WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-messaging-app-attack-plans-f8581bcb447b91d2e7f9cb7809ae0f06">The Pentagon’s watchdog</a>&nbsp;found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put U.S. personnel and their mission at risk when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">used the Signal messaging app</a>&nbsp;to convey sensitive information about a military strike against Yemen's Houthi militants, two people familiar with the findings said Wednesday.

<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2025/Dec/04/2003834916/-1/-1/1/DODIG_2026_021.PDF">Click here to read the full 84-page report</a>

Hegseth, however, has the ability to declassify material and the report did not find he did so improperly, according to one of the people familiar with the findings who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the information. That person also said the report concluded that Hegseth violated Pentagon policy by using his personal device for official business and it recommended better training for all Pentagon officials.

Hegseth declined to sit for an interview with the Pentagon's inspector general but provided a written statement, that person said. The defense secretary asserted that he was permitted to declassify information as he saw fit and only communicated details he thought would not endanger the mission.

The initial findings, which were first reported by CNN,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-hegseth-boat-strikes-e68621ec48c7886215359c0110d6d9ca">ramp up the pressure</a>&nbsp;on the former Fox News Channel host after lawmakers called for the independent inquiry into his use of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/signal-app-atlantic-war-plans-32699da142c5209b845e57f690df4925">commercially available app</a>.

Lawmakers also just opened investigations into a news report that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-hegseth-maduro-512c66b99b2a13e9d1a3ed2699e78228">a follow-up strike</a>&nbsp;on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea in September killed survivors after Hegseth issued a verbal order to “kill everybody."

Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-trump-venezuela-540ae279827e02105e089f1bd5af37a6">defended the strike as emerging in the “fog of war</a>,” saying he didn’t see any survivors but also “didn’t stick around” for the rest of the mission and that the admiral in charge “made the right call” in ordering the second strike. He also did not admit fault following the Signal revelations, asserting that the information was unclassified.

“The Inspector General review is a TOTAL exoneration of Secretary Hegseth and proves what we knew all along — no classified information was shared,” Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman said in a statement. “This matter is resolved, and the case is closed.”

President Donald Trump “stands by” Hegseth, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, adding that the probe affirms that “no classified information was leaked, and operational security was not compromised.”

Journalist was added to a chat where sensitive plans were shared

In at least two separate Signal chats, Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop — before the men and women carrying out those attacks on behalf of the United States were airborne.

Hegseth’s use of the app came to light when a journalist,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic</a>, was inadvertently added to a Signal text chain by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-rubio-national-security-hegseth-d787db43d45922668ad0c1c62e608f85">then-national security adviser Mike Waltz</a>. It included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and others, brought together to discuss March 15 military operations against the Iran-backed Houthis.

Hegseth had created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-houthis-attack-8dbf9dd6c711796438a5c1c84831c40b">another Signal chat</a>&nbsp;with 13 people that included his wife and brother where he shared similar details of the same strike, The Associated Press reported.

Signal is encrypted but is not authorized for carrying classified information and is not part of the Pentagon’s secure communications network.

Hegseth previously has said none of the information shared in the chats was classified. Multiple current and former military officials have told the AP there was no way details with that specificity, especially before a strike took place, would have been OK to share on an unsecured device.

The review was delivered to lawmakers, who were able to review the report in a classified facility at the Capitol. A partially redacted version of the report was expected to be released publicly later this week.

Hegseth said he viewed the investigation as a partisan exercise and did not trust the inspector general, according to one of the people familiar with the report’s findings. The review had to rely on screenshots of the Signal chat published by the Atlantic because Hegseth could not provide more than a small handful of his Signal messages, the person said.

When asked about the investigation in August, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told reporters that "we believe that this is a witch hunt and a total sham and being conducted in bad faith.”

Lawmakers had called for inspector general to investigate

The revelations sparked intense scrutiny, with Democratic lawmakers and a small number of Republicans saying Hegseth posting the information to the Signal chats before the military jets had reached their targets&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-pentagon-trump-30dc4c3d0e75a89f3fd883f38b26afff">potentially put those pilots’ lives at risk</a>. They said lower-ranking members of the military would have been fired for such a lapse.

Some Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees suggested Wednesday that Hegseth’s actions would be a fireable offense for anyone else.

“This was not an isolated lapse. It reflects a broader pattern of recklessness and poor judgment from a secretary who has repeatedly shown he is in over his head,” Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia said in a statement.

The inspector general had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-messaging-app-attack-plans-f8581bcb447b91d2e7f9cb7809ae0f06">opened its investigation</a>&nbsp;into Hegseth at the request of the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, and the committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island.

It all ties back to the campaign against Yemen’s Houthis

The Houthi rebels had started launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-israel-hamas-red-sea-shipping-ab6fee82e73170b7e2edbab90ed6c14c">missile and drone attacks</a>&nbsp;against commercial and military ships in late 2023 in what their leadership had described as an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-yemen-red-sea-rebellions-and-uprisings-yemen-government-35148e6fbef64ec8b6fa074d4da2551c">effort to end</a>&nbsp;Israel’s offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Their campaign greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually.

The U.S.-led campaign against the Houthis in 2024 turned into the most intense running sea battle the Navy had faced since World War II.

A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war had begun in January before falling apart in March. The U.S. then launched a broad assault against the Houthis that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-houthis-end-of-bombing-yemen-israel-e2f08ac04024ef3d6409b4ce97092489">ended weeks later</a>&nbsp;when Trump said they pledged to stop attacking ships. The latest Gaza ceasefire began in October.

Following the disclosure of Hegseth’s Signal chat that included the Atlantic’s editor, the magazine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">released the entire thread</a>&nbsp;in late March. Hegseth had posted multiple details about an impending strike, using military language and laying out when a “strike window” starts, where a “target terrorist” was located, the time elements around the attack and when various weapons and aircraft would be used in the strike. He mentioned that the U.S. was “currently clean” on operational security.

Hegseth told Fox News Channel in April that what he shared over Signal was “informal, unclassified coordinations, for media coordinations and other things.”

Associated Press writer Stephen Groves, Konstantin Toropin, Michelle L. Price and David Klepper contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764876336391.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-messaging-app-attack-plans-f8581bcb447b91d2e7f9cb7809ae0f06">The Pentagon’s watchdog</a>&nbsp;found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put U.S. personnel and their mission at risk when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">used the Signal messaging app</a>&nbsp;to convey sensitive information about a military strike against Yemen's Houthi militants, two people familiar with the findings said Wednesday.<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2025/Dec/04/2003834916/-1/-1/1/DODIG_2026_021.PDF">Click here to read the full 84-page report</a>Hegseth, however, has the ability to declassify material and the report did not find he did so improperly, according to one of the people familiar with the findings who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the information. That person also said the report concluded that Hegseth violated Pentagon policy by using his personal device for official business and it recommended better training for all Pentagon officials.Hegseth declined to sit for an interview with the Pentagon's inspector general but provided a written statement, that person said. The defense secretary asserted that he was permitted to declassify information as he saw fit and only communicated details he thought would not endanger the mission.The initial findings, which were first reported by CNN,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-hegseth-boat-strikes-e68621ec48c7886215359c0110d6d9ca">ramp up the pressure</a>&nbsp;on the former Fox News Channel host after lawmakers called for the independent inquiry into his use of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/signal-app-atlantic-war-plans-32699da142c5209b845e57f690df4925">commercially available app</a>.Lawmakers also just opened investigations into a news report that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-hegseth-maduro-512c66b99b2a13e9d1a3ed2699e78228">a follow-up strike</a>&nbsp;on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea in September killed survivors after Hegseth issued a verbal order to “kill everybody."Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-trump-venezuela-540ae279827e02105e089f1bd5af37a6">defended the strike as emerging in the “fog of war</a>,” saying he didn’t see any survivors but also “didn’t stick around” for the rest of the mission and that the admiral in charge “made the right call” in ordering the second strike. He also did not admit fault following the Signal revelations, asserting that the information was unclassified.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">No classified information. Total exoneration. Case closed. Houthis bombed into submission. Thank you for your attention to this IG report. <a href="https://t.co/eQPO5iPIRc">https://t.co/eQPO5iPIRc</a>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1996368824397094925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“The Inspector General review is a TOTAL exoneration of Secretary Hegseth and proves what we knew all along — no classified information was shared,” Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman said in a statement. “This matter is resolved, and the case is closed.”President Donald Trump “stands by” Hegseth, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, adding that the probe affirms that “no classified information was leaked, and operational security was not compromised.”<h2>Journalist was added to a chat where sensitive plans were shared</h2>In at least two separate Signal chats, Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop — before the men and women carrying out those attacks on behalf of the United States were airborne.Hegseth’s use of the app came to light when a journalist,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic</a>, was inadvertently added to a Signal text chain by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-rubio-national-security-hegseth-d787db43d45922668ad0c1c62e608f85">then-national security adviser Mike Waltz</a>. It included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and others, brought together to discuss March 15 military operations against the Iran-backed Houthis.Hegseth had created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-houthis-attack-8dbf9dd6c711796438a5c1c84831c40b">another Signal chat</a>&nbsp;with 13 people that included his wife and brother where he shared similar details of the same strike, The Associated Press reported.Signal is encrypted but is not authorized for carrying classified information and is not part of the Pentagon’s secure communications network.Hegseth previously has said none of the information shared in the chats was classified. Multiple current and former military officials have told the AP there was no way details with that specificity, especially before a strike took place, would have been OK to share on an unsecured device.The review was delivered to lawmakers, who were able to review the report in a classified facility at the Capitol. A partially redacted version of the report was expected to be released publicly later this week.Hegseth said he viewed the investigation as a partisan exercise and did not trust the inspector general, according to one of the people familiar with the report’s findings. The review had to rely on screenshots of the Signal chat published by the Atlantic because Hegseth could not provide more than a small handful of his Signal messages, the person said.When asked about the investigation in August, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told reporters that "we believe that this is a witch hunt and a total sham and being conducted in bad faith.”<h2>Lawmakers had called for inspector general to investigate</h2>The revelations sparked intense scrutiny, with Democratic lawmakers and a small number of Republicans saying Hegseth posting the information to the Signal chats before the military jets had reached their targets&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-pentagon-trump-30dc4c3d0e75a89f3fd883f38b26afff">potentially put those pilots’ lives at risk</a>. They said lower-ranking members of the military would have been fired for such a lapse.Some Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees suggested Wednesday that Hegseth’s actions would be a fireable offense for anyone else.“This was not an isolated lapse. It reflects a broader pattern of recklessness and poor judgment from a secretary who has repeatedly shown he is in over his head,” Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia said in a statement.The inspector general had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-messaging-app-attack-plans-f8581bcb447b91d2e7f9cb7809ae0f06">opened its investigation</a>&nbsp;into Hegseth at the request of the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, and the committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island.<h2>It all ties back to the campaign against Yemen’s Houthis</h2>The Houthi rebels had started launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-israel-hamas-red-sea-shipping-ab6fee82e73170b7e2edbab90ed6c14c">missile and drone attacks</a>&nbsp;against commercial and military ships in late 2023 in what their leadership had described as an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-yemen-red-sea-rebellions-and-uprisings-yemen-government-35148e6fbef64ec8b6fa074d4da2551c">effort to end</a>&nbsp;Israel’s offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Their campaign greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually.The U.S.-led campaign against the Houthis in 2024 turned into the most intense running sea battle the Navy had faced since World War II.A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war had begun in January before falling apart in March. The U.S. then launched a broad assault against the Houthis that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-houthis-end-of-bombing-yemen-israel-e2f08ac04024ef3d6409b4ce97092489">ended weeks later</a>&nbsp;when Trump said they pledged to stop attacking ships. The latest Gaza ceasefire began in October.Following the disclosure of Hegseth’s Signal chat that included the Atlantic’s editor, the magazine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">released the entire thread</a>&nbsp;in late March. Hegseth had posted multiple details about an impending strike, using military language and laying out when a “strike window” starts, where a “target terrorist” was located, the time elements around the attack and when various weapons and aircraft would be used in the strike. He mentioned that the U.S. was “currently clean” on operational security.Hegseth told Fox News Channel in April that what he shared over Signal was “informal, unclassified coordinations, for media coordinations and other things.”___Associated Press writer Stephen Groves, Konstantin Toropin, Michelle L. Price and David Klepper contributed to this report.

