By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Democratic leader favors candidate she labels ‘true middle-of-the-road’ politician

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly formally endorsed state Sen. Ethan Corson’s campaign for governor on Monday, favoring a “true middle-of-the-road” politician she believed capable of drawing enough votes from Kansas Republicans, Democrats and independents to prevail in 2026.

Kelly, a popular governor forbidden from seeking reelection to a third term, said the Democrat from Fairway was the candidate most capable of being a voice of reason in terms of the state budget, protecting K-12 public school funding, lowering taxes and delivering economic growth. These themes, and a relentless critique of former Gov. Sam Brownback, anchored Kelly’s gubernatorial victory over Republican nominee Kris Kobach in 2018 and narrow defeat of GOP candidate Derek Schmidt in 2022.

“Kansas is in good shape right now. And that is why I am enthusiastically endorsing Ethan&nbsp;Corson,” Kelly said in a statement. “Ethan will build on my work, but he will also bring visionary and bold new ideas to the job. His allegiance will be to Kansans, not party or politics. Ethan is a good man. He wants to be governor for the right reasons. He is a true public servant.”

Kelly’s endorsement of Corson wasn’t a surprise, given her statement in July that he would be a “very strong candidate” and pointing to Corson as “someone laser focused on the issues Kansans really care about.”

“Ethan is a true middle-of-the-road candidate who will attract that same broad base of support that is necessary to win but also to then govern effectively. He is the most qualified and most suited to be our next governor,” Kelly said.

In the Kansas Democratic Party’s primary set for August, Corson’s main rival would appear to be Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park. Democrat Marty Tuley of Lawrence also declared his candidacy.

Corson, an attorney and former director of the Kansas Democratic Party, was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2020 and reelected in 2024 to serve a northeast Johnson County district. In the Senate, Corson said, he joined bipartisan efforts to cut property and income taxes, eliminate a state sales tax on groceries and end the state tax on Social Security benefits. He also sought to target tax relief for the benefit of seniors, veterans and working Kansans.

“I’m honored to have Gov. Kelly’s endorsement and grateful for her confidence in my ability to keep Kansas moving forward,” Corson said.

Corson entered the race for governor in July. He reported Nov. 5 the campaign raised $500,000 from nearly 2,000 donors in the initial 100 days of the campaign. During an 8,000-mile, crisscross journey of Kansas, Corson emphasized lowering the cost of living for working-class families, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening investment in public schools. He said his goal was to bring “both parties to the table to deliver results for all Kansans.”

“Our campaign is about creating a Kansas where the next generation can build a life right here,”&nbsp;he said. “That means lower costs for families, the best public schools in America, safer communities and a growing economy in all 105 counties.”

Corson, 43, earned a law degree at Washington University in St. Louis and worked seven years for a firm in Washington, D.C. He was employed by the U.S. Department of Commerce before returning to Kansas in 2019 to be executive director of the state Democratic Party.

Kansas candidates for governor must maneuver through an electorate that delivered double-digit victories in 2016, 2020 and 2024 for President Donald Trump.

In addition, no political party in Kansas has retained the governorship for more than eight consecutive years since the 1950s.

