JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident.

Just after 5:30p.m. Friday, officers were dispatched to the area of West 151st&nbsp;Street and South Black Bob Road following reports of a crash involving an SUV and a pedestrian, according to Olathe Police Sergeant John Moncayo.&nbsp;&nbsp;When officers arrived, they located an unresponsive 63-year-old man.. &nbsp;The man was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

Officers are in contact with the driver of the SUV, and they are cooperating in the investigation

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or whose vehicle may have captured the incident on a dash cam, to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.&nbsp;

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident.Just after 5:30p.m. Friday, officers were dispatched to the area of West 151st&nbsp;Street and South Black Bob Road following reports of a crash involving an SUV and a pedestrian, according to Olathe Police Sergeant John Moncayo.&nbsp;&nbsp;When officers arrived, they located an unresponsive 63-year-old man.. &nbsp;The man was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.&nbsp;Officers are in contact with the driver of the SUV, and they are cooperating in the investigationPolice are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or whose vehicle may have captured the incident on a dash cam, to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.&nbsp;

Kansas man dies after struck by an SUV

COWLEY COUNTY —A suspect wanted for a shooting in Cowley County is finally in custody.

Earlier this month, police issued an arrest warrant and are asked the public for help to locate shooting suspect 25-year-old Levi Garwood, according to a statement from Winfield Police. The alleged crime occurred on November 22 near Main Street in Winfield. First responders found a man with a gunshot wound to the chest. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital and later to a hospital in Wichita.

Detectives conducted witness interviews and reviewed audio and video evidence before seeking a warrant through the Cowley County District Court. Just after 4:30p.m.&nbsp; December 23, Garwood was booked into the Cowley County jail, according to online jail records. He is being held&nbsp; on a $500,000 bomd on requested charges of attempted second-degree murder.&nbsp; Police have not released details of the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765985005034.png" alt="Garwood photo Winfield Police" />
 <figcaption>Garwood photo Winfield Police</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —A suspect wanted for a shooting in Cowley County is finally in custody.Earlier this month, police issued an arrest warrant and are asked the public for help to locate shooting suspect 25-year-old Levi Garwood, according to a statement from Winfield Police. The alleged crime occurred on November 22 near Main Street in Winfield. First responders found a man with a gunshot wound to the chest. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital and later to a hospital in Wichita.Detectives conducted witness interviews and reviewed audio and video evidence before seeking a warrant through the Cowley County District Court. Just after 4:30p.m.&nbsp; December 23, Garwood was booked into the Cowley County jail, according to online jail records. He is being held&nbsp; on a $500,000 bomd on requested charges of attempted second-degree murder.&nbsp; Police have not released details of the arrest.

After hiding for a month, Kan. attempted murder suspect is in custody

SALINE COUNTY —Salina Police are asking the public for help to identifiy suspects in connection with three burglaries.

On December 19, business burglaries were reported at The Boy Scouts of America, 644 S. Ohio and All Eyes on You Salon, 905 E. Prescott, both in Salina.

The suspect made forced entry into both buildings. 

The suspect took numerous food items, cash, keys, plastic cups and a Boy Scout medal from the Scout building. Total damage and loss were valued at over $3,000. The suspect took&nbsp; multiple gift cards, cash, an HP laptop, and 24 necklace chains with connectors from All Eyes on You Salon. Total damage and loss were valued at over $4,000.

Also reported that same day was a residential burglary which occurred just a couple of blocks down from the salon in central Salina. 

The suspect entered an attached garage and stole a black Kastking tacklebox, a silver lighter, and a wallet. Total loss was valued at over $100. 

Recovered from the scene was a Boy Scout medal and several food items which had been stolen from the Boy Scouts of America.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS.

You can also make an online tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>.

You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, case 2025-33993.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766766697965.png" alt="Image of suspect connected to three burglaries- Salina Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Image of suspect connected to three burglaries- Salina Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Salina Police are asking the public for help to identifiy suspects in connection with three burglaries.On December 19, business burglaries were reported at The Boy Scouts of America, 644 S. Ohio and All Eyes on You Salon, 905 E. Prescott, both in Salina.The suspect made forced entry into both buildings. The suspect took numerous food items, cash, keys, plastic cups and a Boy Scout medal from the Scout building. Total damage and loss were valued at over $3,000. The suspect took&nbsp; multiple gift cards, cash, an HP laptop, and 24 necklace chains with connectors from All Eyes on You Salon. Total damage and loss were valued at over $4,000.Also reported that same day was a residential burglary which occurred just a couple of blocks down from the salon in central Salina. The suspect entered an attached garage and stole a black Kastking tacklebox, a silver lighter, and a wallet. Total loss was valued at over $100. Recovered from the scene was a Boy Scout medal and several food items which had been stolen from the Boy Scouts of America.If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an online tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, case 2025-33993.

Police need help to ID suspect in central Kan. burglaries

SHAWNEE COUNTY. – On Saturday evening, December 20, at approximately 9 p.m., a Topeka Police Department officer was conducting a traffic stop at the intersection of SW 6th Street and SW Lane when a suspected impaired driver traveling at a high rate of speed rear-ended the patrol vehicle, according to a report released Friday by Topeka Police.

The crash resulted in minor injuries to the officer and an arrestee who were inside the patrol vehicle at the time of the collision. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital, treated for their injuries, and later released.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2023, one person was killed every 42 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on roadways across the United States. These crashes—and the resulting loss of life—are entirely preventable.

Beginning Friday, December 26, 2025, through Thursday, January 2, 2026, the Topeka Police Department will participate in the statewide “Taking Down DUI” New Year’s safety enforcement campaign. During the enforcement period, TPD officers will focus on identifying impaired drivers and enforcing seat belt laws to help keep Topeka roadways safe throughout the holiday season.

This enforcement initiative is made possible through a Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation.

If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Responsible driving saves lives:

• Plan a safe ride home before celebrating. If you drink, don’t drive—use a rideshare service, taxi, or call a sober friend.

• If someone has been drinking, take their keys and help arrange a sober ride home.

• If you observe an impaired driver, call 911 to report it to local law enforcement.

SHAWNEE COUNTY. – On Saturday evening, December 20, at approximately 9 p.m., a Topeka Police Department officer was conducting a traffic stop at the intersection of SW 6th Street and SW Lane when a suspected impaired driver traveling at a high rate of speed rear-ended the patrol vehicle, according to a report released Friday by Topeka Police.The crash resulted in minor injuries to the officer and an arrestee who were inside the patrol vehicle at the time of the collision. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital, treated for their injuries, and later released.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2023, one person was killed every 42 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on roadways across the United States. These crashes—and the resulting loss of life—are entirely preventable.Beginning Friday, December 26, 2025, through Thursday, January 2, 2026, the Topeka Police Department will participate in the statewide “Taking Down DUI” New Year’s safety enforcement campaign. During the enforcement period, TPD officers will focus on identifying impaired drivers and enforcing seat belt laws to help keep Topeka roadways safe throughout the holiday season.This enforcement initiative is made possible through a Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation.If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Responsible driving saves lives:• Plan a safe ride home before celebrating. If you drink, don’t drive—use a rideshare service, taxi, or call a sober friend.• If someone has been drinking, take their keys and help arrange a sober ride home.• If you observe an impaired driver, call 911 to report it to local law enforcement.

Kan. officer, suspect injured after impaired driver struck patrol car

NEW YORK (AP) — Perry Archangelo Bamonte, longtime guitarist and keyboardist for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/50f12c2e4dc445949d535aef8f033eab">influential goth band</a>&nbsp;The Cure, has died. He was 65.

