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could face difficult confirmation fights in the Senate, even with Republicans in control, and one candidate has already withdrawn from consideration.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 employers, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-vaccines-trump-rfkjr-7f8dcb25de76a5a70710d22bbc63f6fa">his record of spreading 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 Energy Department is responsible for advancing 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: 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 the founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “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 for 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 his winning White House comeback 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.

McGinley was Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign.

Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe.

Patel has called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who have sought additional resources for the bureau. And though the Justice Department in 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-business-government-and-politics-67ac2f4f96b2dfd7f47446662e59ec6e">halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters’ phone records</a>&nbsp;during leak investigations, Patel has said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters.

Special envoy to the Middle East: Steven Witkoff

FBI Director selected: Trump's picks for key positions in his 2nd administration 

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City area man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to committing two armed robberies and illegally possessing a firearm after fleeing from police officers in a pick-up truck.

Duke A. Yates, 36, Independence pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to two counts of robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Yates robbed a Quik Trip and a Walgreen’s, both in Independence, at gunpoint within 10 minutes of each other at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2023. Yates stole a total of between $500 and $700 in cash and a dozen packs of cigarettes from the stores.

A police officer spotted Yates driving a white Ford F350 pickup truck with a missing headlight, matching the description of the vehicle used in the robberies, traveling eastbound on U.S. 40 Highway near Blue Ridge Cutoff. Yates fled at the presence of the officer, with the lights now blacked out on the vehicle. The officer turned on his lights and sirens and initiated a pursuit that reached speeds over 100 miles per hour.

During the pursuit, the truck failed to stop for posted stop signs and drove over medians. The truck slid onto 23rd&nbsp;Street facing eastbound in the westbound lanes, causing another motorist to drive onto the shoulder to avoid a collision. Yates drove into oncoming traffic and veered at a marked police vehicle that was attempting to deploy stop sticks.

Yates failed to negotiate a turn at 24911 E. Truman Road and went off-road, colliding with a power pole and breaking it at the base. Yates fled on foot and resisted arrest while being taken into custody.

Officers searched the stolen truck and found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the driver’s side floorboard.

Under federal statutes, Yates is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City area man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to committing two armed robberies and illegally possessing a firearm after fleeing from police officers in a pick-up truck.Duke A. Yates, 36, Independence pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to two counts of robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.Yates robbed a Quik Trip and a Walgreen’s, both in Independence, at gunpoint within 10 minutes of each other at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2023. Yates stole a total of between $500 and $700 in cash and a dozen packs of cigarettes from the stores.A police officer spotted Yates driving a white Ford F350 pickup truck with a missing headlight, matching the description of the vehicle used in the robberies, traveling eastbound on U.S. 40 Highway near Blue Ridge Cutoff. Yates fled at the presence of the officer, with the lights now blacked out on the vehicle. The officer turned on his lights and sirens and initiated a pursuit that reached speeds over 100 miles per hour.During the pursuit, the truck failed to stop for posted stop signs and drove over medians. The truck slid onto 23rd&nbsp;Street facing eastbound in the westbound lanes, causing another motorist to drive onto the shoulder to avoid a collision. Yates drove into oncoming traffic and veered at a marked police vehicle that was attempting to deploy stop sticks.Yates failed to negotiate a turn at 24911 E. Truman Road and went off-road, colliding with a power pole and breaking it at the base. Yates fled on foot and resisted arrest while being taken into custody.Officers searched the stolen truck and found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the driver’s side floorboard.Under federal statutes, Yates is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.

 Kansas City man admits to Christmas Day armed robberies

NEMAHA COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Saturday in Nemaha County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ram truck driven by&nbsp; Mark Eugene&nbsp;Ditmars, 37, Washington, Kansas was southbound on W Road at U.S. 35 approximately five miles west of Fairview.

The driver failed to stop at stop sign and struck a westbound 2017 Honda CR-V driven by Taylar Kathryn&nbsp;Deere-Novotny, 33, Lawrence, broadside.&nbsp;

A passenger in the Honda William Joseph&nbsp;Novotny, 35, Lawrence, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Popkess Funeral Home.

EMS transported Deere-Novotny and a 3-year-old girl in the Honda to the hospital in Sabetha.

EMS transported Ditmars and a passenger in the truck Jonathan Roy&nbsp;Ditmars, 36, Washington, Kansas, to the hospital in Hiawatha. All five were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NEMAHA COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Saturday in Nemaha County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ram truck driven by&nbsp; Mark Eugene&nbsp;Ditmars, 37, Washington, Kansas was southbound on W Road at U.S. 35 approximately five miles west of Fairview.The driver failed to stop at stop sign and struck a westbound 2017 Honda CR-V driven by Taylar Kathryn&nbsp;Deere-Novotny, 33, Lawrence, broadside.&nbsp;A passenger in the Honda William Joseph&nbsp;Novotny, 35, Lawrence, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Popkess Funeral Home.EMS transported Deere-Novotny and a 3-year-old girl in the Honda to the hospital in Sabetha.EMS transported Ditmars and a passenger in the truck Jonathan Roy&nbsp;Ditmars, 36, Washington, Kansas, to the hospital in Hiawatha. All five were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dead, 3 adults, 3-year-old injured in crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with a violent attack on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, has been convicted of attempted first-degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

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

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

During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled.

Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600793705943.png" alt="Thomas photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomas photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with a violent attack on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, has been convicted of attempted first-degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2020 police responded to an assault report at a home in the 3900 block of North Litchfield in Wichita, according to officer Charley DavidsonUpon arrival, officers contacted a 17-year-old girl who was visibly shaken and wet. The investigation revealed 19-year-old Dominic Thomas and the victim were talking near a pond at 37th Street North and Sullivan when a disturbance occurred.During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled.Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.

Jury: Kansas man guilty of trying to drown pregnant girlfriend

WASHINGTON – Cocao and Coca may sound similar, but what Customs and Border Protection officers at Washington Dulles International Airport found inside packages of hot chocolate was a poisonous powder instead of the advertised chocolatey confection.

Last month, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered more than 28 pounds of cocaine that was concealed inside 10 packages of hot chocolate beverage base while examining a food shipment brought to the United States by a Guatemalan courier.

CBP seized the cocaine. Federal authorities initially detained the courier; however, authorities released the courier on Tuesday after prosecutors were unable to directly connect the courier to the cocaine.

CBP officers canceled the courier’s visa and processed him as an expedited removal. The courier departed to Guatemala on Wednesday.

CBP is not releasing the courier’s name since the courier was not criminally charged.

CBP officers initially discovered 10 bricks of a white powdery substance concealed between layers of coffee grounds and under a double layer of chocolate bars in hot chocolate packages. Officers tested the white powdery substance using a handheld elemental isotope analysis tool and identified the substance as cocaine hydrochloride.

The combined weight of the 10 cocaine bricks was 12.88 kilograms, or 28 pounds and six ounces. The cocaine has a street value of about $900,000.

The courier shipment was destined to an address in Northern Virginia.

“Drug trafficking organizations continue trying to smuggle their illicit narcotics into the United States, but vigilant Customs and Border Protection officers are relentless in their efforts to intercept these smuggling attempts and to protect our communities from the scourge of dangerous drugs,” said Marc E. Calixte, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C.

Transnational criminal organizations sometimes attempt to smuggle dangerous drugs in courier shipments. On October 27, CBP officers seized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/dulles-cbp-officers-discover-heroin-guatemalan-courier-shipment-mwaa">nearly two pounds of heroin concealed inside packages of coffee</a>&nbsp;in a food courier shipment also from Guatemala.

Every day, CBP officers and agents seized an average of 2,339 pounds of dangerous drugs last year at and between our nation’s air, sea, and land ports of entry. See CBP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats">enforcement stats</a>&nbsp;to see what other dangerous drugs CBP is encountering at our nation’s borders.

CBP's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry">border security mission</a>&nbsp;is led at our nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry">Ports of Entry</a>&nbsp;by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations. CBP screens&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel">international travelers</a>&nbsp;and cargo and searches for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, invasive weeds and pests, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731772139217.png" alt="Photo CBP" />
 <figcaption>Photo CBP</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON – Cocao and Coca may sound similar, but what Customs and Border Protection officers at Washington Dulles International Airport found inside packages of hot chocolate was a poisonous powder instead of the advertised chocolatey confection.Last month, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered more than 28 pounds of cocaine that was concealed inside 10 packages of hot chocolate beverage base while examining a food shipment brought to the United States by a Guatemalan courier.CBP seized the cocaine. Federal authorities initially detained the courier; however, authorities released the courier on Tuesday after prosecutors were unable to directly connect the courier to the cocaine.CBP officers canceled the courier’s visa and processed him as an expedited removal. The courier departed to Guatemala on Wednesday.CBP is not releasing the courier’s name since the courier was not criminally charged.CBP officers initially discovered 10 bricks of a white powdery substance concealed between layers of coffee grounds and under a double layer of chocolate bars in hot chocolate packages. Officers tested the white powdery substance using a handheld elemental isotope analysis tool and identified the substance as cocaine hydrochloride.The combined weight of the 10 cocaine bricks was 12.88 kilograms, or 28 pounds and six ounces. The cocaine has a street value of about $900,000.The courier shipment was destined to an address in Northern Virginia.“Drug trafficking organizations continue trying to smuggle their illicit narcotics into the United States, but vigilant Customs and Border Protection officers are relentless in their efforts to intercept these smuggling attempts and to protect our communities from the scourge of dangerous drugs,” said Marc E. Calixte, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C.Transnational criminal organizations sometimes attempt to smuggle dangerous drugs in courier shipments. On October 27, CBP officers seized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/dulles-cbp-officers-discover-heroin-guatemalan-courier-shipment-mwaa">nearly two pounds of heroin concealed inside packages of coffee</a>&nbsp;in a food courier shipment also from Guatemala.Every day, CBP officers and agents seized an average of 2,339 pounds of dangerous drugs last year at and between our nation’s air, sea, and land ports of entry. See CBP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats">enforcement stats</a>&nbsp;to see what other dangerous drugs CBP is encountering at our nation’s borders.CBP's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry">border security mission</a>&nbsp;is led at our nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry">Ports of Entry</a>&nbsp;by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations. CBP screens&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel">international travelers</a>&nbsp;and cargo and searches for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, invasive weeds and pests, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality.

