WASHIINGTON —On Monday, United States Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power signed a financial guarantee supporting the U.S. government’s $20 billion Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan to the Government of Ukraine, according to a statement from Power's office.

(click below to watch White House statement on the loan)

 This effort is part of the G7 commitment to bring forward $50 billion in total financing under the ERA loan initiative to address critical and immediate financing needs for Ukraine in its continuing fight against Russia’s illegal invasion.&nbsp;

The proceeds of this loan were to be transferred Tuesday to the World Bank’s Facilitation of Resources to Invest in Strengthening Ukraine Financial Intermediary Fund, which will serve as trustee and administrator for the distribution of loan contributions to Ukraine from the United States.

The $20 billion U.S. ERA loan will provide immediate support to Ukraine and will be serviced and repaid by future flows of extraordinary revenues stemming from Russian sovereign assets immobilized in the European Union. These windfall proceeds will repay ERA lenders like the United States to provide assistance to Ukraine while minimizing the burden on U.S. taxpayers. This loan will leverage windfall proceeds earned from immobilized Russian sovereign assets to pay for the damage Russia has caused.&nbsp;

The Biden-Harris Administration aims to place Ukraine in the strongest possible position and will continue to take meaningful steps to help Ukraine fight for the future it deserves.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726238871572.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHIINGTON —On Monday, United States Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power signed a financial guarantee supporting the U.S. government’s $20 billion Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan to the Government of Ukraine, according to a statement from Power's office.(click below to watch White House statement on the loan)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=315&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F551621764453647%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=2520" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div> This effort is part of the G7 commitment to bring forward $50 billion in total financing under the ERA loan initiative to address critical and immediate financing needs for Ukraine in its continuing fight against Russia’s illegal invasion.&nbsp;The proceeds of this loan were to be transferred Tuesday to the World Bank’s Facilitation of Resources to Invest in Strengthening Ukraine Financial Intermediary Fund, which will serve as trustee and administrator for the distribution of loan contributions to Ukraine from the United States.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Even in the midst of Putin&#39;s brutal attacks, Ukraine continues to rebuild. Now, Ukraine has more tools to do so. This week I signed the guarantee for the U.S. government&#39;s loan to Ukraine with proceeds earned from frozen Russian sovereign assets. <a href="https://t.co/G5boEk5zH6">pic.twitter.com/G5boEk5zH6</a>&mdash; Samantha Power (@PowerUSAID) <a href="https://twitter.com/PowerUSAID/status/1866545332521230437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The $20 billion U.S. ERA loan will provide immediate support to Ukraine and will be serviced and repaid by future flows of extraordinary revenues stemming from Russian sovereign assets immobilized in the European Union. These windfall proceeds will repay ERA lenders like the United States to provide assistance to Ukraine while minimizing the burden on U.S. taxpayers. This loan will leverage windfall proceeds earned from immobilized Russian sovereign assets to pay for the damage Russia has caused.&nbsp;The Biden-Harris Administration aims to place Ukraine in the strongest possible position and will continue to take meaningful steps to help Ukraine fight for the future it deserves.

🎥U.S. gave $20 billion to Ukraine as part of new $50 billion loan 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A third Kansas Republican lawmaker is set to join a caucus supporting president-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.&nbsp;

U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann represents Kansas’ largest congressional district, the 1st District, and he joined the House Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency, or DOGE, caucus in late November.

The House DOGE caucus and its companion panel in the Senate are intended to give lawmakers a way to pitch budget cuts under Trump’s new department, which doesn’t technically exist without an act of Congress.

Mann, who recently won reelection, was not a part of the original list of caucus members. Congressmen from Florida and Texas launched the House caucus Nov. 19, selecting Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican serving Kansas’ 4th District, as a member.

The Senate DOGE caucus launched days later, and Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall was selected as a member.

Mann also met last week with the Trump allies selected to lead the new department, former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and tech billionaire Elon Musk, according to a representatives for his office.