The band made the announcement on their official website on Friday.

“It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte, who passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas,” the band wrote.

“Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm hearted and vital part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/goth-history-book-lol-tolhurst-cure-37451452c321455ea0c3c166a525d071">The Cure story,”</a>&nbsp;the statement continued. “Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed.”

Bamonte worked with the band in various roles from 1984 to 1989, including as roadie and guitar tech. He officially joined the band in 1990, when keyboardist Roger O’Donnell quit. It was then that he became a full-time member of the group, playing guitar, six-string bass and keyboard.

Having joined just after the band’s mainstream breakthrough, 1989’s “Disintegration,” Bamonte is featured on a number of The Cure’s albums, including 1992’s “Wish” — which features the career-defining hits ″Friday I’m in Love″ and “High” — as well as the 1996’s “Wild Mood Swings,” 2000’s “Bloodflowers” and 2004’s self-titled release.

Bamonte was fired from The Cure by its singer and leader Robert Smith in 2005. At that point in time, he had performed at over 400 shows across 14 years. Bamonte rejoined the group in recent years, touring with the band in 2022 for another 90 gigs.

In 2019, Bamonte was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/50f12c2e4dc445949d535aef8f033eab">inducted into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame</a>&nbsp;alongside the rest of The Cure.

His last performance with the band was on Nov. 1, 2024 in London for a special one-off event to launch their latest album and first in 16 years, “Songs of a Lost World.” The concert was filmed for “The Cure: The Show of a Lost World,” a film released in cinemas globally this month. It is also available to purchase on Blu-ray and DVD.

The Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cure-song-lost-world-album-review-5c94952a91e7bbde75d580ae8f4e0c27">described “Songs of a Lost World”</a>&nbsp;as “lush and deeply orchestral, swelling and powerful” — one of the best of the band’s career.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766784871549.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Perry Archangelo Bamonte, longtime guitarist and keyboardist for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/50f12c2e4dc445949d535aef8f033eab">influential goth band</a>&nbsp;The Cure, has died. He was 65.The band made the announcement on their official website on Friday.“It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte, who passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas,” the band wrote.“Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm hearted and vital part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/goth-history-book-lol-tolhurst-cure-37451452c321455ea0c3c166a525d071">The Cure story,”</a>&nbsp;the statement continued. “Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed.”Bamonte worked with the band in various roles from 1984 to 1989, including as roadie and guitar tech. He officially joined the band in 1990, when keyboardist Roger O’Donnell quit. It was then that he became a full-time member of the group, playing guitar, six-string bass and keyboard.Having joined just after the band’s mainstream breakthrough, 1989’s “Disintegration,” Bamonte is featured on a number of The Cure’s albums, including 1992’s “Wish” — which features the career-defining hits ″Friday I’m in Love″ and “High” — as well as the 1996’s “Wild Mood Swings,” 2000’s “Bloodflowers” and 2004’s self-titled release.Bamonte was fired from The Cure by its singer and leader Robert Smith in 2005. At that point in time, he had performed at over 400 shows across 14 years. Bamonte rejoined the group in recent years, touring with the band in 2022 for another 90 gigs.In 2019, Bamonte was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/50f12c2e4dc445949d535aef8f033eab">inducted into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame</a>&nbsp;alongside the rest of The Cure.His last performance with the band was on Nov. 1, 2024 in London for a special one-off event to launch their latest album and first in 16 years, “Songs of a Lost World.” The concert was filmed for “The Cure: The Show of a Lost World,” a film released in cinemas globally this month. It is also available to purchase on Blu-ray and DVD.The Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cure-song-lost-world-album-review-5c94952a91e7bbde75d580ae8f4e0c27">described “Songs of a Lost World”</a>&nbsp;as “lush and deeply orchestral, swelling and powerful” — one of the best of the band’s career.

Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the casue of a house fire inKansas City, Missouri.

Just after 8a.m. December 23, KCFD companies were dispatched to a reported fire in the 5500 block of East 18th&nbsp;Street in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan. On arrival, it was reported that a trailer camper and a house had heavy fire showing. Crews knocked down the flames on the exterior of the structure and made their way inside for an aggressive interior attack.

Multiple hose lines were used to extinguish the fires, which was brought under control at 8:24 a.m. Searches throughout the structure were performed and came back all clear. No injuries have been reported from this incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766506543851.png" alt="Photos KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the casue of a house fire inKansas City, Missouri.Just after 8a.m. December 23, KCFD companies were dispatched to a reported fire in the 5500 block of East 18th&nbsp;Street in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan. On arrival, it was reported that a trailer camper and a house had heavy fire showing. Crews knocked down the flames on the exterior of the structure and made their way inside for an aggressive interior attack.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766506479618.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Multiple hose lines were used to extinguish the fires, which was brought under control at 8:24 a.m. Searches throughout the structure were performed and came back all clear. No injuries have been reported from this incident.

Cause of Kansas City house fire under investigation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — To tax tips or not? That is a question that will confront lawmakers in states across the U.S. as they convene for work next year.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s administration</a>&nbsp;is urging states to follow its lead by enacting a slew of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-republican-trump-tax-bill-f65be44e1050431a601320197322551b">new tax breaks</a>&nbsp;for individuals and businesses, including deductions for tips and overtime wages, automobile loans and business equipment.

In some states, the new federal tax breaks will automatically apply to state income taxes unless legislatures opt out. But in many other states, where tax laws are written differently, the new tax breaks won't appear on state tax forms unless legislatures opt in.

In states that don't conform to the federal tax changes, workers who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-taxes-tips-overtime-restaurants-a8cafab342a569080fabaa27b122b52b">receive tips or overtime</a>&nbsp;— for example — will pay no federal tax on those earnings but could still owe state taxes on them.

States that embrace all of Trump's tax cuts could provide hundreds of millions of dollars of annual savings to certain residents and businesses. But that could financially strain states, which are being hit with higher costs because of new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-bill-medicaid-snap-food-trump-congress-4e1826a670b5eb2b802f08adc1c325a2">Medicaid and SNAP food aid requirements</a>&nbsp;that also are included in the big bill Trump signed.

Most states begin their annual legislative sessions in January. To retroactively change tax breaks for 2025, lawmakers would need to act quickly so tax forms could updated before people begin filing them. States also could apply the changes to their 2026 taxes, a decision requiring less haste.

So far, only a few states have taken votes on whether to adopt the tax breaks.

“States in general are approaching this skeptically," said Carl Davis, research director at the nonprofit Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.

Trump's treasury presses states to `immediately conform'

A bill Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sign-tax-cut-bill-july-4-3804df732e461a626fd8c2b43413c3f0">signed on July 4</a>&nbsp;contains about $4.5 trillion of federal tax cuts over 10 years.

It creates temporary tax deductions for tips, overtime and loan interest on new vehicles assembled in the U.S. It boosts a tax deduction for older adults. And it temporarily raises cap on state and local tax deductions from $10,000 to $40,000, among other things. The law also provides numerous tax breaks to businesses, including the ability to immediately write off 100% of the cost of equipment and research.

Forty-one states levy individual income taxes on wages and salaries. Forty-four states charge corporate income taxes.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this month called on those states “to immediately conform” to the federal tax cuts and accused some Democratic-led states that haven't done so of engaging in "political obstructionism.” Though Bessent didn't mention it, many Republican-led states also have not decided whether to implement the tax deductions.

“By denying their residents access to these important tax cuts, these governors and legislators are forcing hardworking Americans to shoulder higher state tax burdens, robbing them of the relief they deserve and exacerbating the financial squeeze on low- and middle-income households,” Bessent said.

