JERUSALEM —U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Monday and Tuesday, according to the U.S. Central Command.

The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval.

The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack. 

These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Monday and Tuesday, according to the U.S. Central Command.The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval.The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack. These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

U.S. defeats terrorist attack on U.S. Navy and U.S.-flagged ships in Gulf of Aden

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 11p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A pedestrian was crossing 63rd Street from north to south at Swope Parkway, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; The pedestrian was in the middle of the roadway and was struck by a westbound Chevrolet Tahoe. The driver of the Chevrolet was uninjured in the crash. 

The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the SUV stopped immediately, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. This is fatality #89 compared to #98 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.

Police have not released the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 11p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.A pedestrian was crossing 63rd Street from north to south at Swope Parkway, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; The pedestrian was in the middle of the roadway and was struck by a westbound Chevrolet Tahoe. The driver of the Chevrolet was uninjured in the crash. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the SUV stopped immediately, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. This is fatality #89 compared to #98 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.Police have not released the name of the victim.

KCPD: SUV strikes, kills pedestrian crossing the street

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing methamphetamine and a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.

Keith T. Mims, also known as “C-Murder,” 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Mims was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.

On May 30, 2024, Mims pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Mims was approached by St. Joseph, Mo., police officers as he was walking on Belle Street in St. Joseph on Jan. 25, 2022. Mims ran from the officers, who engaged in a foot pursuit, resulting in Mims being tackled and placed in handcuffs. An officer searched Mims and found a loaded Bryco Arms .22-caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number in Mims’s back pocket. The officer also searched a bag Mims was carrying, which contained 4.18 grams of pure methamphetamine, .45 grams of crack cocaine, and 10 pills.

Mims told the arresting officers that he knew it was illegal for him to have a firearm due to his prior felony convictions. Mims said he needed the firearm for protection, and that he would “rather be judged by twelve than carried by six.”

According to court documents, Mims has multiple convictions for possessing firearms and trafficking in narcotics and has spent the vast majority of the last 35 years either incarcerated or under a criminal justice sentence.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth W. Borgnino and Stephanie C. Bradshaw. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department, and the Sugar Creek, Mo., Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643643060274.jpeg" alt="Mims photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>Mims photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing methamphetamine and a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.Keith T. Mims, also known as “C-Murder,” 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Mims was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.On May 30, 2024, Mims pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.Mims was approached by St. Joseph, Mo., police officers as he was walking on Belle Street in St. Joseph on Jan. 25, 2022. Mims ran from the officers, who engaged in a foot pursuit, resulting in Mims being tackled and placed in handcuffs. An officer searched Mims and found a loaded Bryco Arms .22-caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number in Mims’s back pocket. The officer also searched a bag Mims was carrying, which contained 4.18 grams of pure methamphetamine, .45 grams of crack cocaine, and 10 pills.Mims told the arresting officers that he knew it was illegal for him to have a firearm due to his prior felony convictions. Mims said he needed the firearm for protection, and that he would “rather be judged by twelve than carried by six.”According to court documents, Mims has multiple convictions for possessing firearms and trafficking in narcotics and has spent the vast majority of the last 35 years either incarcerated or under a criminal justice sentence.This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth W. Borgnino and Stephanie C. Bradshaw. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department, and the Sugar Creek, Mo., Police Department.

KC man known as 'C-Murder' caught with meth and a gun

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an ararest.

Just after 1:30a.m. Monday, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of N. 8th Street in Garden City where a man was seen rummaging through the reporting party’s vehicle, according to a media release.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Chance Wallace of Garden City ran from officers as they arrived to the scene.

After a brief foot pursuit, Wallace was apprehended and taken into custody. Through further investigation, Wallace was jailed on requested charges of Auto Burglary, Interference with law enforcement, Possession of Stimulants, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Police reminded the public, "always lock your vehicle and never leave the keys in it- remove valuables or at the very least hide them out of sight- park in busy, well-lit areas or your garage and report suspicious activity to the police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733841589865.png" alt="Wallace has previous convictions for theft, flee or elude law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Wallace has previous convictions for theft, flee or elude law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an ararest.Just after 1:30a.m. Monday, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of N. 8th Street in Garden City where a man was seen rummaging through the reporting party’s vehicle, according to a media release.The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Chance Wallace of Garden City ran from officers as they arrived to the scene.After a brief foot pursuit, Wallace was apprehended and taken into custody. Through further investigation, Wallace was jailed on requested charges of Auto Burglary, Interference with law enforcement, Possession of Stimulants, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.Police reminded the public, "always lock your vehicle and never leave the keys in it- remove valuables or at the very least hide them out of sight- park in busy, well-lit areas or your garage and report suspicious activity to the police.

Kansas felon caught breaking into cars in SW Kansas

ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — The man accused of killing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">UnitedHealthcare’s CEO</a>&nbsp;struggled with deputies and shouted while being led into court Tuesday as new details emerged about his possible motivation behind the ambush.

