SHERMAN COUNTY—Law enforcement released additional details on activity that prompted a shelter in place in Goodland early Monday.

Just before 10p.m. Sunday, police responded to a reported domestic incident at a home in the 400 Block of East a4th Street in Goodland, according to a media release. Officers determined the suspect used a knife in an attempt to stab a female victim, resulting in cuts to the victim's hand.

The victim left the home and went to the local hospital where she was treated for her injuries and released.

Police along with Sherman County Deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers attempted to make contact with the suspect at the residence. The suspect failed to respond and barricaded himself inside the home.

Due to the violent nature of the situation, the KHP Special Response Team responded. This team made multiple attempts through the night to establish contact with the suspect. He refused to respond or comply.&nbsp;

At 7 a.m., Monday, the KHP team located the suspect in the attic of the residence and took him into custody without further incident. There were no further injuries reported. The suspect faces multiple felony charges.

SHERMAN COUNTY—Law enforcement released additional details on activity that prompted a shelter in place in Goodland early Monday.Just before 10p.m. Sunday, police responded to a reported domestic incident at a home in the 400 Block of East a4th Street in Goodland, according to a media release. Officers determined the suspect used a knife in an attempt to stab a female victim, resulting in cuts to the victim's hand.The victim left the home and went to the local hospital where she was treated for her injuries and released.Police along with Sherman County Deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers attempted to make contact with the suspect at the residence. The suspect failed to respond and barricaded himself inside the home.Due to the violent nature of the situation, the KHP Special Response Team responded. This team made multiple attempts through the night to establish contact with the suspect. He refused to respond or comply.&nbsp;At 7 a.m., Monday, the KHP team located the suspect in the attic of the residence and took him into custody without further incident. There were no further injuries reported. The suspect faces multiple felony charges.

Police detail arrest that led to shelter in place in NW Kansas

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

TOPEKA — Patients with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas health insurance will be covered in network when they receive care from the St. Francis campus in Topeka after the two organizations reached agreement last week.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is pleased to announce that the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis will remain in the Blue Cross network for 2026, ensuring continued access to local care for our members,” according to a BCBS statement.

The University of Kansas St. Francis campus said in a Monday statement that their patients with BCBS of Kansas plans won’t experience care disruptions and do not need to take any action.

The two organizations&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/01/kansas-blue-cross-topeka-hospital-system-struggle-to-reach-agreement/">had been unable to reach agreement</a>&nbsp;for the St. Francis system to be in network, which concerned insurance customers who didn’t want to lose their health providers if a contract wasn’t in place by the end of the year.

“This agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring patients across the region have uninterrupted access to care,” St. Francis said in a statement.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767112585253.png" alt=" Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, which is headquartered in Topeka, reached a contract with the University of Kansas St. Francis campus so the health system will be in network for patients. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, which is headquartered in Topeka, reached a contract with the University of Kansas St. Francis campus so the health system will be in network for patients. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Patients with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas health insurance will be covered in network when they receive care from the St. Francis campus in Topeka after the two organizations reached agreement last week.“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is pleased to announce that the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis will remain in the Blue Cross network for 2026, ensuring continued access to local care for our members,” according to a BCBS statement.The University of Kansas St. Francis campus said in a Monday statement that their patients with BCBS of Kansas plans won’t experience care disruptions and do not need to take any action.The two organizations&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/01/kansas-blue-cross-topeka-hospital-system-struggle-to-reach-agreement/">had been unable to reach agreement</a>&nbsp;for the St. Francis system to be in network, which concerned insurance customers who didn’t want to lose their health providers if a contract wasn’t in place by the end of the year.“This agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring patients across the region have uninterrupted access to care,” St. Francis said in a statement.The St. Francis campus in Topeka is owned by Ardent Health, which manages operations, and the University of Kansas Health System. Ardent is based in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Kansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, St. Francis health system reach agreement

KANSAS CITY —Two people were injured in a fire at an apartment building in Kansas City, Missouri. Police are now investigating.

Just before 7:30p.m. Monday, crews&nbsp;were dispatched to a reported apartment fire in the 1700 block of Kansas Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

On arrival, crews reported heavy fire showing from the 2nd and 3rd floors, with residents trapped inside the structure. An offensive fire attack, with rescue operations was immediately initiated.

A 2nd Alarm response was ordered.&nbsp;Crews rescued 5 people from the third floor of the building, and multiple handlines were used to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control at 7:46 p.m.

EMS transported 2 people to area hospitals. They were listed in stable condition. Red Cross has been ordered for 14 people.&nbsp;After an initial investigation conducted by KCFD, the Kansas City Police Departments Bomb and Arson unit was requested and the investigation has been turned over to their agency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767064105388.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Two people were injured in a fire at an apartment building in Kansas City, Missouri. Police are now investigating.Just before 7:30p.m. Monday, crews&nbsp;were dispatched to a reported apartment fire in the 1700 block of Kansas Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.On arrival, crews reported heavy fire showing from the 2nd and 3rd floors, with residents trapped inside the structure. An offensive fire attack, with rescue operations was immediately initiated.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767064084522.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>A 2nd Alarm response was ordered.&nbsp;Crews rescued 5 people from the third floor of the building, and multiple handlines were used to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control at 7:46 p.m.EMS transported 2 people to area hospitals. They were listed in stable condition. Red Cross has been ordered for 14 people.&nbsp;After an initial investigation conducted by KCFD, the Kansas City Police Departments Bomb and Arson unit was requested and the investigation has been turned over to their agency.

5 rescued, 2 hospitalized after KC apartment fire

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;warned Iran on Monday that the U.S. could carry out further military strikes if the country attempts to reconstitute its nuclear program as he held wide-ranging talks with Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;at his home in Florida.

Trump had previously insisted that Tehran's nuclear capabilities were “completely and fully obliterated” by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-nuclear-fordo-ef530114e5297884b1c3b76a04a3b1de">U.S. strikes on key nuclear enrichment sites</a>&nbsp;in June. But with Netanyahu by his side, Trump raised the possibility that suspected activity could be taking place outside those sites. Israeli officials, meanwhile, have been quoted in local media expressing concern about Iran rebuilding its supply of long-range missiles capable of striking Israel.

“Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again,” Trump told reporters gathered at his Mar-a-Lago estate. “And if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down. We'll knock them down. We'll knock the hell out of them. But hopefully that’s not happening.”

Trump’s warning to Iran comes as his administration has committed significant resources to targeting drug trafficking in South America and the president looks to create fresh momentum for the U.S.-brokered Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The Gaza deal is in danger of stalling before reaching its complicated second phase that would involve naming an international governing body and rebuilding the devastated Palestinian territory.

At a news conference with Netanyahu after their meeting, Trump suggested that he could order another U.S. strike.

“If it’s confirmed, they know the consequences, and the consequences will be very powerful, maybe more powerful than the last time,” Trump said.

Iran has insisted that it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-sites-explained-israel-attack-4535b4ecb4aefb2f3de9e3ad62fe363f">no longer enriching uranium</a>&nbsp;at any site in the country, trying to signal to the West that it remains open to potential negotiations over its atomic program. The two leaders discussed the possibility of taking new military action against Tehran just months after June’s 12-day war.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s warning.

Trump, with Netanyahu by his side, said he wants to get to the second phase of the Gaza deal “as quickly as we can.”

“But there has to be a disarming of Hamas,” Trump added.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">ceasefire between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;that Trump championed has mostly held, but progress has slowed recently. Both sides&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-war-news-24-12-2025-64ef5cd8810543e62360b639c3e47010">accuse each other of violations</a>, and divisions have emerged among the U.S., Israel and Arab countries about the path forward.

