drug trafficking into the U.S. On Saturday, Trump said the airspace “above and surrounding”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela</a>&nbsp;should be considered as “closed in its entirety,” an assertion that raised more questions about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-cartel-soles-us-drugs-terrorist-f778922c04b4f514092bd29b91e77358">U.S. pressure</a>&nbsp;on Maduro. Maduro's government accused Trump of making a ”colonial threat” and seeking to undermine the South American country’s sovereignty.After the Post's report, Hegseth said Friday on X that “fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.”"Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict—and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command," Hegseth wrote.Trump said on Sunday the administration “will look into” the matter but added, “I wouldn’t have wanted that — not a second strike.” The president also defended Hegseth.“Pete said he did not order the death of those two men,” Trump said. He added, “And I believe him.”Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and its top Democrat, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, said in a joint statement late Friday that the committee “will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.”That was followed Saturday with the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Republican Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, and the ranking Democratic member, Washington Rep. Adam Smith, issuing a joint statement saying the panel was committed to “providing rigorous oversight of the Department of Defense’s military operations in the Caribbean.”“We take seriously the reports of follow-on strikes on boats alleged to be ferrying narcotics in the SOUTHCOM region and are taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question,” Rogers and Smith said, referring to U.S. Southern Command.Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., asked about the Sept. 2 attack, said Hegseth deserves a chance to present his side.“We should get to the truth. I don’t think he would be foolish enough to make this decision to say, kill everybody, kill the survivors because that’s a clear violation of the law of war,” Bacon said. “So, I’m very suspicious that he would’ve done something like that because it would go against common sense.”