Read Pentagon watchdog report on Hegseth’s use of messaging app

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market rose to the edge of its all-time high on Friday.

The S&amp;P 500 added 0.2% and finished just 0.3% shy of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/investors-401k-what-to-do-bb0663da4643e8c3dbe08a4092482aa5">its record closing level</a>, which was set in October. It had briefly topped the mark during the day, before paring its gain.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 104 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.3%.

The modest moves capped a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-fed-softbank-e16747e46ef55bbc7836ea2539b6f09c">quiet</a>&nbsp;week for Wall Street, offering a respite following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/asia-us-ai-japan-trump-6eda7d4af2b4b5be2f96af1f37a57661">weeks</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-stocks-ai-china-japan-6edce247294508cd84c941b8ad55d8da">sharp and scary swings</a>.

Ulta Beauty helped lead the market and jumped 12.7% after the retailer reported stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than expected. CEO Kecia Steelman said its customers are broadly feeling pressure, but Ulta saw growth across its categories, particularly in e-commerce. It raised its forecast for revenue over the full year.

Another encouraging signal for the holiday shopping season came from Victoria’s Secret &amp; Co. It delivered a milder loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected, and it likewise raised its forecast for sales over the full year. Its stock rallied 18%.

Warner Bros. Discovery rose 6.3% after Netflix said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/netflix-warner-acquisition-studio-hbo-streaming-f4884402cadfd07a99af0c8e4353bd83">it would buy Warner Bros</a>. for $72 billion in cash and stock following its pending split from Discovery Global.

The deal for the company behind HBO Max, “Casablanca” and “Harry Potter” is not a sure thing, though. It could raise fears at the U.S. government about too much industry power residing at Netflix.

Shares of Netflix fell 2.9%. Paramount Skydance, which earlier had been seen as a front-runner to buy Warner Bros., sank 9.8%.

Also on the losing end of Wall Street was SoFi Technologies. The financial technology company fell 6.1% to $27.78 after saying it would add $1.5 billion worth of its stock into the market in order to raise cash. It’s selling the stock at a price of $27.50 per share.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 13.28 points to 6,870.40. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 104.05 to 47,954.99, and the Nasdaq composite gained 72.99 to 23,578.13.

If the S&amp;P 500 does return to a record, it would mark the latest time the U.S. stock market has powered past what seemed to be a debilitating set of worries. Most recently, those concerns centered on what&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-trump-government-shutdown-c388d97a4e4acf5cca538fd901e46b2d">the Federal Reserve will do with interest rates</a>, whether too many dollars are flowing into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">artificial-intelligence</a>&nbsp;technology and if sharp&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-cryptocurrency-markets-stock-c361fe86e2f42d933e7e57928dae5be3">drops for cryptocurrencies</a>&nbsp;would bleed over into other markets.

After some back and forth, the widespread expectation among traders is now that the Fed will cut its main interest rate next week in hopes of shoring up the slowing U.S. job market. If it does, that would be the third cut of the year.

Investors love lower interest rates because they boost prices for investments and can juice the economy. The downside is that they can worsen inflation, which is stubbornly remaining above the Fed’s 2% target.

Economic reports released on Friday did little to change expectations for a coming cut. One said that an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-spending-eaa913f6df77db354019d0d22a4b01fe">underlying measure of inflation</a>&nbsp;that the Fed prefers to use was at 2.8% in September, exactly as economists expected.

A separate report said U.S. consumers appear to be downgrading their expectations for inflation coming in the near future. They’re now forecasting 4.1% inflation for the year ahead, down from their forecast of 4.5% last month, according to the University of Michigan.

That’s the lowest such forecast since January, which is important because heightened expectations for inflation can create a vicious cycle that only worsens inflation.

In the bond market, Treasury yields climbed. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.13% from 4.11% late Thursday.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in Europe and Asia.

Germany’s DAX returned 0.6%, and South Korea’s Kospi jumped 1.8% for two of the world’s bigger gains.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755116533012.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market rose to the edge of its all-time high on Friday.The S&amp;P 500 added 0.2% and finished just 0.3% shy of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/investors-401k-what-to-do-bb0663da4643e8c3dbe08a4092482aa5">its record closing level</a>, which was set in October. It had briefly topped the mark during the day, before paring its gain.The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 104 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.3%.The modest moves capped a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-fed-softbank-e16747e46ef55bbc7836ea2539b6f09c">quiet</a>&nbsp;week for Wall Street, offering a respite following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/asia-us-ai-japan-trump-6eda7d4af2b4b5be2f96af1f37a57661">weeks</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-stocks-ai-china-japan-6edce247294508cd84c941b8ad55d8da">sharp and scary swings</a>.Ulta Beauty helped lead the market and jumped 12.7% after the retailer reported stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than expected. CEO Kecia Steelman said its customers are broadly feeling pressure, but Ulta saw growth across its categories, particularly in e-commerce. It raised its forecast for revenue over the full year.Another encouraging signal for the holiday shopping season came from Victoria’s Secret &amp; Co. It delivered a milder loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected, and it likewise raised its forecast for sales over the full year. Its stock rallied 18%.Warner Bros. Discovery rose 6.3% after Netflix said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/netflix-warner-acquisition-studio-hbo-streaming-f4884402cadfd07a99af0c8e4353bd83">it would buy Warner Bros</a>. for $72 billion in cash and stock following its pending split from Discovery Global.The deal for the company behind HBO Max, “Casablanca” and “Harry Potter” is not a sure thing, though. It could raise fears at the U.S. government about too much industry power residing at Netflix.Shares of Netflix fell 2.9%. Paramount Skydance, which earlier had been seen as a front-runner to buy Warner Bros., sank 9.8%.Also on the losing end of Wall Street was SoFi Technologies. The financial technology company fell 6.1% to $27.78 after saying it would add $1.5 billion worth of its stock into the market in order to raise cash. It’s selling the stock at a price of $27.50 per share.All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 13.28 points to 6,870.40. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 104.05 to 47,954.99, and the Nasdaq composite gained 72.99 to 23,578.13.If the S&amp;P 500 does return to a record, it would mark the latest time the U.S. stock market has powered past what seemed to be a debilitating set of worries. Most recently, those concerns centered on what&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-trump-government-shutdown-c388d97a4e4acf5cca538fd901e46b2d">the Federal Reserve will do with interest rates</a>, whether too many dollars are flowing into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">artificial-intelligence</a>&nbsp;technology and if sharp&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-cryptocurrency-markets-stock-c361fe86e2f42d933e7e57928dae5be3">drops for cryptocurrencies</a>&nbsp;would bleed over into other markets.After some back and forth, the widespread expectation among traders is now that the Fed will cut its main interest rate next week in hopes of shoring up the slowing U.S. job market. If it does, that would be the third cut of the year.Investors love lower interest rates because they boost prices for investments and can juice the economy. The downside is that they can worsen inflation, which is stubbornly remaining above the Fed’s 2% target.Economic reports released on Friday did little to change expectations for a coming cut. One said that an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-spending-eaa913f6df77db354019d0d22a4b01fe">underlying measure of inflation</a>&nbsp;that the Fed prefers to use was at 2.8% in September, exactly as economists expected.A separate report said U.S. consumers appear to be downgrading their expectations for inflation coming in the near future. They’re now forecasting 4.1% inflation for the year ahead, down from their forecast of 4.5% last month, according to the University of Michigan.That’s the lowest such forecast since January, which is important because heightened expectations for inflation can create a vicious cycle that only worsens inflation.In the bond market, Treasury yields climbed. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.13% from 4.11% late Thursday.In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in Europe and Asia.Germany’s DAX returned 0.6%, and South Korea’s Kospi jumped 1.8% for two of the world’s bigger gains.