Candidates for the Republican Party’s nomination for governor include former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Senate President Ty Masterson, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, businessman Philip Sarnecki, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara and former Wichita school board member Joy Eakins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763397079432.png" alt="Kansas state Sen. Ethan Corson of Fairway, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2026, receives the endorsement of Gov. Laura Kelly. In this image from Jan. 13, 2025, Corson sits in the Kansas Senate chamber. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas state Sen. Ethan Corson of Fairway, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2026, receives the endorsement of Gov. Laura Kelly. In this image from Jan. 13, 2025, Corson sits in the Kansas Senate chamber. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Democratic leader favors candidate she labels ‘true middle-of-the-road’ politician</h2>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly formally endorsed state Sen. Ethan Corson’s campaign for governor on Monday, favoring a “true middle-of-the-road” politician she believed capable of drawing enough votes from Kansas Republicans, Democrats and independents to prevail in 2026.Kelly, a popular governor forbidden from seeking reelection to a third term, said the Democrat from Fairway was the candidate most capable of being a voice of reason in terms of the state budget, protecting K-12 public school funding, lowering taxes and delivering economic growth. These themes, and a relentless critique of former Gov. Sam Brownback, anchored Kelly’s gubernatorial victory over Republican nominee Kris Kobach in 2018 and narrow defeat of GOP candidate Derek Schmidt in 2022.“Kansas is in good shape right now. And that is why I am enthusiastically endorsing Ethan&nbsp;Corson,” Kelly said in a statement. “Ethan will build on my work, but he will also bring visionary and bold new ideas to the job. His allegiance will be to Kansans, not party or politics. Ethan is a good man. He wants to be governor for the right reasons. He is a true public servant.”Kelly’s endorsement of Corson wasn’t a surprise, given her statement in July that he would be a “very strong candidate” and pointing to Corson as “someone laser focused on the issues Kansans really care about.”“Ethan is a true middle-of-the-road candidate who will attract that same broad base of support that is necessary to win but also to then govern effectively. He is the most qualified and most suited to be our next governor,” Kelly said.In the Kansas Democratic Party’s primary set for August, Corson’s main rival would appear to be Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park. Democrat Marty Tuley of Lawrence also declared his candidacy.Corson, an attorney and former director of the Kansas Democratic Party, was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2020 and reelected in 2024 to serve a northeast Johnson County district. In the Senate, Corson said, he joined bipartisan efforts to cut property and income taxes, eliminate a state sales tax on groceries and end the state tax on Social Security benefits. He also sought to target tax relief for the benefit of seniors, veterans and working Kansans.“I’m honored to have Gov. Kelly’s endorsement and grateful for her confidence in my ability to keep Kansas moving forward,” Corson said.Corson entered the race for governor in July. He reported Nov. 5 the campaign raised $500,000 from nearly 2,000 donors in the initial 100 days of the campaign. During an 8,000-mile, crisscross journey of Kansas, Corson emphasized lowering the cost of living for working-class families, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening investment in public schools. He said his goal was to bring “both parties to the table to deliver results for all Kansans.”“Our campaign is about creating a Kansas where the next generation can build a life right here,”&nbsp;he said. “That means lower costs for families, the best public schools in America, safer communities and a growing economy in all 105 counties.”Corson, 43, earned a law degree at Washington University in St. Louis and worked seven years for a firm in Washington, D.C. He was employed by the U.S. Department of Commerce before returning to Kansas in 2019 to be executive director of the state Democratic Party.Kansas candidates for governor must maneuver through an electorate that delivered double-digit victories in 2016, 2020 and 2024 for President Donald Trump.In addition, no political party in Kansas has retained the governorship for more than eight consecutive years since the 1950s.Candidates for the Republican Party’s nomination for governor include former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Senate President Ty Masterson, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, businessman Philip Sarnecki, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara and former Wichita school board member Joy Eakins.

Gov. Kelly offers formal endorsement of Democratic Sen. Ethan Corson for governor

MITCHELL COUNTY —Investigators determined the cause of a home explosion in Mitchell County on Wednesday was an accidental gas leak inside the home, according to Mitchell County Sheriff Anthony Perez. An issue with a furnace may have contributed to the accident, according to the State Fire Marshal's office.

Just before 6:30pm, the Mitchell County Communication Center received calls of a house explosion had occurred at the corner of Elkhorn Street and Wisconsin Street in Simpson, Kansas.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and located two adult victims with severe injuries. Both victims were transported to the Mitchell County Health Hospital Systems ER initially. The victims were then flown to a Wichita hospital burn unit. Authorities have not released an update on the two who were injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763033183062.png" alt="Photo Mitchell County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Mitchell County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MITCHELL COUNTY —Investigators determined the cause of a home explosion in Mitchell County on Wednesday was an accidental gas leak inside the home, according to Mitchell County Sheriff Anthony Perez. An issue with a furnace may have contributed to the accident, according to the State Fire Marshal's office.Just before 6:30pm, the Mitchell County Communication Center received calls of a house explosion had occurred at the corner of Elkhorn Street and Wisconsin Street in Simpson, Kansas.Emergency personnel responded to the scene and located two adult victims with severe injuries. Both victims were transported to the Mitchell County Health Hospital Systems ER initially. The victims were then flown to a Wichita hospital burn unit. Authorities have not released an update on the two who were injured.