In his first public words since a five-day search ended with his arrest at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-luigi-mangione-10ee2f70cd843a27940a9cf1a06edf55">Luigi Nicholas Mangione</a>&nbsp;emerged from a patrol car shouting about an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” while deputies pushed him inside a courthouse.

The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family is fighting attempts to extradite him to New York so that he can face a murder charge in the Manhattan killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-new-york-shooting-brian-thompson-8a130e64bcab749d1a085f5a34ab8254">Brian Thompson</a>, who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company.

A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said that at the time of his arrest, Mangione was carrying a handwritten document expressing anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed and power.

He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin.

In social media posts, Mangione called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ted-kaczynski-unabomber-dies-federal-prison-95fdd4f398fbfe20aaadf5d53a91dc26">“Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski</a>&nbsp;— who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology — a “political revolutionary,” according to the police bulletin.

Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police.

Manhattan prosecutors were beginning to take steps to bring Mangione to New York, but at a brief hearing Tuesday, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey said his client will not waive extradition and instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail after prosecutors said he was too dangerous to be released.

He mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally looking at papers, rocking in his chair or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion but was quieted by his lawyer.

“You can’t rush to judgment in this case or any case,” Dickey said afterward. “He’s presumed innocent. Let’s not forget that.”

Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City, after a McDonald’s customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said.

Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald's while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair.

New York police officials have said Mangione was carrying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghost-guns-unitedhealthcare-ceo-1e3b449dd9ed5fabeb2ad592fde91575">a gun</a>&nbsp;like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs.

A law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said a three-page, handwritten document found with Mangione included a line in which he claimed to have acted alone.

“To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official.

It also said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.”

Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the shooter quickly fled the city, likely by bus.

Mangione was born into a life of country clubs and privilege. His grandfather was a self-made real estate developer and philanthropist.

Valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said.

“Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland Del. Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.”

From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu.

Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin.

“Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. "There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.”

At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said.

Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment.

Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-suspect-c68d0328f278d85fcf201ae89f634098">Manhattan police have obtained a warrant</a>&nbsp;for the arrest of 26-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">Luigi Nicholas Mangione</a>, suspect in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-suspect-ceo-assassin-shooter-b5ff640798d799271ddd8db9f3d2a20e">killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-new-york-shooting-brian-thompson-8a130e64bcab749d1a085f5a34ab8254">Brian Thompson</a>. Mangione was arrested at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-updates-day-7#00000193-b150-dbf5-a1ff-f57178a60000">McDonald’s</a>&nbsp;in Altoona, Pennsylvania, while carrying a gun, mask and writings linking him to the ambush.

Mangione is being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-updates-day-7#00000193-b15e-dcc6-afb7-bd5f33e10000">held without bail</a>&nbsp;in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument.

The White House condemns the ‘horrific’ killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says “violence to combat any sort of corporate greed is unacceptable” and the White House will “continue to condemn any form of violence.”

She declined to comment on the investigation into the Dec. 4 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson or reports that writings belonging to the suspect, Luigi Mangione, said insurance companies care more about profits than their customers.

“This is horrific,” Jean-Pierre said of the fatal shooting of Thompson as he walked in Manhattan.

He didn’t appear to say anything as deputies led him to a waiting car outside.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issues a statement on the shooting

“I’m deeply grateful to the men and women of law enforcement whose efforts to solve the horrific murder of Brian Thompson led to the arrest of a suspect in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Hochul said in the statement. “I am coordinating with the District Attorney’s Office and will sign a request for a governor’s warrant to ensure this individual is tried and held accountable. Public safety is my top priority and I’ll do everything in my power to keep the streets of New York safe.”

From wealth and success to murder suspect, the life of Luigi Mangione took a hard turn

Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manhattan-shooting-death-daa1e8c8c05606197a5bd2e0242f1683">the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive</a>&nbsp;in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation’s top private universities.

Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties.

Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-new-york-shooting-brian-thompson-8a130e64bcab749d1a085f5a34ab8254">UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson</a>&nbsp;in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-suspect-ceo-assassin-shooter-b5ff640798d799271ddd8db9f3d2a20e">The killing</a>&nbsp;sparked widespread discussions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-delay-deny-defend-depose-ee73ceb19f361835c654f04a3b88c50c">corporate greed,</a>&nbsp;unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer.

▶ Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-luigi-mangione-10ee2f70cd843a27940a9cf1a06edf55">Luigi Mangione</a>

Pennsylvania prosecutor will work with NY officials to return suspect

Peter Weeks, the Blair County district attorney, says he’ll work with New York officials to try to return suspect Luigi Mangione there to face charges.

Weeks said the New York charges are “more serious” than in Blair County.

“We believe their charges take precedent,” Weeks said, promising to do what’s needed to accommodate New York’s prosecution first.

Weeks spoke to reporters after a brief hearing at which a defense lawyer said Mangione will fight extradition. The defense asked for a hearing on the issue. In the meantime, Mangione will be detained at a state prison in western Pennsylvania.

What New York officials will do to bring Mangione back there

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office said Tuesday it will seek a Governor’s warrant to secure Mangione’s extradition to Manhattan.