Wall Street rises to the edge of its all-time high

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man found guilty in the murder of a woman in Wichita is going to prison.

On Wednesday, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 25-year-old Jose Velazquez-Carillo to&nbsp;165 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He must also serve 3-years of post release supervision and pay $16,000 in restitution

 In October, a jury convicted Velazquez-Carillo of second degree murder.

Just after 4p..m. February 15, 2024, police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of South George Washington Blvd. in&nbsp; Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

The victim, identified as 42-year-old Candace Amack of Wichita, was found outside of a residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was&nbsp; was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Employing FLOCK, cutting-edge technology, Wichita Police Officers were able to identify a possible suspect vehicle leaving the area after the reported shooting.

Officers quickly identified and located the vehicle at a residence in the 1300 block of North Jackson in Wichita.&nbsp; Just before 8p.m., in collaboration with the Kansas Highway Patrol air section, the Wichita Police Department coordinated efforts resulting in the safe apprehension of&nbsp; Velazquez-Carillo and 33-year-old Martin Velazquez-Villa during a vehicle stop near 13th and Hydraulic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708119236620.png" alt="Velazquez-Carillo-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Velazquez-Carillo-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man found guilty in the murder of a woman in Wichita is going to prison.On Wednesday, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 25-year-old Jose Velazquez-Carillo to&nbsp;165 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He must also serve 3-years of post release supervision and pay $16,000 in restitution In October, a jury convicted Velazquez-Carillo of second degree murder.Just after 4p..m. February 15, 2024, police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of South George Washington Blvd. in&nbsp; Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764762680804.png" alt="Candace Amack-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Candace Amack-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The victim, identified as 42-year-old Candace Amack of Wichita, was found outside of a residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was&nbsp; was pronounced deceased on the scene.Employing FLOCK, cutting-edge technology, Wichita Police Officers were able to identify a possible suspect vehicle leaving the area after the reported shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764762200935.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers quickly identified and located the vehicle at a residence in the 1300 block of North Jackson in Wichita.&nbsp; Just before 8p.m., in collaboration with the Kansas Highway Patrol air section, the Wichita Police Department coordinated efforts resulting in the safe apprehension of&nbsp; Velazquez-Carillo and 33-year-old Martin Velazquez-Villa during a vehicle stop near 13th and Hydraulic.

Prison: Man killed Kan. woman in broad daylight at her home

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

From being told she wasn’t smart enough for college to earning a national award, Tisa Mason’s journey is a testament to hard work and the support she received along the way.

"You don't get to this position, and you don't get this recognition, without a lot of other people contributing to the work that you get recognized for. Nothing happens in isolation," Fort Hays State University President Mason said. "This award is reflective of the work of a lot of people, not just mine."

Mason received the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators IV-West President’s Award in October in St. Louis. The honor recognizes a university president who has advanced the quality of student life on campus by supporting student affairs staff and programs.

Joey Linn, FHSU vice president for student affairs, said in his nomination letter to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators committee, "Dr. Mason is widely recognized by students, faculty, staff, and alumni as a president who genuinely and consistently prioritizes student life... she models authentic student-centered leadership."

Mason said being visible to students matters to her because she wants them to feel cared for. This extends to joining the student section at football games, attending band and percussion concerts and traveling to Milwaukee to support All-American runner Emily McCullough.

"One of my favorite things to this day is high-fives across campus. I love to high-five students. I want them to know that the reason I'm here is because I believe in the potential of their future," she said.

Mason said the nomination was humbling and added the national association played a foundational role in her path to becoming president. She was born in Palmer, Massachusetts, with her father working as a barber and her mother as a school bus driver.

No one in Mason’s family had attended college, making her a first-generation student. This was despite being doubted during her time at Classical High School in Rhode Island, where she graduated in 1979.

"My guidance counselor told me I wasn't smart enough to go to college and that my parents couldn't afford it anyway," Mason said. "But I was fortunate enough to have a mom who wanted more, worked hard and encouraged my heart."

Mason recalled attending a college fair and being struck by the friendliness of the recruiters at the Transylvania University booth from Kentucky. She took a bold step and enrolled without ever seeing the campus or even visiting the state.

Mason said she entered college as a pre-med student but eventually found her passion in social science, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology in 1983.&nbsp;

The National Association of Campus Activities conducted a nationwide search to select five students for a pilot program that would earn a master’s degree and a professional certification.

"Somebody dropped out at the last minute," Mason said. "Eastern Illinois University called Transylvania and said, 'We have an opening. Do you know anyone?'"&nbsp;

That opportunity brought her to Illinois, where the association had partnered with the institution to offer the program. Mason earned her Master of Science in Education in 1984 while working as an administrative graduate assistant in the Office of Student Activities from 1983 to 1984.&nbsp;

"My first job was at Hanover College," Mason said. "The person hiring there used to work at Transylvania University, where I was a student. There are all these incredible networks and leaps of faith that are sprinkled through the trajectory that brought me here."

Mason worked as assistant dean of students at Hanover College in Indiana from 1984 to 1986, managing two residence halls, advising the Panhellenic Council and committees of the student programming board. She also served as assistant director of the campus center.

From 1987 to 1994, she served as director of student life and an assistant professor at Christopher Newport University in Virginia, overseeing all aspects of student life and residential life.

Mason earned her Doctor of Education from the College of William and Mary in Virginia in 1992. Her dissertation, titled “The Commuters’ Alma Mater: Profiles of College Student Experiences at a Commuter Institution,” examined how different students experience campus life through interviews and exercises.

In 1994, she became the executive director of Sigma Kappa Sorority and Foundation in Indianapolis, an organization with more than 135,000 members. In 2004, Mason once again took on the role of dean of student life, this time at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

Mason said that during this time, former FHSU President Edward Hammond was searching for a new vice president of student affairs and contacted the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators for recommendations.

"Hammond called the president of the association, who called my boss in Wisconsin, and then said to me, 'Hey, President Hammond is looking for a vice president. Do you think you'd be interested?'" Mason said. "I applied, and I was very fortunate to get the job."

Before beginning her new chapter in the sunflower state, Mason said she had never been to Kansas, but she quickly adjusted to what would eventually become her new home.

"People were very personal, supportive, and it was a positive experience," she said.

She served as vice president of student affairs from 2008 to 2014, the year Hammond retired. Mason said she was a finalist for the FHSU presidency, but when that opportunity closed, another one emerged elsewhere.

A search firm reached out to Mason with the offer to become president of Valley City State University in North Dakota.

"One of the advantages of not getting the job here the first time and going to Valley City State is that I was joining a new community that had no preconceived notions about who I was or how I would lead. I had to rely on building new relationships, and I got to try things out in a new environment with new colleagues," Mason said.

<a href="https://www.vcsu.edu/about-vcsu/who-we-are/history/">According to Valley City State University</a>, Mason served as the 13th president, leading the campus through statewide budget cuts during her three-year tenure while pushing for infrastructure upgrades.

Mason said her years in North Dakota gave her the confidence and presidential experience she would later bring to FHSU as its 10th president. She said the decision to return came with some hesitation.

"What sometimes feels like misfortune turns out to be a blessing, and that's how I looked at that pathway," she said. "I got to come back to colleagues I trusted, good friends and a community that I really adored. The hardest part about coming back to Fort Hays was leaving Valley City because I felt the same way about that community."

<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2018/09/dr.-tisa-mason-inaugurated-as-10th-fhsu-president#:~:text=HAYS%2C%20Kan.,at%20Fort%20Hays%20State%20University.">Mason was inaugurated as FHSU president on Sept. 14, 2018, at Gross Memorial Coliseum</a>, where her parents were in attendance, bringing with her more than three decades of experience.&nbsp;

"When I had my inauguration, the whole theme that would carry through my presidency is unlocking untapped potential because I believe every student, faculty, and staff has untapped potential, and we're here to help you launch your future," she said.

Mason said she stays grounded through a steady routine that starts with a 5:30 a.m. workout, along with prayer and support from her strong faith community.