Faulty furnace may have caused Kansas home explosion 

HOUSTON – A 50-year-old resident of Sedgwick County, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to lying to law enforcement, according to a media release from the office of U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

In July 2019, Summer Heather Worden alleged her estranged spouse, NASA Astronaut Anne McClain, had guessed the password and illegally accessed her bank account while McClain was deployed to the International Space Station. &nbsp;

However, Worden had actually opened the account in April 2018. Both parties had accessed it until January 2019 when Worden changed the credentials. &nbsp;

The investigation revealed Worden had granted McClain access to her bank records from at least 2015, including her login credentials.&nbsp;

U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea Nov. 13. He will impose sentencing&nbsp;Feb. 12, 2026. At that time, Worden faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.&nbsp;

Worden was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.&nbsp;

NASA-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Brandon Fyffe prosecuted the case.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763380295480.png" alt="Anne McClain Photo courtesy NASA" />
 <figcaption>Anne McClain Photo courtesy NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON – A 50-year-old resident of Sedgwick County, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to lying to law enforcement, according to a media release from the office of U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.In July 2019, Summer Heather Worden alleged her estranged spouse, NASA Astronaut Anne McClain, had guessed the password and illegally accessed her bank account while McClain was deployed to the International Space Station. &nbsp;However, Worden had actually opened the account in April 2018. Both parties had accessed it until January 2019 when Worden changed the credentials. &nbsp;The investigation revealed Worden had granted McClain access to her bank records from at least 2015, including her login credentials.&nbsp;U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea Nov. 13. He will impose sentencing&nbsp;Feb. 12, 2026. At that time, Worden faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.&nbsp;Worden was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.&nbsp;NASA-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Brandon Fyffe prosecuted the case.&nbsp;

Kan. woman admits lying about astronaut wife accessing bank account from Space Station

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 8:30a.m. Sunday, Kansas City Police responded to report of an armed robbery at a gas station in the 8200 Block of North Church Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The suspect allegedly threatened a store clerk with a handgun. the suspect fled before officers arrived. Through an on scene investigation, a suspect description and suspect vehicle description were obtained. This information led officers to the 1200 Block of Northeast Parvin Road.

Just after 10a.m. Sunday, one officer arrived at that location and saw the suspect vehicle and the suspect involved in the armed robbery. The officer confronted the suspect outside of an apartment building. The suspect presented a handgun. The officer fired shots and struck the suspect.&nbsp;

EMS transported the suspect to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The officer was not injured. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. The investigation will forward the details to the the Clay County Prosecuting attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763379610505.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 8:30a.m. Sunday, Kansas City Police responded to report of an armed robbery at a gas station in the 8200 Block of North Church Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.The suspect allegedly threatened a store clerk with a handgun. the suspect fled before officers arrived. Through an on scene investigation, a suspect description and suspect vehicle description were obtained. This information led officers to the 1200 Block of Northeast Parvin Road.Just after 10a.m. Sunday, one officer arrived at that location and saw the suspect vehicle and the suspect involved in the armed robbery. The officer confronted the suspect outside of an apartment building. The suspect presented a handgun. The officer fired shots and struck the suspect.&nbsp;EMS transported the suspect to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The officer was not injured. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. The investigation will forward the details to the the Clay County Prosecuting attorney's office.

Officer shot Kansas City armed robbery suspect 

NEMAHA COUNTY —The Nemaha County Sheriff on Sunday released the name of a Kansas teen who died in an accident over the weekend in Nemaha County.

Just after 7a.m. Sunday Nemaha County Communications received a call to respond to the scene of a one vehicle crash, according to a media release.