Police found cocaine concealed inside packages of hot chocolate 

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) this week introduced the “Returning Education to Our States Act” which would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and redistribute all critical federal programs under other departments, according to a statement from his office.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rounds.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/returning_education_to_our_states_act.pdf">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full bill text

The Department was created in 1979 with the goal of collecting data and advising schools across the U.S. on best practices. In the 45 years since then, it has grown into an oversized bureaucracy with a budget that’s 449% larger than it was at its founding. Despite the Department spending $16,000 per student per year, standardized test scores have been dropping over the past ten years, further displaying the Department’s ineffectiveness on the quality of education for American students. Any grants or funding from the Department are only given to states and educational institutions in exchange for adopting the one-size-fits-all standards put forth by the Department.

“The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic Department that causes more harm than good,” said Rounds. “We all know local control is best when it comes to education. Everyone raised in South Dakota can think of a teacher who played a big part in their educational journey. Local school boards and state Departments of Education know best what their students need, not unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.

“For years, I’ve worked toward removing the federal Department of Education. I’m pleased that President-elect Trump shares this vision, and I’m excited to work with him and Republican majorities in the Senate and House to make this a reality. This legislation is a roadmap to eliminating the federal Department of Education by practically rehoming these federal programs in the departments where they belong, which will be critical as we move into next year.”

Despite its inefficiencies, there are several important programs housed within the Department. Rounds’ legislation would redirect these to Departments of Interior, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Labor and State:

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) this week introduced the “Returning Education to Our States Act” which would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and redistribute all critical federal programs under other departments, according to a statement from his office.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rounds.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/returning_education_to_our_states_act.pdf">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full bill textThe Department was created in 1979 with the goal of collecting data and advising schools across the U.S. on best practices. In the 45 years since then, it has grown into an oversized bureaucracy with a budget that’s 449% larger than it was at its founding. Despite the Department spending $16,000 per student per year, standardized test scores have been dropping over the past ten years, further displaying the Department’s ineffectiveness on the quality of education for American students. Any grants or funding from the Department are only given to states and educational institutions in exchange for adopting the one-size-fits-all standards put forth by the Department.“The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic Department that causes more harm than good,” said Rounds. “We all know local control is best when it comes to education. Everyone raised in South Dakota can think of a teacher who played a big part in their educational journey. Local school boards and state Departments of Education know best what their students need, not unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.“For years, I’ve worked toward removing the federal Department of Education. I’m pleased that President-elect Trump shares this vision, and I’m excited to work with him and Republican majorities in the Senate and House to make this a reality. This legislation is a roadmap to eliminating the federal Department of Education by practically rehoming these federal programs in the departments where they belong, which will be critical as we move into next year.”Despite its inefficiencies, there are several important programs housed within the Department. Rounds’ legislation would redirect these to Departments of Interior, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Labor and State:Department of the Interior<ul>
 <li>Native American-Serving Institutions Programs</li><li>Alaska Native Education Equity Program</li><li>American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program</li><li>Indian Education Formula Grants and National Activities</li><li>Native American and Alaska Native Children in School Program</li><li>Native Hawaiian Education</li><li>Special Programs for Indian Children</li><li>Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Career and Technical Education Program</li><li>Impact Aid Programs</li>
 </ul>Department of the Treasury<ul>
 <li>William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program</li><li>Federal Family Education Loan Program</li><li>Federal Perkins Loan Program</li><li>Federal Pell Grant Program</li><li>Health Education Assistance Loan Program</li><li>Education Sciences Reform Act</li>
 </ul>Department of Health and Human Services<ul>
 <li>Individuals with Disabilities Education Act</li><li>American Printing House for the Blind</li><li>Helen Keller Center for Deaf/Blind Youth and Adults</li><li>Federal Real Property Assistance Program</li><li>Special Education Grants</li>
 </ul>Department of Labor<ul>
 <li>All Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education programs</li><li>National Technical Institute for the Deaf</li><li>Randolph Sheppard Vending Facility Program</li><li>Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants</li>
 </ul>Department of State<ul>
 <li>Fulbright-Hays Program</li>
 </ul>=

Senator's bill would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education 

SHAWNEE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Shawnee County.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., on Friday, the Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp; initiated a traffic stop near the 2400 block of SE 45th street on a suspected impaired driver, according to a media release from the KBI.

Preliminary information indicates that during the administration of standardized field sobriety tests, the driver ran from the roadway and a foot chase ensued. A physical altercation occurred between the Trooper and the male subject. During the incident, a Trooper deployed a Taser, pepper spray, and fired his duty weapon, striking the man.

He was transported from the scene to a Topeka hospital. The subject is currently stable, according to the KBI.