Following the meeting, Mann said in a statement that he discussed “ways we can work with President Trump to hold our agencies accountable and get our fiscal house back in order.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727985281246.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, a Republican, is a new member of the House Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency caucus. -(Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, a Republican, is a new member of the House Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency caucus. -(Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A third Kansas Republican lawmaker is set to join a caucus supporting president-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.&nbsp;U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann represents Kansas’ largest congressional district, the 1st District, and he joined the House Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency, or DOGE, caucus in late November.The House DOGE caucus and its companion panel in the Senate are intended to give lawmakers a way to pitch budget cuts under Trump’s new department, which doesn’t technically exist without an act of Congress.Mann, who recently won reelection, was not a part of the original list of caucus members. Congressmen from Florida and Texas launched the House caucus Nov. 19, selecting Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican serving Kansas’ 4th District, as a member.The Senate DOGE caucus launched days later, and Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall was selected as a member.Mann also met last week with the Trump allies selected to lead the new department, former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and tech billionaire Elon Musk, according to a representatives for his office.Following the meeting, Mann said in a statement that he discussed “ways we can work with President Trump to hold our agencies accountable and get our fiscal house back in order.”

Third Kansas lawmaker joins Trump ‘DOGE’ caucus

SALINE COUNTY—Salina Police are investigating after a 57-year-old Salina man fell victim to a phone scam involving a caller falsely claiming to be with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, the victim received a call that said the man’s Social Security number had been linked to a criminal scheme and that a warrant for his arrest had been issued, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. To avoid arrest, the caller demanded the victim send $13,700.

The man complied, withdrawing $11,700 from his bank account and transferring it via an unspecified service. He then purchased $2,000 worth of gift cards from a Dillons grocery store and provided the gift card numbers to the scammer.

Captain Feldman reminds the public that police or any local, state or federal agency will never request money via gift cards or wire transfers. Anyone receiving such calls should hang up and contact police.

SALINE COUNTY—Salina Police are investigating after a 57-year-old Salina man fell victim to a phone scam involving a caller falsely claiming to be with the Drug Enforcement Administration.Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, the victim received a call that said the man’s Social Security number had been linked to a criminal scheme and that a warrant for his arrest had been issued, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. To avoid arrest, the caller demanded the victim send $13,700.The man complied, withdrawing $11,700 from his bank account and transferring it via an unspecified service. He then purchased $2,000 worth of gift cards from a Dillons grocery store and provided the gift card numbers to the scammer.Captain Feldman reminds the public that police or any local, state or federal agency will never request money via gift cards or wire transfers. Anyone receiving such calls should hang up and contact police.

Police: Kansas man lost over $10,000 in DEA scam

President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has filled the key posts for his second term in office, prioritizing loyalty to him after he felt bruised and hampered by internal squabbling during his first term.

Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation fights in the Senate, even with Republicans in control, and two candidates have already withdrawn from consideration.

Trump would turn a former critic into an ally as the nation's top diplomat.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marco-rubio-trump-latin-america-secretary-of-state-87aff0ce93f638fb69e30b067ecd84fb">Rubio</a>, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate before the slot went to JD Vance. Rubio is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

His selection punctuates the hard pivot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-marco-rubio-secretary-of-state-25664371f80dcf3332838352165e4d48">Rubio</a>&nbsp;has made with Trump, whom the senator once called a “con man" during his own unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-defense-secretary-pentagon-2d8030921ecef933778cf92afd40ec72">Hegseth</a>, 44, was a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends Weekend” and had been a contributor with the network since 2014. He developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-pete-hegseth-trump-defense-secretary-2e2bdd16c8e90f5d037f763cfadbde94">Hegseth</a>&nbsp;served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011 and earning two Bronze Stars. He lacks senior military and national security experience and would oversee global crises ranging from Europe to the Middle East.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-assault-allegations-police-report-trump-e6ebec0a1a5c7fb51cb5e2198f5e12a5">A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted</a>&nbsp;in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report recently made public. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and has denied any wrongdoing.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-election-scott-bessent-trump-e4df1ef61309ee78f2affc2d9eabeff1">Bessent</a>, 62, is a former money manager for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-soros">George Soros</a>, a big Democratic donor, and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/budget-deficit-trump-harris-kamala-debt-1ee3ff65e22ccf19d19b792ee22c46da">advocate for deficit reduction</a>. He founded the hedge fund Key Square Capital Management after having worked on and off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, Bessent would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary.