Under state law, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul can issue a warrant of arrest demanding Mangione’s return to the state. Such a warrant must recite the facts necessary to the validity of its issuance and be sealed with the state seal. It would then be presented to law enforcement in Pennsylvania to expedite Mangione’s return to New York.

District attorney says Mangione contesting extradition will create ‘extra hoops’ to jump through

But Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks says it won’t be a substantial barrier to returning Mangione to New York.

He noted that defendants contest extradition “all the time,” including in simple retail theft cases.

In court, Mangione said he understood his rights

Dickey, his defense lawyer, questioned whether the second-degree murder charge filed in New York might be eligible for bail under Pennsylvania law, but prosecutors raised concerns about both public safety and Mangione being a potential flight risk, and the judge denied it.

Mangione will continue to be housed at a state prison in Huntingdon.

Defense lawyer Thomas Dickey told the court Mangione wants a hearing on the extradition issue

He has 14 days to challenge the detention.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, have a month to seek a governor’s warrant out of New York.

Mangione, wearing an orange jumpsuit, mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally consulting papers, rocking in his chair, or looking back at the gallery.

At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion, but was quieted by his lawyer.

Suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO is contesting his extradition back to New York

Luigi Mangione, 26, has also been denied bail at a brief court hearing in western Pennsylvania. He has 14 days to challenge the bail decision.

An account on X that appears to belong to Mangione was still up as of Tuesday

That’s with some intervention from owner Elon Musk.

The account, which hasn’t posted since June, was briefly suspended by X. But after a user inquired about it in a post Monday, Musk responded “This happened without my knowledge. Looking into it.” The account was later reinstated.

Other social media companies such as Meta have removed his accounts. According to X rules, the platform removes “any accounts maintained by individual perpetrators of terrorist, violent extremist, or mass violent attacks, as well as any accounts glorifying the perpetrator(s), or dedicated to sharing manifestos and/or third party links where related content is hosted.”

Mangione is not accused of perpetrating a terrorist or mass attack — he has been charged with murder — and his account doesn’t appear to share any writings about the case.

Mangione shouted and struggled with officers as he arrived in court

He shouted something that was partly unintelligible, but referred to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people.”

He’s there for an arraignment on local charges stemming from his arrest Monday.

Mangione arrives at court in Pennsylvania

He was dressed in an orange jumpsuit as officers led him from a vehicle into the courthouse.

Local defense lawyer Thomas Dickey is expected to represent the 26-year-old at a Tuesday afternoon hearing at the Blair County Courthouse. Dickey declined comment before the hearing.

Mangione could have the Pennsylvania charges read aloud to him and may be asked to enter a plea.

They include possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. In New York, he was charged late Monday with murder in the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">UnitedHealthcare’s CEO</a>&nbsp;Brian Thompson.

Bulletin says Mangione likely motivated by anger toward ‘parasitic’ health insurance companies

Mangione likely was motivated by his anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain with corporate greed, said a a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press.

He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s hand-written notes and social media postings.

He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said.

Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said.

Police say they found ‘written admissions about the crime’ in Luigi Mangione’s belongings

A felony warrant filed in New York cites Altoona Officer Christy Wasser as saying she found the writings along with a semi-automatic pistol and an apparent silencer.

The filing echoes earlier statements from NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny who said Mangione had a three-page, handwritten document that shows “some ill will toward corporate America.”

Mangione is now charged in Pennsylvania with being a fugitive of justice.

McDonald’s customer: ‘My one friend thought he looked like the shooter’

A customer at the McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested said one of his friends had commented beforehand that the man looked like the suspect wanted for the shooting in New York City.

“It started out almost a little bit like a joke, my one friend thought he looked like the shooter,” said the customer, who declined to give his full name, on Tuesday.

“It wasn’t really a joke, but we laughed about it,” he added.

Manhattan prosecutors have obtained a warrant for Mangione’s arrest

The warrant on murder and other charges is a step that could help expedite his extradition from Pennsylvania.

In court papers made public Tuesday, a New York City police detective reiterated key findings in the investigation he said tied Mangione to the killing, including surveillance footage and a fake ID he used to check into a Manhattan hostel on Nov. 24.

Police officers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, found that ID when they arrested Mangione on Monday.

Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Mangione doesn’t yet have a lawyer who can speak on his behalf, court officials said.

Suspect in killing of insurance CEO struggles, shouts entering court

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

Just&nbsp;before 2:30a.m. Tuesday, patrol officers were dispatched to 51st and Indiana on an ambulance in route call, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

First responders located a man outside of a vehicle near the intersection. He appeared to be suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.

This is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Investigators are working to determine the events that led up to the shooting. Crime scene personnel were called to process the scene for any physical evidence and detectives are canvassing the area for potential witnesses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733837531884.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City. Just&nbsp;before 2:30a.m. Tuesday, patrol officers were dispatched to 51st and Indiana on an ambulance in route call, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.First responders located a man outside of a vehicle near the intersection. He appeared to be suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.This is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Investigators are working to determine the events that led up to the shooting. Crime scene personnel were called to process the scene for any physical evidence and detectives are canvassing the area for potential witnesses.