The truce's first phase began in October, days after the two-year anniversary of the initial Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">All but one of the 251 hostages</a>&nbsp;taken then have been released,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostages-alon-ohel-5b87cb0e35544d0edd1076c04a0ec95d">alive or dead</a>.

The Israeli leader, who also met separately with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has signaled he is in no rush to move forward with the next phase as long as the remains of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">Ran Gvili</a>&nbsp;are still in Gaza.

Gvili’s parents met with Netanyahu as well as Rubio, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Florida on Monday.

“They’re waiting for their son to come home," Trump said of the family of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">the young police officer</a>&nbsp;known affectionately as “Rani."

The path to implementing Trump's peace plan is certainly complicated.

If successful, the second phase would see the rebuilding of a demilitarized Gaza under international supervision by a group chaired by Trump and known as the Board of Peace. The Palestinians would form a “technocratic, apolitical” committee to run daily affairs in Gaza, under Board of Peace supervision.

It further calls for normalized relations between Israel and the Arab world and a possible pathway to Palestinian independence. Then there are thorny logistical and humanitarian questions, including rebuilding war-ravaged Gaza, disarming Hamas and creating a security apparatus called the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-stabilization-force-gaza-united-nations-trump-464cfda6fbec02b8553a9df9d093df06">International Stabilization Force</a>.

Two main challenges have complicated moving to the second phase, according to an official who was briefed on those meetings. Israeli officials have been taking a lot of time to vet and approve members of the Palestinian technocratic committee from a list given to them by the mediators, and Israel continues its military strikes.

Trump’s plan also calls for the stabilization force, proposed as a multinational body, to maintain security. But it, too, has yet to be formed. Whether details will be forthcoming after Monday's meeting is unclear.

A Western diplomat said there is a “huge gulf” between the U.S.-Israeli understanding of the force's mandate and that of other major countries in the region, as well as European governments.

All spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that haven't been made public.

The U.S. and Israel want the force to have a “commanding role” in security duties, including disarming Hamas and other militant groups. But countries being courted to contribute troops fear that mandate will make it an “occupation force,” the diplomat said.

Hamas has said it is ready to discuss “freezing or storing” its arsenal of weapons but insists it has a right to armed resistance as long as Israel occupies Palestinian territory. One U.S. official said a potential plan might be to offer cash incentives in exchange for weapons, echoing a “buyback” program Witkoff has previously floated.

Trump makes case once again for Netanyahu pardon

The two leaders, who have a long and close relationship, heaped praise on each other. Trump also tweaked the Israeli leader, who at moments during the war has raised Trump's ire, for being “very difficult on occasion.”

Netanyahu said Trump during the lunch was formally told that his country's education ministry will award him the Israel Prize, breaking the long-held convention of bestowing the honor on an Israeli citizen or resident.

“President Trump has broken so many conventions to the surprise of people,” Netanyahu said. He added, “So we decided to break a convention too, or create a new one."

Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-trump-politics-letter-trial-36cfeeacf4fa038e784f43f31a56fe4e">renewed his call</a>&nbsp;on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant Netanyahu, who is in the midst of a corruption trial, a pardon.

Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in Israeli history to stand trial, after being charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-corruption-netanyahu-gaza-war-scandal-17518bca5b27fc47216eed974e96f3e6">fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes</a>&nbsp;in three separate cases accusing him of exchanging favors with wealthy political supporters.

Trump has previously written to Herzog to urge a pardon and advocated for one during his October speech before the Knesset. He said Monday that Herzog has told him “it’s on its way" without offering further details.

“He’s a wartime prime minister who’s a hero. How do you not give a pardon?" Trump said.

Herzog's office said in a statement that the Israeli president and Trump have not spoken since the pardon request was submitted, but that Herzog has spoken with a Trump representative about the U.S. president's letter advocating for Netanyahu's pardon.

“During that conversation, an explanation was provided regarding the stage of the process in which the request currently stands, and that any decision on the matter will be made in accordance with the established procedures,” the Israeli president's office said.

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;warned Iran on Monday that the U.S. could carry out further military strikes if the country attempts to reconstitute its nuclear program as he held wide-ranging talks with Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;at his home in Florida.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On Dec. 29, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known… <a href="https://t.co/69ywxXk30N">pic.twitter.com/69ywxXk30N</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2005776276100207032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump had previously insisted that Tehran's nuclear capabilities were “completely and fully obliterated” by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-nuclear-fordo-ef530114e5297884b1c3b76a04a3b1de">U.S. strikes on key nuclear enrichment sites</a>&nbsp;in June. But with Netanyahu by his side, Trump raised the possibility that suspected activity could be taking place outside those sites. Israeli officials, meanwhile, have been quoted in local media expressing concern about Iran rebuilding its supply of long-range missiles capable of striking Israel.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump: &quot;Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are we&#39;re going to have to knock &#39;em down ... We&#39;ll knock the hell out of them.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/12IAi7AmfS">pic.twitter.com/12IAi7AmfS</a>&mdash; The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) <a href="https://twitter.com/TPostMillennial/status/2005709488817590695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again,” Trump told reporters gathered at his Mar-a-Lago estate. “And if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down. We'll knock them down. We'll knock the hell out of them. But hopefully that’s not happening.”Trump’s warning to Iran comes as his administration has committed significant resources to targeting drug trafficking in South America and the president looks to create fresh momentum for the U.S.-brokered Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The Gaza deal is in danger of stalling before reaching its complicated second phase that would involve naming an international governing body and rebuilding the devastated Palestinian territory.At a news conference with Netanyahu after their meeting, Trump suggested that he could order another U.S. strike.“If it’s confirmed, they know the consequences, and the consequences will be very powerful, maybe more powerful than the last time,” Trump said.Iran has insisted that it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-sites-explained-israel-attack-4535b4ecb4aefb2f3de9e3ad62fe363f">no longer enriching uranium</a>&nbsp;at any site in the country, trying to signal to the West that it remains open to potential negotiations over its atomic program. The two leaders discussed the possibility of taking new military action against Tehran just months after June’s 12-day war.The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s warning.<h2>Gaza ceasefire progress has slowed</h2>Trump, with Netanyahu by his side, said he wants to get to the second phase of the Gaza deal “as quickly as we can.”“But there has to be a disarming of Hamas,” Trump added.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">ceasefire between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;that Trump championed has mostly held, but progress has slowed recently. Both sides&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-war-news-24-12-2025-64ef5cd8810543e62360b639c3e47010">accuse each other of violations</a>, and divisions have emerged among the U.S., Israel and Arab countries about the path forward.The truce's first phase began in October, days after the two-year anniversary of the initial Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">All but one of the 251 hostages</a>&nbsp;taken then have been released,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostages-alon-ohel-5b87cb0e35544d0edd1076c04a0ec95d">alive or dead</a>.The Israeli leader, who also met separately with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has signaled he is in no rush to move forward with the next phase as long as the remains of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">Ran Gvili</a>&nbsp;are still in Gaza.Gvili’s parents met with Netanyahu as well as Rubio, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Florida on Monday.“They’re waiting for their son to come home," Trump said of the family of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">the young police officer</a>&nbsp;known affectionately as “Rani."<h2>Next phase is complex</h2>The path to implementing Trump's peace plan is certainly complicated.If successful, the second phase would see the rebuilding of a demilitarized Gaza under international supervision by a group chaired by Trump and known as the Board of Peace. The Palestinians would form a “technocratic, apolitical” committee to run daily affairs in Gaza, under Board of Peace supervision.It further calls for normalized relations between Israel and the Arab world and a possible pathway to Palestinian independence. Then there are thorny logistical and humanitarian questions, including rebuilding war-ravaged Gaza, disarming Hamas and creating a security apparatus called the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-stabilization-force-gaza-united-nations-trump-464cfda6fbec02b8553a9df9d093df06">International Stabilization Force</a>.<h2>Much remains unsettled</h2>Two main challenges have complicated moving to the second phase, according to an official who was briefed on those meetings. Israeli officials have been taking a lot of time to vet and approve members of the Palestinian technocratic committee from a list given to them by the mediators, and Israel continues its military strikes.Trump’s plan also calls for the stabilization force, proposed as a multinational body, to maintain security. But it, too, has yet to be formed. Whether details will be forthcoming after Monday's meeting is unclear.A Western diplomat said there is a “huge gulf” between the U.S.-Israeli understanding of the force's mandate and that of other major countries in the region, as well as European governments.All spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that haven't been made public.The U.S. and Israel want the force to have a “commanding role” in security duties, including disarming Hamas and other militant groups. But countries being courted to contribute troops fear that mandate will make it an “occupation force,” the diplomat said.Hamas has said it is ready to discuss “freezing or storing” its arsenal of weapons but insists it has a right to armed resistance as long as Israel occupies Palestinian territory. One U.S. official said a potential plan might be to offer cash incentives in exchange for weapons, echoing a “buyback” program Witkoff has previously floated.<h2>Trump makes case once again for Netanyahu pardon</h2>The two leaders, who have a long and close relationship, heaped praise on each other. Trump also tweaked the Israeli leader, who at moments during the war has raised Trump's ire, for being “very difficult on occasion.”Netanyahu said Trump during the lunch was formally told that his country's education ministry will award him the Israel Prize, breaking the long-held convention of bestowing the honor on an Israeli citizen or resident.“President Trump has broken so many conventions to the surprise of people,” Netanyahu said. He added, “So we decided to break a convention too, or create a new one."Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-trump-politics-letter-trial-36cfeeacf4fa038e784f43f31a56fe4e">renewed his call</a>&nbsp;on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant Netanyahu, who is in the midst of a corruption trial, a pardon.Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in Israeli history to stand trial, after being charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-corruption-netanyahu-gaza-war-scandal-17518bca5b27fc47216eed974e96f3e6">fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes</a>&nbsp;in three separate cases accusing him of exchanging favors with wealthy political supporters.Trump has previously written to Herzog to urge a pardon and advocated for one during his October speech before the Knesset. He said Monday that Herzog has told him “it’s on its way" without offering further details.“He’s a wartime prime minister who’s a hero. How do you not give a pardon?" Trump said.Herzog's office said in a statement that the Israeli president and Trump have not spoken since the pardon request was submitted, but that Herzog has spoken with a Trump representative about the U.S. president's letter advocating for Netanyahu's pardon.“During that conversation, an explanation was provided regarding the stage of the process in which the request currently stands, and that any decision on the matter will be made in accordance with the established procedures,” the Israeli president's office said.___