Mason hopes to uphold FHSU’s promise of affordable success for as long as she can serve. She said the most rewarding part of her presidency is congratulating thousands of graduates each year as they embark on their own journeys.

"Every hand I shake at commencement is the most meaningful to me. I wish I knew every story of every student whose hand I shook, but I know from my own story how transformative a college education is and how it will impact the future of that person's family as well," Mason said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795394405.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason on her inauguration day in 2018 at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason on her inauguration day in 2018 at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764865972983.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFrom being told she wasn’t smart enough for college to earning a national award, Tisa Mason’s journey is a testament to hard work and the support she received along the way."You don't get to this position, and you don't get this recognition, without a lot of other people contributing to the work that you get recognized for. Nothing happens in isolation," Fort Hays State University President Mason said. "This award is reflective of the work of a lot of people, not just mine."Mason received the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators IV-West President’s Award in October in St. Louis. The honor recognizes a university president who has advanced the quality of student life on campus by supporting student affairs staff and programs.Joey Linn, FHSU vice president for student affairs, said in his nomination letter to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators committee, "Dr. Mason is widely recognized by students, faculty, staff, and alumni as a president who genuinely and consistently prioritizes student life... she models authentic student-centered leadership."Mason said being visible to students matters to her because she wants them to feel cared for. This extends to joining the student section at football games, attending band and percussion concerts and traveling to Milwaukee to support All-American runner Emily McCullough."One of my favorite things to this day is high-fives across campus. I love to high-five students. I want them to know that the reason I'm here is because I believe in the potential of their future," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795104494.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason greeting students at the 2025 Homecoming football game at Lewis Field Stadium. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason greeting students at the 2025 Homecoming football game at Lewis Field Stadium. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795145762.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with students Cade Becker and Star Parham, 2025 FHSU homecoming king and queen, at Lewis Field Stadium. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with students Cade Becker and Star Parham, 2025 FHSU homecoming king and queen, at Lewis Field Stadium. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795172443.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with Tri Sigma members at a pie event. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with Tri Sigma members at a pie event. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795361034.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason helping students move into residential halls for the 2025 fall semester. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason helping students move into residential halls for the 2025 fall semester. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Mason said the nomination was humbling and added the national association played a foundational role in her path to becoming president. She was born in Palmer, Massachusetts, with her father working as a barber and her mother as a school bus driver.No one in Mason’s family had attended college, making her a first-generation student. This was despite being doubted during her time at Classical High School in Rhode Island, where she graduated in 1979."My guidance counselor told me I wasn't smart enough to go to college and that my parents couldn't afford it anyway," Mason said. "But I was fortunate enough to have a mom who wanted more, worked hard and encouraged my heart."Mason recalled attending a college fair and being struck by the friendliness of the recruiters at the Transylvania University booth from Kentucky. She took a bold step and enrolled without ever seeing the campus or even visiting the state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795245619.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with a graduate at the commencement ceremony. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with a graduate at the commencement ceremony. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Mason said she entered college as a pre-med student but eventually found her passion in social science, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology in 1983.&nbsp;The National Association of Campus Activities conducted a nationwide search to select five students for a pilot program that would earn a master’s degree and a professional certification."Somebody dropped out at the last minute," Mason said. "Eastern Illinois University called Transylvania and said, 'We have an opening. Do you know anyone?'"&nbsp;That opportunity brought her to Illinois, where the association had partnered with the institution to offer the program. Mason earned her Master of Science in Education in 1984 while working as an administrative graduate assistant in the Office of Student Activities from 1983 to 1984.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795271702.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with a graduate at the commencement ceremony. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with a graduate at the commencement ceremony. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"My first job was at Hanover College," Mason said. "The person hiring there used to work at Transylvania University, where I was a student. There are all these incredible networks and leaps of faith that are sprinkled through the trajectory that brought me here."Mason worked as assistant dean of students at Hanover College in Indiana from 1984 to 1986, managing two residence halls, advising the Panhellenic Council and committees of the student programming board. She also served as assistant director of the campus center.From 1987 to 1994, she served as director of student life and an assistant professor at Christopher Newport University in Virginia, overseeing all aspects of student life and residential life.Mason earned her Doctor of Education from the College of William and Mary in Virginia in 1992. Her dissertation, titled “The Commuters’ Alma Mater: Profiles of College Student Experiences at a Commuter Institution,” examined how different students experience campus life through interviews and exercises.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795302134.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with a graduate at the commencement ceremony. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with a graduate at the commencement ceremony. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>In 1994, she became the executive director of Sigma Kappa Sorority and Foundation in Indianapolis, an organization with more than 135,000 members. In 2004, Mason once again took on the role of dean of student life, this time at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.Mason said that during this time, former FHSU President Edward Hammond was searching for a new vice president of student affairs and contacted the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators for recommendations."Hammond called the president of the association, who called my boss in Wisconsin, and then said to me, 'Hey, President Hammond is looking for a vice president. Do you think you'd be interested?'" Mason said. "I applied, and I was very fortunate to get the job."Before beginning her new chapter in the sunflower state, Mason said she had never been to Kansas, but she quickly adjusted to what would eventually become her new home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795324200.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with a graduate at the commencement ceremony. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with a graduate at the commencement ceremony. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"People were very personal, supportive, and it was a positive experience," she said.She served as vice president of student affairs from 2008 to 2014, the year Hammond retired. Mason said she was a finalist for the FHSU presidency, but when that opportunity closed, another one emerged elsewhere.A search firm reached out to Mason with the offer to become president of Valley City State University in North Dakota."One of the advantages of not getting the job here the first time and going to Valley City State is that I was joining a new community that had no preconceived notions about who I was or how I would lead. I had to rely on building new relationships, and I got to try things out in a new environment with new colleagues," Mason said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795521729.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason at her radio debut as Valley City State University president in 2014. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason at her radio debut as Valley City State University president in 2014. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795552492.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason welcoming a pair of freshmen to Valley City State University during her time as president there in 2015. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason welcoming a pair of freshmen to Valley City State University during her time as president there in 2015. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.vcsu.edu/about-vcsu/who-we-are/history/">According to Valley City State University</a>, Mason served as the 13th president, leading the campus through statewide budget cuts during her three-year tenure while pushing for infrastructure upgrades.Mason said her years in North Dakota gave her the confidence and presidential experience she would later bring to FHSU as its 10th president. She said the decision to return came with some hesitation."What sometimes feels like misfortune turns out to be a blessing, and that's how I looked at that pathway," she said. "I got to come back to colleagues I trusted, good friends and a community that I really adored. The hardest part about coming back to Fort Hays was leaving Valley City because I felt the same way about that community."<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2018/09/dr.-tisa-mason-inaugurated-as-10th-fhsu-president#:~:text=HAYS%2C%20Kan.,at%20Fort%20Hays%20State%20University.">Mason was inaugurated as FHSU president on Sept. 14, 2018, at Gross Memorial Coliseum</a>, where her parents were in attendance, bringing with her more than three decades of experience.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795636087.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason on her inauguration day in 2018 at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason on her inauguration day in 2018 at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795684251.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason receving the inaugural medallion at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason receving the inaugural medallion at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795736666.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason giving her inaugural address in 2018 at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason giving her inaugural address in 2018 at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"When I had my inauguration, the whole theme that would carry through my presidency is unlocking untapped potential because I believe every student, faculty, and staff has untapped potential, and we're here to help you launch your future," she said.Mason said she stays grounded through a steady routine that starts with a 5:30 a.m. workout, along with prayer and support from her strong faith community.Mason hopes to uphold FHSU’s promise of affordable success for as long as she can serve. She said the most rewarding part of her presidency is congratulating thousands of graduates each year as they embark on their own journeys."Every hand I shake at commencement is the most meaningful to me. I wish I knew every story of every student whose hand I shook, but I know from my own story how transformative a college education is and how it will impact the future of that person's family as well," Mason said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795788032.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with a graduate at the commencement ceremony. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with a graduate at the commencement ceremony. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795836877.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with a graduate at the commencement ceremony. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason with a graduate at the commencement ceremony. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795928276.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason at the celebration of the campus library receiving a major gift. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason at the celebration of the campus library receiving a major gift. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: Unlocking potential: Inside FHSU President Tisa Mason's life