KCPD: Man shot and found lying outside vehicle

ANDERSON COUNTY —Two people including a juvenile were injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Monday in Anderson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Polaris Ranger driven by James G&nbsp;Matthiesen,&nbsp; 40, Lane, was northbound at 29852 Neosho Road one half miles north of 2000 Road. The driver was unable to navigate a curve due to an oncoming vehicle. The driver lost lost control of the UTV and it overturned.

EMS transported&nbsp;Matthiesen to the Anderson County hospital in Garnet and a 13-year-old passenger Trevor J. Matthiesen of Lane to Children's Mercy for treatment of serious injuries.

ANDERSON COUNTY —Two people including a juvenile were injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Monday in Anderson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Polaris Ranger driven by James G&nbsp;Matthiesen,&nbsp; 40, Lane, was northbound at 29852 Neosho Road one half miles north of 2000 Road. The driver was unable to navigate a curve due to an oncoming vehicle. The driver lost lost control of the UTV and it overturned.EMS transported&nbsp;Matthiesen to the Anderson County hospital in Garnet and a 13-year-old passenger Trevor J. Matthiesen of Lane to Children's Mercy for treatment of serious injuries.

13-year-old Kan. boy seriously injured after UTV overturns

PORTLAND, Ore (AP) —A federal judge has temporarily halted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-ftc-83245c5cb38a99e329e439af01d2a2e5">proposed merger</a>&nbsp;between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons, an action that could scuttle the deal.

U.S. District Court Judge Adrienne Nelson issued the ruling Tuesday after holding a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-grocery-merger-ftc-9fdb26cc044ee21a7a486c03caae6a5d">three-week hearing</a>&nbsp;in Portland, Oregon.

Kroger and Albertsons in 2022 proposed what would be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-albertsons-companies-inc-0cfbd68f81ba8aab7c1d3012c69804d9">largest grocery store merger</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history. But the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-antitrust-grocery-merger-competition-71b47dc86ec7449f29b2b488c1d3f9de">Federal Trade Commission sued</a>&nbsp;earlier this year, asking Nelson to block the $24.6 billion deal until an in-house administrative judge at the FTC could consider the merger’s implications.

“Any harms defendants experience as a result of the injunction do not overcome the strong public interest in the enforcement of antitrust law, especially given the difficulty in disentangling a premature merger,” she wrote in her opinion.

Federal regulators argue that combining the two chains would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-ftc-antitrust-3ba6eba066636626c4bdc6cd4f73fa29">bad for consumers and workers</a>&nbsp;by eliminating competition.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/albertsons-kroger-merger-hearing-f134271ada4f0b8e347e53a626404083">The companies say</a>&nbsp;a merger would help them better compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon.

The case may now move to the FTC, although Kroger and Albertsons have asked a different federal judge to block the in-house proceedings.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-colorado-06a59a420139ef8f4400b128778d408d">Colorado</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-washington-lawsuit-4977ceda820d84bee60b967e4bb339ec">Washington</a>&nbsp;are also trying to halt the merger in ongoing state trials. The judge in Washington was expected to release his opinion later Tuesday.

The FTC argued that Kroger and Albertsons currently compete in 22 states, closely matching each other on price, quality, private label products and services like store pickup. A merger would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-federal-trade-commission-2fda44d9d8b82ef20d6c7e7cffb2ccc3">eliminate that competition</a>&nbsp;and raise prices for already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-consumers-price-gouging-spending-economy-999e81e2f869a0151e2ee6bbb63370af">struggling consumers</a>, the government said. The FTC also said the merger would hurt workers since Kroger and Albertsons would no longer compete to hire them.

But Kroger and Albertsons argued their merger would preserve consumer choice by allowing them to better compete against its growing rivals. In its testimony,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-grocery-merger-ftc-9fdb26cc044ee21a7a486c03caae6a5d">Albertsons warned Nelson</a>&nbsp;that it might have to lay off workers, close stores and even exit some markets if the merger weren't allowed to proceed.

Under the merger agreement, Kroger and Albertsons would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-grocery-9a1d40ba06f752d3c5c3d5db78fede4c">sell 579 stores</a>&nbsp;in places where their locations overlap to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-wholesale-grocer-401520f2a25ea2ae5fd06be4973b7c48">C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers</a>, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly store brands.