🎥Trump issues new warning to Iran of further US strikes 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department have announced that additional charges have been filed against Damon Leonard, 47, of Pleasanton, Kan., in connection with the death of his 13-year-old neighbor, Airen Andula, according to a media release from the department.

Leonard was originally charged in Bates County, Mo. with abandonment of a corpse related to the boy's death. KCKPD detectives have now filed further charges in Linn County, Kan. including interference with law enforcement, criminal desecration, and having a vicious dog at large. 

Multiple dogs were also seized from his property. The investigation remains ongoing, with the potential for additional charges being filed.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767095993444.png" alt="Leonard Photo Bates Co. Missouri Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Leonard Photo Bates Co. Missouri Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department have announced that additional charges have been filed against Damon Leonard, 47, of Pleasanton, Kan., in connection with the death of his 13-year-old neighbor, Airen Andula, according to a media release from the department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766528035692.png" alt="Airen Andula.-Photo Linn Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Airen Andula.-Photo Linn Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Leonard was originally charged in Bates County, Mo. with abandonment of a corpse related to the boy's death. KCKPD detectives have now filed further charges in Linn County, Kan. including interference with law enforcement, criminal desecration, and having a vicious dog at large. Multiple dogs were also seized from his property. The investigation remains ongoing, with the potential for additional charges being filed.This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.

Kansas man faces additional charges after body of neighbor boy found

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cms.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Fpress-releases%2Fcms-announces-50-billion-awards-strengthen-rural-health-all-50-states/1/0101019b6c552aff-770d94a1-6661-4a57-a53a-8b7ca8fa65b4-000000/YajhsuQRZzmycvGzItsHayLgaQzrvnnUloQLAM1Vl8A=437">awarded&nbsp;$221&nbsp;million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)</a>&nbsp;to support the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program, according to a media release from the governor's office.

This funding will strengthen rural health systems, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes for Kansans across the state. This funding award exceeds the base amount states allocated and reflects the quality of Kansas’ application.

“This funding for Kansas will go a long way in fundamentally changing the health care delivery system for rural communities across the state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “I want to thank the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance for their input on the application development, KDHE, KDADS, and the team at the University of Kansas Health Care Collaborative, who partnered with the State in the development and submission of the plan to CMS.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will serve as the lead agency for this grant. This process will include coordination with key stakeholders, including the Rural Health Alliance, across the state to ensure funds are distributed in alignment with the approved program framework and federal requirements. Kansas’ framework will provide for projects under five key initiatives:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F828%2F56%3Fnpage=2/1/0101019b6c552aff-770d94a1-6661-4a57-a53a-8b7ca8fa65b4-000000/orxj_SCi1R5QZdVPbfBjLjN1X-9q7BSAaUSOOXNqJAU=437">submitted</a>&nbsp;its application to CMS on Nov. 3. The full application is available on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F2361%2FRural-Health-Transformation-Program/1/0101019b6c552aff-770d94a1-6661-4a57-a53a-8b7ca8fa65b4-000000/cgbcAtQZyou6fOIZZRFuwgaIq_HmoL4Zq51FDB62-3U=437">KDHE Rural Health Transformation Program webpage</a>.&nbsp;

Additional details regarding implementation timelines and next steps will be shared as the work progresses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767055377070.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cms.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Fpress-releases%2Fcms-announces-50-billion-awards-strengthen-rural-health-all-50-states/1/0101019b6c552aff-770d94a1-6661-4a57-a53a-8b7ca8fa65b4-000000/YajhsuQRZzmycvGzItsHayLgaQzrvnnUloQLAM1Vl8A=437">awarded&nbsp;$221&nbsp;million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)</a>&nbsp;to support the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program, according to a media release from the governor's office. This funding will strengthen rural health systems, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes for Kansans across the state. This funding award exceeds the base amount states allocated and reflects the quality of Kansas’ application.“This funding for Kansas will go a long way in fundamentally changing the health care delivery system for rural communities across the state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “I want to thank the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance for their input on the application development, KDHE, KDADS, and the team at the University of Kansas Health Care Collaborative, who partnered with the State in the development and submission of the plan to CMS.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will serve as the lead agency for this grant. This process will include coordination with key stakeholders, including the Rural Health Alliance, across the state to ensure funds are distributed in alignment with the approved program framework and federal requirements. Kansas’ framework will provide for projects under five key initiatives:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Expand Primary and Secondary Prevention Programs&nbsp;</li><li>Secure Local Access to Primary Care</li><li>Build a Sustainable Rural Health Workforce&nbsp;</li><li>Enable Value-Based Care&nbsp;</li><li>Harness Data and Technology&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Kansas&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F828%2F56%3Fnpage=2/1/0101019b6c552aff-770d94a1-6661-4a57-a53a-8b7ca8fa65b4-000000/orxj_SCi1R5QZdVPbfBjLjN1X-9q7BSAaUSOOXNqJAU=437">submitted</a>&nbsp;its application to CMS on Nov. 3. The full application is available on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F2361%2FRural-Health-Transformation-Program/1/0101019b6c552aff-770d94a1-6661-4a57-a53a-8b7ca8fa65b4-000000/cgbcAtQZyou6fOIZZRFuwgaIq_HmoL4Zq51FDB62-3U=437">KDHE Rural Health Transformation Program webpage</a>.&nbsp;Additional details regarding implementation timelines and next steps will be shared as the work progresses.