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742996748555.png" alt="Image Signal app" />
 <figcaption>Image Signal app</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-messaging-app-attack-plans-f8581bcb447b91d2e7f9cb7809ae0f06">The Pentagon’s watchdog</a>&nbsp;found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put U.S. personnel and their mission at risk when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">used the Signal messaging app</a>&nbsp;to convey sensitive information about a military strike against Yemen's Houthi militants, two people familiar with the findings said Wednesday.Hegseth, however, has the ability to declassify material and the report did not find he did so improperly, according to one of the people familiar with the findings who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the information. That person also said the report concluded that Hegseth violated Pentagon policy by using his personal device for official business and it recommended better training for all Pentagon officials.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758823087918.png" alt="File photo Secretary of War Pete Hegseth- CSPAN image" />
 <figcaption>File photo Secretary of War Pete Hegseth- CSPAN image</figcaption>
 </figure>Hegseth declined to sit for an interview with the Pentagon's inspector general but provided a written statement, that person said. The defense secretary asserted that he was permitted to declassify information as he saw fit and only communicated details he thought would not endanger the mission.The initial findings, which were first reported by CNN,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-hegseth-boat-strikes-e68621ec48c7886215359c0110d6d9ca">ramp up the pressure</a>&nbsp;on the former Fox News Channel host after lawmakers called for the independent inquiry into his use of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/signal-app-atlantic-war-plans-32699da142c5209b845e57f690df4925">commercially available app</a>.Lawmakers also just opened investigations into a news report that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-hegseth-maduro-512c66b99b2a13e9d1a3ed2699e78228">a follow-up strike</a>&nbsp;on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea in September killed survivors after Hegseth issued a verbal order to “kill everybody."Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-trump-venezuela-540ae279827e02105e089f1bd5af37a6">defended the strike as emerging in the “fog of war</a>,” saying he didn’t see any survivors but also “didn’t stick around” for the rest of the mission and that the admiral in charge “made the right call” in ordering the second strike. He also did not admit fault following the Signal revelations, asserting that the information was unclassified.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">No classified information. Total exoneration. Case closed. Houthis bombed into submission. Thank you for your attention to this IG report. <a href="https://t.co/eQPO5iPIRc">https://t.co/eQPO5iPIRc</a>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1996368824397094925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“The Inspector General review is a TOTAL exoneration of Secretary Hegseth and proves what we knew all along — no classified information was shared,” Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman said in a statement. “This matter is resolved, and the case is closed.”President Donald Trump “stands by” Hegseth, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, adding that the probe affirms that “no classified information was leaked, and operational security was not compromised.”<h2>Journalist was added to a chat where sensitive plans were shared</h2>In at least two separate Signal chats, Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop — before the men and women carrying out those attacks on behalf of the United States were airborne.Hegseth’s use of the app came to light when a journalist,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic</a>, was inadvertently added to a Signal text chain by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-rubio-national-security-hegseth-d787db43d45922668ad0c1c62e608f85">then-national security adviser Mike Waltz</a>. It included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and others, brought together to discuss March 15 military operations against the Iran-backed Houthis.Hegseth had created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-houthis-attack-8dbf9dd6c711796438a5c1c84831c40b">another Signal chat</a>&nbsp;with 13 people that included his wife and brother where he shared similar details of the same strike, The Associated Press reported.Signal is encrypted but is not authorized for carrying classified information and is not part of the Pentagon’s secure communications network.Hegseth previously has said none of the information shared in the chats was classified. Multiple current and former military officials have told the AP there was no way details with that specificity, especially before a strike took place, would have been OK to share on an unsecured device.The review was delivered to lawmakers, who were able to review the report in a classified facility at the Capitol. A partially redacted version of the report was expected to be released publicly later this week.Hegseth said he viewed the investigation as a partisan exercise and did not trust the inspector general, according to one of the people familiar with the report’s findings. The review had to rely on screenshots of the Signal chat published by the Atlantic because Hegseth could not provide more than a small handful of his Signal messages, the person said.When asked about the investigation in August, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told reporters that "we believe that this is a witch hunt and a total sham and being conducted in bad faith.”<h2>Lawmakers had called for inspector general to investigate</h2>The revelations sparked intense scrutiny, with Democratic lawmakers and a small number of Republicans saying Hegseth posting the information to the Signal chats before the military jets had reached their targets&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-pentagon-trump-30dc4c3d0e75a89f3fd883f38b26afff">potentially put those pilots’ lives at risk</a>. They said lower-ranking members of the military would have been fired for such a lapse.Some Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees suggested Wednesday that Hegseth’s actions would be a fireable offense for anyone else.“This was not an isolated lapse. It reflects a broader pattern of recklessness and poor judgment from a secretary who has repeatedly shown he is in over his head,” Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia said in a statement.The inspector general had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-messaging-app-attack-plans-f8581bcb447b91d2e7f9cb7809ae0f06">opened its investigation</a>&nbsp;into Hegseth at the request of the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, and the committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island.<h2>It all ties back to the campaign against Yemen’s Houthis</h2>The Houthi rebels had started launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-israel-hamas-red-sea-shipping-ab6fee82e73170b7e2edbab90ed6c14c">missile and drone attacks</a>&nbsp;against commercial and military ships in late 2023 in what their leadership had described as an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-yemen-red-sea-rebellions-and-uprisings-yemen-government-35148e6fbef64ec8b6fa074d4da2551c">effort to end</a>&nbsp;Israel’s offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Their campaign greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually.The U.S.-led campaign against the Houthis in 2024 turned into the most intense running sea battle the Navy had faced since World War II.A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war had begun in January before falling apart in March. The U.S. then launched a broad assault against the Houthis that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-houthis-end-of-bombing-yemen-israel-e2f08ac04024ef3d6409b4ce97092489">ended weeks later</a>&nbsp;when Trump said they pledged to stop attacking ships. The latest Gaza ceasefire began in October.Following the disclosure of Hegseth’s Signal chat that included the Atlantic’s editor, the magazine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">released the entire thread</a>&nbsp;in late March. Hegseth had posted multiple details about an impending strike, using military language and laying out when a “strike window” starts, where a “target terrorist” was located, the time elements around the attack and when various weapons and aircraft would be used in the strike. He mentioned that the U.S. was “currently clean” on operational security.Hegseth told Fox News Channel in April that what he shared over Signal was “informal, unclassified coordinations, for media coordinations and other things.”___Associated Press writer Stephen Groves, Konstantin Toropin, Michelle L. Price and David Klepper contributed to this report.

Sec. of War responds to Pentagon watchdog report on his use of Signal app

The phrase “give back” is often tied to the months of October and November, but for the Girl Scout Troop 11298, located in Hays, it has become so much more.

Over a year ago, the girls were presented with a challenge from their leaders to find meaningful ways to give back to the community, not just once or twice a year, but for twelve consecutive months. Without hesitation, the girls embraced the idea.

Now, more than a year later, Troop 11298 has not only completed that challenge but carried it forward with passion, creativity, and heart. Month after month, these girls have shown that giving back is more than an activity, it’s a way of life. In doing so, they have redefined what true leadership looks like, regardless of age.

While some acts of service may seem small, the troop has learned that impact isn’t measured by size, but by sincerity. A handmade card, a simple visit, or a small donation can bring just as much joy as a large-scale project.

Here are just a few examples of Troop 11298’s recent acts of service:

· September 2024: Handmade pet toys donated to the High Plains Humane Society.

· November 2024: Created over 300 handcrafted Thanksgiving cards for nursing home residents in Hays.

· December 2024: Sent heartfelt Christmas cards to a woman in Iowa whose husband decorated his neighborhood to bring her joy as she lives with dementia.

· January 2025: Donated bed sheets to the Cold Weather Shelter in Hays.

· February 2025: Painted wooden roses for Valentine’s Day gifts for nursing home residents.

· July 2025: Spent an afternoon at Brookdale Nursing Home playing BINGO and sharing smiles.

· September 2025: Donated small stuffed animals to local EMS, offering comfort to children riding in ambulances.

· October 2025: Built handmade birdhouses to help relocate barn swallows nesting around the High Plains Humane Society, giving the birds a safer home.

· November 2025: Created “Hero Kits” and delivered to our Hays Police Department

· December 2025: Secret Santa Elves for Brookdale Nursing Home residents

Life isn’t always easy, and we all face moments of struggle, uncertainty, and challenge. But the girls have learned that even in those times, finding a way to spread kindness can make a world of difference. Through their experiences, the girls have discovered an important truth, that every person, at every stage of life, faces challenges, yet also has something meaningful to offer. 

Their journey serves as a reminder that when we give back, we not only strengthen our communities, but we also grow stronger as individuals, more confident, connected, and compassionate.

Today, Troop 11298 is extending this challenge to other organizations within the surrounding communities. No matter your age, whether you’re a kindergartener just beginning your journey or an adult who has already walked many paths, there is something powerful and fulfilling about investing in your community simply for the sake of giving back.

If your organization would like to join Troop 11298’s mission, collaborate on future service projects, or share ideas that can further support the Hays community, the troop welcomes your involvement. Together, we can continue to make a lasting difference, one thoughtful act at a time. 