He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending.

Director of national intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard

Gabbard, 43, is a former Democratic House member from Hawaii who has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tulsi-gabbard-intelligence-director-russia-putin-0f661dd39bd16e248b16c049e6aa26c5">accused of echoing Russian propaganda.</a>&nbsp;She unsuccessfully sought the party’s 2020 presidential nomination and left the party in 2022. Gabbard endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gabbard-director-national-intelligence-466dfdfe2f949ea20bc2f4ef13e21438">Gabbard</a>&nbsp;has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades and deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. If confirmed she would come to the role as an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, spent several years in top national security and intelligence positions.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaetz-trump-fbi-justice-department-248b46ba0c882dd46d661568e8bd3bd7">Bondi</a>, 59, was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020.

Considered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/things-to-know-pam-bondi-eec1d16075c7debda62223b475e3977d">a loyalist</a>, Bondi also has served with the America First Policy Institute, a Trump-allied group that has helped lay the groundwork for his future administration.

Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush-money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appeared on Fox News and has been critical of the criminal cases against him.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-labor-secretary-lori-chavezderemer-feaa4672efac644aa60722d3a3215df1">Republican U.S. House member</a>&nbsp;narrowly lost her reelection bid on Nov. 5 but had received strong backing from union members in her district.

As a potential labor secretary, Chavez-DeRemer would oversee the department's workforce and budget and put forth priorities that affect workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employees, among other responsibilities.

Chavez-DeRemer is one of a few House Republicans to endorse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3c776a12a97468341bcfe8178638f127">the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act</a>&nbsp;that would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and penalize companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws in more than half the states.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/howard-lutnick-trump-crypto-economy-elon-musk-a03d95e323f7d2d4b722184d83e7b388">Lutnick</a>&nbsp;heads the brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and is a cryptocurrency enthusiast. He is co-chair of Trump's transition operation, charged along with Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration, with helping the president-elect fill key jobs in his second administration.

As secretary, Lutnick would play a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. He would oversee a sprawling Cabinet department whose oversight ranges from funding new computer chip factories and imposing trade restrictions to releasing economic data and monitoring the weather.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transition-white-house-staff-huckabee-f51121db5b18814bbab014e872c2a736">Noem</a>&nbsp;is a well-known conservative who used her two terms as South Dakota's governor to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions like other states, instead declaring South Dakota “open for business.” More recently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-immigration-trump-homeland-security-border-60d998d6c973411c020fd5824456c860">Noem</a>&nbsp;faced sharp criticism for writing in her memoir about shooting and killing her dog.

She is set to lead a department crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda as well as other missions. Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ratcliffe-cia-e5fe61f5e79206357085932f1252a852">Ratcliffe</a>, a former U.S. House member from Texas, was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump’s first term. He led U.S. government’s spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. If confirmed, Ratcliffe will have held the highest intelligence positions in the U.S.

Health and human services secretary: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rfk-hhs-health-kennedy-f40ee2398e3a280c1586eecdd80bdf7c">Kennedy</a>, 70, ran for president as a Democrat, then as an independent before he dropped out and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-trump-speech-arizona-a2638f89ddcb5de03edbe4574ca17d45">then endorsed Trump</a>. He's the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-jr-rfk-things-to-know-explained-who-is-hhs-5288a4a7277d1a0b4a7ede8f57a971ce">son of Democratic icon</a>&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 during his own presidential campaign.