The FTC argued that C&amp;S is ill-prepared to take on the stores and may want the option to sell or close them. But Kroger and Albertsons said C&amp;S has the experience and national scale to handle the divestiture.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opioid-crisis-settlement-kroger-79356d42ded9c5099e1c2b88d3ffc061">Kroger</a>, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Dillons, Ralphs, Smith’s and Harris Teeter.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dividends-8c6e67bf9fb0cc3da523c672a6ca9141">Albertsons</a>, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724718577355.png" alt="Photo from an August press conference courtesy United Food and commercial workers union local 3000" />
 <figcaption>Photo from an August press conference courtesy United Food and commercial workers union local 3000</figcaption>
 </figure>PORTLAND, Ore (AP) —A federal judge has temporarily halted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-ftc-83245c5cb38a99e329e439af01d2a2e5">proposed merger</a>&nbsp;between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons, an action that could scuttle the deal.U.S. District Court Judge Adrienne Nelson issued the ruling Tuesday after holding a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-grocery-merger-ftc-9fdb26cc044ee21a7a486c03caae6a5d">three-week hearing</a>&nbsp;in Portland, Oregon.Kroger and Albertsons in 2022 proposed what would be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-albertsons-companies-inc-0cfbd68f81ba8aab7c1d3012c69804d9">largest grocery store merger</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history. But the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-antitrust-grocery-merger-competition-71b47dc86ec7449f29b2b488c1d3f9de">Federal Trade Commission sued</a>&nbsp;earlier this year, asking Nelson to block the $24.6 billion deal until an in-house administrative judge at the FTC could consider the merger’s implications.Nelson agreed to pause the merger.“Any harms defendants experience as a result of the injunction do not overcome the strong public interest in the enforcement of antitrust law, especially given the difficulty in disentangling a premature merger,” she wrote in her opinion.Federal regulators argue that combining the two chains would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-ftc-antitrust-3ba6eba066636626c4bdc6cd4f73fa29">bad for consumers and workers</a>&nbsp;by eliminating competition.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/albertsons-kroger-merger-hearing-f134271ada4f0b8e347e53a626404083">The companies say</a>&nbsp;a merger would help them better compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon.The case may now move to the FTC, although Kroger and Albertsons have asked a different federal judge to block the in-house proceedings.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-colorado-06a59a420139ef8f4400b128778d408d">Colorado</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-washington-lawsuit-4977ceda820d84bee60b967e4bb339ec">Washington</a>&nbsp;are also trying to halt the merger in ongoing state trials. The judge in Washington was expected to release his opinion later Tuesday.The FTC argued that Kroger and Albertsons currently compete in 22 states, closely matching each other on price, quality, private label products and services like store pickup. A merger would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-federal-trade-commission-2fda44d9d8b82ef20d6c7e7cffb2ccc3">eliminate that competition</a>&nbsp;and raise prices for already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-consumers-price-gouging-spending-economy-999e81e2f869a0151e2ee6bbb63370af">struggling consumers</a>, the government said. The FTC also said the merger would hurt workers since Kroger and Albertsons would no longer compete to hire them.But Kroger and Albertsons argued their merger would preserve consumer choice by allowing them to better compete against its growing rivals. In its testimony,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-grocery-merger-ftc-9fdb26cc044ee21a7a486c03caae6a5d">Albertsons warned Nelson</a>&nbsp;that it might have to lay off workers, close stores and even exit some markets if the merger weren't allowed to proceed.Under the merger agreement, Kroger and Albertsons would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-grocery-9a1d40ba06f752d3c5c3d5db78fede4c">sell 579 stores</a>&nbsp;in places where their locations overlap to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-wholesale-grocer-401520f2a25ea2ae5fd06be4973b7c48">C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers</a>, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly store brands.The FTC argued that C&amp;S is ill-prepared to take on the stores and may want the option to sell or close them. But Kroger and Albertsons said C&amp;S has the experience and national scale to handle the divestiture.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opioid-crisis-settlement-kroger-79356d42ded9c5099e1c2b88d3ffc061">Kroger</a>, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Dillons, Ralphs, Smith’s and Harris Teeter.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dividends-8c6e67bf9fb0cc3da523c672a6ca9141">Albertsons</a>, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people.

Judge temporarily halts proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> State's Newsroom

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump vowed to sign an executive order on his first day in office to end the constitutional right to U.S. citizenship for anyone born in the country, during an extensive Sunday interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.”

But Trump also admitted there would be legal hurdles to carrying out his policy goal of amending the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;<a href="https://hrp.law.harvard.edu/press-statement-constitutional-law-scholars-respond-to-trumps-threats-against-birthright-citizenship/" target="_blank">Many constitutional legal scholars have argued</a>&nbsp;that Trump could not halt what is known as birthright citizenship through an executive order.

“We have to end it,” Trump told Welker. “We’re going to end that because it’s ridiculous.”

On other immigration topics, he said he is willing to make a deal with Democrats on keeping so-called Dreamers in the U.S., and he supports deporting entire families in his mass deportation plans, even if the children themselves are U.S. citizens.

But some of his most extensive comments were on birthright citizenship. “We’re gonna have to get it changed,” Trump said of the 14th Amendment.

<a href="https://exchange.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/birthright-citizenship-united-states" target="_blank">The U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;was ratified in 1868 and guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born in the country.

“All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” according to the 14th Amendment.

Trump said that he will try to end birthright citizenship through an executive order, “if we can.”

Experts take issue.&nbsp;“There is today no serious scholarly debate about whether a president can, through executive action, contradict the Supreme Court’s long-standing and consistent interpretation of the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment,” Gerald Neuman, director of the human rights program at Harvard Law School, said in a statement in 2018 along with a group of constitutional law scholars.