For questions, collaboration opportunities, to share your ideas, or if your organization has any needs we may be able to support, please contact us at girlscouttroop11298@outlook.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764175380239.jpeg" alt="Girl Scout Troop 11298 with Hays police officers. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Girl Scout Troop 11298 with Hays police officers. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Troop 11298The phrase “give back” is often tied to the months of October and November, but for the Girl Scout Troop 11298, located in Hays, it has become so much more.Over a year ago, the girls were presented with a challenge from their leaders to find meaningful ways to give back to the community, not just once or twice a year, but for twelve consecutive months. Without hesitation, the girls embraced the idea.Now, more than a year later, Troop 11298 has not only completed that challenge but carried it forward with passion, creativity, and heart. Month after month, these girls have shown that giving back is more than an activity, it’s a way of life. In doing so, they have redefined what true leadership looks like, regardless of age.While some acts of service may seem small, the troop has learned that impact isn’t measured by size, but by sincerity. A handmade card, a simple visit, or a small donation can bring just as much joy as a large-scale project.Here are just a few examples of Troop 11298’s recent acts of service:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764176441036.png" alt="Girl Scout Troop 11298. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Girl Scout Troop 11298. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>· September 2024: Handmade pet toys donated to the High Plains Humane Society.· November 2024: Created over 300 handcrafted Thanksgiving cards for nursing home residents in Hays.· December 2024: Sent heartfelt Christmas cards to a woman in Iowa whose husband decorated his neighborhood to bring her joy as she lives with dementia.· January 2025: Donated bed sheets to the Cold Weather Shelter in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764176228471.png" alt="Girl Scout Troop 11298. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Girl Scout Troop 11298. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>· February 2025: Painted wooden roses for Valentine’s Day gifts for nursing home residents.· July 2025: Spent an afternoon at Brookdale Nursing Home playing BINGO and sharing smiles.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764176108568.png" alt="Girl Scout Troop 11298. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Girl Scout Troop 11298. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>· September 2025: Donated small stuffed animals to local EMS, offering comfort to children riding in ambulances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764176330528.png" alt="Girl Scout Troop 11298. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Girl Scout Troop 11298. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>· October 2025: Built handmade birdhouses to help relocate barn swallows nesting around the High Plains Humane Society, giving the birds a safer home.· November 2025: Created “Hero Kits” and delivered to our Hays Police Department· December 2025: Secret Santa Elves for Brookdale Nursing Home residentsLife isn’t always easy, and we all face moments of struggle, uncertainty, and challenge. But the girls have learned that even in those times, finding a way to spread kindness can make a world of difference. Through their experiences, the girls have discovered an important truth, that every person, at every stage of life, faces challenges, yet also has something meaningful to offer. Their journey serves as a reminder that when we give back, we not only strengthen our communities, but we also grow stronger as individuals, more confident, connected, and compassionate.Today, Troop 11298 is extending this challenge to other organizations within the surrounding communities. No matter your age, whether you’re a kindergartener just beginning your journey or an adult who has already walked many paths, there is something powerful and fulfilling about investing in your community simply for the sake of giving back.If your organization would like to join Troop 11298’s mission, collaborate on future service projects, or share ideas that can further support the Hays community, the troop welcomes your involvement. Together, we can continue to make a lasting difference, one thoughtful act at a time. For questions, collaboration opportunities, to share your ideas, or if your organization has any needs we may be able to support, please contact us at girlscouttroop11298@outlook.com.

Girl Scout Troop 11298 in Hays gives back year round

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose near their record levels on Wednesday as mixed data on the economy kept alive hopes that a cut to interest rates is coming soon.

The S&amp;P 500 gained 0.3% and pulled within 0.6% of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/investors-401k-what-to-do-bb0663da4643e8c3dbe08a4092482aa5">all-time high</a>&nbsp;set in late October. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 408 points, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.2%.

The biggest jump in the S&amp;P 500 came from Microchip Technology, which leaped 12.2% after saying it expects sales and profit for the final months of the year to come in at the high end of the forecasted ranges it earlier gave. CEO Steve Sanghi said business is doing better than expected, and it’s reducing inventory levels.

Marvell Technology was another winner and rose 7.9% after the supplier of semiconductor products delivered a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. CEO Matt Murphy credited demand for its data center products, while also announcing a purchase of Celestial AI to bolster its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">artificial-intelligence</a>&nbsp;infrastructure business. The deal’s price tag could top $3.25 billion.

Stocks broadly got a lift from easing Treasury yields in the bond market. Yields fell after a report suggested U.S. employers outside of the government may have cut more jobs in November than they added.

While the surprisingly weak report from ADP may be discouraging for people looking for jobs, it also bolstered expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate next week. If the Fed does, that would be the third cut of the year in hopes of helping the slowing job market.

Investors love lower interest rates because they boost prices for investments and can charge up the economy.

A separate report Wednesday on activity for U.S. services business was more encouraging. It said growth was stronger last month than expected for businesses in the retail, finance, insurance and other industries.

The report from the Institute for Supply Management’s survey also said that prices were increasing at their slowest rate since April. That’s important because the main argument against cutting interest rates is that it could worsen inflation.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.06% from 4.09% late Tuesday.

Lower interest rates can boost prices for all kinds of investments, and bitcoin climbed above $93,000 following its scary downward run in recent weeks. It briefly plunged below $81,000 last month.

On Wall Street, American Eagle Outfitters rallied 15.1% after the retailer reported a better profit than expected. Its CEO, Jay Schottenstein, said it also saw a strong start to the holiday shopping season with an acceleration in demand across its brands during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Capricor Therapeutics surged 371.1% after the biotech company reported encouraging results for its potential therapy for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

On the losing end of Wall Street were relatively few companies, including one out of every three stocks in the S&amp;P 500 index. But among them were some of the market’s most influential stocks, which kept indexes in check.

Microsoft fell 2.5% and was the heaviest weight on the S&amp;P 500.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/macys-comparable-sales-consumers-economy-inflation-04d1e70be1d6137443b14c509739ea38">Macy’s</a>&nbsp;lost 1.1% after flipping between losses and gains through the day. It reported a profit for the latest quarter that was much better than the loss that analysts were expecting, but its stock had already come into the day with a gain for the year so far that more than doubled the S&amp;P 500’s.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 20.35 points to 6,849.72. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 408.44 to 47,882.90, and the Nasdaq composite gained 40.42 to 23,454.09.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were close to flat in Europe following a mixed finish in Asia.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.1% on gains for technology stocks like Tokyo Electron. SoftBank Group Corp. leaped 6.4% following reports that its founder, Masayoshi Son, regretted having to sell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-softbank-son-nvidia-ai-chips-d8a10172850628c317a214280a4d94c9">shares in computer chipmaker Nvidia</a>&nbsp;to help pay for other investments.

Chinese indexes sank following the release of data showing weaker factory activity. Stocks fell 1.3% in Hong Kong and 0.5% in Shanghai.

AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

By STAN CHOE AP Business WriterNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose near their record levels on Wednesday as mixed data on the economy kept alive hopes that a cut to interest rates is coming soon.The S&amp;P 500 gained 0.3% and pulled within 0.6% of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/investors-401k-what-to-do-bb0663da4643e8c3dbe08a4092482aa5">all-time high</a>&nbsp;set in late October. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 408 points, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.2%.The biggest jump in the S&amp;P 500 came from Microchip Technology, which leaped 12.2% after saying it expects sales and profit for the final months of the year to come in at the high end of the forecasted ranges it earlier gave. CEO Steve Sanghi said business is doing better than expected, and it’s reducing inventory levels.Marvell Technology was another winner and rose 7.9% after the supplier of semiconductor products delivered a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. CEO Matt Murphy credited demand for its data center products, while also announcing a purchase of Celestial AI to bolster its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">artificial-intelligence</a>&nbsp;infrastructure business. The deal’s price tag could top $3.25 billion.Stocks broadly got a lift from easing Treasury yields in the bond market. Yields fell after a report suggested U.S. employers outside of the government may have cut more jobs in November than they added.While the surprisingly weak report from ADP may be discouraging for people looking for jobs, it also bolstered expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate next week. If the Fed does, that would be the third cut of the year in hopes of helping the slowing job market.Investors love lower interest rates because they boost prices for investments and can charge up the economy.A separate report Wednesday on activity for U.S. services business was more encouraging. It said growth was stronger last month than expected for businesses in the retail, finance, insurance and other industries.The report from the Institute for Supply Management’s survey also said that prices were increasing at their slowest rate since April. That’s important because the main argument against cutting interest rates is that it could worsen inflation.The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.06% from 4.09% late Tuesday.Lower interest rates can boost prices for all kinds of investments, and bitcoin climbed above $93,000 following its scary downward run in recent weeks. It briefly plunged below $81,000 last month.On Wall Street, American Eagle Outfitters rallied 15.1% after the retailer reported a better profit than expected. Its CEO, Jay Schottenstein, said it also saw a strong start to the holiday shopping season with an acceleration in demand across its brands during the Thanksgiving weekend.Capricor Therapeutics surged 371.1% after the biotech company reported encouraging results for its potential therapy for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.On the losing end of Wall Street were relatively few companies, including one out of every three stocks in the S&amp;P 500 index. But among them were some of the market’s most influential stocks, which kept indexes in check.Microsoft fell 2.5% and was the heaviest weight on the S&amp;P 500.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/macys-comparable-sales-consumers-economy-inflation-04d1e70be1d6137443b14c509739ea38">Macy’s</a>&nbsp;lost 1.1% after flipping between losses and gains through the day. It reported a profit for the latest quarter that was much better than the loss that analysts were expecting, but its stock had already come into the day with a gain for the year so far that more than doubled the S&amp;P 500’s.All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 20.35 points to 6,849.72. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 408.44 to 47,882.90, and the Nasdaq composite gained 40.42 to 23,454.09.In stock markets abroad, indexes were close to flat in Europe following a mixed finish in Asia.Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.1% on gains for technology stocks like Tokyo Electron. SoftBank Group Corp. leaped 6.4% following reports that its founder, Masayoshi Son, regretted having to sell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-softbank-son-nvidia-ai-chips-d8a10172850628c317a214280a4d94c9">shares in computer chipmaker Nvidia</a>&nbsp;to help pay for other investments.Chinese indexes sank following the release of data showing weaker factory activity. Stocks fell 1.3% in Hong Kong and 0.5% in Shanghai.___AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

Wall Street pulls near its all-time high

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas accountant was sentenced Wednesday to 48 months in prison for defrauding clients of his accounting firm, who were also his relatives, of more than $400,000, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Quintin Flanagin, 45, of Colby pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, one count of false statements, and one count of money laundering.