At approximately 11 p.m., the KBI was notified of the officer-involved shooting and responded to investigate.

Findings of this investigation will be presented to the Shawnee County District Attorney for review.

SHAWNEE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Shawnee County.At approximately 10:30 p.m., on Friday, the Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp; initiated a traffic stop near the 2400 block of SE 45th street on a suspected impaired driver, according to a media release from the KBI.Preliminary information indicates that during the administration of standardized field sobriety tests, the driver ran from the roadway and a foot chase ensued. A physical altercation occurred between the Trooper and the male subject. During the incident, a Trooper deployed a Taser, pepper spray, and fired his duty weapon, striking the man.He was transported from the scene to a Topeka hospital. The subject is currently stable, according to the KBI.At approximately 11 p.m., the KBI was notified of the officer-involved shooting and responded to investigate.Findings of this investigation will be presented to the Shawnee County District Attorney for review.

Man hospitalized after altercation with KHP Trooper during traffic stop

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Missouri's Republican attorney general has pledged to enforce some laws restricting abortion despite a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-amendment-ballot-election-f114445b087e77d0cc786d3eeb2eb615">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;widely expected to undo the state's near-total ban on the procedure.

In an opinion requested by incoming GOP governor Mike Kehoe, Attorney General Andrew Bailey wrote that his office will continue enforcing a ban on abortion after fetal viability.

There is an exception carved out in the amendment for cases in which a health care provider deems an abortion necessary to “protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.”

“Under the express terms of the amendment, the government may still protect innocent life after viability,” Bailey wrote. “The statutes thus remain generally enforceable after viability.”

Bailey said his office also will continue to honor a Missouri law requiring parental permission for minors to receive abortions.

Bailey's opinion comes after voters approved a ballot measure this month that enshrines abortion rights in the state constitution while allowing lawmakers to restrict or ban it after fetal viability.

The term “viability” is used by health care providers to describe whether a pregnancy is expected to continue developing normally or whether a fetus might survive outside the uterus. Though there’s no defined time frame, doctors say it is sometime after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">21st week</a>&nbsp;of pregnancy.

The measure’s passage was one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measures-harris-trump-florida-missouri-49c9073cbb6056b66a8a7d0d099795d1">seven victories</a>&nbsp;for abortion rights advocates this past election, while Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota defeated similar constitutional amendments, leaving bans in place.

Abortion rights amendments also passed in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland and Montana. Nevada voters also approved an amendment, but they’ll need to pass it again it 2026 for it to take effect. Another that bans discrimination on the basis of “pregnancy outcomes” prevailed in New York.

The Missouri amendment, which is to take effect Dec. 5, does not specifically override any state laws. Instead the measure leaves it to advocates to ask courts to knock down bans that they believe would now be unconstitutional.

Planned Parenthood affiliates that operate in Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measures-trump-florida-missouri-arizona-b258954f7600442dc25221685eef37d1">sued the day after the election</a>&nbsp;to invalidate the state’s abortion ban and several laws that regulate the care. That lawsuit is still pending.

Allowing restrictions on abortions after viability was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-viability-ballot-initiatives-2024-roe-fcf440373973b01f740912cd3bbd98a4">sticking point</a>&nbsp;for some abortion rights supporters in Missouri.

Advocates had worried that failing to include such limits would sink their chances of passing abortion protections. But others cautioned against giving the Republican-controlled Legislature the power to enact regulations that could effectively end access.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726417302150.png" alt="Photo (Anna Spoerre)" />
 <figcaption>Photo (Anna Spoerre)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Missouri's Republican attorney general has pledged to enforce some laws restricting abortion despite a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-amendment-ballot-election-f114445b087e77d0cc786d3eeb2eb615">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;widely expected to undo the state's near-total ban on the procedure.In an opinion requested by incoming GOP governor Mike Kehoe, Attorney General Andrew Bailey wrote that his office will continue enforcing a ban on abortion after fetal viability.There is an exception carved out in the amendment for cases in which a health care provider deems an abortion necessary to “protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.”“Under the express terms of the amendment, the government may still protect innocent life after viability,” Bailey wrote. “The statutes thus remain generally enforceable after viability.”Bailey said his office also will continue to honor a Missouri law requiring parental permission for minors to receive abortions.Bailey's opinion comes after voters approved a ballot measure this month that enshrines abortion rights in the state constitution while allowing lawmakers to restrict or ban it after fetal viability.The term “viability” is used by health care providers to describe whether a pregnancy is expected to continue developing normally or whether a fetus might survive outside the uterus. Though there’s no defined time frame, doctors say it is sometime after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">21st week</a>&nbsp;of pregnancy.The measure’s passage was one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measures-harris-trump-florida-missouri-49c9073cbb6056b66a8a7d0d099795d1">seven victories</a>&nbsp;for abortion rights advocates this past election, while Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota defeated similar constitutional amendments, leaving bans in place.Abortion rights amendments also passed in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland and Montana. Nevada voters also approved an amendment, but they’ll need to pass it again it 2026 for it to take effect. Another that bans discrimination on the basis of “pregnancy outcomes” prevailed in New York.The Missouri amendment, which is to take effect Dec. 5, does not specifically override any state laws. Instead the measure leaves it to advocates to ask courts to knock down bans that they believe would now be unconstitutional.Planned Parenthood affiliates that operate in Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measures-trump-florida-missouri-arizona-b258954f7600442dc25221685eef37d1">sued the day after the election</a>&nbsp;to invalidate the state’s abortion ban and several laws that regulate the care. That lawsuit is still pending.Allowing restrictions on abortions after viability was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-viability-ballot-initiatives-2024-roe-fcf440373973b01f740912cd3bbd98a4">sticking point</a>&nbsp;for some abortion rights supporters in Missouri.Advocates had worried that failing to include such limits would sink their chances of passing abortion protections. But others cautioned against giving the Republican-controlled Legislature the power to enact regulations that could effectively end access.