Kansas  secures $221 Million in 2026 from Rural Healthcare Transformation Fund

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said Monday that it had conducted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-drugs-boat-strike-pacific-fcd146ec2dda50735405627b68905197">another strike against a boat</a>&nbsp;accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people.

The strike, which was announced by U.S. Southern Command on social media, has brought&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">the total number of known boat strikes</a>&nbsp;to 30 and the number of people killed at least 107 since early September, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration.

The military said the vessel “was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” though it did not provide evidence to back up the claim.

In a video of the strike posted to social media, a boat is seen moving through water before being struck by two explosions.

President Donald Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">justified the attacks</a>&nbsp;as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>.

Along with the strikes, the Trump administration has built up military forces in the region as part of an escalating pressure campaign on Venezuelan President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a>, who has been charged with narcoterrorism in the United States.

Trump, when asked by reporters Monday about “an explosion in Venezuela,” said the U.S. had “hit” a dock facility along a shore where boats accused of carrying drugs “load up.”

“There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs,” Trump said while meeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-gaza-ceasefire-arab-nations-229253766673f18c1195550572edd2ce">with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida</a>. Trump, the White House and the Pentagon have provided no other details.

In December, the Trump administration also launched a new tactic by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tanker-seized-venezuela-maduro-0a148ba01684fc6ce1a228dd276732c0">seizing two sanctioned oil tankers</a>&nbsp;off the coast of Venezuela and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-trump-blockade-ship-intercepted-coast-guard-00056eed8071c51ca681fc74528d66f1">pursuing a third</a>. As a result, some sanctioned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-tankers-maduro-trump-blockade-2460e98e4c504cd2a1c86b951e825013">tankers began to divert</a>&nbsp;away from the South American country.

Maduro has insisted the real purpose of the U.S. operations is to force him from power. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">for months has suggested</a>&nbsp;that he may conduct land strikes in Venezuela or possibly another country.

The Trump administration has been faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-pete-hegseth-venezuela-9f46a5f074b5b3c979ee41082949b196">scrutiny from lawmakers</a>&nbsp;over the boat strike campaign. It grew amid revelations that the first attack in early September involved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-strike-video-footage-boat-caribbean-3cf2ca9cbe4523978e935b99c2979caa">a follow-up strike that killed two survivors</a>&nbsp;clinging to the wreckage of a boat after the first hit.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said Monday that it had conducted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-drugs-boat-strike-pacific-fcd146ec2dda50735405627b68905197">another strike against a boat</a>&nbsp;accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On Dec. 29, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known… <a href="https://t.co/69ywxXk30N">pic.twitter.com/69ywxXk30N</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2005776276100207032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The strike, which was announced by U.S. Southern Command on social media, has brought&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">the total number of known boat strikes</a>&nbsp;to 30 and the number of people killed at least 107 since early September, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration.The military said the vessel “was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” though it did not provide evidence to back up the claim.In a video of the strike posted to social media, a boat is seen moving through water before being struck by two explosions.President Donald Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">justified the attacks</a>&nbsp;as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>.Along with the strikes, the Trump administration has built up military forces in the region as part of an escalating pressure campaign on Venezuelan President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a>, who has been charged with narcoterrorism in the United States.Trump, when asked by reporters Monday about “an explosion in Venezuela,” said the U.S. had “hit” a dock facility along a shore where boats accused of carrying drugs “load up.”“There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs,” Trump said while meeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-gaza-ceasefire-arab-nations-229253766673f18c1195550572edd2ce">with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida</a>. Trump, the White House and the Pentagon have provided no other details.In December, the Trump administration also launched a new tactic by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tanker-seized-venezuela-maduro-0a148ba01684fc6ce1a228dd276732c0">seizing two sanctioned oil tankers</a>&nbsp;off the coast of Venezuela and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-trump-blockade-ship-intercepted-coast-guard-00056eed8071c51ca681fc74528d66f1">pursuing a third</a>. As a result, some sanctioned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-tankers-maduro-trump-blockade-2460e98e4c504cd2a1c86b951e825013">tankers began to divert</a>&nbsp;away from the South American country.Maduro has insisted the real purpose of the U.S. operations is to force him from power. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">for months has suggested</a>&nbsp;that he may conduct land strikes in Venezuela or possibly another country.The Trump administration has been faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-pete-hegseth-venezuela-9f46a5f074b5b3c979ee41082949b196">scrutiny from lawmakers</a>&nbsp;over the boat strike campaign. It grew amid revelations that the first attack in early September involved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-strike-video-footage-boat-caribbean-3cf2ca9cbe4523978e935b99c2979caa">a follow-up strike that killed two survivors</a>&nbsp;clinging to the wreckage of a boat after the first hit.

🎥2 dead: US military carries out 30th strike on alleged drug boat 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Several firefighters were injured in two separate fires that occurred late Sunday and early Monday in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 5p.m. Sunday, crews responded to an industrial facility on Sunshine Road in Fairfax, according to a media release.

The fire in a large storage warehouse required firefighters to deploy multiple hose lines and use ventilation tactics to control the fire.

One firefighter was in during the operations and was transported to a local hospital. That firefighter remains "under observation in stable condition," the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department reported on Monday.

No employees at the facility were injured. The fire was under control around 6:20 p.m.

Just after 3:30 a.m. Monday crews responded fire at a vacant single-story, wood frame home at 5801 Parallel Parkway.

A "Mayday" was declared around 3:55 a.m. when a portion of the floor collapsed, and three firefighters fell into the basement. A Rapid Intervention Team helped get all three firefighters to safety. A second Mayday was declared around 4:03 a.m. Evacuations were ordered, and firefighters continued a defensive fire attack.m The fire was under control at 5:53 a.m.

A total of four firefighters were transported to the hospital. Two were treated and released, and two remain in the hospital for further care and observation on Monday afternoon.&nbsp; They were reported to be in stable condition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767107129368.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Several firefighters were injured in two separate fires that occurred late Sunday and early Monday in Kansas City, Kansas.Just after 5p.m. Sunday, crews responded to an industrial facility on Sunshine Road in Fairfax, according to a media release.The fire in a large storage warehouse required firefighters to deploy multiple hose lines and use ventilation tactics to control the fire.One firefighter was in during the operations and was transported to a local hospital. That firefighter remains "under observation in stable condition," the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department reported on Monday.No employees at the facility were injured. The fire was under control around 6:20 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767107088586.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 3:30 a.m. Monday crews responded fire at a vacant single-story, wood frame home at 5801 Parallel Parkway.A "Mayday" was declared around 3:55 a.m. when a portion of the floor collapsed, and three firefighters fell into the basement. A Rapid Intervention Team helped get all three firefighters to safety. A second Mayday was declared around 4:03 a.m. Evacuations were ordered, and firefighters continued a defensive fire attack.m The fire was under control at 5:53 a.m.A total of four firefighters were transported to the hospital. Two were treated and released, and two remain in the hospital for further care and observation on Monday afternoon.&nbsp; They were reported to be in stable condition.