Kennedy's nomination alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-vaccines-trump-rfkjr-7f8dcb25de76a5a70710d22bbc63f6fa">unfounded fears about vaccines</a>. For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transition-cabinet-agriculture-75911e79188c48e27d6c3c12f1a58e80">Rollins</a>, 52, is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for Trump's second administration.

She is a Texas attorney who was Trump's domestic policy adviser and director of his office of American innovation during his first term.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooke-rollins-trump-agriculture-179e8163568c723afe6d27848ce04c22">Rollins</a>&nbsp;previously was an aide to former Texas Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rick-perry">Rick Perry</a>, who also served in Trump's first term. Rollins also ran the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-duffy-cabinet-transportation-secretary-c465bbc516b5f898233f86bee31a7a45">Duffy</a>&nbsp;is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-duffy-cabinet-transportation-b673a7ef72b5633f731b088ce26e4832">served in the House for nearly nine years</a>, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business.

Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doug-collins-veterans-affairs-va-georgia-f9a14a486cb12fd5ac3f07b3068eb20a">Collins</a>&nbsp;is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential campaign, but was acquitted by the Senate.

Collins also served in the armed forces himself. He is a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doug-burgum-interior-cabinet-2af5f4c0b891a2705c6132fbff16f278">North Dakota governor</a>, 68, is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump after he dropped out of the running. Burgum then became a serious contender to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vice-president-rubio-vance-burgum-scott-8b6a3a22eecdfff668a5002ddfd3af18">be Trump’s vice presidential choice</a>&nbsp;in part because of his executive experience and business savvy. He also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs.

Trump said Burgum would chair a new National Energy Council and have a seat on the National Security Council, which would be a first for the Interior secretary.

A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2024-election-energy-secretary-d546f5f81d7b2347b49905be924dfcd7">Wright</a>&nbsp;is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market.

He also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chris-wright-energy-cabinet-4161f363d59013339d5b444ddf123d45">Wright</a>&nbsp;said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The department is responsible for advancing the energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States.

McMahon,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/linda-mcmahon-trump-education-secretary-wwe-613016d0c164b89765af761404cbb123">a billionaire professional wrestling mogul</a>, would make a return appearance in a second Trump administration. She led the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 in Trump’s first term and twice ran unsuccessfully in Connecticut as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University. She has expressed support for charter schools and school choice.

Environmental Protection Agency administrator: Lee Zeldin

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stephen-miller-policy-immigration-9cc6ad3118779b23bff88022ca5e2260">Zeldin</a>&nbsp;does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LeeMZeldin/status/1856068555865026956">X</a>, “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI" and "we will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.”

Trump often attacked the Biden administration’s promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referred to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often said his administration would “drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration.

Housing and Urban Development secretary: Scott Turner

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-secretary-trump-scott-turner-nfl-727417b56d0e1f85a40eaf5f7d13d42f">Turner</a>&nbsp;is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.”

U.S. Trade Representative: Jamieson Greer

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trade-nec-economics-trump-elections-7a0be4a246256bc468fb7c0e8bff8639">Greer</a>&nbsp;is a partner at King &amp; Spalding, a Washington law firm. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be responsible for negotiating directly with foreign governments on trade deals and disputes, as well as memberships in international trade bodies such as the World Trade Organization. He previously was chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, who was the trade representative in Trump's first term.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-susie-wiles-32df8958bedde5f3f2d55fd071979692">Wiles</a>, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager.

She has a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-susie-wiles-32df8958bedde5f3f2d55fd071979692">background in Florida politics</a>, helping Ron DeSantis win his first race for Florida governor. Six years later, she was key to Trump’s defeat of him in the 2024 Republican primary.

Wiles’ hire was Trump’s first major decision as president-elect and one that could be a defining test of his incoming administration considering her close relationship with him. Wiles is said to have earned Trump’s trust in part by guiding what was the most disciplined of Trump’s three presidential campaigns.