Two-thirds of both the U.S. House and Senate would be required to vote to approve an amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-constitution/#:~:text=An%20amendment%20may%20be%20proposed,slavery%20and%20the%20slave%20trade." target="_blank">changing the Constitution</a>, and three-fourths of state legislatures would have to ratify such an amendment for it to take effect. A convention could also be called by two-thirds of state legislatures.

While Republicans are set to control both chambers by January, it’s not by a margin of two-thirds.

During the interview, Trump also inaccurately claimed that the United States is the only country in the world that has birthright citizenship.<a href="https://maint.loc.gov/law/help/birthright-citizenship/global.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;More than a dozen&nbsp;</a>countries bestow birthright citizenship, from Canada to Brazil.

Some countries have birthright citizenship, but with restrictions, such as France, which requires at least one parent be a citizen in order for the child to obtain citizenship.

Welker asked Trump what his plans are for the Dreamers, the more than 500,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that he tried to end during his first administration. The DACA program is currently waiting for a federal court to<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/10/10/federal-appeals-court-weighs-fate-of-daca-program/" target="_blank">&nbsp;decide its legal fate.</a>

“These are people that have been brought here at a very young age and many of these are middle-aged people now, they don’t even speak the language of their country,” he said.

Trump said that he would “work with the Democrats on a plan,” but did not elaborate on any details.

Welker asked Trump about his mass deportation plans, a campaign pledge to deport millions of undocumented people, and how that would affect the more than 4 million mixed-status families, meaning families with different immigration statuses.

“I don’t want to be breaking up families,” Trump said. “So the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.”

Welker asked if that included, “even kids who are here legally?”

“Whatcha gonna do if they want to stay with the father?” Trump said. “We have to have rules and regulations.”

Trump did not answer repeated questions as to whether he would bring back one of his harshest immigration policies,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/governmental_legislative_work/priorities_policy/immigration/familyseparation/" target="_blank">known as family separation,</a>&nbsp;that separated parents from their children at the border. While most have been reunited, there are still about a quarter of children who are not with their parents.

“We don’t have to separate families,” Trump said. “We’ll send the whole family, very humanely, back to the country where they came.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733856776956.png" alt="President-elect Donald Trump was interviewed for an edition of NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” that aired on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo courtesy of NBC News)" />
 <figcaption>President-elect Donald Trump was interviewed for an edition of NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” that aired on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo courtesy of NBC News)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump vowed to sign an executive order on his first day in office to end the constitutional right to U.S. citizenship for anyone born in the country, during an extensive Sunday interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.”But Trump also admitted there would be legal hurdles to carrying out his policy goal of amending the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;<a href="https://hrp.law.harvard.edu/press-statement-constitutional-law-scholars-respond-to-trumps-threats-against-birthright-citizenship/" target="_blank">Many constitutional legal scholars have argued</a>&nbsp;that Trump could not halt what is known as birthright citizenship through an executive order.“We have to end it,” Trump told Welker. “We’re going to end that because it’s ridiculous.”On other immigration topics, he said he is willing to make a deal with Democrats on keeping so-called Dreamers in the U.S., and he supports deporting entire families in his mass deportation plans, even if the children themselves are U.S. citizens.But some of his most extensive comments were on birthright citizenship. “We’re gonna have to get it changed,” Trump said of the 14th Amendment.<h2>Ratified in 1868</h2><a href="https://exchange.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/birthright-citizenship-united-states" target="_blank">The U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;was ratified in 1868 and guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born in the country.“All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” according to the 14th Amendment.Trump said that he will try to end birthright citizenship through an executive order, “if we can.”Experts take issue.&nbsp;“There is today no serious scholarly debate about whether a president can, through executive action, contradict the Supreme Court’s long-standing and consistent interpretation of the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment,” Gerald Neuman, director of the human rights program at Harvard Law School, said in a statement in 2018 along with a group of constitutional law scholars.Two-thirds of both the U.S. House and Senate would be required to vote to approve an amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-constitution/#:~:text=An%20amendment%20may%20be%20proposed,slavery%20and%20the%20slave%20trade." target="_blank">changing the Constitution</a>, and three-fourths of state legislatures would have to ratify such an amendment for it to take effect. A convention could also be called by two-thirds of state legislatures.While Republicans are set to control both chambers by January, it’s not by a margin of two-thirds.During the interview, Trump also inaccurately claimed that the United States is the only country in the world that has birthright citizenship.<a href="https://maint.loc.gov/law/help/birthright-citizenship/global.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;More than a dozen&nbsp;</a>countries bestow birthright citizenship, from Canada to Brazil.Some countries have birthright citizenship, but with restrictions, such as France, which requires at least one parent be a citizen in order for the child to obtain citizenship.<h2>A branch extended to Dreamers</h2>Welker asked Trump what his plans are for the Dreamers, the more than 500,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that he tried to end during his first administration. The DACA program is currently waiting for a federal court to<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/10/10/federal-appeals-court-weighs-fate-of-daca-program/" target="_blank">&nbsp;decide its legal fate.</a>“These are people that have been brought here at a very young age and many of these are middle-aged people now, they don’t even speak the language of their country,” he said.Trump said that he would “work with the Democrats on a plan,” but did not elaborate on any details.Welker asked Trump about his mass deportation plans, a campaign pledge to deport millions of undocumented people, and how that would affect the more than 4 million mixed-status families, meaning families with different immigration statuses.“I don’t want to be breaking up families,” Trump said. “So the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.”Welker asked if that included, “even kids who are here legally?”“Whatcha gonna do if they want to stay with the father?” Trump said. “We have to have rules and regulations.”Trump did not answer repeated questions as to whether he would bring back one of his harshest immigration policies,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/governmental_legislative_work/priorities_policy/immigration/familyseparation/" target="_blank">known as family separation,</a>&nbsp;that separated parents from their children at the border. While most have been reunited, there are still about a quarter of children who are not with their parents.“We don’t have to separate families,” Trump said. “We’ll send the whole family, very humanely, back to the country where they came.”