But some tax analysts contend there's more for states to consider. The tax break on tips, for example, could apply to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/22/2025-18278/occupations-that-customarily-and-regularly-received-tips-definition-of-qualified-tips">nearly 70 occupation fields</a>&nbsp;under a proposed rule from the Internal Revenue Service. But that would still exclude numerous low-wage workers, said Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects at the nonprofit Tax Foundation.

“Lawmakers need to consider whether these are worth the cost,” Walczak said.

Only a few states offer tax breaks for tips and overtime

Because of the way state tax laws are written, the federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-tax-tips-trump-workers-restaurants-182a89e3dc5c1da51fcd3ad1aadc571f">tax breaks for tips</a>&nbsp;and overtime wages would have carried over to just seven states — Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon and South Carolina. But Colorado opted out of the state tax break for overtime shortly before the federal law was enacted.

Michigan this fall became first — and, so far, only — state to opt into the tax breaks for tips and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-taxes-social-security-overtime-tariffs-989016ef41dc1533b05d1871d69c03ff">overtime wages</a>, effective in 2026. The overtime tax exemption is projected to cost the state nearly $113 million and the tips tax break about $45 million during its current budget year, according to the state treasury department.

Michigan lawmakers offset that by decoupling from five federal corporate tax changes the state's treasury estimated would have reduced Michigan tax revenues by $540 million this budget year.

Republican state Rep. Ann Bollin, chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Committee, said the state could not afford to embrace all the tax cuts while still investing in better roads, public safety and education.

“The best path forward is to have more money in people’s pockets and have less regulation — and this kind of moved in that direction,” she said.

Arizona could be among the next states to act. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has called upon lawmakers to adopt the tax breaks for tips, overtime, seniors and vehicle loans, and follow the federal government by also increasing the state's standard deduction for individual income taxpayers. Republican state House leaders said they stand ready to pass the tax cuts when their session begins Jan. 12.

Several states have rejected corporate tax breaks

In addition to Michigan, lawmakers in Delaware, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have passed measures to block some or all of the corporate tax cuts from taking effect in their states.

A new Illinois law decoupling from a portion of the corporate tax changes could save the state nearly $250 million, said Democratic state Sen. Elgie Sims, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He said that could help ensure continued funding for schools, health care and vital services.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/j-b-pritzker">Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker</a>, an outspoken Democratic opponent of Trump, also cited budget concerns for rejecting the corporate tax cut provision. He said states already stand to lose money because of other provisions in Trump's big bill, such as a requirement to cover more of the costs of running the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“The decoupling is an effort to try to hold back the onslaught from the federal government to make sure that we can support programs like the one we’re announcing today,” Pritzker told reporters at a December event publicizing a grant to address homelessness in central Illinois.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761180692635.png" alt="File image Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent- White House" />
 <figcaption>File image Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent- White House</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — To tax tips or not? That is a question that will confront lawmakers in states across the U.S. as they convene for work next year.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s administration</a>&nbsp;is urging states to follow its lead by enacting a slew of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-republican-trump-tax-bill-f65be44e1050431a601320197322551b">new tax breaks</a>&nbsp;for individuals and businesses, including deductions for tips and overtime wages, automobile loans and business equipment.In some states, the new federal tax breaks will automatically apply to state income taxes unless legislatures opt out. But in many other states, where tax laws are written differently, the new tax breaks won't appear on state tax forms unless legislatures opt in.In states that don't conform to the federal tax changes, workers who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-taxes-tips-overtime-restaurants-a8cafab342a569080fabaa27b122b52b">receive tips or overtime</a>&nbsp;— for example — will pay no federal tax on those earnings but could still owe state taxes on them.States that embrace all of Trump's tax cuts could provide hundreds of millions of dollars of annual savings to certain residents and businesses. But that could financially strain states, which are being hit with higher costs because of new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-bill-medicaid-snap-food-trump-congress-4e1826a670b5eb2b802f08adc1c325a2">Medicaid and SNAP food aid requirements</a>&nbsp;that also are included in the big bill Trump signed.Most states begin their annual legislative sessions in January. To retroactively change tax breaks for 2025, lawmakers would need to act quickly so tax forms could updated before people begin filing them. States also could apply the changes to their 2026 taxes, a decision requiring less haste.So far, only a few states have taken votes on whether to adopt the tax breaks.“States in general are approaching this skeptically," said Carl Davis, research director at the nonprofit Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.<h2>Trump's treasury presses states to `immediately conform'</h2>A bill Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sign-tax-cut-bill-july-4-3804df732e461a626fd8c2b43413c3f0">signed on July 4</a>&nbsp;contains about $4.5 trillion of federal tax cuts over 10 years.It creates temporary tax deductions for tips, overtime and loan interest on new vehicles assembled in the U.S. It boosts a tax deduction for older adults. And it temporarily raises cap on state and local tax deductions from $10,000 to $40,000, among other things. The law also provides numerous tax breaks to businesses, including the ability to immediately write off 100% of the cost of equipment and research.Forty-one states levy individual income taxes on wages and salaries. Forty-four states charge corporate income taxes.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this month called on those states “to immediately conform” to the federal tax cuts and accused some Democratic-led states that haven't done so of engaging in "political obstructionism.” Though Bessent didn't mention it, many Republican-led states also have not decided whether to implement the tax deductions.“By denying their residents access to these important tax cuts, these governors and legislators are forcing hardworking Americans to shoulder higher state tax burdens, robbing them of the relief they deserve and exacerbating the financial squeeze on low- and middle-income households,” Bessent said.But some tax analysts contend there's more for states to consider. The tax break on tips, for example, could apply to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/22/2025-18278/occupations-that-customarily-and-regularly-received-tips-definition-of-qualified-tips">nearly 70 occupation fields</a>&nbsp;under a proposed rule from the Internal Revenue Service. But that would still exclude numerous low-wage workers, said Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects at the nonprofit Tax Foundation.“Lawmakers need to consider whether these are worth the cost,” Walczak said.<h2>Only a few states offer tax breaks for tips and overtime</h2>Because of the way state tax laws are written, the federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-tax-tips-trump-workers-restaurants-182a89e3dc5c1da51fcd3ad1aadc571f">tax breaks for tips</a>&nbsp;and overtime wages would have carried over to just seven states — Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon and South Carolina. But Colorado opted out of the state tax break for overtime shortly before the federal law was enacted.Michigan this fall became first — and, so far, only — state to opt into the tax breaks for tips and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-taxes-social-security-overtime-tariffs-989016ef41dc1533b05d1871d69c03ff">overtime wages</a>, effective in 2026. The overtime tax exemption is projected to cost the state nearly $113 million and the tips tax break about $45 million during its current budget year, according to the state treasury department.Michigan lawmakers offset that by decoupling from five federal corporate tax changes the state's treasury estimated would have reduced Michigan tax revenues by $540 million this budget year.Republican state Rep. Ann Bollin, chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Committee, said the state could not afford to embrace all the tax cuts while still investing in better roads, public safety and education.“The best path forward is to have more money in people’s pockets and have less regulation — and this kind of moved in that direction,” she said.Arizona could be among the next states to act. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has called upon lawmakers to adopt the tax breaks for tips, overtime, seniors and vehicle loans, and follow the federal government by also increasing the state's standard deduction for individual income taxpayers. Republican state House leaders said they stand ready to pass the tax cuts when their session begins Jan. 12.<h2>Several states have rejected corporate tax breaks</h2>In addition to Michigan, lawmakers in Delaware, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have passed measures to block some or all of the corporate tax cuts from taking effect in their states.A new Illinois law decoupling from a portion of the corporate tax changes could save the state nearly $250 million, said Democratic state Sen. Elgie Sims, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He said that could help ensure continued funding for schools, health care and vital services.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/j-b-pritzker">Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker</a>, an outspoken Democratic opponent of Trump, also cited budget concerns for rejecting the corporate tax cut provision. He said states already stand to lose money because of other provisions in Trump's big bill, such as a requirement to cover more of the costs of running the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.“The decoupling is an effort to try to hold back the onslaught from the federal government to make sure that we can support programs like the one we’re announcing today,” Pritzker told reporters at a December event publicizing a grant to address homelessness in central Illinois.___

US Treasury wants more states to embrace Trump's tax cuts. So far, only a few have done so

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY– Law enforcement investigating a suspect on multiple allegations in connection with a burglary.