A 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by Kenton L. Farwell, 17, Sabetha was westbound on 192nd Road just east of V Road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck a culvert and overturned into a ditch.  The exact time of the crash has not been determined.&nbsp;

NEMAHA COUNTY —The Nemaha County Sheriff on Sunday released the name of a Kansas teen who died in an accident over the weekend in Nemaha County.Just after 7a.m. Sunday Nemaha County Communications received a call to respond to the scene of a one vehicle crash, according to a media release.A 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by Kenton L. Farwell, 17, Sabetha was westbound on 192nd Road just east of V Road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck a culvert and overturned into a ditch. The exact time of the crash has not been determined.&nbsp;

Sheriff IDs Kansas teen who died in rollover crash

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for five counts of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Jeremy Weber, 47, of Topeka uploaded photographs of women and children he knew into a publicly available Artificial Intelligence platform. He then utilized AI to manipulate and merge their images into hundreds of depictions of child sexual abuse material (or CSAM). &nbsp;Weber also uploaded previously trafficked images of CSAM to the same platform. Weber morphed the original CSAM image with the face of the adult or minor female, creating a new image of CSAM.&nbsp;

The investigation identified approximately 32 women whose images were used to produce the new CSAM. &nbsp;In addition, Weber utilized the same AI program to produce adult pornographic images of 50-60 women without their consent. &nbsp;

The investigation into Weber began after an IT professional observed criminal activity on Weber’s computer and reported it to local law enforcement. &nbsp;A subsequent search warrant led to a search of Weber’s residence and the discovery of an encrypted hard drive containing a folder titled “AI Swap.” In the folder was a large number of files organized into folders named after women. Each of the named folders contained anywhere from a handful to hundreds of newly manufactured sexually explicit images of each individual.

“While it is still an emerging technology, I believe there can be many wonderful and beneficial aspects of artificial intelligence, but there is also a dark side. Unfortunately, child predators are using AI for twisted and perverse activities,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The fact that Jeremy Weber was able to create realistic looking images of child pornography using the faces of children and adults should remind us that we are all vulnerable to this type of violation. Although the images were ‘fake’, the harm he inflicted on the victims and the consequences were very real.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762526792575.png" alt="Weber from his April arrest in Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Weber from his April arrest in Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for five counts of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Jeremy Weber, 47, of Topeka uploaded photographs of women and children he knew into a publicly available Artificial Intelligence platform. He then utilized AI to manipulate and merge their images into hundreds of depictions of child sexual abuse material (or CSAM). &nbsp;Weber also uploaded previously trafficked images of CSAM to the same platform. Weber morphed the original CSAM image with the face of the adult or minor female, creating a new image of CSAM.&nbsp;The investigation identified approximately 32 women whose images were used to produce the new CSAM. &nbsp;In addition, Weber utilized the same AI program to produce adult pornographic images of 50-60 women without their consent. &nbsp;The investigation into Weber began after an IT professional observed criminal activity on Weber’s computer and reported it to local law enforcement. &nbsp;A subsequent search warrant led to a search of Weber’s residence and the discovery of an encrypted hard drive containing a folder titled “AI Swap.” In the folder was a large number of files organized into folders named after women. Each of the named folders contained anywhere from a handful to hundreds of newly manufactured sexually explicit images of each individual.“While it is still an emerging technology, I believe there can be many wonderful and beneficial aspects of artificial intelligence, but there is also a dark side. Unfortunately, child predators are using AI for twisted and perverse activities,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The fact that Jeremy Weber was able to create realistic looking images of child pornography using the faces of children and adults should remind us that we are all vulnerable to this type of violation. Although the images were ‘fake’, the harm he inflicted on the victims and the consequences were very real.”&nbsp;

Prison: Kan. man used Artificial Intelligence to make child porn

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762445699793.png" alt="Photo Frontier Airlines" />
 <figcaption>Photo Frontier Airlines</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨The <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FAANews</a> has determined that normal flight operations can resume after multiple days of positive staffing with air traffic controllers in our towers. Now we can refocus our efforts on hiring and building the state-of-the-art air traffic control system the American people… <a href="https://t.co/28wQpOfKHD">https://t.co/28wQpOfKHD</a>&mdash; Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1990229655287218567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Good news for travelers: FAA lifts order slashing flights

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City area man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing a firearm.

Hunter A. Fanara, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 96 months in federal prison without parole for being a felon in possession of a firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.