Kan. firefighters hospitalized after warehouse fire, floor collapse

KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges against a Kansas City man in connection with a fatal stabbing and assault stemming from a domestic dispute.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2785/Leonard-Johnson-Complaint">Leonard J. Johnson</a>, 54, faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Assault.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2786/JohnsonLeonard-PC-1">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a residence on Dec. 22 on a reported cutting and located an injured victim who said she was stabbed in her head and neck area while in a vehicle with the defendant. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Detectives found the defendant’s vehicle at his home with blood and a knife in plain view inside the vehicle. While at his home, police located the defendant who had apparent blood on his hands and shoes. He was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp;

Officers were informed by a party on scene that there was a deceased female in the residence. Officers then entered the defendant’s residence and found a deceased female victim on the kitchen floor with several stab wounds.

Witnesses reported to police that the deceased victim was the defendant’s girlfriend, and the defendant had a history of violence toward her.&nbsp;

During an interview with detectives, the defendant admitted that he killed the victim, then later said he didn’t kill anyone.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond at $500,000 cash-only.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766596535734.png" alt="Johnson photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges against a Kansas City man in connection with a fatal stabbing and assault stemming from a domestic dispute.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2785/Leonard-Johnson-Complaint">Leonard J. Johnson</a>, 54, faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Assault.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2786/JohnsonLeonard-PC-1">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a residence on Dec. 22 on a reported cutting and located an injured victim who said she was stabbed in her head and neck area while in a vehicle with the defendant. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.Detectives found the defendant’s vehicle at his home with blood and a knife in plain view inside the vehicle. While at his home, police located the defendant who had apparent blood on his hands and shoes. He was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp;Officers were informed by a party on scene that there was a deceased female in the residence. Officers then entered the defendant’s residence and found a deceased female victim on the kitchen floor with several stab wounds.Witnesses reported to police that the deceased victim was the defendant’s girlfriend, and the defendant had a history of violence toward her.&nbsp;During an interview with detectives, the defendant admitted that he killed the victim, then later said he didn’t kill anyone.&nbsp;A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond at $500,000 cash-only.&nbsp;

Police found blood and a knife in KC murder suspect's car

SEWARD COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a small plane mishap that occurred just after 1:30p.m. Monday in Seward County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Cessna 2100 piloted by Braxon G.&nbsp;Blackwood, 20, Sublette, was coming&nbsp;in for landing at Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport. The pilot was unsure if the landing gear was deployed and landed on the belly of the aircraft on the runway.

Blackwood was not injured. The FAA and NTSB will be in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767057010484.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a small plane mishap that occurred just after 1:30p.m. Monday in Seward County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Cessna 2100 piloted by Braxon G.&nbsp;Blackwood, 20, Sublette, was coming&nbsp;in for landing at Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport. The pilot was unsure if the landing gear was deployed and landed on the belly of the aircraft on the runway.Blackwood was not injured. The FAA and NTSB will be in charge of the investigation.

Kansas pilot lands on belly of small plane on the runway

A Utah judge on Monday ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">killing Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;must be shackled during court proceedings.

State District Judge Tony Graf said the transcript must be posted on the court docket by the end of the day. Attorneys for media outlets including The Associated Press had argued for details of the closed hearing to be made public.

Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Sept. 10 shooting</a>&nbsp;of the conservative activist on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-police-charlie-kirk-d7d464c949ec9d4abad0eb3910d6a96b">Utah Valley University</a>&nbsp;campus in Orem, just a few miles north of the Provo courthouse. They plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">seek the death penalty</a>.

Defense attorneys for Robinson in early October requested that he be allowed to appear in court in civilian clothes and without restraints, to prevent any bias against him among potential jurors.

Days after an Oct. 24 closed door hearing on the matter, Graf ruled that Robinson could appear in civilian clothes but must wear restraints. Utah court rules require defendants who are in custody to be restrained unless otherwise ordered.

Graf wrote in an Oct. 27 order that restraints for Robinson would protect the safety of court staff and the defendant, by allowing him to be quickly secured if court proceedings were disrupted.

But the judge said Monday that public transparency was “foundational” to the judicial system before ordering details of the closed hearing to be released. The judge ordered limited redactions to remove discussions of security protocols in the closely watched case.

Graf also ordered the release of an audio recording of the hearing, again with redactions.

Lawyers for the media wrote in recent filings that an open court “safeguards the integrity of the fact-finding process” while fostering public confidence in judicial proceedings. Criminal cases in the U.S. have long been open to the public, which the attorneys argued is proof that trials can be conducted fairly without restricting reporters.

Graf has said in a separate order that Robinson's restraints could not be shown by media outlets that publish photographs of court proceedings or broadcast them.

Graf briefly stopped a media livestream of a hearing earlier this month and ordered the camera be moved after Robinson’s attorneys said the stream showed the defendant’s shackles.

In a separate ruling Monday, Graf denied a request from attorneys for the media who sought to intervene in the case. The judge said members of the press do not need to be formal parties in the proceedings to access court records.

Robinson was not present in court Monday but appeared via audio link from the Utah County Jail. In a separate ruling on

A preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will lay out their case against him, is scheduled for the week of May 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765490146270.jpeg" alt="File photo Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool)" />
 <figcaption>File photo Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATTHEW BROWN Associated PressA Utah judge on Monday ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">killing Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;must be shackled during court proceedings.State District Judge Tony Graf said the transcript must be posted on the court docket by the end of the day. Attorneys for media outlets including The Associated Press had argued for details of the closed hearing to be made public.Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Sept. 10 shooting</a>&nbsp;of the conservative activist on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-police-charlie-kirk-d7d464c949ec9d4abad0eb3910d6a96b">Utah Valley University</a>&nbsp;campus in Orem, just a few miles north of the Provo courthouse. They plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">seek the death penalty</a>.Defense attorneys for Robinson in early October requested that he be allowed to appear in court in civilian clothes and without restraints, to prevent any bias against him among potential jurors.Days after an Oct. 24 closed door hearing on the matter, Graf ruled that Robinson could appear in civilian clothes but must wear restraints. Utah court rules require defendants who are in custody to be restrained unless otherwise ordered.Graf wrote in an Oct. 27 order that restraints for Robinson would protect the safety of court staff and the defendant, by allowing him to be quickly secured if court proceedings were disrupted.But the judge said Monday that public transparency was “foundational” to the judicial system before ordering details of the closed hearing to be released. The judge ordered limited redactions to remove discussions of security protocols in the closely watched case.Graf also ordered the release of an audio recording of the hearing, again with redactions.Lawyers for the media wrote in recent filings that an open court “safeguards the integrity of the fact-finding process” while fostering public confidence in judicial proceedings. Criminal cases in the U.S. have long been open to the public, which the attorneys argued is proof that trials can be conducted fairly without restricting reporters.Graf has said in a separate order that Robinson's restraints could not be shown by media outlets that publish photographs of court proceedings or broadcast them.Graf briefly stopped a media livestream of a hearing earlier this month and ordered the camera be moved after Robinson’s attorneys said the stream showed the defendant’s shackles.In a separate ruling Monday, Graf denied a request from attorneys for the media who sought to intervene in the case. The judge said members of the press do not need to be formal parties in the proceedings to access court records.Robinson was not present in court Monday but appeared via audio link from the Utah County Jail. In a separate ruling onA preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will lay out their case against him, is scheduled for the week of May 18.