Missouri's AG says abortions after viability remain illegal under new amendment

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A 17-year-old&nbsp; from Topeka was arrested early Friday following a high speed pursuit with a stolen pickup truck. 

Just after 3 a.m., officers on patrol observed a stolen Ford F-150 near 6th Street and Congressional Drive in Lawrence, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.

 When officers tried to stop the vehicle, the truck fled, leading officers north on Folks Road, circling around a couple of county roads north of the city, then back south to 6th Street on Folks.

 The stolen truck then went westbound on 6th Street at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Due to the excessive speeds involved, officers chose to discontinue the pursuit as the vehicle continued out of the city on 40 Highway. 

Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputies located the vehicle parked near E 700 Rd and N 1750 Road a short time later, but the suspect wasn't in the vehicle. 

A little before 6 a.m., a resident in the area called to report a young man on his property. A deputy found the 17-year-old suspect a short time later, and he was arrested on multiple charges and taken to the juvenile detention facility.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A 17-year-old&nbsp; from Topeka was arrested early Friday following a high speed pursuit with a stolen pickup truck. Just after 3 a.m., officers on patrol observed a stolen Ford F-150 near 6th Street and Congressional Drive in Lawrence, according to a media release from Lawrence Police. When officers tried to stop the vehicle, the truck fled, leading officers north on Folks Road, circling around a couple of county roads north of the city, then back south to 6th Street on Folks. The stolen truck then went westbound on 6th Street at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Due to the excessive speeds involved, officers chose to discontinue the pursuit as the vehicle continued out of the city on 40 Highway. Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputies located the vehicle parked near E 700 Rd and N 1750 Road a short time later, but the suspect wasn't in the vehicle. A little before 6 a.m., a resident in the area called to report a young man on his property. A deputy found the 17-year-old suspect a short time later, and he was arrested on multiple charges and taken to the juvenile detention facility.

17-year-old captured after 100-mph Kansas chase

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday she is confident that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-china-mexico-canada-fentanyl-inflation-cf905e75e863511baef959a80ee2eea2">a tariff war with the United States</a>&nbsp;can be averted.

But her statement — the day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mexico-tariffs-sheinbaum-fentanyl-5fd2fc21950f47e5dbaf5c062c4725b7">she held a phone call with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;— did not make clear who had offered what.

“There will be no potential tariff war,” Sheinbaum said flatly when asked about the issue at her daily morning news briefing.

On Wednesday, Trump wrote that Sheinbaum had agreed to stop unauthorized migration across the border into the United States. She wrote on her social media accounts the same day that “migrants and caravans are taken care of before they reach the border.”

But whether that constituted a promise, a pledge or a simple statement of reality remains unclear. In recent years, migrants who have been unable to obtain permission to cross Mexico&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migrants-caravan-mexico-immigration-d4134dcc84ef4cc1df192ad8167eba6e">have joined together in caravans</a>&nbsp;to walk or hitchhike north toward the U.S. border, seeking safety in numbers.

In fact, apart from the first caravans in 2018 and 2019 — which were provided buses to ride part of the way north — no caravan has ever reached the border walking or hitchhiking in any cohesive way.

For years, migrant caravans have often been blocked, harassed or prevented from hitching rides by Mexican police and migration agents. They have also frequently been rounded up or returned to areas near the Guatemalan border. So, Sheinbaum's statement appears to reflect a reality that has been true for some time.

U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday said he hoped Trump would rethink his plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-prices-inflation-mexico-canada-d44aa0715a649998195fc3211e9ab7a3">impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada</a>, saying it could “screw up” relationships with close allies.

“I hope he rethinks it. I think it’s a counterproductive thing to do,” he told reporters in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Trump had earlier threatened to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada until those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also said Chinese imports would face additional tariffs of 10% until Beijing cracks down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl.

Despite Sheinbaum's confidence — she described the phone conversation with Trump as “excellent" — many Mexicans worry that U.S. tariffs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-us-trump-tariffs-avocados-tequila-7729d1b49ccb3f8daefffb29dce5e615">could affect a wide range of iconic Mexican products</a>&nbsp;and threaten entire regional economies.