On July 8, 2025, Fanara pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm on Mar. 19, 2024.&nbsp; On that date, Fanara was driving near the intersection of South Crysler and West Haward Avenue in Independence, Mo.&nbsp; An Independence, Mo., Police Department Officer pulled Fanara over for a stop sign violation.&nbsp; 

During the traffic stop, Fanara abruptly exited the vehicle and shut and locked the car door.&nbsp; Fanara then walked towards the patrol car with his hands in his pockets.&nbsp; The officer questioned Fanara and learned that Fanara had a revoked license.&nbsp; Fanara reported that the vehicle he was driving belonged to another person and he could not provide consent to search the vehicle, but the officer had not requested to search the vehicle.&nbsp; 

Due to Fanara having a revoked license and an outstanding warrant, officers arrested Fanara.&nbsp;Officers later learned that the vehicle had been reported as stolen.&nbsp; Officers conducted an inventory search of the vehicle prior to having it towed and they discovered a loaded Taurus, Model G3, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, in the driver’s door cubby.&nbsp; 

Officers also found multiple baggies containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and a couple of pills.&nbsp; Pursuant to the plea agreement, the defendant admitted that he knowingly possessed the recovered firearm and that he knew he had previously been convicted of a felony offense.&nbsp; In the plea agreement, Fanara also admitted that on Mar. 20, 2025, he knowingly possessed another firearm, specifically an Erma/Excam, Model RX22, .22 LR caliber, semi-automatic pistol, that Independence, Mo. Police Officers recovered during an investigation of another traffic violation involving Fanara.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763336969314.png" alt="Fanara from an earlier arrest in Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Fanara from an earlier arrest in Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City area man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing a firearm.Hunter A. Fanara, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 96 months in federal prison without parole for being a felon in possession of a firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.On July 8, 2025, Fanara pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm on Mar. 19, 2024.&nbsp; On that date, Fanara was driving near the intersection of South Crysler and West Haward Avenue in Independence, Mo.&nbsp; An Independence, Mo., Police Department Officer pulled Fanara over for a stop sign violation.&nbsp; During the traffic stop, Fanara abruptly exited the vehicle and shut and locked the car door.&nbsp; Fanara then walked towards the patrol car with his hands in his pockets.&nbsp; The officer questioned Fanara and learned that Fanara had a revoked license.&nbsp; Fanara reported that the vehicle he was driving belonged to another person and he could not provide consent to search the vehicle, but the officer had not requested to search the vehicle.&nbsp; Due to Fanara having a revoked license and an outstanding warrant, officers arrested Fanara.&nbsp;Officers later learned that the vehicle had been reported as stolen.&nbsp; Officers conducted an inventory search of the vehicle prior to having it towed and they discovered a loaded Taurus, Model G3, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, in the driver’s door cubby.&nbsp; Officers also found multiple baggies containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and a couple of pills.&nbsp; Pursuant to the plea agreement, the defendant admitted that he knowingly possessed the recovered firearm and that he knew he had previously been convicted of a felony offense.&nbsp; In the plea agreement, Fanara also admitted that on Mar. 20, 2025, he knowingly possessed another firearm, specifically an Erma/Excam, Model RX22, .22 LR caliber, semi-automatic pistol, that Independence, Mo. Police Officers recovered during an investigation of another traffic violation involving Fanara.

Police found fentanyl, heroin and a firearm after KC area traffic stop

The United States is reporting another deadly strike on an alleged drug boat.

According to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command, on Nov. 15, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. 

Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. Three male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed. The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific and was struck in international waters.

The United States is reporting another deadly strike on an alleged drug boat.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On Nov. 15, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,… <a href="https://t.co/iM1PhIsroj">pic.twitter.com/iM1PhIsroj</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/1990147866397221102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>According to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command, on Nov. 15, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. Three male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed. The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific and was struck in international waters.

🎥US military reports another deadly strike on alleged drug-running boat 

GOP lawmaker honors Eisenhower, Dole in Kansas Oral History Project interview

TOPEKA — Former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts fondly recalls personal relationships with U.S. Rep. Kika de la Garza and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow that moved beyond party labels to shape bipartisan agriculture and food legislation.

Roberts said during an October interview at the U.S. Capitol that the get-the-work-done approach he admired, which brought a stalwart Republican like himself together with dedicated Democrats such as De La Garza and Stabenow, should serve as a salve for partisan wounds inflicted by political champions of division.

Raw partisanship placing Republicans and Democrats in uncompromising conflict has been a feature of the latest government shutdown.