Waltz is a three-term Republican congressman from east-central Florida.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">A former Army Green Beret</a>, he served multiple tours in Afghanistan and worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs.

He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population.

Hassett, 62, is a major advocate of tax cuts who was chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers in the first Trump term. In the new role as chairman of the National Economic Council, Trump said Hassett will play an important role in helping American families recover from inflation as well as in renewing and improving tax cuts Trump enacted in 2017, many of which are set to expire after 2025.

Homan, 62,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-homan-ice-border-czar-7dea915b5ea43896390b8020d254f887">has been tasked</a>&nbsp;with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history.

He led the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Trump's first administration. Democrats have criticized Homan for defending Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings in the first term, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border.

Office of Management and Budget: Russell Vought

Vought, 48, held the position during Trump’s first presidency. He founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank whose mission is to “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought also was closely involved with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/project-2025-trump-american-revolution-6e02a297fb91b55de01ba7e86615bb08">Project 2025</a>, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that Trump tried to distance himself from during the campaign.

Deputy chief of staff for policy: Stephen Miller

Miller, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stephen-miller-policy-immigration-9cc6ad3118779b23bff88022ca5e2260">immigration hardliner</a>, was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump’s priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump’s first term.

Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump’s policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation’s economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people living illegally in the U.S.

Scavino was an adviser in all three of the president-elect's campaigns and was described by the transition team as one of “Trump’s longest serving and most trusted aides." He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino previously ran Trump’s social media profile in the White House.

Blair was political director for Trump’s 2024 campaign and the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and an assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump’s economic messaging during the campaign.

Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump’s 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president.

White House press secretary: Karoline Leavitt

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-press-secretary-4c550e04334e87d2075dc6bbe2e244bd">Leavitt</a>, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-inflation-donald-trump-51418003338eb89abfbfc6aac6909abd">she ran for Congress in New Hampshire,</a>&nbsp;winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas.

Warrington has served Trump as his personal attorney and lawyer for the campaign. Trump initially had tapped William McGinley to be White House counsel, but three weeks later said he instead was dispatching McGinley to work with his new Department of Government Efficiency. That panel will be run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy with the goal of cutting federal spending.

Johnson — not the Republican senator — served as ambassador to El Salvador during Trump’s first administration. Johnson is also a former U.S. Army veteran and was in the Central Intelligence Agency.

Barrack, a wealthy financier, met Trump in the 1980s while helping negotiate Trump’s purchase of the renowned Plaza Hotel. He was charged with using his personal access to the former president to secretly promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates, but was acquitted of all counts at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-new-york-donald-trump-brooklyn-united-arab-emirates-461c7dd912445be7a6837a2cdd4ff9c0">a federal trial</a>&nbsp;in 2022.

Guilfoyle is a former California prosecutor and television news personality who led the fundraising for Trump’s 2020 campaign and became engaged to Don Jr. in 2020. Trump called her “a close friend and ally” and praised her “sharp intellect make her supremely qualified.”

Updated list of Trump's picks for key positions in his administration

NEW YORK (AP) — George Joseph Kresge Jr., who was known to generations of TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, has died at age 89.

Kreskin's friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, told news outlets that he died Tuesday at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey, where he spent much of his life. Galway did not provide additional details.

Inspired by the crime-fighting comic book character Mandrake the Magician, Kreskin launched his television career in the 1960s and remained popular for decades, making guest appearances on talk shows hosted by everyone from Merv Griffin to Johnny Carson to Jimmy Fallon.

Fans would welcome, if not entirely figure out, his favorite mind tricks — whether correctly guessing a playing card chosen at random, or, most famously, divining where his paycheck had been planted among the audience. He also hosted his own show in the 1970s, gave live performances and wrote numerous books, including “Secrets of the Amazing Kreskin” and “Mental Power Is Real.”