Judge gives media significant win in Charlie Kirk murder trial

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/michelle-l-price">MICHELLE L. PRICE</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-weissert">WILL WEISSERT</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-weissert"></a>PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump has indicated that the U.S. has “hit” a dock facility along a shore as he wages a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-tankers-shipbuilding-3c711c500a627243329807df42fa6ef8">pressure campaign on Venezuela</a>, but the U.S. offered few details.

(click below to listen to the President's explanation of the attack)

Trump initially seemed to confirm a strike in what appeared to be an impromptu radio interview Friday, and when questioned Monday by reporters about “an explosion in Venezuela,” he said the U.S. struck a facility where boats accused of carrying drugs “load up.”

“There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs,” Trump said as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-gaza-ceasefire-arab-nations-229253766673f18c1195550572edd2ce">met in Florida with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>. “They load the boats up with drugs, so we hit all the boats and now we hit the area. It’s the implementation area. There’s where they implement. And that is no longer around.”

It is part of an escalating effort to target what the Trump administration says are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">boats smuggling drugs</a>&nbsp;bound for the United States. It moves closer to shore strikes that so far have been carried out by the military in international waters in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Trump declined to say if the U.S. military or the CIA carried out the latest strike or where it occurred. He did not confirm it happened in Venezuela.

“I know exactly who it was, but I don’t want to say who it was. But you know it was along the shore,” Trump said.

Trump first referenced the strike on Friday, when he called radio host John Catsimatidis during a program on WABC radio and discussed the U.S. strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats. The attacks have killed at least 105 people in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">29 known strikes</a>&nbsp;since early September.

“I don’t know if you read or saw, they have a big plant or a big facility where they send the, you know, where the ships come from,” Trump said. “Two nights ago, we knocked that out. So, we hit them very hard.”

Trump did not offer any additional details in the interview.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth or one of the U.S. military’s social media accounts has in the past typically announced every boat strike in a post on X, but there has been no post of any strike on a facility.

The Pentagon on Monday referred questions to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a message seeking more details. The press office of Venezuela’s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s statement.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">for months has suggested</a>&nbsp;he may conduct land strikes in South America, in Venezuela or possibly another country, and in recent weeks has been saying the U.S. would move beyond striking boats and&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/web/stories/details/0faff66145c6706e2861fcde36756fe4.-1.0.json?type=new" target="_blank">would strike on land “soon</a>.”

In October, Trump confirmed he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cia-covert-operations-venezuela-ecb477ac7f07d5beaf48d44dee75c5e5">authorized the CIA</a>&nbsp;to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. The agency did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Monday.

Along with the strikes, the U.S. has sent warships, built up military forces in the region,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tanker-seized-venezuela-maduro-0a148ba01684fc6ce1a228dd276732c0">seized two oil tankers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-trump-blockade-ship-intercepted-coast-guard-00056eed8071c51ca681fc74528d66f1">pursued a third</a>.

The Trump administration has said it is in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>&nbsp;and seeking to stop the flow of narcotics into the United States.

Venezuelan President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;has insisted the real purpose of the U.S. military operations is to force him from power.

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/susie-wiles-interview-donald-trump-a9b42bf0580f9ebdf93a45e7d19382f5">in an interview with Vanity Fair</a>&nbsp;published this month that Trump “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro ‘cries uncle.’”

Price reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Konstantin Toropin in Washington and Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report.

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/michelle-l-price">MICHELLE L. PRICE</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-weissert">WILL WEISSERT</a><a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-weissert"></a>PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump has indicated that the U.S. has “hit” a dock facility along a shore as he wages a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-tankers-shipbuilding-3c711c500a627243329807df42fa6ef8">pressure campaign on Venezuela</a>, but the U.S. offered few details.(click below to listen to the President's explanation of the attack)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">JUST IN: The United States has conducted its first land strike against Venezuela, according to President Donald Trump. Reporter: You mentioned in a radio interview ... did the military do that? Trump: There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up… <a href="https://t.co/XMIZf1vT2q">pic.twitter.com/XMIZf1vT2q</a>&mdash; Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/2005709303488143703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump initially seemed to confirm a strike in what appeared to be an impromptu radio interview Friday, and when questioned Monday by reporters about “an explosion in Venezuela,” he said the U.S. struck a facility where boats accused of carrying drugs “load up.”“There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs,” Trump said as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-gaza-ceasefire-arab-nations-229253766673f18c1195550572edd2ce">met in Florida with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>. “They load the boats up with drugs, so we hit all the boats and now we hit the area. It’s the implementation area. There’s where they implement. And that is no longer around.”It is part of an escalating effort to target what the Trump administration says are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">boats smuggling drugs</a>&nbsp;bound for the United States. It moves closer to shore strikes that so far have been carried out by the military in international waters in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.Trump declined to say if the U.S. military or the CIA carried out the latest strike or where it occurred. He did not confirm it happened in Venezuela.“I know exactly who it was, but I don’t want to say who it was. But you know it was along the shore,” Trump said.Trump first referenced the strike on Friday, when he called radio host John Catsimatidis during a program on WABC radio and discussed the U.S. strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats. The attacks have killed at least 105 people in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">29 known strikes</a>&nbsp;since early September.“I don’t know if you read or saw, they have a big plant or a big facility where they send the, you know, where the ships come from,” Trump said. “Two nights ago, we knocked that out. So, we hit them very hard.”Trump did not offer any additional details in the interview.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth or one of the U.S. military’s social media accounts has in the past typically announced every boat strike in a post on X, but there has been no post of any strike on a facility.The Pentagon on Monday referred questions to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a message seeking more details. The press office of Venezuela’s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s statement.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">for months has suggested</a>&nbsp;he may conduct land strikes in South America, in Venezuela or possibly another country, and in recent weeks has been saying the U.S. would move beyond striking boats and&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/web/stories/details/0faff66145c6706e2861fcde36756fe4.-1.0.json?type=new" target="_blank">would strike on land “soon</a>.”In October, Trump confirmed he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cia-covert-operations-venezuela-ecb477ac7f07d5beaf48d44dee75c5e5">authorized the CIA</a>&nbsp;to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. The agency did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Monday.Along with the strikes, the U.S. has sent warships, built up military forces in the region,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tanker-seized-venezuela-maduro-0a148ba01684fc6ce1a228dd276732c0">seized two oil tankers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-trump-blockade-ship-intercepted-coast-guard-00056eed8071c51ca681fc74528d66f1">pursued a third</a>.The Trump administration has said it is in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>&nbsp;and seeking to stop the flow of narcotics into the United States.Venezuelan President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;has insisted the real purpose of the U.S. military operations is to force him from power.White House chief of staff Susie Wiles said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/susie-wiles-interview-donald-trump-a9b42bf0580f9ebdf93a45e7d19382f5">in an interview with Vanity Fair</a>&nbsp;published this month that Trump “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro ‘cries uncle.’”___Price reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Konstantin Toropin in Washington and Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report.

🎥 Trump says U.S. hit drug boat loading dock in Venezuela

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire in an apartment building in Kansas City.