On November 7, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of criminal damage and burglary to a vehicle in the City of Delia, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the course of the investigation a suspect was identified as Shaun Justin Barber, 41, of Delia.&nbsp; Deputies developed probable cause to search a residence and received a search warrant for 203 East Street in Delia where the suspect was believed to be staying. 

Deputies seized illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia from the residence.&nbsp; The suspect was not present and a warrant was issued for his arrest.&nbsp; On December 22, 2025, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office located Barber and arrested him on the outstanding Jackson County warrant.&nbsp; 

Barber was transferred to Jackson County where he was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of criminal damage to property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766368778207.png" alt="Barber-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Barber-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY– Law enforcement investigating a suspect on multiple allegations in connection with a burglary.On November 7, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of criminal damage and burglary to a vehicle in the City of Delia, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the course of the investigation a suspect was identified as Shaun Justin Barber, 41, of Delia.&nbsp; Deputies developed probable cause to search a residence and received a search warrant for 203 East Street in Delia where the suspect was believed to be staying. Deputies seized illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia from the residence.&nbsp; The suspect was not present and a warrant was issued for his arrest.&nbsp; On December 22, 2025, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office located Barber and arrested him on the outstanding Jackson County warrant.&nbsp; Barber was transferred to Jackson County where he was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of criminal damage to property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Deputies capture Kan. suspect wanted for November burglary 

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/charleyduffin/">Charley Duffin</a>

When Jan. 1 rolls around, Missouri’s minimum wage will increase from $13.75 to $15 an hour, putting the state ahead of many others.

The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced that the minimum wage is set to increase by $1.25 beginning in 2026. The minimum wage rate will be in effect for all non-exempt employers.

Missouri’s HB 567, signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe into law on July 10, repealed statewide earned paid sick time while simultaneously modifying the state’s minimum wage law.

It eliminated the automatic inflation adjustments that were set to begin in 2027 and kept the $15 per hour rate for public employers. However, it is also removing voter-approved worker protections for businesses as of Aug. 28.

Lily Roberts is the managing director of economic policy at the Center for American Progress, a nonpartisan economic policy institute. She said conversations about adjusting the minimum wage reflect rising prices that have increased in recent years.

“Everybody can tell you about inflation, and everybody can tell you about the cost of rent or groceries or childcare being really expensive, but the flip side of that is wages,” Roberts said. “There are many folks who are worse off and less able to keep up with those raising prices because a major pillar of how we make wage policy hasn’t been changed since 2009.”

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 and it hasn’t been adjusted since 2009, which Roberts said is the longest it’s gone unchanged since the introduction of minimum wage in 1938.

“$7.25 is so unbelievably low that many people don’t even believe that it’s still that low,” Roberts said.

In Missouri, employers who are involved in retail or service businesses and have an annual gross income less than $500,000 are exempt from having to pay the state minimum wage rate. Instead, those employers can pay their workers any wage at their discretion, according to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Roberts said Missouri is unique in the fact that it raised its minimum wage to reflect inflation numbers, but when the state implements a $15 an hour minimum wage, it is no longer required to factor in inflation.

Between 2015 and 2019, Missouri’s minimum wage rose just under a dollar, from $7.65 to $8.60. Since 2019, the increase has been at least $0.75 annually every year except for 2023. The $1.25 jump will be the second straight year that the minimum wage has increased by more than a dollar.

Missouri is one of 34 U.S. states, territories and districts that has a higher minimum wage than the federal requirement.

Roberts said Missouri is in line with nearby states, such as South Dakota, Nebraska and Arkansas. All of those states, plus Missouri, have consistently been working on increasing their respective minimum wages.

“Some of them are doing it gradually over time to get to ($15 an hour) and others are passing individual laws,” Roberts said. “These longer-term predictable changes are really the trend right now, where you give businesses and employees a sense of how their wages will grow over time, and it means that it’s easier to predict and easier for employers to budget for.”

She said business owners are often fighting for higher wages, contrary to popular belief, because they need to be able to compete.

“The higher your wages that you pay, in general, the lower your turnover is,” Roberts said. “So businesses that pay really small dollars tend to have a lot of turnover. It actually gets really counterproductive and expensive very quickly because the business owner has to spend all of their time hiring, training and trying to retain folks.”

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/missouri-minimum-wage-set-to-increase-over-a-dollar-in-2026/article_3d33d784-f2f7-4fb3-a7a7-34fe23712ad8.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741714465522.jpeg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/charleyduffin/">Charley Duffin</a>When Jan. 1 rolls around, Missouri’s minimum wage will increase from $13.75 to $15 an hour, putting the state ahead of many others.The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced that the minimum wage is set to increase by $1.25 beginning in 2026. The minimum wage rate will be in effect for all non-exempt employers.Missouri’s HB 567, signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe into law on July 10, repealed statewide earned paid sick time while simultaneously modifying the state’s minimum wage law.It eliminated the automatic inflation adjustments that were set to begin in 2027 and kept the $15 per hour rate for public employers. However, it is also removing voter-approved worker protections for businesses as of Aug. 28.Lily Roberts is the managing director of economic policy at the Center for American Progress, a nonpartisan economic policy institute. She said conversations about adjusting the minimum wage reflect rising prices that have increased in recent years.“Everybody can tell you about inflation, and everybody can tell you about the cost of rent or groceries or childcare being really expensive, but the flip side of that is wages,” Roberts said. “There are many folks who are worse off and less able to keep up with those raising prices because a major pillar of how we make wage policy hasn’t been changed since 2009.”The federal minimum wage is $7.25 and it hasn’t been adjusted since 2009, which Roberts said is the longest it’s gone unchanged since the introduction of minimum wage in 1938.“$7.25 is so unbelievably low that many people don’t even believe that it’s still that low,” Roberts said.In Missouri, employers who are involved in retail or service businesses and have an annual gross income less than $500,000 are exempt from having to pay the state minimum wage rate. Instead, those employers can pay their workers any wage at their discretion, according to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.Roberts said Missouri is unique in the fact that it raised its minimum wage to reflect inflation numbers, but when the state implements a $15 an hour minimum wage, it is no longer required to factor in inflation.Between 2015 and 2019, Missouri’s minimum wage rose just under a dollar, from $7.65 to $8.60. Since 2019, the increase has been at least $0.75 annually every year except for 2023. The $1.25 jump will be the second straight year that the minimum wage has increased by more than a dollar.Missouri is one of 34 U.S. states, territories and districts that has a higher minimum wage than the federal requirement.Roberts said Missouri is in line with nearby states, such as South Dakota, Nebraska and Arkansas. All of those states, plus Missouri, have consistently been working on increasing their respective minimum wages.“Some of them are doing it gradually over time to get to ($15 an hour) and others are passing individual laws,” Roberts said. “These longer-term predictable changes are really the trend right now, where you give businesses and employees a sense of how their wages will grow over time, and it means that it’s easier to predict and easier for employers to budget for.”She said business owners are often fighting for higher wages, contrary to popular belief, because they need to be able to compete.“The higher your wages that you pay, in general, the lower your turnover is,” Roberts said. “So businesses that pay really small dollars tend to have a lot of turnover. It actually gets really counterproductive and expensive very quickly because the business owner has to spend all of their time hiring, training and trying to retain folks.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/missouri-minimum-wage-set-to-increase-over-a-dollar-in-2026/article_3d33d784-f2f7-4fb3-a7a7-34fe23712ad8.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>.&nbsp;

Missouri minimum wage set to increase over a dollar 

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Wichita Police Department arrested an 18-year-old after he shot and critically injured another 18-year-old Tuesday night inside a south Wichita home.