Although he was a talk show regular, one host wasn't amused by a Kreskin stunt. In 2002, he claimed that a UFO would appear over Las Vegas on the night of June 2, and added that he would donate $50,000 to charity if he was wrong. Hundreds of people gathered in the desert, in vain. Kreskin acknowledged to radio personality Art Bell that his prediction was a hoax, a way of proving that the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks the year before had made people susceptible to manipulation. Bell called the ruse “lame, lame, lame” and banned him from his show.

NEW YORK (AP) — George Joseph Kresge Jr., who was known to generations of TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, has died at age 89.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of The Amazing Kreskin, born George Kresge, at the age of 89. Performing for all of you brought immense joy to his life, and it was something he deeply cherished. The family kindly asks for privacy during this difficult time. <a href="https://t.co/42kmVAOPE6">pic.twitter.com/42kmVAOPE6</a>&mdash; The Amazing Kreskin (@Kreskin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kreskin/status/1866657870173049126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kreskin's friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, told news outlets that he died Tuesday at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey, where he spent much of his life. Galway did not provide additional details.Inspired by the crime-fighting comic book character Mandrake the Magician, Kreskin launched his television career in the 1960s and remained popular for decades, making guest appearances on talk shows hosted by everyone from Merv Griffin to Johnny Carson to Jimmy Fallon.Fans would welcome, if not entirely figure out, his favorite mind tricks — whether correctly guessing a playing card chosen at random, or, most famously, divining where his paycheck had been planted among the audience. He also hosted his own show in the 1970s, gave live performances and wrote numerous books, including “Secrets of the Amazing Kreskin” and “Mental Power Is Real.”Although he was a talk show regular, one host wasn't amused by a Kreskin stunt. In 2002, he claimed that a UFO would appear over Las Vegas on the night of June 2, and added that he would donate $50,000 to charity if he was wrong. Hundreds of people gathered in the desert, in vain. Kreskin acknowledged to radio personality Art Bell that his prediction was a hoax, a way of proving that the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks the year before had made people susceptible to manipulation. Bell called the ruse “lame, lame, lame” and banned him from his show.

Amazing Kreskin, TV star master of mind games, dies at 89

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%20and%20JACK%20DURA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA and JACK DURA Associated Press</a>

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Young adult immigrants known as “Dreamers” in Kansas and 18 other U.S. states will be temporarily blocked from getting health insurance through the Affordable Care Act's public marketplace, a federal judge has ruled, limiting an effort by the Biden administration to help immigrants brought to the country illegally as children.

Judge Daniel Traynor of the U.S. District Court in North Dakota issued the order Monday from Bismarck, dealing a setback to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-insurance-migrants-obamacare-biden-a38541478bc1f6b7662b3901cefc9e93">a Biden administration rule</a>&nbsp;that was estimated to allow 147,000 immigrants to enroll for coverage. Traynor's ruling came in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migrant-health-care-dreamers-states-lawsuit-b243450475670f13a3e86d6be3568804">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed over the policy and will remain in effect until the matter can go to trial.

The ruling applies to immigrants in 19 states where Republican attorneys general sued to avoid having to comply with the new policy. They cited concern over immigrants possibly qualifying for public subsidies available to many people insured under the ACA.

The GOP state officials argued that the rule created earlier this year by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would be a strong incentive for immigrants to remain in the U.S. illegally and could creating costs for states. They argued that both the Affordable Care Act and a 1996 law prohibit U.S. government benefits flowing to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

“Dreamers” are part of a program that makes them a low priority for deportation. However, President-elect Donald Trump won the Nov. 5 election promising “the largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mass-deportations-immigration-844f3050ba99552b900ed9f3a1dec22d">mass deportation program</a>&nbsp;in history.” He will succeed President Joe Biden on Jan. 20.

Traynor, a Trump appointee during his first term in office, concluded through what he called “a common-sense inference” that access to subsidized ACA coverage is a powerful incentive for people to remain in the U.S. illegally, creating a substantial risk that states will “suffer monetary harm.”