Despite doubts on legality, Trump pledges to end birthright citizenship

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just before 3:15 a.m. Dec. 6, a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2001 Toyota Avalon near SW 21st Street and South Kansas Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located. The driver, Kent A. Emperley, 45, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Driving under the influence of drugs, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp;&nbsp;Possession of drug paraphernalia

Emperley also had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest for a probation violation through Shawnee County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733408993196.png" alt="Emperley-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Emperley-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just before 3:15 a.m. Dec. 6, a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2001 Toyota Avalon near SW 21st Street and South Kansas Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located. The driver, Kent A. Emperley, 45, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Driving under the influence of drugs, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp;&nbsp;Possession of drug paraphernaliaEmperley also had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest for a probation violation through Shawnee County.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of DUI and transporting drugs

SEDGWICK COUNTY – A $394,197.00 default judgment was entered against a Wichita car dealership owner for engaging in deceptive acts and willfully violating a previous consent judgment under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. 

The matter was investigated by the Office of the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division after receiving a consumer complaint against Kayode Ajibolade and his dealership, Carnation LLC.

The Consumer Protection Division alleged that Kayode Ajibolade, also known as Olukayode I. Ajibolade, violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act by failing to disclose that a car had blown airbags before selling it to the consumer.

After purchasing the car, the consumer later found an airbag simulator device which disabled the airbag light on the dash, concealing the fact that the airbag had been deployed. Further investigation by the Consumer Protection Division found 12 more cars sold by Ajibolade and Carnation in the first quarter of 2023 with blown airbags. 

Ajibolade and Carnation failed to disclose the blown airbags when selling the cars to consumers from the car lot at 1301 E. Lincoln.

In 2019, Carnation LLC entered into a prior consent judgment with the Consumer Protection Division in which it admitted to a deceptive act for failing to disclose a blown airbag.

In the current case, SG2024CV00282, the Court previously found in April, 2024, that Carnation’s sales of each of the 13 cars with undisclosed and concealed blown airbags constituted willful violations of the 2019 consent judgment and the KCPA. The court ordered Carnation LLC to pay $2,000.00 per car in restitution to each of the 12 consumers for a total of $24,000.00. The restitution was later paid by the dealership’s bonding company. Carnation was also ordered to pay $390,000.00 in civil penalties, along with court costs and investigation fees. The court also revoked Carnation LLC’s license to do business in the State of Kansas and issued a permanent injunction against Carnation LLC from selling any motor vehicles within the State of Kansas.

The latest default judgment was entered against Carnation’s owner, Kayode Ajibolade, by Judge William Woolley on November 22, 2024. In this latest judgment, Ajibolade was found to be personally liable jointly and severally” with Carnation LLC, for the remaining balance of the judgment, $394,197.00.

 In addition, the court revoked Ajibolade’s license to do business and permanently prohibited him from selling cars in the State of Kansas.