As a certified public accountant (CPA), Flanagin used his status as a signatory on his clients’ business account and trust account to make unauthorized transactions. Between December 2021 and August 2022, he wrote checks and initiated wire transfers totaling $409,710 to Middle Finger Ranch, a fictitious name that Flanagin connected to his personal bank account. He wrote false verbiage in the memo lines indicating the transactions to be payments for farm operations. 

Flanagin then used the stolen money to help pay for the construction on his new home.

In October 2022, after his victims noticed discrepancies and confronted him, Flanagin took several actions to conceal his crimes including removing Middle Finger Ranch from his personal account. Federal investigators later found a note Flanagin wrote stating that prosecutors couldn’t prove who input the check for processing and that he could likely feign innocence and say his company wasn’t monitoring the account.

“The name of Mr. Flanagin’s fictitious ranch speaks for itself. After stabbing his family in the back, Flanagin lied to their faces. When the victims directly questioned him about accounting inconsistencies, he fabricated convoluted flowcharts and blamed third parties for the fraudulent checks,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “In his hubris, Flanagin thought he could outsmart federal investigators and forensic accountants. He was wrong. My office will continue to use the full force of the federal government to prosecute financial crimes.”

“Mr. Flanagin was entrusted with a fiduciary duty to protect the financial interests of the victims in this case,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office.

“Instead of acting with integrity and in the interest of his clients, the defendant used his position to personally benefit from the scheme. Today’s sentencing reiterates the severity of the case and the seriousness by which the FBI takes financial fraud schemes.”

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714043354777.png" alt="Flanagin photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Flanagin photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas accountant was sentenced Wednesday to 48 months in prison for defrauding clients of his accounting firm, who were also his relatives, of more than $400,000, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Quintin Flanagin, 45, of Colby pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, one count of false statements, and one count of money laundering.As a certified public accountant (CPA), Flanagin used his status as a signatory on his clients’ business account and trust account to make unauthorized transactions. Between December 2021 and August 2022, he wrote checks and initiated wire transfers totaling $409,710 to Middle Finger Ranch, a fictitious name that Flanagin connected to his personal bank account. He wrote false verbiage in the memo lines indicating the transactions to be payments for farm operations. Flanagin then used the stolen money to help pay for the construction on his new home.In October 2022, after his victims noticed discrepancies and confronted him, Flanagin took several actions to conceal his crimes including removing Middle Finger Ranch from his personal account. Federal investigators later found a note Flanagin wrote stating that prosecutors couldn’t prove who input the check for processing and that he could likely feign innocence and say his company wasn’t monitoring the account.“The name of Mr. Flanagin’s fictitious ranch speaks for itself. After stabbing his family in the back, Flanagin lied to their faces. When the victims directly questioned him about accounting inconsistencies, he fabricated convoluted flowcharts and blamed third parties for the fraudulent checks,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “In his hubris, Flanagin thought he could outsmart federal investigators and forensic accountants. He was wrong. My office will continue to use the full force of the federal government to prosecute financial crimes.”“Mr. Flanagin was entrusted with a fiduciary duty to protect the financial interests of the victims in this case,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office.“Instead of acting with integrity and in the interest of his clients, the defendant used his position to personally benefit from the scheme. Today’s sentencing reiterates the severity of the case and the seriousness by which the FBI takes financial fraud schemes.”The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.

NW Kan. CPA, creator of ‘Middle Finger Ranch,’ fraud scheme is going to prison

In October, a jury convicted Velazquez-Carillo of second degree murder.

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man found guilty in the murder of a woman in Wichita will learn his fate Wednesday.

Jose Velazquez-Carillo, now 25, will appear in Judge Jeffrey Goering's courtroom for sentencing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In October, a jury convicted Velazquez-Carillo of second degree murder.

In February of 2024, police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of South George Washington Blvd. in&nbsp; Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708119236620.png" alt="Velazquez-Carillo-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Velazquez-Carillo-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man found guilty in the murder of a woman in Wichita is going to prison.On Wednesday, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 25-year-old Jose Velazquez-Carillo to&nbsp;165 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He must also serve 3-years of post release supervision and pay $16,000 in restitutionIn October, a jury convicted Velazquez-Carillo of second degree murder.----------------SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man found guilty in the murder of a woman in Wichita will learn his fate Wednesday.Jose Velazquez-Carillo, now 25, will appear in Judge Jeffrey Goering's courtroom for sentencing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In October, a jury convicted Velazquez-Carillo of second degree murder.In February of 2024, police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of South George Washington Blvd. in&nbsp; Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764762680804.png" alt="Candace Amack-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Candace Amack-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The victim, identified as 42-year-old Candace Amack of Wichita, was found outside of a residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was&nbsp; was pronounced deceased on the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764762200935.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Employing FLOCK, cutting-edge technology, Wichita Police Officers were able to identify a possible suspect vehicle leaving the area after the reported shooting.Officers quickly identified and located the vehicle at a residence in the 1300 block of North Jackson in Wichita.&nbsp; Just before 8p.m., in collaboration with the Kansas Highway Patrol air section, the Wichita Police Department coordinated efforts resulting in the safe apprehension of&nbsp; Velazquez-Carillo and 33-year-old Martin Velazquez-Villa during a vehicle stop near 13th and Hydraulic.

Sentencing Day for murder of Kan. woman found outside her home

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy is in jail on felony charges out of St. Charles County, Missouri.

On Sunday, Derby police conducted a traffic stop on Deputy Kadin Scritchfield, 20, of Derby, for an alleged traffic violation. During the stop, officers confirmed Scritchfield had an active felony warrant, according to sheriff's department spokesman Branden Stitt.

Scritchfield was taken into custody on allegations of Threatening Nonconsensual Dissemination of Private Sexual Images and First-Degree Harassment from an incident reported in December 2024.

Although the allegations against Scritchfield are reported to have occurred in December 2024, the felony warrant was not signed by a St. Charles County judge until Oct. 1, 2025.

The deputy completed a full background investigation before being hired in August 2025 and had already entered the training academy prior to the issuance of the warrant, according to the sheriff's office. At the time of the background check, Scritchfield did not have any active warrants and was not listed as a suspect in any case.

The Sheriff’s Office was not notified of the Missouri charges or the warrant when it was issued in October. Sedgwick County officials first became aware of the situation during the deputy’s arrest on Sunday.

All applicants are required to report any law enforcement contact during the hiring and background investigation process. The deputy did not report any law enforcement contact related to this matter, as required by policy.

Scritchfield joined the Sheriff’s Office as a probationary employee in September 2025. His employment has since been terminated.

Scritchfield is being held without bond in the Sedgwick County Jail pending extradition to Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764607289893.png" alt="Scritchfield photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Scritchfield photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy is in jail on felony charges out of St. Charles County, Missouri.On Sunday, Derby police conducted a traffic stop on Deputy Kadin Scritchfield, 20, of Derby, for an alleged traffic violation. During the stop, officers confirmed Scritchfield had an active felony warrant, according to sheriff's department spokesman Branden Stitt.Scritchfield was taken into custody on allegations of Threatening Nonconsensual Dissemination of Private Sexual Images and First-Degree Harassment from an incident reported in December 2024.Although the allegations against Scritchfield are reported to have occurred in December 2024, the felony warrant was not signed by a St. Charles County judge until Oct. 1, 2025.The deputy completed a full background investigation before being hired in August 2025 and had already entered the training academy prior to the issuance of the warrant, according to the sheriff's office. At the time of the background check, Scritchfield did not have any active warrants and was not listed as a suspect in any case.The Sheriff’s Office was not notified of the Missouri charges or the warrant when it was issued in October. Sedgwick County officials first became aware of the situation during the deputy’s arrest on Sunday.All applicants are required to report any law enforcement contact during the hiring and background investigation process. The deputy did not report any law enforcement contact related to this matter, as required by policy.Scritchfield joined the Sheriff’s Office as a probationary employee in September 2025. His employment has since been terminated.Scritchfield is being held without bond in the Sedgwick County Jail pending extradition to Missouri.

Man was wanted in Missouri when he was hired as Kan. jail deputy

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;on Monday unveiled the holiday decorations for her family’s first Christmas back at the White House and her theme is “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”

The decor also nods to next year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-cuts-humanities-america250-anniversary-doge-572cf095773c66856a1da94030ffd5a9">250th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and founding of the United States of America.

Several dozen volunteer decorators from across the country helped deck the halls of the Executive Mansion with 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet (213 meters) of garland, more than 2,000 strands of lights, over 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) of ribbon, over 2,800 gold stars, more than 10,000 butterflies and 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread.

A few things are different because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-57512e0d91432f75529946fddfbfe2c5">President Donald Trump tore down the East Wing</a>&nbsp;to build a ballroom he’s long desired.

This year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-christmas-tree-3249c03bec94e4ac99cc6002733a971c">official White House Christmas tree, which is always</a>&nbsp;on display in the Blue Room, also honors Gold Star families, those that lost a member during active-duty military service.

That tree was an East Wing fixture and the first one visitors encountered after they entered through those doors, but the building and a covered walkway, or colonnade, connecting it to the White House were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-mclaurin-f3ca84b49843b3eb3c14ad6d48f117c3">demolished by Trump</a>&nbsp;in October as part of his ballroom plan.