Just before 2:30a.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported fire in the 1800 block of 15th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

&nbsp; On arrival crews reported heavy fire and smoke from a two-story vacant apartment building. Interior operations were initiated using multiple handlines. Searches of the structure were conducted, and no injuries were reported. Dangerous Buildings and City Planning were called to the scene.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767039742892.png" alt="Photo KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire in an apartment building in Kansas City.Just before 2:30a.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported fire in the 1800 block of 15th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp; On arrival crews reported heavy fire and smoke from a two-story vacant apartment building. Interior operations were initiated using multiple handlines. Searches of the structure were conducted, and no injuries were reported. Dangerous Buildings and City Planning were called to the scene.&nbsp;

Cause of fire in 2-story KC apartment under investigaiton

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/annie-ma">ANNIE MA</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration said on Tuesday that it will begin garnishing the wages of student loan borrowers who are in default early next year.

The department said it will send notices to approximately 1,000 borrowers the week of January 7, with more notices to come at an increasing scale each month.

Millions of borrowers are considered in default, meaning they are 270 days past due on their payments. The department must give borrowers 30 days notice before their wages can be garnished.

The department said it will begin collection activities, “only after student and parent borrowers have been provided sufficient notice and opportunity to repay their loans.”

In May, the Trump administration ended the pandemic-era pause on student loan payments, beginning to collect on defaulted debt through withholding tax refunds and other federal payments to borrowers.

The move ended a period of leniency for student loan borrowers. Payments restarted in October of 2023, but the Biden administration extended a grace period of one year. Since March 2020, no federal student loans had been referred for collection, including those in default, until the Trump administration’s changes earlier this year.

The Biden administration tried multiple times to give broad forgiveness to student loans, but those efforts were eventually stopped by courts.

Persis Yu, deputy executive director for the Student Borrower Protection Center, criticized the decision to begin garnishing wages, and said the department had failed to sufficiently help borrowers find affordable payment options.

“At a time when families across the country are struggling with stagnant wages and an affordability crisis, this administration’s decision to garnish wages from defaulted student loan borrowers is cruel, unnecessary, and irresponsible,” Yu said in a statement. “As millions of borrowers sit on the precipice of default, this Administration is using its self-inflicted limited resources to seize borrowers’ wages instead of defending borrowers’ right to affordable payments.”

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/annie-ma">ANNIE MA</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration said on Tuesday that it will begin garnishing the wages of student loan borrowers who are in default early next year.The department said it will send notices to approximately 1,000 borrowers the week of January 7, with more notices to come at an increasing scale each month.Millions of borrowers are considered in default, meaning they are 270 days past due on their payments. The department must give borrowers 30 days notice before their wages can be garnished.The department said it will begin collection activities, “only after student and parent borrowers have been provided sufficient notice and opportunity to repay their loans.”In May, the Trump administration ended the pandemic-era pause on student loan payments, beginning to collect on defaulted debt through withholding tax refunds and other federal payments to borrowers.The move ended a period of leniency for student loan borrowers. Payments restarted in October of 2023, but the Biden administration extended a grace period of one year. Since March 2020, no federal student loans had been referred for collection, including those in default, until the Trump administration’s changes earlier this year.The Biden administration tried multiple times to give broad forgiveness to student loans, but those efforts were eventually stopped by courts.Persis Yu, deputy executive director for the Student Borrower Protection Center, criticized the decision to begin garnishing wages, and said the department had failed to sufficiently help borrowers find affordable payment options.“At a time when families across the country are struggling with stagnant wages and an affordability crisis, this administration’s decision to garnish wages from defaulted student loan borrowers is cruel, unnecessary, and irresponsible,” Yu said in a statement. “As millions of borrowers sit on the precipice of default, this Administration is using its self-inflicted limited resources to seize borrowers’ wages instead of defending borrowers’ right to affordable payments.”___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Student loan borrowers in default may see wages garnished in 2026

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a violent attack in the fall of 2020, on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, was scheduled to learn his fate on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the third time in two months sentencing for&nbsp;24-year-old Dominic Thomas was postponed, the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office reported on Monday.

 In November of 2024, a jury convicted Thomas, who was 19 at the time of the crime, of attempted first-degree murder.

Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2020 police responded to an assault report at a home in the 3900 block of North Litchfield in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson

Upon arrival, officers contacted a 17-year-old girl who was visibly shaken and wet. The investigation revealed 19-year-old Dominic Thomas and the victim were talking near a pond at 37th Street North and Sullivan when a disturbance occurred.

During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled. Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.&nbsp; He has been held in the Sedgwick County Jail since July of 2024, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765505981091.png" alt="Thomas photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Thomas photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a violent attack in the fall of 2020, on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, was scheduled to learn his fate on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;For the third time in two months sentencing for&nbsp;24-year-old Dominic Thomas was postponed, the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office reported on Monday. In November of 2024, a jury convicted Thomas, who was 19 at the time of the crime, of attempted first-degree murder.Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2020 police responded to an assault report at a home in the 3900 block of North Litchfield in Wichita, according to officer Charley DavidsonUpon arrival, officers contacted a 17-year-old girl who was visibly shaken and wet. The investigation revealed 19-year-old Dominic Thomas and the victim were talking near a pond at 37th Street North and Sullivan when a disturbance occurred.During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled. Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.&nbsp; He has been held in the Sedgwick County Jail since July of 2024, according to online jail records.

 Kan. man who tried to drown pregnant girlfriend waits to learn his fate

KANSAS CITY —In a Christmas weekend post on their social media page, Kansas City's Union Station&nbsp;called for the Kanas City Royals to build the team's next ballpark in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

"The time has come for downtown baseball, and a return to where the story first began, in the heart of Kansas City, where we gather to celebrate its triumphs, traditions, and most cherished moments," according to the Station's post site.

"At this moment, Union Station glows in Royals blue, serving as a powerful symbol of a truly generational opportunity rooted in both history and hope."

"Long before today, however, teams and ballparks — some now remembered only in name — laid the foundation for baseball in our historic core. Included are the Unions at Athletic Park in 1884. The Kansas City Cowboys at League Park in 1886."

"The Royal Giants at Shelley Park in 1910. The Packers at Gordon &amp; Koppel Field beginning in 1913. The Kansas City Blues at Association Park in the early 1920s, before moving in 1923 — along with the Monarchs — to what would eventually be called Municipal Stadium."

"In 1955, the Athletics started playing in a nearly entirely rebuilt Municipal Stadium, followed by the Royals in 1969 before their move to Royals Stadium in 1973."


Now, a new chapter in Kansas City’s baseball story is ready to unfold. Included is a sincere expression of gratitude for the visionaries and leaders who brought us here — from the enduring legacy of Ewing Kauffman to today’s Royals ownership, led by John Sherman."

"The restoration and reopening of Union Station 25 years ago—made possible by the shared commitment of citizens on both sides of the state line—marked a turning point for our city. Since then, our downtown has been reimagined and revitalized, earning recognition across the nation and beyond. We are vital and vibrant and not turning back.

So, we look ahead with clarity and optimism. "

"We see an opportunity to bring baseball’s legends, legacy, and love back to the place where it all began.

A downtown ballpark offers something special—an exciting atmosphere that draws together friends, families, and fans in moments of shared joy. It strengthens community, celebrates teamwork, and reminds us of the simple beauty of the game.