Officers responded to a report of a shooting around 10 p.m. Dec. 23 in the 3600 block of South Eisenhower Court and found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.&nbsp;

Investigators determined the victim was in the basement with a friend showing him two firearms. During the interaction, the friend reportedly pointed one of the firearms at the victim and fired, striking him.&nbsp;

The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.&nbsp;

The 18-year-old suspect was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on a charge of aggravated battery.&nbsp;

“Tragically we have another incident where we have two young adults playing with a firearm not practicing responsible gun ownership or handling,” Police Chief Joe Sullivan said. “It is tragic that at this time of year when families are supposed to be celebrating this joyous holiday season coming two families lives have forever been changed.”&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Wichita Police Department arrested an 18-year-old after he shot and critically injured another 18-year-old Tuesday night inside a south Wichita home.Officers responded to a report of a shooting around 10 p.m. Dec. 23 in the 3600 block of South Eisenhower Court and found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.&nbsp;Investigators determined the victim was in the basement with a friend showing him two firearms. During the interaction, the friend reportedly pointed one of the firearms at the victim and fired, striking him.&nbsp;The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.&nbsp;The 18-year-old suspect was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on a charge of aggravated battery.&nbsp;“Tragically we have another incident where we have two young adults playing with a firearm not practicing responsible gun ownership or handling,” Police Chief Joe Sullivan said. “It is tragic that at this time of year when families are supposed to be celebrating this joyous holiday season coming two families lives have forever been changed.”&nbsp;

Kan. teen jailed after accidental shooting critically injures teen

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-islamic-state-nigeria-43478823f0562cafc527fad1448a0542">The United States airstrikes</a>&nbsp;that targeted Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria’s on Thursday marked a major escalation in an offensive that Nigeria’s overstretched military has struggled with for years.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that the “powerful and deadly” strikes in Sokoto state were carried out against Islamic State militants “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-christian-muslim-killings-kidnapping-trump-af57834a1ce47488397bf07931b5cf51">Residents and security analysts have said</a>&nbsp;Nigeria’s security crisis affects both Christians, predominant in the south, and Muslims, who are the majority in the north.

Nigeria, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-killings-bandits-insecurity-tinubu-13ca838d972feb44e2c2006524a3e259">battling multiple armed groups</a>, said the U.S. strikes were part of an exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination between the two countries.

The Associated Press could not confirm the extent of the strikes’ impact. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a post on X about the airstrikes, said: “More to come...”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-abduction-gunmen-kaduna-2b5537957ce605ca06576d99a0756901">The armed groups</a>&nbsp;in Africa’s most populous country include at least two affiliated with the Islamic State — an offshoot of the Boko Haram extremist group known as the Islamic State West Africa Province in the northeast, and the lesser-known Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) known locally as Lakurawa and prominent in the northwest.

Although officials did not say exactly which group was targeted, security analysts said the target, if indeed against Islamic State militants, was likely members of Lakurawa, which became more lethal in border states like Sokoto and Kebbi in the last year, often targeting remote communities and security forces.

The Nigerian military has said in the past that the group has roots in neighboring Niger and that it became more active in Nigeria’s border communities following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/niger-coups-bazoum-sahel-military-democracy-d1614b14baff6571b7d3766c2cbd8ba1">2023 military coup</a>. That coup resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mali-niger-burkina-faso-ecowas-west-africa-5a5dc2180e39223c91b1820067db4011">fractured relations</a>&nbsp;between Nigeria and Niger, and affected their multinational military operations along the porous border.

Militants invited to provide security now torment villages

Multiple analysts have said Lakurawa has been active in northwest Nigeria since around 2017 when it was invited by traditional authorities in Sokoto to protect their communities from bandit groups.

The militants, however, “overstayed their welcome, clashing with some of the community leaders ... and enforcing a harsh interpretation of sharia law that alienated much of the rural population,” according to James Barnett, an Africa researcher with the Washington-based Hudson Institute.

“Communities now openly say that Lakurawa are more oppressive and dangerous than the bandits they claim to protect them from,” according to Malik Samuel, a Nigerian security researcher with Good Governance Africa.

Lakurawa controls territories in Sokoto and Kebbi states, and has become known for killings, kidnapping, rape and armed robbery, Samuel said.

But some of the attacks blamed on Lakurawa are by the Islamic State Sahel Province, which has expanded from Niger’s Dosso region to northwestern Nigeria, according to the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location &amp; Event Data Project.

“ISSP has maintained a low profile, operating covertly to infiltrate and entrench itself along the Niger-Nigeria border, and is now also expanding its operations toward the Beninese border,” the project said in a recent report.

Nigeria’s insecurity is deep-rooted in social issues

The security woes are more of a governance problem than a military one.

Motives for attacks differ but the gangs are often driven by the near absence of a state and security presence in conflict hot spots, making recruitment easy. Those hot spots, data show, have some of the country’s highest levels of poverty, hunger and lack of jobs.

Nigeria’s Minister of Defense Christopher Musa once said in his past capacity as the defense chief that military action is only 30% of what is needed to fix the country’s security crisis, while the remaining 70% depends on good governance.

“The absence of the state in remote communities is making it easy for non-state actors to come in and present themselves to the people as the best alternative government,” said Samuel.

US strikes seen as crucial support for Nigeria’s military

Thursday’s U.S. strikes were seen as crucial help for Nigeria’s security forces, which are often overstretched and outgunned as they fight multiple security crises across different regions.

In states like Sokoto, the military often carries out airstrikes targeting militant hideouts and Nigeria has embarked on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-abductions-emergency-tinubu-2c03f38192703fa7c78bcf2168db9eaf">mass recruitment of security forces</a>.

But analysts say military operations targeting the gangs are not usually sustained and the militants easily move on motorcycles to new locations through vast forests that connect several states in the north.