In western Mexico, no crop supplies an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-mexico-caribbean-global-trade-agriculture-0a0325fab293d80d71875b50f40ac03f">income for so many small growers as avocados</a>, and Mexico is the main supplier of the fruit for the U.S. market. But avocado growers, pickers and packers worry that U.S. consumers, faced with 25% higher prices, may just skip the guacamole.

And earlier this week, Sheinbaum said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-tariffs-trump-retaliate-sheinbaum-fac0b0c6ee8c425a928418de7332b74a">Mexico was preparing a list of retaliatory tariffs</a>&nbsp;if Trump went ahead with his plans for import duties.

If Mexico, Canada and China faced the additional tariffs proposed by Trump on all goods imported to the United States, that could be roughly equal to $266 billion in tax collections, a number that does not assume any disruptions in trade or retaliatory moves by other countries.

The cost of those taxes would likely be borne by U.S. families, importers and domestic and foreign companies in the form of higher prices or lower profits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732899033280.png" alt="Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum with President Joe Biden earlier this month -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum with President Joe Biden earlier this month -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday she is confident that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-china-mexico-canada-fentanyl-inflation-cf905e75e863511baef959a80ee2eea2">a tariff war with the United States</a>&nbsp;can be averted.But her statement — the day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mexico-tariffs-sheinbaum-fentanyl-5fd2fc21950f47e5dbaf5c062c4725b7">she held a phone call with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;— did not make clear who had offered what.“There will be no potential tariff war,” Sheinbaum said flatly when asked about the issue at her daily morning news briefing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732760652454.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, Trump wrote that Sheinbaum had agreed to stop unauthorized migration across the border into the United States. She wrote on her social media accounts the same day that “migrants and caravans are taken care of before they reach the border.”But whether that constituted a promise, a pledge or a simple statement of reality remains unclear. In recent years, migrants who have been unable to obtain permission to cross Mexico&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migrants-caravan-mexico-immigration-d4134dcc84ef4cc1df192ad8167eba6e">have joined together in caravans</a>&nbsp;to walk or hitchhike north toward the U.S. border, seeking safety in numbers.In fact, apart from the first caravans in 2018 and 2019 — which were provided buses to ride part of the way north — no caravan has ever reached the border walking or hitchhiking in any cohesive way.For years, migrant caravans have often been blocked, harassed or prevented from hitching rides by Mexican police and migration agents. They have also frequently been rounded up or returned to areas near the Guatemalan border. So, Sheinbaum's statement appears to reflect a reality that has been true for some time.U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday said he hoped Trump would rethink his plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-prices-inflation-mexico-canada-d44aa0715a649998195fc3211e9ab7a3">impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada</a>, saying it could “screw up” relationships with close allies.“I hope he rethinks it. I think it’s a counterproductive thing to do,” he told reporters in Nantucket, Massachusetts.Trump had earlier threatened to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada until those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also said Chinese imports would face additional tariffs of 10% until Beijing cracks down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl.Despite Sheinbaum's confidence — she described the phone conversation with Trump as “excellent" — many Mexicans worry that U.S. tariffs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-us-trump-tariffs-avocados-tequila-7729d1b49ccb3f8daefffb29dce5e615">could affect a wide range of iconic Mexican products</a>&nbsp;and threaten entire regional economies.In western Mexico, no crop supplies an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-mexico-caribbean-global-trade-agriculture-0a0325fab293d80d71875b50f40ac03f">income for so many small growers as avocados</a>, and Mexico is the main supplier of the fruit for the U.S. market. But avocado growers, pickers and packers worry that U.S. consumers, faced with 25% higher prices, may just skip the guacamole.And earlier this week, Sheinbaum said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-tariffs-trump-retaliate-sheinbaum-fac0b0c6ee8c425a928418de7332b74a">Mexico was preparing a list of retaliatory tariffs</a>&nbsp;if Trump went ahead with his plans for import duties.If Mexico, Canada and China faced the additional tariffs proposed by Trump on all goods imported to the United States, that could be roughly equal to $266 billion in tax collections, a number that does not assume any disruptions in trade or retaliatory moves by other countries.The cost of those taxes would likely be borne by U.S. families, importers and domestic and foreign companies in the form of higher prices or lower profits.____

Mexican president: Confident tariff war with Trump can be averted

KANSAS CITY —One firefighter was injured while battling a fire on Friday in Kansas City.

Just after 9a.m. Friday, crews&nbsp;responded to a fire in a three-story vacant building in the 2100 block of Tracy in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 Crews reported smoke from the third floor on arrival. The incident command ordered a second alarm at approximately 9:15.m.

A total of five handlines were used on an interior attack to get the fire under control. One KCFD firefighter was transported to a local hospital for treatment for injuries sustained when he fell through a set of stairs. 