Federal law gives CMS the authority to determine whether someone is living in the U.S. legally, but, Traynor wrote, “It by no means allows the agency to circumvent congressional authority and redefine the term ‘lawfully present.’”

CMS said in a statement Tuesday that it is reviewing the lawsuit but does not comment on litigation.

Nicholas Espíritu, deputy legal director of the National Immigration Law Center, said some “Dreamers” have been waiting for more than a decade to get “life-sustaining” health coverage through the ACA.

“Judge Traynor’s ruling is both disappointing and wrong on the law,” Espíritu said, promising his group would continue to fight the issue.

But Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach called the decision “a victory for the rule of law." He told reporters after a hearing in Bismarck in October that the Biden administration sought to redefine what it means to be an immigrant living in the U.S. legally by “executive fiat,” calling the rule “Alice in Wonderland stuff.”

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley added then that American taxpayers, through Congress, determine how the federal government treats immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

“And it doesn’t always come across as friendly and nice and cuddly, but it speaks to the access to our health care system, the cost of our health care system, and the burden on the American public, the taxpayer,” he said.

Kansas and North Dakota are the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed in August. They've been joined by Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

“Thankfully, the court put another nail in the coffin of Biden’s radical left-wing agenda,” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement Tuesday.

Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Associated Press Writer Kimberly Chandler in Mongtomery, Alabama, also contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719927364316.png" alt="Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach called the decision “a victory for the rule of law." He told reporters after a hearing in Bismarck in October that the Biden administration sought to redefine what it means to be an immigrant living in the U.S. legally by “executive fiat,” calling the rule “Alice in Wonderland stuff.” File photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach called the decision “a victory for the rule of law." He told reporters after a hearing in Bismarck in October that the Biden administration sought to redefine what it means to be an immigrant living in the U.S. legally by “executive fiat,” calling the rule “Alice in Wonderland stuff.” File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%20and%20JACK%20DURA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA and JACK DURA Associated Press</a>BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Young adult immigrants known as “Dreamers” in Kansas and 18 other U.S. states will be temporarily blocked from getting health insurance through the Affordable Care Act's public marketplace, a federal judge has ruled, limiting an effort by the Biden administration to help immigrants brought to the country illegally as children.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Big win for the rule of law. Congress never intended that illegal aliens should receive Obama care 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 Justice Department. <a href="https://t.co/tBZZLzH2in">pic.twitter.com/tBZZLzH2in</a>&mdash; Kris W. Kobach (@KrisKobach1787) <a href="https://twitter.com/KrisKobach1787/status/1866225811516166152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Judge Daniel Traynor of the U.S. District Court in North Dakota issued the order Monday from Bismarck, dealing a setback to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-insurance-migrants-obamacare-biden-a38541478bc1f6b7662b3901cefc9e93">a Biden administration rule</a>&nbsp;that was estimated to allow 147,000 immigrants to enroll for coverage. Traynor's ruling came in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migrant-health-care-dreamers-states-lawsuit-b243450475670f13a3e86d6be3568804">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed over the policy and will remain in effect until the matter can go to trial.The ruling applies to immigrants in 19 states where Republican attorneys general sued to avoid having to comply with the new policy. They cited concern over immigrants possibly qualifying for public subsidies available to many people insured under the ACA.The GOP state officials argued that the rule created earlier this year by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would be a strong incentive for immigrants to remain in the U.S. illegally and could creating costs for states. They argued that both the Affordable Care Act and a 1996 law prohibit U.S. government benefits flowing to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.“Dreamers” are part of a program that makes them a low priority for deportation. However, President-elect Donald Trump won the Nov. 5 election promising “the largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mass-deportations-immigration-844f3050ba99552b900ed9f3a1dec22d">mass deportation program</a>&nbsp;in history.” He will succeed President Joe Biden on Jan. 20.Traynor, a Trump appointee during his first term in office, concluded through what he called “a common-sense inference” that access to subsidized ACA coverage is a powerful incentive for people to remain in the U.S. illegally, creating a substantial risk that states will “suffer monetary harm.”Federal law gives CMS the authority to determine whether someone is living in the U.S. legally, but, Traynor wrote, “It by no means allows the agency to circumvent congressional authority and redefine the term ‘lawfully present.’”CMS said in a statement Tuesday that it is reviewing the lawsuit but does not comment on litigation.Nicholas Espíritu, deputy legal director of the National Immigration Law Center, said some “Dreamers” have been waiting for more than a decade to get “life-sustaining” health coverage through the ACA.“Judge Traynor’s ruling is both disappointing and wrong on the law,” Espíritu said, promising his group would continue to fight the issue.But Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach called the decision “a victory for the rule of law." He told reporters after a hearing in Bismarck in October that the Biden administration sought to redefine what it means to be an immigrant living in the U.S. legally by “executive fiat,” calling the rule “Alice in Wonderland stuff.”North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley added then that American taxpayers, through Congress, determine how the federal government treats immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.“And it doesn’t always come across as friendly and nice and cuddly, but it speaks to the access to our health care system, the cost of our health care system, and the burden on the American public, the taxpayer,” he said.Kansas and North Dakota are the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed in August. They've been joined by Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.“Thankfully, the court put another nail in the coffin of Biden’s radical left-wing agenda,” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement Tuesday.___Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Associated Press Writer Kimberly Chandler in Mongtomery, Alabama, also contributed.