Public tours, which had been suspended because of the construction, are to resume Tuesday but with a shorter route limited to just the State Floor, which includes the East Room; the Green, Blue and Red Rooms; the State Dining Room; the Cross Hall; and the Grand Foyer.

The Library and the Vermeil and China Rooms on the Ground Floor — one level below the State Floor — were cut from the tour route because of the construction.

The White House expects tens of thousands of visitors for holiday tours, receptions and parties before Christmas. Visitors will now enter through the North Portico doors on Pennsylvania Avenue using a new, semi-permanent walkway and entrance.

A statement from the White House said Christmas is a time to celebrate what makes the U.S. exceptional and that, while every home has its own traditions, shared values unite Americans.

“In every community, we are lifted by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism, and gratitude,” the statement said. “These moments remind us that the heart of America is strong and that Home Is Where The Heart Is.”

Planning for the holidays starts months in advance, and the White House said Melania Trump chose every detail of the decor.

Trees in the East Room are trimmed in patriotic red, white and blue and national symbols, including golden eagle tree toppers, to highlight the coming America250 national celebration.

The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room is decorated with gold stars honoring families that lost a member in the line of active-duty military service. The official tree traditionally recognizes each state and territory and this year’s fir is decorated with ornaments showcasing the official bird and flower of each.

The Green Room celebrates family fun, featuring large portraits of the first and the current presidents, George Washington and Donald Trump, respectively, each made from more than 6,000 Lego puzzle pieces.

Thousands of blue butterflies decorate the Red Room and its tree in a celebration of young people and in tribute to Melania Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-white-house-foster-care-5301987e676786c793b2b9fba0eb4c2f">Fostering the Future initiative</a>&nbsp;, which is part of her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/parenting-united-states-government-2aefddc6f11044d4ac340809f9e75bb3">Be Best</a>&nbsp;child-focused initiative, to support people who have been in foster care.

A holiday highlight, the gingerbread White House on display in the State Dining Room shows off the mansion’s South Portico and offers a special glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room, a sitting room off the Truman Balcony in the president’s private living quarters on the second floor.

It was made using 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread, 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of pastillage, a sugar-based modeling paste; over 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of chocolate and 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms) of royal icing.

Part of the White House creche is on display in the Grand Foyer while the rest of it is undergoing a restoration overseen by the curator’s office.

Most of the tree trimming and hall decking was done after the Trumps decamped to their Florida home early last week for the Thanksgiving holiday. They returned to the White House on Sunday.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;on Monday unveiled the holiday decorations for her family’s first Christmas back at the White House and her theme is “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS ❤️ America&#39;s Christmas at the White House. <a href="https://t.co/acueX2bKjz">pic.twitter.com/acueX2bKjz</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1995502174810632359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Home Is Where the Heart Is AMERICA’S CHRISTMAS This Christmas, let’s celebrate the love we hold within ourselves and share it with the world around us. After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with endless possibilities. <a href="https://t.co/VouZAtLpHU">pic.twitter.com/VouZAtLpHU</a>&mdash; First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1995493761363906621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The decor also nods to next year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-cuts-humanities-america250-anniversary-doge-572cf095773c66856a1da94030ffd5a9">250th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and founding of the United States of America.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“We’re saying MERRY CHRISTMAS again!” - <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> 🎄🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/TcfyP5h5Uc">pic.twitter.com/TcfyP5h5Uc</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1995610845632757781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Several dozen volunteer decorators from across the country helped deck the halls of the Executive Mansion with 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet (213 meters) of garland, more than 2,000 strands of lights, over 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) of ribbon, over 2,800 gold stars, more than 10,000 butterflies and 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread.A few things are different because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-57512e0d91432f75529946fddfbfe2c5">President Donald Trump tore down the East Wing</a>&nbsp;to build a ballroom he’s long desired.This year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-christmas-tree-3249c03bec94e4ac99cc6002733a971c">official White House Christmas tree, which is always</a>&nbsp;on display in the Blue Room, also honors Gold Star families, those that lost a member during active-duty military service.That tree was an East Wing fixture and the first one visitors encountered after they entered through those doors, but the building and a covered walkway, or colonnade, connecting it to the White House were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-mclaurin-f3ca84b49843b3eb3c14ad6d48f117c3">demolished by Trump</a>&nbsp;in October as part of his ballroom plan.Public tours, which had been suspended because of the construction, are to resume Tuesday but with a shorter route limited to just the State Floor, which includes the East Room; the Green, Blue and Red Rooms; the State Dining Room; the Cross Hall; and the Grand Foyer.The Library and the Vermeil and China Rooms on the Ground Floor — one level below the State Floor — were cut from the tour route because of the construction.The White House expects tens of thousands of visitors for holiday tours, receptions and parties before Christmas. Visitors will now enter through the North Portico doors on Pennsylvania Avenue using a new, semi-permanent walkway and entrance.A statement from the White House said Christmas is a time to celebrate what makes the U.S. exceptional and that, while every home has its own traditions, shared values unite Americans.“In every community, we are lifted by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism, and gratitude,” the statement said. “These moments remind us that the heart of America is strong and that Home Is Where The Heart Is.”Planning for the holidays starts months in advance, and the White House said Melania Trump chose every detail of the decor.Trees in the East Room are trimmed in patriotic red, white and blue and national symbols, including golden eagle tree toppers, to highlight the coming America250 national celebration.The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room is decorated with gold stars honoring families that lost a member in the line of active-duty military service. The official tree traditionally recognizes each state and territory and this year’s fir is decorated with ornaments showcasing the official bird and flower of each.The Green Room celebrates family fun, featuring large portraits of the first and the current presidents, George Washington and Donald Trump, respectively, each made from more than 6,000 Lego puzzle pieces.Thousands of blue butterflies decorate the Red Room and its tree in a celebration of young people and in tribute to Melania Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-white-house-foster-care-5301987e676786c793b2b9fba0eb4c2f">Fostering the Future initiative</a>&nbsp;, which is part of her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/parenting-united-states-government-2aefddc6f11044d4ac340809f9e75bb3">Be Best</a>&nbsp;child-focused initiative, to support people who have been in foster care.A holiday highlight, the gingerbread White House on display in the State Dining Room shows off the mansion’s South Portico and offers a special glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room, a sitting room off the Truman Balcony in the president’s private living quarters on the second floor.It was made using 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread, 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of pastillage, a sugar-based modeling paste; over 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of chocolate and 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms) of royal icing.Part of the White House creche is on display in the Grand Foyer while the rest of it is undergoing a restoration overseen by the curator’s office.Most of the tree trimming and hall decking was done after the Trumps decamped to their Florida home early last week for the Thanksgiving holiday. They returned to the White House on Sunday.

First lady reveals White House Christmas decorations and her theme

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump'</a>&nbsp;s doctor says the president had MRI imaging on his heart and abdomen in October as part of a preventative screening for men his age, according to a memo from the physician released by the White House on Monday.

Sean Barbabella said in a statement that Trump’s physical exam included “advanced imaging” that is “standard for an executive physical” in Trump’s age group. Barbabella concluded that the cardiovascular and abdominal imaging was “perfectly normal.”

“The purpose of this imaging is preventative: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function,” the doctor wrote.

The White House released Barbabella's memo after Trump on Sunday said he would release the results of the scan. He and the White House have said the scan was “part of his routine physical examination” but had declined until Monday to detail why Trump had an MRI during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-physical-walter-reed-e4c3cd4ef5aab8e4d86d00b02a1ed710">his physical</a>&nbsp;in October at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center or on what part of his body.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump'</a>&nbsp;s doctor says the president had MRI imaging on his heart and abdomen in October as part of a preventative screening for men his age, according to a memo from the physician released by the White House on Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald J. Trump&#39;s Advanced Imaging Results: &quot;His cardiovascular system shows excellent health... and confirms that he remains at excellent overall health.&quot; — Capt Sean P. Barbabella, D.O. Physician to the President <a href="https://t.co/WJxdZEBUFS">pic.twitter.com/WJxdZEBUFS</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1995569253748211743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764616418997.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Sean Barbabella said in a statement that Trump’s physical exam included “advanced imaging” that is “standard for an executive physical” in Trump’s age group. Barbabella concluded that the cardiovascular and abdominal imaging was “perfectly normal.”“The purpose of this imaging is preventative: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function,” the doctor wrote.The White House released Barbabella's memo after Trump on Sunday said he would release the results of the scan. He and the White House have said the scan was “part of his routine physical examination” but had declined until Monday to detail why Trump had an MRI during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-physical-walter-reed-e4c3cd4ef5aab8e4d86d00b02a1ed710">his physical</a>&nbsp;in October at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center or on what part of his body.“I think that’s quite a bit of detail,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday when announcing the memo's release.The Republican president said Sunday during an exchange with reporters as he traveled back to Washington from Florida that the results of the MRI were “perfect.”“If you want to have it released, I’ll release it,” Trump said.Trump added Sunday that he has “no idea” on what part of his body he got the MRI.“It was just an MRI,” he said. “What part of the body? It wasn’t the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it.”Doctors typically order an MRI to help with diagnosing symptoms or to monitor an ongoing health problem. So-called "preventive” cardiac and abdominal MRIs are not part of routine screening recommendations. What Trump’s doctor called an “executive physical” generally refers to adding extra, non-routine tests including MRIs to pricey and lengthy exams, not covered by insurance, that are marketed to wealthy people.