The District Attorney reminds car buyers to exercise care when shopping for a used vehicle. Because devices can be used to conceal that a car is missing functioning airbags, even if inspected by a mechanic, it is important to also examine a Carfax or similar history of the vehicle before purchase to identify accidents that may have resulted in the deployment of airbags. In addition, it is recommended that the consumer perform a general online search of the VIN number of a prospective car purchase, which can often reveal photos of prior damage to the car.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576782225717.png" alt="Photo National Highway Traffic Safety Administration" />
 <figcaption>Photo National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY – A $394,197.00 default judgment was entered against a Wichita car dealership owner for engaging in deceptive acts and willfully violating a previous consent judgment under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The matter was investigated by the Office of the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division after receiving a consumer complaint against Kayode Ajibolade and his dealership, Carnation LLC.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733848139199.png" alt="One of the Carnation locations on East Lincoln in Wichita. Google image" />
 <figcaption>One of the Carnation locations on East Lincoln in Wichita. Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>The Consumer Protection Division alleged that Kayode Ajibolade, also known as Olukayode I. Ajibolade, violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act by failing to disclose that a car had blown airbags before selling it to the consumer.After purchasing the car, the consumer later found an airbag simulator device which disabled the airbag light on the dash, concealing the fact that the airbag had been deployed. Further investigation by the Consumer Protection Division found 12 more cars sold by Ajibolade and Carnation in the first quarter of 2023 with blown airbags. Ajibolade and Carnation failed to disclose the blown airbags when selling the cars to consumers from the car lot at 1301 E. Lincoln.In 2019, Carnation LLC entered into a prior consent judgment with the Consumer Protection Division in which it admitted to a deceptive act for failing to disclose a blown airbag.In the current case, SG2024CV00282, the Court previously found in April, 2024, that Carnation’s sales of each of the 13 cars with undisclosed and concealed blown airbags constituted willful violations of the 2019 consent judgment and the KCPA. The court ordered Carnation LLC to pay $2,000.00 per car in restitution to each of the 12 consumers for a total of $24,000.00. The restitution was later paid by the dealership’s bonding company. Carnation was also ordered to pay $390,000.00 in civil penalties, along with court costs and investigation fees. The court also revoked Carnation LLC’s license to do business in the State of Kansas and issued a permanent injunction against Carnation LLC from selling any motor vehicles within the State of Kansas.The latest default judgment was entered against Carnation’s owner, Kayode Ajibolade, by Judge William Woolley on November 22, 2024. In this latest judgment, Ajibolade was found to be personally liable jointly and severally” with Carnation LLC, for the remaining balance of the judgment, $394,197.00. In addition, the court revoked Ajibolade’s license to do business and permanently prohibited him from selling cars in the State of Kansas.The District Attorney reminds car buyers to exercise care when shopping for a used vehicle. Because devices can be used to conceal that a car is missing functioning airbags, even if inspected by a mechanic, it is important to also examine a Carfax or similar history of the vehicle before purchase to identify accidents that may have resulted in the deployment of airbags. In addition, it is recommended that the consumer perform a general online search of the VIN number of a prospective car purchase, which can often reveal photos of prior damage to the car.

Dealership owner ordered to stop selling cars in Kansas

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just before 10p.m. Sunday, police attempted to pull over the driver of a stolen vehicle, according to a social media report from police in the city of Shawnee. 

The driver refused to stop initially but abandoned the vehicle a short time later. Two suspects who were inside the stolen vehicle then ran to a business in the 12800 block of Johnson Drive. 

Officers established a perimeter, and with assistance from the Shawnee, Kansas Police K9 Unit and drones, they located the suspects hiding on the business's rooftop. Officers safely took both suspects into custody.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733764353956.png" alt="Photo Shawnee Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Shawnee Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just before 10p.m. Sunday, police attempted to pull over the driver of a stolen vehicle, according to a social media report from police in the city of Shawnee. The driver refused to stop initially but abandoned the vehicle a short time later. Two suspects who were inside the stolen vehicle then ran to a business in the 12800 block of Johnson Drive. Officers established a perimeter, and with assistance from the Shawnee, Kansas Police K9 Unit and drones, they located the suspects hiding on the business's rooftop. Officers safely took both suspects into custody.&nbsp;

Kan. stolen car suspects found hiding on rooftop of business

<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=22820&amp;t=638693532722993425">Click here to read </a>the court decision

TOPEKA —A federal court Monday halted a Biden rule that would have provided taxpayer-subsidized health plans to illegal aliens. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach personally argued the request for a preliminary injunction in a Bismarck courtroom in October.

On Monday, the court sided with Kobach and the 19-state coalition he led on the case and stopped to proposed rule from going into effect.“This decision is a big win for the rule of law. Congress never intended that illegal aliens should receive Obamacare benefits.

 Indeed, two laws prohibit them from receiving such benefits. The Biden administration tried to break those laws. But we fought back and defeated the Biden Justice Department.

”The regulation would have made more than 200,000 deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) recipients eligible for Obamacare. The number includes more than 4,350 DACA recipients in Kansas. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733782750994.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=22820&amp;t=638693532722993425">Click here to read </a>the court decisionTOPEKA —A federal court Monday halted a Biden rule that would have provided taxpayer-subsidized health plans to illegal aliens. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach personally argued the request for a preliminary injunction in a Bismarck courtroom in October.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723829601184.png" alt="File photo Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>File photo Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, the court sided with Kobach and the 19-state coalition he led on the case and stopped to proposed rule from going into effect.“This decision is a big win for the rule of law. Congress never intended that illegal aliens should receive Obamacare benefits. Indeed, two laws prohibit them from receiving such benefits. The Biden administration tried to break those laws. But we fought back and defeated the Biden Justice Department.”The regulation would have made more than 200,000 deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) recipients eligible for Obamacare. The number includes more than 4,350 DACA recipients in Kansas. Kobach argued that a 1996 law generally prohibits illegal aliens from receiving federal benefits, and the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, itself says that an alien has to be lawfully present in the United States to receive subsidized health insurance.Kobach led a coalition of state attorneys general, including AGs from Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.