The firefighter was reported stable and in good condition. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD

KANSAS CITY —One firefighter was injured while battling a fire on Friday in Kansas City.Just after 9a.m. Friday, crews&nbsp;responded to a fire in a three-story vacant building in the 2100 block of Tracy in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. Crews reported smoke from the third floor on arrival. The incident command ordered a second alarm at approximately 9:15.m.A total of five handlines were used on an interior attack to get the fire under control. One KCFD firefighter was transported to a local hospital for treatment for injuries sustained when he fell through a set of stairs. The firefighter was reported stable and in good condition. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD

KC Firefighter hospitalized after fall while fighting building blaze

KANSAS CITY (AP)—Cucumbers shipped to the U.S. and Canada, and organic eggs sold in 25 Costco stores in five southern U.S. states, were recalled this week for potential salmonella contamination.

The cucumber outbreak sickened 68 people, including 18 who were hospitalized, in 19 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. No one has died. Produce grown in Sonora, Mexico, by Agrotato S.A. may be the culprit, the agency said.

A recall announced Thursday by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunfed-produce-llc-recalls-whole-fresh-american-cucumbers-because-possible-health-risks-due" target="_blank">the U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;was tied to the outbreak. SunFed Produce, based in Arizona, recalled cucumbers sold between Oct. 12 and Nov. 26, the FDA said.

The recall happened after SunFed was told by the FDA that there were associated illnesses reported between Oct. 12 and Nov. 15. People who bought cucumbers during the window should check with the store where they purchased them to see if the produce is part of the recall.

The egg recall involved nearly 11,000 cartons of 24-count organic eggs sold under Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand that landed on shelves in Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee starting Nov. 22,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/handsome-brook-farms-issues-recall-kirkland-signature-organic-pasture-raised-24-count-eggs-because" target="_blank">according to the company’s announcement posted Wednesday</a>&nbsp;on the FDA website.

No illnesses were immediately reported. Handsome Brook Farms said the cartons included eggs that were “not intended for retail distribution.” Shoppers should check to see whether their egg cartons have Julian code 327 printed on the side and have a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2025. If the eggs are included in the recall, throw them out or take them back to the store for a refund.

Customers who had either of the recalled food products should wash items and surfaces that may have been in contact with the foods using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

Salmonella can cause symptoms that begin six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria and include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Most people recover without treatment within a week, but young children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill.

Earlier this summer, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salmonella-cucumbers-outbreak-florida-water-fccb66a1e0733fc97d29065e287052bc">separate salmonella outbreak in cucumbers</a>&nbsp;sickened 450 people in the U.S.

KANSAS CITY (AP)—Cucumbers shipped to the U.S. and Canada, and organic eggs sold in 25 Costco stores in five southern U.S. states, were recalled this week for potential salmonella contamination.The cucumber outbreak sickened 68 people, including 18 who were hospitalized, in 19 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. No one has died. Produce grown in Sonora, Mexico, by Agrotato S.A. may be the culprit, the agency said.A recall announced Thursday by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunfed-produce-llc-recalls-whole-fresh-american-cucumbers-because-possible-health-risks-due" target="_blank">the U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;was tied to the outbreak. SunFed Produce, based in Arizona, recalled cucumbers sold between Oct. 12 and Nov. 26, the FDA said.The recall happened after SunFed was told by the FDA that there were associated illnesses reported between Oct. 12 and Nov. 15. People who bought cucumbers during the window should check with the store where they purchased them to see if the produce is part of the recall.The egg recall involved nearly 11,000 cartons of 24-count organic eggs sold under Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand that landed on shelves in Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee starting Nov. 22,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/handsome-brook-farms-issues-recall-kirkland-signature-organic-pasture-raised-24-count-eggs-because" target="_blank">according to the company’s announcement posted Wednesday</a>&nbsp;on the FDA website.No illnesses were immediately reported. Handsome Brook Farms said the cartons included eggs that were “not intended for retail distribution.” Shoppers should check to see whether their egg cartons have Julian code 327 printed on the side and have a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2025. If the eggs are included in the recall, throw them out or take them back to the store for a refund.Customers who had either of the recalled food products should wash items and surfaces that may have been in contact with the foods using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.Salmonella can cause symptoms that begin six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria and include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Most people recover without treatment within a week, but young children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill.Earlier this summer, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salmonella-cucumbers-outbreak-florida-water-fccb66a1e0733fc97d29065e287052bc">separate salmonella outbreak in cucumbers</a>&nbsp;sickened 450 people in the U.S.

Salmonella: SunFed cucumbers and Costco eggs recalled 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Topeka identified the victim as&nbsp;Jessie L. Grahnert, 32, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Just after 8:30 p.m. Nov. 24, police responded to a reported shooting in the 2000 BLK of N Kansas Avenue in Topeka.

First responders located Grahnert suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This is the 19th homicide in Topeka this year, according to Nichols.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect information.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Topeka identified the victim as&nbsp;Jessie L. Grahnert, 32, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.Just after 8:30 p.m. Nov. 24, police responded to a reported shooting in the 2000 BLK of N Kansas Avenue in Topeka.First responders located Grahnert suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.This is the 19th homicide in Topeka this year, according to Nichols.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect information.

32-year-old Kansas man identified as homicide victim

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect accused in a deadly shooting rampage in Wichita last weekend made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.