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-islamic-state-nigeria-43478823f0562cafc527fad1448a0542">The United States airstrikes</a>&nbsp;that targeted Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria’s on Thursday marked a major escalation in an offensive that Nigeria’s overstretched military has struggled with for years.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and… <a href="https://t.co/ct7rUW128t">pic.twitter.com/ct7rUW128t</a>&mdash; Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar/status/2004351717131903272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that the “powerful and deadly” strikes in Sokoto state were carried out against Islamic State militants “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-christian-muslim-killings-kidnapping-trump-af57834a1ce47488397bf07931b5cf51">Residents and security analysts have said</a>&nbsp;Nigeria’s security crisis affects both Christians, predominant in the south, and Muslims, who are the majority in the north.Nigeria, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-killings-bandits-insecurity-tinubu-13ca838d972feb44e2c2006524a3e259">battling multiple armed groups</a>, said the U.S. strikes were part of an exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination between the two countries.The Associated Press could not confirm the extent of the strikes’ impact. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a post on X about the airstrikes, said: “More to come...”<h2>The militants targeted by US airstrikes</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-abduction-gunmen-kaduna-2b5537957ce605ca06576d99a0756901">The armed groups</a>&nbsp;in Africa’s most populous country include at least two affiliated with the Islamic State — an offshoot of the Boko Haram extremist group known as the Islamic State West Africa Province in the northeast, and the lesser-known Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) known locally as Lakurawa and prominent in the northwest.Although officials did not say exactly which group was targeted, security analysts said the target, if indeed against Islamic State militants, was likely members of Lakurawa, which became more lethal in border states like Sokoto and Kebbi in the last year, often targeting remote communities and security forces.The Nigerian military has said in the past that the group has roots in neighboring Niger and that it became more active in Nigeria’s border communities following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/niger-coups-bazoum-sahel-military-democracy-d1614b14baff6571b7d3766c2cbd8ba1">2023 military coup</a>. That coup resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mali-niger-burkina-faso-ecowas-west-africa-5a5dc2180e39223c91b1820067db4011">fractured relations</a>&nbsp;between Nigeria and Niger, and affected their multinational military operations along the porous border.<h2>Militants invited to provide security now torment villages</h2>Multiple analysts have said Lakurawa has been active in northwest Nigeria since around 2017 when it was invited by traditional authorities in Sokoto to protect their communities from bandit groups.The militants, however, “overstayed their welcome, clashing with some of the community leaders ... and enforcing a harsh interpretation of sharia law that alienated much of the rural population,” according to James Barnett, an Africa researcher with the Washington-based Hudson Institute.“Communities now openly say that Lakurawa are more oppressive and dangerous than the bandits they claim to protect them from,” according to Malik Samuel, a Nigerian security researcher with Good Governance Africa.Lakurawa controls territories in Sokoto and Kebbi states, and has become known for killings, kidnapping, rape and armed robbery, Samuel said.But some of the attacks blamed on Lakurawa are by the Islamic State Sahel Province, which has expanded from Niger’s Dosso region to northwestern Nigeria, according to the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location &amp; Event Data Project.“ISSP has maintained a low profile, operating covertly to infiltrate and entrench itself along the Niger-Nigeria border, and is now also expanding its operations toward the Beninese border,” the project said in a recent report.<h2>Nigeria’s insecurity is deep-rooted in social issues</h2>The security woes are more of a governance problem than a military one.Motives for attacks differ but the gangs are often driven by the near absence of a state and security presence in conflict hot spots, making recruitment easy. Those hot spots, data show, have some of the country’s highest levels of poverty, hunger and lack of jobs.Nigeria’s Minister of Defense Christopher Musa once said in his past capacity as the defense chief that military action is only 30% of what is needed to fix the country’s security crisis, while the remaining 70% depends on good governance.“The absence of the state in remote communities is making it easy for non-state actors to come in and present themselves to the people as the best alternative government,” said Samuel.<h2>US strikes seen as crucial support for Nigeria’s military</h2>Thursday’s U.S. strikes were seen as crucial help for Nigeria’s security forces, which are often overstretched and outgunned as they fight multiple security crises across different regions.In states like Sokoto, the military often carries out airstrikes targeting militant hideouts and Nigeria has embarked on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-abductions-emergency-tinubu-2c03f38192703fa7c78bcf2168db9eaf">mass recruitment of security forces</a>.But analysts say military operations targeting the gangs are not usually sustained and the militants easily move on motorcycles to new locations through vast forests that connect several states in the north.

Who are the militants targeted by US airstrikes in Nigeria

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff at a home in Wichita.

Just before 6:30p.m. Monday, police responded to a reported burglary at a residence in the 1700 Block of North Waco in Wichita, according to a media relase.

 Officers arrived and spoke with the female resident who told officers she returned home with her infant and found her ex-boyfriend inside who did not live there and he refused to leave.

The suspect reportedly armed himself with a large kitchen knife, advanced toward the resident, and threatened to kill officers when they arrived. The woman fled with her child and called 911.

When officers arrived, the suspect yelled at them and barricaded himself inside the home. Due to the threats and barricade, SWAT and the Crisis Negotiations Team were called to the scene. Negotiators worked for several hours to safely resolve the situation.

The suspect, identified from booking records as 45-year-old Hassan Melelek eventually exited through the back door and attempted to flee. SWAT officers and a police K-9 apprehended him. EMS evaluated the suspect on scene before he was transported to a local hospital for further assessment. No officers were injured.

Melelek was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, and felony criminal damage to property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766524564624.png" alt="Melelek photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Melelek photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff at a home in Wichita.Just before 6:30p.m. Monday, police responded to a reported burglary at a residence in the 1700 Block of North Waco in Wichita, according to a media relase. Officers arrived and spoke with the female resident who told officers she returned home with her infant and found her ex-boyfriend inside who did not live there and he refused to leave.The suspect reportedly armed himself with a large kitchen knife, advanced toward the resident, and threatened to kill officers when they arrived. The woman fled with her child and called 911.When officers arrived, the suspect yelled at them and barricaded himself inside the home. Due to the threats and barricade, SWAT and the Crisis Negotiations Team were called to the scene. Negotiators worked for several hours to safely resolve the situation.The suspect, identified from booking records as 45-year-old Hassan Melelek eventually exited through the back door and attempted to flee. SWAT officers and a police K-9 apprehended him. EMS evaluated the suspect on scene before he was transported to a local hospital for further assessment. No officers were injured.Melelek was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, and felony criminal damage to property.

Ex-boyfriend jailed after alleged burglary, knife assault at Kan. home

Philip Uwaoma&nbsp; Guessing Headlights via Associated Press

Ford Motor Company has announced a significant U.S. recall affecting 272,645 vehicles after regulators found a defect in the park function that could allow cars to roll away even when drivers think they are securely parked. The defect, tied to a component responsible for ensuring a vehicle stays in “Park”, has raised safety concerns and drawn attention from drivers, auto safety advocates, and investors alike.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the&nbsp;integrated park module&nbsp;in certain Ford vehicles may not fully engage when drivers shift into Park. If this module fails to lock properly, a vehicle that is supposedly parked could roll away on its own, significantly increasing the risk of crashes, property damage, or injuries.

This type of safety defect is serious because most drivers rely on the “Park” setting (not the parking brake) as the main safeguard against unintended movement. A loss of park function can undermine that fundamental expectation of safety.

The recall targets a mix of electric, hybrid, and mainstream models from recent production years:

Together, these models make up the bulk of the 272,645 vehicles included in the recall. Both the&nbsp;<a href="https://guessingheadlights.com/ford-didnt-kill-the-f-150-lightning-because-americans-hate-evs/">discontinued electric F‑150 Lightning</a>and the Mustang Mach‑E have been central to Ford’s push into electrification — making this news particularly notable for EV owners.What’s the Fix?

Ford says it will remedy the issue at no cost. Owners of affected vehicles will receive a software update for the integrated park module. This update can be delivered in two ways:

Automakers increasingly rely on OTA fixes to address software‑linked issues because it’s faster and more convenient for customers. However, dealers remain an option to ensure all vehicles are brought up to the updated standard.Safety Context and History

The NHTSA requires all new vehicles to comply with federal safety standards, including&nbsp;Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114&nbsp;— the rule that governs theft protection and prevention of rollaway vehicles. A failure of the park function can violate this standard, prompting a recall.

U.S. regulators typically order recalls when a defect poses an&nbsp;unreasonable risk of injury or crash. In this case, the defect is not limited to a single model year or vehicle type, spanning multiple years and both electrified and conventional vehicles. That breadth reflects the complexity of modern vehicle systems, where software and electronic modules play a larger role in basic safety functions.