'Dreamers' will be shut out of health care marketplace in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) —Albertsons is giving up on its merger with Kroger a day after it was rejected in two courts and it is suing the grocery chain, saying it didn't do enough to secure regulatory approval for the $24.6 billion agreement.

U.S. District Court Judge Adrienne Nelson issued a preliminary injunction blocking the merger 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. Then Judge Marshall Ferguson in Seattle issued a permanent injunction barring the merger in Washington after concluding it would lessen competition in the state and violate Washington’s consumer-protection laws.

On Wednesday Albertsons said that Kroger failed to exercise “best efforts” and to take “any and all actions” to secure regulatory approval of the companies’ agreed merger transaction.

<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.

Shares of Albertsons rose more than 2% before the market open, while Kroger's stock declined slightly.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Albertsons is giving up on its merger with Kroger a day after it was rejected in two courts and it is suing the grocery chain, saying it didn't do enough to secure regulatory approval for the $24.6 billion agreement.U.S. District Court Judge Adrienne Nelson issued a preliminary injunction blocking the merger 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. Then Judge Marshall Ferguson in Seattle issued a permanent injunction barring the merger in Washington after concluding it would lessen competition in the state and violate Washington’s consumer-protection laws.On Wednesday Albertsons said that Kroger failed to exercise “best efforts” and to take “any and all actions” to secure regulatory approval of the companies’ agreed merger transaction.<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.Shares of Albertsons rose more than 2% before the market open, while Kroger's stock declined slightly.

Albertsons gives up on Kroger merger and sues the grocery chain 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in a fire at a hotel on Tuesday in Topeka.

An individual has been transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-lifethreatening injuries following a hotel fire in west Topeka.

Just after 5:30 p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to a reported hotel fire at Woodspring Suites, 1801 SW Westport Drive in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.&nbsp;

First arriving crews found heavy smoke coming from a room on the second floor. American Medical response transported one individual to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have not released details on what caused the fire or a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733887528928.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in a fire at a hotel on Tuesday in Topeka.An individual has been transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-lifethreatening injuries following a hotel fire in west Topeka.Just after 5:30 p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to a reported hotel fire at Woodspring Suites, 1801 SW Westport Drive in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.&nbsp;First arriving crews found heavy smoke coming from a room on the second floor. American Medical response transported one individual to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.Authorities have not released details on what caused the fire or a damage estimate.

One hospitalized after fire at Kansas hotel

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.