It’s time to welcome downtown baseball home—once again, for all of Kansas City."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767022639165.png" alt="Photo from Union Station social media page" />
 <figcaption>Photo from Union Station social media page</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —In a Christmas weekend post on their social media page, Kansas City's Union Station&nbsp;called for the Kanas City Royals to build the team's next ballpark in downtown Kansas City, Missouri."The time has come for downtown baseball, and a return to where the story first began, in the heart of Kansas City, where we gather to celebrate its triumphs, traditions, and most cherished moments," according to the Station's post site."At this moment, Union Station glows in Royals blue, serving as a powerful symbol of a truly generational opportunity rooted in both history and hope.""Long before today, however, teams and ballparks — some now remembered only in name — laid the foundation for baseball in our historic core. Included are the Unions at Athletic Park in 1884. The Kansas City Cowboys at League Park in 1886.""The Royal Giants at Shelley Park in 1910. The Packers at Gordon &amp; Koppel Field beginning in 1913. The Kansas City Blues at Association Park in the early 1920s, before moving in 1923 — along with the Monarchs — to what would eventually be called Municipal Stadium.""In 1955, the Athletics started playing in a nearly entirely rebuilt Municipal Stadium, followed by the Royals in 1969 before their move to Royals Stadium in 1973."
Now, a new chapter in Kansas City’s baseball story is ready to unfold. Included is a sincere expression of gratitude for the visionaries and leaders who brought us here — from the enduring legacy of Ewing Kauffman to today’s Royals ownership, led by John Sherman.""The restoration and reopening of Union Station 25 years ago—made possible by the shared commitment of citizens on both sides of the state line—marked a turning point for our city. Since then, our downtown has been reimagined and revitalized, earning recognition across the nation and beyond. We are vital and vibrant and not turning back.

So, we look ahead with clarity and optimism. " "We see an opportunity to bring baseball’s legends, legacy, and love back to the place where it all began.

A downtown ballpark offers something special—an exciting atmosphere that draws together friends, families, and fans in moments of shared joy. It strengthens community, celebrates teamwork, and reminds us of the simple beauty of the game.

It’s time to welcome downtown baseball home—once again, for all of Kansas City."

Union Station social media calls for Royals downtown KC ballpark

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly prepares for final State of State speech to lawmakers in January

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>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly approached the final year of her second term with a familiar plea that the Kansas Legislature pass a reasonable budget and a bleak realization the state wouldn’t be able to compensate for federal reductions in spending on health care and food programs.

The bell tolls 2 p.m. Jan. 12 on the annual legislative session in Kansas with the term-limited Democratic governor and a Republican supermajority in the House and Senate. As Kelly moved closer to departing the office, Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, would continue his campaign for governor and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, would be occupied with a campaign for state insurance commissioner.

Kelly, scheduled to deliver the State of the State address on Jan. 13, said developing a budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 would be her primary quest.

“No. 1 is always the budget,” she said in an interview with Kansas Reflector. “That the Legislature pass a balanced, reasonable, sane budget that funds the important responsibilities of state government.”

Kelly said it wasn’t possible for the state to fill in for slashed federal appropriations to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“We are not really taking that approach. That’s the way we’ve been since these cuts started coming down,” the governor said. “One, we don’t really have the money. Where do you stop on those kinds of things? Can we backfill the cuts to Medicaid that are coming? Absolutely not. SNAP? We cannot.”

The U.S. Congressional Joint Economic Committee estimated the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed by President Donald Trump would eventually strip Medicaid coverage from 90,000 Kansans, place rural hospitals across Kansas at greater risk and prompt Affordable Care Act premium increases. Changes to the ACA compel higher personal insurance premiums after Dec. 31, but Medicaid cuts would be staggered during 2026, 2027 and 2028.

Overall, Kelly said, Kansas could lose least $150 million through federal reductions to health care programs.

The federal government has funded about two-thirds of the annual cost of Medicaid in Kansas, and covered all but administrative expenditures for emergency food aid under SNAP.

“Kansas is not alone,” Kelly said. “These programs like SNAP and Medicaid were really built on the premise of a partnership.”

Kelly said another objective was to sustain the push for economic development. The state’s commitment to financially support relocation of the Kansas City Chiefs to a stadium in Wyandotte County and a headquarters in Johnson County was a “game-changer for our state,” she said.

The governor said the process of recruiting the NFL franchise was an example of what Republicans and Democrats at the local and state levels could accomplish through collaboration. Masterson and Hawkins, as well as Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, and House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Kelly and Lt. Gov. David Toland for the announcement Monday in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766944829739.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly, a term-limited Democrat, said her priorities in the 2026 legislative session will be development of a reasonable state budget, launching the new Office of Early Childhood and locking down a statewide strategic plan for use of water resources. In this Dec. 16, 2025, image, Kelly speaks during an interview with Kansas Reflector. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly, a term-limited Democrat, said her priorities in the 2026 legislative session will be development of a reasonable state budget, launching the new Office of Early Childhood and locking down a statewide strategic plan for use of water resources. In this Dec. 16, 2025, image, Kelly speaks during an interview with Kansas Reflector. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly prepares for final State of State speech to lawmakers in January</h2>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>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly approached the final year of her second term with a familiar plea that the Kansas Legislature pass a reasonable budget and a bleak realization the state wouldn’t be able to compensate for federal reductions in spending on health care and food programs.The bell tolls 2 p.m. Jan. 12 on the annual legislative session in Kansas with the term-limited Democratic governor and a Republican supermajority in the House and Senate. As Kelly moved closer to departing the office, Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, would continue his campaign for governor and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, would be occupied with a campaign for state insurance commissioner.Kelly, scheduled to deliver the State of the State address on Jan. 13, said developing a budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 would be her primary quest.“No. 1 is always the budget,” she said in an interview with Kansas Reflector. “That the Legislature pass a balanced, reasonable, sane budget that funds the important responsibilities of state government.”Kelly said it wasn’t possible for the state to fill in for slashed federal appropriations to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.“We are not really taking that approach. That’s the way we’ve been since these cuts started coming down,” the governor said. “One, we don’t really have the money. Where do you stop on those kinds of things? Can we backfill the cuts to Medicaid that are coming? Absolutely not. SNAP? We cannot.”The U.S. Congressional Joint Economic Committee estimated the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed by President Donald Trump would eventually strip Medicaid coverage from 90,000 Kansans, place rural hospitals across Kansas at greater risk and prompt Affordable Care Act premium increases. Changes to the ACA compel higher personal insurance premiums after Dec. 31, but Medicaid cuts would be staggered during 2026, 2027 and 2028.Overall, Kelly said, Kansas could lose least $150 million through federal reductions to health care programs.The federal government has funded about two-thirds of the annual cost of Medicaid in Kansas, and covered all but administrative expenditures for emergency food aid under SNAP.“Kansas is not alone,” Kelly said. “These programs like SNAP and Medicaid were really built on the premise of a partnership.”Kelly said another objective was to sustain the push for economic development. The state’s commitment to financially support relocation of the Kansas City Chiefs to a stadium in Wyandotte County and a headquarters in Johnson County was a “game-changer for our state,” she said.The governor said the process of recruiting the NFL franchise was an example of what Republicans and Democrats at the local and state levels could accomplish through collaboration. Masterson and Hawkins, as well as Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, and House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Kelly and Lt. Gov. David Toland for the announcement Monday in Topeka.“You don’t often see this type of bipartisanship in our politics today, but that’s how we do things in Kansas, especially when the stakes are high,” Kelly said.In the 2026 session, Kelly said she also would focus on finalizing a long-term plan for preserving and enhancing the state’s water resources.“We are on the cusp of coming up with that strategic plan that I’d like to see in place before I’m out of office,” Kelly said. “As I’ve said before, I don’t expect to solve the water problem by the time I leave, but I would like in place a structure and a funding source that will insure that we can address water.”In addition, the governor said she was committed to standing up the new state Office of Early Childhood by July 1. The goals would be consolidation of programs housed in a cluster of state agencies and the upgrading of services beneficial to children.“We will spend and invest a lot of energy to make sure,” Kelly said. “Part of the point of the Office of Early Childhood is to be more efficient, so I’m hoping that we won’t be looking at needing money