Ford’s recall comes amid a period of intensified scrutiny of automotive safety issues. Earlier this month, the company also issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-recalls-nearly-32000-vehicles-nhtsa-says-2025-12-16/">separate recall for more than 32,000 vehicles</a>&nbsp;over a defect that could lead to a loss of drive power — another potential rollaway risk when the parking brake isn’t engaged.

Ford has not reported any crashes or injuries tied to this specific park function defect but is acting out of precaution to avert future harm. Affected owners will be notified by mail with instructions on scheduling the update, and Ford has set up a customer support line for questions.

For drivers, the immediate takeaway is that if you own one of the affected vehicles, check your mail and Ford’s official recall portal, and get the software update done as soon as convenient. Until the update is applied, it may be advisable to use the parking brake as an added safeguard. It’s a simple habit that can reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement.

Philip Uwaoma&nbsp; Guessing Headlights via Associated PressFord Motor Company has announced a significant U.S. recall affecting 272,645 vehicles after regulators found a defect in the park function that could allow cars to roll away even when drivers think they are securely parked. The defect, tied to a component responsible for ensuring a vehicle stays in “Park”, has raised safety concerns and drawn attention from drivers, auto safety advocates, and investors alike.What’s the Problem?According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the&nbsp;integrated park module&nbsp;in certain Ford vehicles may not fully engage when drivers shift into Park. If this module fails to lock properly, a vehicle that is supposedly parked could roll away on its own, significantly increasing the risk of crashes, property damage, or injuries.This type of safety defect is serious because most drivers rely on the “Park” setting (not the parking brake) as the main safeguard against unintended movement. A loss of park function can undermine that fundamental expectation of safety.Which Vehicles Are Affected?The recall targets a mix of electric, hybrid, and mainstream models from recent production years:<ul>
 <li>2022–2026 Ford F‑150 Lightning BEVs&nbsp;(battery electric trucks)</li><li>2024–2026 Ford Mustang Mach‑E&nbsp;crossovers</li><li>2025–2026 Ford Maverick&nbsp;compact pickups</li>
 </ul>Together, these models make up the bulk of the 272,645 vehicles included in the recall. Both the&nbsp;<a href="https://guessingheadlights.com/ford-didnt-kill-the-f-150-lightning-because-americans-hate-evs/">discontinued electric F‑150 Lightning</a>and the Mustang Mach‑E have been central to Ford’s push into electrification — making this news particularly notable for EV owners.What’s the Fix?Ford says it will remedy the issue at no cost. Owners of affected vehicles will receive a software update for the integrated park module. This update can be delivered in two ways:<ul>
 <li>Over‑the‑air (OTA)&nbsp;— similar to a smartphone update, sent wirelessly</li><li>At a Ford dealership&nbsp;— via a service technician</li>
 </ul>Automakers increasingly rely on OTA fixes to address software‑linked issues because it’s faster and more convenient for customers. However, dealers remain an option to ensure all vehicles are brought up to the updated standard.Safety Context and HistoryThe NHTSA requires all new vehicles to comply with federal safety standards, including&nbsp;Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114&nbsp;— the rule that governs theft protection and prevention of rollaway vehicles. A failure of the park function can violate this standard, prompting a recall.U.S. regulators typically order recalls when a defect poses an&nbsp;unreasonable risk of injury or crash. In this case, the defect is not limited to a single model year or vehicle type, spanning multiple years and both electrified and conventional vehicles. That breadth reflects the complexity of modern vehicle systems, where software and electronic modules play a larger role in basic safety functions.Ford’s recall comes amid a period of intensified scrutiny of automotive safety issues. Earlier this month, the company also issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-recalls-nearly-32000-vehicles-nhtsa-says-2025-12-16/">separate recall for more than 32,000 vehicles</a>&nbsp;over a defect that could lead to a loss of drive power — another potential rollaway risk when the parking brake isn’t engaged.Ford’s ResponseFord has not reported any crashes or injuries tied to this specific park function defect but is acting out of precaution to avert future harm. Affected owners will be notified by mail with instructions on scheduling the update, and Ford has set up a customer support line for questions.For drivers, the immediate takeaway is that if you own one of the affected vehicles, check your mail and Ford’s official recall portal, and get the software update done as soon as convenient. Until the update is applied, it may be advisable to use the parking brake as an added safeguard. It’s a simple habit that can reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement.

Ford recalls thousands of trucks and SUVs over ‘park’ safety issue

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 4a.m. Thursday in Kansas City.

&nbsp;According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino, a 2015 Harley Davidson was southbound on West Pennway at 26th Street. The driver failed the negotiate the curve of the roadway. The motorcycle struck a light pole. The driver was pronounced deceased on scene. Police released no additional details on Christmas Day.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 4a.m. Thursday in Kansas City.&nbsp;According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino, a 2015 Harley Davidson was southbound on West Pennway at 26th Street. The driver failed the negotiate the curve of the roadway. The motorcycle struck a light pole. The driver was pronounced deceased on scene. Police released no additional details on Christmas Day.

KCPD: Driver died after motorcycle strikes a light pole

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating after a victim was rescued from small lake in Kansas City on Christmas Eve.

Just after 11:45p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported water rescue near the 8400 block of North Overland Court, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

First responders found a man who was in waist deep water and stuck in the mud, approximately 30-40 yards off the bank.&nbsp;Rescue crews deployed a rope bag, by throwing it out to the victim, who was able to grab it and was then assisted to shore at 12:16 a.m. 

The victim was evaluated by on-scene personnel and transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. It is unknown how he ended up in the water. The KCFD released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating after a victim was rescued from small lake in Kansas City on Christmas Eve.Just after 11:45p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported water rescue near the 8400 block of North Overland Court, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.First responders found a man who was in waist deep water and stuck in the mud, approximately 30-40 yards off the bank.&nbsp;Rescue crews deployed a rope bag, by throwing it out to the victim, who was able to grab it and was then assisted to shore at 12:16 a.m. The victim was evaluated by on-scene personnel and transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. It is unknown how he ended up in the water. The KCFD released no additional details.

KC emergency crews made water rescue Christmas Eve

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect arrested&nbsp; in connection with an ongoing child abuse investigation made his first appearance in court last week.

A judge charged 30-year-old Kevin D. Mitchell with abuse of child. He is also charged with two counts of failure to appear, according to online jail records.

Just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to an EMS assist call at a residence in the 5500 block of South Handley in Wichita, according to a media release.

 Upon arrival, officers found a 1-year-old child unresponsive. The child was transported to a medical facility in critical condition and is currently listed as critical but stable.

Five children were in the home at the time of the incident, ranging from 6 months old to 9 years old. In addition to the 1-year-old, the 6-month-old was also taken to the hospital for medical treatment. All five children have been placed in police protective custody.

Wichita police began investigating at the scene, which led to Mitchell's arrest.&nbsp; He is being held on a bond of $75,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765990410968.png" alt="Mitchell photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect arrested&nbsp; in connection with an ongoing child abuse investigation made his first appearance in court last week.A judge charged 30-year-old Kevin D. Mitchell with abuse of child. He is also charged with two counts of failure to appear, according to online jail records.Just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to an EMS assist call at a residence in the 5500 block of South Handley in Wichita, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers found a 1-year-old child unresponsive. The child was transported to a medical facility in critical condition and is currently listed as critical but stable.Five children were in the home at the time of the incident, ranging from 6 months old to 9 years old. In addition to the 1-year-old, the 6-month-old was also taken to the hospital for medical treatment. All five children have been placed in police protective custody.Wichita police began investigating at the scene, which led to Mitchell's arrest.&nbsp; He is being held on a bond of $75,000.