“Somehow we’ve got to get control of this ideology,” Roberts said during an interview for the Kansas Oral History Project. “If you’re talking to somebody who’s an ideologist, they’re going to be right, and you’re wrong, regardless. You just can’t really talk to them, and we have far too much of that. We’re getting to the point of almost a meltdown in what the Senate used to be and the House used to be. That’s a real concern to me. That’s very sad.”

“The first thing you’ve got to learn in politics is to listen, and the second thing is there’s no ‘I’ in politics. It’s a ‘we’ thing,” he said.

Roberts said quality people were exiting Congress because they tired of clashes that inhibited the functioning of government. Some replacements didn’t have benefit of guidance from old-guard lawmakers who understood the value of collaboration, he said.

“I would hope that we could get back to a more bipartisan situation where you got things done,” Roberts said.

<a href="https://ksoralhistory.org/interview/interview-of-senator-pat-roberts-by-jackie-cottrell-and-mike-seyfert-october-14-2025/" target="_blank">He was interviewed for the Kansas Oral History Project</a>&nbsp;by Jackie Cottrell, who was chief of staff to Roberts for 18 years while he was in the Senate, and Mike Seyfert, who was Roberts’ staff director on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Roberts, the first person to chair both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate agriculture committees, represented the 1st District of Kansas for eight terms in the U.S. House, from 1981 to 1997. When GOP U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum declined to seek reelection in 1996, Roberts was elected to her seat. He served in the U.S. Senate from 1997 to 2021.

The interviewers asked Roberts about his dedication to regular listening tours that involved visits to every county in the Big First of western Kansas while he was a U.S. representative and subsequently each of the state’s 105 counties while serving as a U.S. senator.

In response, Roberts remembered advice given to him by Frank Carlson, who was elected to the Kansas House, became Kansas governor and then served in U.S. House and U.S. Senate.

“First thing you learn, Sen. Carlson told me, ‘You never get hurt by what you don’t say.’ He said, ‘You always want to listen.’ And, that’s what we did,” Roberts said.

Roberts said he was routine for him to stop in the county seat and run into acquaintances. He encountered critics who “would always show up and give me a hard time,” but that came with the job. It helped to hold onto a sense of humor at the public gatherings, he said, even when his views were at odds with recommendations from Kansas.

Roberts was born in Topeka, grew up in Holton, graduated from Kansas State University and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked as a journalist but eventually followed a political career path, first as a congressional staffer and then as an elected official.

His father, Wesley Roberts, was deeply involved with Kansas GOP politics and served as chairman of the Republican National Committee.

While still a teenager, due to his father’s role in the Republican Party, Roberts met Dwight Eisenhower, the war hero who was elected president in 1952.

“Obviously, I was very familiar with politics. Perhaps that gave me the impetus to keep going with it,” Roberts said.

In the interview, Roberts looked back on the difficult process of completing the Eisenhower Memorial on Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C. He was chair of the memorial commission for the final six years. There was a protracted family dispute over the design. The monument features an open-air plaza with statues of Eisenhower as president, general and a child. The backdrop is a steel tapestry depicting the Normandy cliffs in France.

“I am sad that it took so long because we lost a lot of World War II veterans, and they couldn’t come up after looking at the World War II Memorial, which Bob Dole did, and then come up and salute their commander. That was my hope,” he said.

Roberts said he remembered speaking with Dole, the GOP’s unsuccessful nominee for president in 1996 and a retired US. Senator, twice a week when Dole was in his 90s. Dole was a disabled veteran from World War II and died in 2021 at age 98. Roberts recalled an especially poignant conversation with Dole.

“It’s fair for elderly men to say this, but all of a sudden he said, ‘Pat, there’s one thing I want you to understand.’ I said, ‘What’s that, Bob?’ He said, ‘I love you.’ And I said, ‘I love you, too, Bob.’ I teared up the whole day. He was a great man.”

Roberts said that in his first campaign for the U.S. House in 1980 he told Kansas voters he would not support a federal tax increase. President Ronald Reagan, however, reached an agreement with Democrats to cut $3 in federal spending for every $1 of federal taxes increased. The Reagan administration pressed Roberts to vote for the agreement.

In a White House meeting, Roberts told Reagan of his campaign promise. He also said some elderly people, including his mother, were concerned about a banking provision in the legislation. He recalled that other Republicans in the meeting looked at Roberts as if he was a leper.