Jose A. Acosta, 33, was charged with&nbsp;First-degree murder;&nbsp;Criminal discharge of a firearm; Occupied dwelling with bodily harm;&nbsp;riminal discharge of a firearm; Recklessly at an occupied vehicle;&nbsp;aggravated robbery; Armed with a dangerous weapon; aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer; Use of a deadly weapon; Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On Monday, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter&nbsp; provided an update on a series of violent incidents involving Acosta.

At 8:52 PM, Wichita Police officers were dispatched to a reported robbery involving a firearm in the 1400 block of North Otis. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Jose Antonio Acosta, pistol whipped one individual and pointed the gun at another, stealing their bicycle.

At 8:56 PM, as Acosta walked away from the robbery, he fired multiple shots into a residence in the 1400 block of North Otis. The homeowner narrowly avoided being shot, but the gunfire struck their dog.

At 9:16 PM, another victim reported an attempted carjacking that occurred near 16th&nbsp;and Broadway. Acosta allegedly struck the vehicle's window with a gun before firing several rounds at the car as the driver fled. Evidence of gunfire, including damage to the vehicle’s back window, was confirmed.

At 9:20 PM, officers investigating the area heard gunshots south of 13th and Broadway. It was determined that Acosta had engaged in a confrontation with an unidentified man at 11th and Broadway, firing multiple rounds. Detectives are actively seeking this individual.

Around the same time, Acosta confronted a woman across the street at a convenience store. Following a verbal altercation, he fired several shots at her. Fortunately, she was not injured.

At 9:26 PM, two WPD officers located Acosta near 11th and Broadway next to the stolen bicycle. After repeated commands to surrender, Acosta attempted to draw his firearm, hindered by an extended magazine. He eventually raised the weapon toward the officers, prompting them to fire. Acosta sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital with critical but non-life-threatening injuries.

During interviews with victims of the Otis robbery, officers searched Prospect Park near 13th and Main. There, they discovered the body of 40-year-old Myron Tucker of Wichita, who had sustained gunshot wounds. Investigators believe Tucker was shot around 8:49 PM, shortly before the robbery.

Acosta was released from the hospital on Sunday and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. He faces multiple requested charges, including:

This investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are working to identify and locate additional individuals involved in these incidents. We extend our gratitude to all agencies and officers who responded to this series of violent events and ensured the swift apprehension of the suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732580870839.png" alt="Acosta photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Acosta photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect accused in a deadly shooting rampage in Wichita last weekend made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.Jose A. Acosta, 33, was charged with&nbsp;First-degree murder;&nbsp;Criminal discharge of a firearm; Occupied dwelling with bodily harm;&nbsp;riminal discharge of a firearm; Recklessly at an occupied vehicle;&nbsp;aggravated robbery; Armed with a dangerous weapon; aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer; Use of a deadly weapon; Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On Monday, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter&nbsp; provided an update on a series of violent incidents involving Acosta.Timeline of EventsAt 8:52 PM, Wichita Police officers were dispatched to a reported robbery involving a firearm in the 1400 block of North Otis. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Jose Antonio Acosta, pistol whipped one individual and pointed the gun at another, stealing their bicycle.At 8:56 PM, as Acosta walked away from the robbery, he fired multiple shots into a residence in the 1400 block of North Otis. The homeowner narrowly avoided being shot, but the gunfire struck their dog.At 9:16 PM, another victim reported an attempted carjacking that occurred near 16th&nbsp;and Broadway. Acosta allegedly struck the vehicle's window with a gun before firing several rounds at the car as the driver fled. Evidence of gunfire, including damage to the vehicle’s back window, was confirmed.At 9:20 PM, officers investigating the area heard gunshots south of 13th and Broadway. It was determined that Acosta had engaged in a confrontation with an unidentified man at 11th and Broadway, firing multiple rounds. Detectives are actively seeking this individual.Around the same time, Acosta confronted a woman across the street at a convenience store. Following a verbal altercation, he fired several shots at her. Fortunately, she was not injured.At 9:26 PM, two WPD officers located Acosta near 11th and Broadway next to the stolen bicycle. After repeated commands to surrender, Acosta attempted to draw his firearm, hindered by an extended magazine. He eventually raised the weapon toward the officers, prompting them to fire. Acosta sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital with critical but non-life-threatening injuries.Additional IncidentDuring interviews with victims of the Otis robbery, officers searched Prospect Park near 13th and Main. There, they discovered the body of 40-year-old Myron Tucker of Wichita, who had sustained gunshot wounds. Investigators believe Tucker was shot around 8:49 PM, shortly before the robbery.ArrestAcosta was released from the hospital on Sunday and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. He faces multiple requested charges, including:<ul>
 <li>First-degree murder.</li><li>Attempted first-degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery.</li><li>Aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.</li><li>Aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm.</li><li>Two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement officers.</li><li>Felon in possession of a firearm (Due to his prior felony conviction).</li>
 </ul>This investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are working to identify and locate additional individuals involved in these incidents. We extend our gratitude to all agencies and officers who responded to this series of violent events and ensured the swift apprehension of the suspect.Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (316) 660-5300 or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.