Kan. man arrested after 2 kids hospitalized faced a judge

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday night that he’d launched a “powerful and deadly strike” against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, after he spent weeks decrying the group for targeting Christians.

The president’s post did not include information about how the strike was carried out and what effects it had and the White House did not immediately provide further details.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!” the president posted on his social media site.

Last month, Trump said he’d ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following the claims of Christian persecution. The State Department then announced in recent weeks that it would restrict visas for Nigerians and their family members involved in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-christian-muslim-killings-kidnapping-trump-af57834a1ce47488397bf07931b5cf51">mass killings and violence against Christians</a>&nbsp;in the West African country.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-nigeria-sanctions-trump-religious-freedom-83c1df230dbcdc30178baab083fffd94">U.S. recently designated Nigera</a>&nbsp;a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.

“I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” Trump wrote in his Christmas night post. He said that U.S. defense officials had “executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”

The president added: “our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.”

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday night that he’d launched a “powerful and deadly strike” against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, after he spent weeks decrying the group for targeting Christians.The president’s post did not include information about how the strike was carried out and what effects it had and the White House did not immediately provide further details.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and… <a href="https://t.co/ct7rUW128t">pic.twitter.com/ct7rUW128t</a>&mdash; Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar/status/2004351717131903272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofWar</a> is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support &amp; cooperation. Merry Christmas! <a href="https://t.co/k5Q3Qd4ClE">https://t.co/k5Q3Qd4ClE</a>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/2004332431542022289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!” the president posted on his social media site.Last month, Trump said he’d ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following the claims of Christian persecution. The State Department then announced in recent weeks that it would restrict visas for Nigerians and their family members involved in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-christian-muslim-killings-kidnapping-trump-af57834a1ce47488397bf07931b5cf51">mass killings and violence against Christians</a>&nbsp;in the West African country.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-nigeria-sanctions-trump-religious-freedom-83c1df230dbcdc30178baab083fffd94">U.S. recently designated Nigera</a>&nbsp;a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.“I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” Trump wrote in his Christmas night post. He said that U.S. defense officials had “executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”The president added: “our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.”

US launches strike against Islamic State militants in Nigeria

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the woman who died as 52-year-old Sherrie Baier.

&nbsp;Just after 10a.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to 27th&nbsp;and Quincy on a reported cutting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

 When officers arrived, they located an adult female victim suffering from laceration wounds.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; While officers were on scene investigating, they received information about the location of a possible suspect.&nbsp;

Just before 10:30a.m., officers responded to the 6600 block of E 16th&nbsp;street to investigate the information they received.&nbsp; When they arrived, possible crime scene evidence was located, and they were directed to a residence on 16th Street.&nbsp; Inside, they discovered Baier suffering from unknown bodily trauma.&nbsp; KCFD EMS responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.&nbsp;

This is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; A subject of interest was taken into custody on 16th Street, pending further investigation.&nbsp; Detectives are working to determine what led up to the incidents and if the scenes are related.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766491333267.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the woman who died as 52-year-old Sherrie Baier.&nbsp;Just after 10a.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to 27th&nbsp;and Quincy on a reported cutting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. When officers arrived, they located an adult female victim suffering from laceration wounds.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; While officers were on scene investigating, they received information about the location of a possible suspect.&nbsp;Just before 10:30a.m., officers responded to the 6600 block of E 16th&nbsp;street to investigate the information they received.&nbsp; When they arrived, possible crime scene evidence was located, and they were directed to a residence on 16th Street.&nbsp; Inside, they discovered Baier suffering from unknown bodily trauma.&nbsp; KCFD EMS responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.&nbsp;This is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; A subject of interest was taken into custody on 16th Street, pending further investigation.&nbsp; Detectives are working to determine what led up to the incidents and if the scenes are related.&nbsp;

Police: 52-year-old woman died of 'bodily trauma' in KC home

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonathan-j-cooper">JONATHAN J. COOPER</a>

The Mint abandoned designs developed during Joe Biden’s presidency that highlighted women’s suffrage and civil rights advancements, favoring classical depictions of America over progress toward a more inclusive society.

A series of celebrations are planned next year under the banner America 250, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. All U.S. coins show the year they were minted, but those made next year will also display 1776.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766334533923.png" alt="Image U.S. Mint" />
 <figcaption>Image U.S. Mint</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonathan-j-cooper">JONATHAN J. COOPER</a>The Mint abandoned designs developed during Joe Biden’s presidency that highlighted women’s suffrage and civil rights advancements, favoring classical depictions of America over progress toward a more inclusive society.A series of celebrations are planned next year under the banner America 250, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. All U.S. coins show the year they were minted, but those made next year will also display 1776.<h2>Trump, at least for now, isn’t getting a coin</h2>No design was released for a $1 coin, though U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, whose duties include oversight of the U.S. Mint, serving as a liaison with the Federal Reserve and overseeing Treasury’s Office of Consumer Policy, confirmed in October that&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TreasurerBeach/status/1974156375891804229" target="_blank">one showcasing Trump was in the works</a>. A draft design showed Trump’s profile on the “heads” side, known as the obverse, and on the reverse, a depiction of Trump raising his fist after his attempted assassination, The words “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” appear along the top.By law, presidents typically can’t appear on coins until two years after their death, but some advocates for a Trump coin think there may be a loophole in the law authorizing the treasury to mint special coins for the nation’s 250th birthday.Neither the Mint nor the Treasury Department responded when asked whether a Trump coin is still planned.<h2>The new designs depict classical Americana</h2>New designs will appear only on coins minted in 2026, with the current images returning the following year.The nickel, dime and five versions of the quarter will circulate, while a penny and half dollar will be sold as collectibles.Five versions of the quarter are planned depicting the Mayflower Compact, Revolutionary War, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Gettysburg Address.The dime will show a depiction of Liberty, a symbolic woman facing down the tyranny of the British monarchy, and an eagle carrying arrows in its talons representing America’s fight for independence.The commemorative nickel is essentially the same as the most recent nickel redesign, in 2006, but it includes two dates on the head’s side instead of one, 1776 and 2026.<h2>Two collectible coins are planned</h2>A half dollar coin shows the face of the Statue of Liberty on one side. The other shows her passing her torch to what appears to be the hand of a child, symbolizing a handoff to the next generation.The penny is essentially the same as the one in circulation, which was discontinued earlier this year and will be produced only as a collectible with two dates.Prices for collectible coins were not released. The Mint sells a variety of noncirculating coins on its website, with a vast range of prices reflecting their rarity.In honor of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps founding, for example, a commemorative half dollar coin is available for $61, while a commemorative $5 gold coin goes for $1,262. Up to 750,000 copies of the former will be minted, but no more than 50,000 of the latter.<h2>The abandoned designs</h2>Congress authorized commemorative coins in 2021. During the Biden administration, the Mint worked with a citizens advisory committee to propose designs depicting the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, abolitionism, suffrage and civil rights.Those designs included depictions of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Ruby Bridges, who was escorted to school by the National Guard at age 6 years amid opposition to racial integration at public schools.Those designs represented “continued progress toward ‘a more perfect union,’” said Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, quoting a phrase from the preamble to the Constitution.“The American story didn’t stop at the pilgrims and founding fathers, and ignoring anything that has happened in this country in the last 162 years is just another attempt by President Trump to rewrite our history,” Cortez Masto said in a statement.