“The president says, ‘Well, Pat, you’re following your convictions and I understand that, but I hope we can change your mind,'” Roberts said. “I arrived back to the office and the staff says, ‘Congressman, you’re invited to go to the White House with your mother at 10:00 in the morning.’ So, I had to call my mom. She (Ruth) says, ‘What kind of trouble have you got me into?'”

Reagan put on a charm offensive despite Ruth Roberts’ confession that she wasn’t an early supporter of Reagan. She had favored George H.W. Bush in the presidential primary. Roberts left the White House that day after affirming to the president he wouldn’t vote for the tax increase.

The White House had former U.S. Rep. Keith Sebelius, who was Roberts’ predecessor, call from a hospital bed to urge Roberts to back Reagan on the bill. In the end, Roberts relented.

In 2003, Roberts served as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. His role was significant because the United States launched an invasion of Iraq in March 2003 based, in part, on a premise Iraq President Saddam Hussein was in control of weapons of mass destruction.

He said leadership at the Department of Defense and CIA were convinced Hussein had WMDs, but the Senate Intelligence Committee concluded in a 2004 report that pre-war assessments were unsupported by evidence. The committee’s bipartisan conclusion undercut assertions made by President George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney to justify war with Iraq.

“That was probably the toughest responsibility that I had was to go to the White House and tell President Bush and Vice President Cheney, ‘Do not endorse your national intelligence estimate. It is flawed. Saddam Hussein did not have weapons of mass destruction.’ That was a tough deal,” Roberts said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762288000118.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, who was the longest-serving member of Congress in Kansas history, shares with the Kansas Oral History Project insights into his service to the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. He says Congress will be better served with a return to bipartisanship. (Photo by Jill Hummels for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, who was the longest-serving member of Congress in Kansas history, shares with the Kansas Oral History Project insights into his service to the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. He says Congress will be better served with a return to bipartisanship. (Photo by Jill Hummels for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>GOP lawmaker honors Eisenhower, Dole in Kansas Oral History Project interview</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts fondly recalls personal relationships with U.S. Rep. Kika de la Garza and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow that moved beyond party labels to shape bipartisan agriculture and food legislation.Roberts said during an October interview at the U.S. Capitol that the get-the-work-done approach he admired, which brought a stalwart Republican like himself together with dedicated Democrats such as De La Garza and Stabenow, should serve as a salve for partisan wounds inflicted by political champions of division.Raw partisanship placing Republicans and Democrats in uncompromising conflict has been a feature of the latest government shutdown.“Somehow we’ve got to get control of this ideology,” Roberts said during an interview for the Kansas Oral History Project. “If you’re talking to somebody who’s an ideologist, they’re going to be right, and you’re wrong, regardless. You just can’t really talk to them, and we have far too much of that. We’re getting to the point of almost a meltdown in what the Senate used to be and the House used to be. That’s a real concern to me. That’s very sad.”“The first thing you’ve got to learn in politics is to listen, and the second thing is there’s no ‘I’ in politics. It’s a ‘we’ thing,” he said.Roberts said quality people were exiting Congress because they tired of clashes that inhibited the functioning of government. Some replacements didn’t have benefit of guidance from old-guard lawmakers who understood the value of collaboration, he said.“I would hope that we could get back to a more bipartisan situation where you got things done,” Roberts said.<a href="https://ksoralhistory.org/interview/interview-of-senator-pat-roberts-by-jackie-cottrell-and-mike-seyfert-october-14-2025/" target="_blank">He was interviewed for the Kansas Oral History Project</a>&nbsp;by Jackie Cottrell, who was chief of staff to Roberts for 18 years while he was in the Senate, and Mike Seyfert, who was Roberts’ staff director on the Senate Agriculture Committee.<h2>‘Always want to listen’</h2>Roberts, the first person to chair both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate agriculture committees, represented the 1st District of Kansas for eight terms in the U.S. House, from 1981 to 1997. When GOP U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum declined to seek reelection in 1996, Roberts was elected to her seat. He served in the U.S. Senate from 1997 to 2021.The interviewers asked Roberts about his dedication to regular listening tours that involved visits to every county in the Big First of western Kansas while he was a U.S. representative and subsequently each of the state’s 105 counties while serving as a U.S. senator.In response, Roberts remembered advice given to him by Frank Carlson, who was elected to the Kansas House, became Kansas governor and then served in U.S. House and U.S. Senate.“First thing you learn, Sen. Carlson told me, ‘You never get hurt by what you don’t say.’ He said, ‘You always want to listen.’ And, that’s what we did,” Roberts said.Roberts said he was routine for him to stop in the county seat and run into acquaintances. He encountered critics who “would always show up and give me a hard time,” but that came with the job. It helped to hold onto a sense of humor at the public gatherings, he said, even when his views were at odds with recommendations from Kansas.Roberts was born in Topeka, grew up in Holton, graduated from Kansas State University and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked as a journalist but eventually followed a political career path, first as a congressional staffer and then as an elected official.<h2>Ike, Dole connections</h2>His father, Wesley Roberts, was deeply involved with Kansas GOP politics and served as chairman of the Republican National Committee.While still a teenager, due to his father’s role in the Republican Party, Roberts met Dwight Eisenhower, the war hero who was elected president in 1952.“Obviously, I was very familiar with politics. Perhaps that gave me the impetus to keep going with it,” Roberts said.In the interview, Roberts looked back on the difficult process of completing the Eisenhower Memorial on Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C. He was chair of the memorial commission for the final six years. There was a protracted family dispute over the design. The monument features an open-air plaza with statues of Eisenhower as president, general and a child. The backdrop is a steel tapestry depicting the Normandy cliffs in France.“I am sad that it took so long because we lost a lot of World War II veterans, and they couldn’t come up after looking at the World War II Memorial, which Bob Dole did, and then come up and salute their commander. That was my hope,” he said.Roberts said he remembered speaking with Dole, the GOP’s unsuccessful nominee for president in 1996 and a retired US. Senator, twice a week when Dole was in his 90s. Dole was a disabled veteran from World War II and died in 2021 at age 98. Roberts recalled an especially poignant conversation with Dole.“It’s fair for elderly men to say this, but all of a sudden he said, ‘Pat, there’s one thing I want you to understand.’ I said, ‘What’s that, Bob?’ He said, ‘I love you.’ And I said, ‘I love you, too, Bob.’ I teared up the whole day. He was a great man.”<h2>The hard parts</h2>Roberts said that in his first campaign for the U.S. House in 1980 he told Kansas voters he would not support a federal tax increase. President Ronald Reagan, however, reached an agreement with Democrats to cut $3 in federal spending for every $1 of federal taxes increased. The Reagan administration pressed Roberts to vote for the agreement.In a White House meeting, Roberts told Reagan of his campaign promise. He also said some elderly people, including his mother, were concerned about a banking provision in the legislation. He recalled that other Republicans in the meeting looked at Roberts as if he was a leper.“The president says, ‘Well, Pat, you’re following your convictions and I understand that, but I hope we can change your mind,'” Roberts said. “I arrived back to the office and the staff says, ‘Congressman, you’re invited to go to the White House with your mother at 10:00 in the morning.’ So, I had to call my mom. She (Ruth) says, ‘What kind of trouble have you got me into?'”Reagan put on a charm offensive despite Ruth Roberts’ confession that she wasn’t an early supporter of Reagan. She had favored George H.W. Bush in the presidential primary. Roberts left the White House that day after affirming to the president he wouldn’t vote for the tax increase.The White House had former U.S. Rep. Keith Sebelius, who was Roberts’ predecessor, call from a hospital bed to urge Roberts to back Reagan on the bill. In the end, Roberts relented.In 2003, Roberts served as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. His role was significant because the United States launched an invasion of Iraq in March 2003 based, in part, on a premise Iraq President Saddam Hussein was in control of weapons of mass destruction.He said leadership at the Department of Defense and CIA were convinced Hussein had WMDs, but the Senate Intelligence Committee concluded in a 2004 report that pre-war assessments were unsupported by evidence. The committee’s bipartisan conclusion undercut assertions made by President George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney to justify war with Iraq.“That was probably the toughest responsibility that I had was to go to the White House and tell President Bush and Vice President Cheney, ‘Do not endorse your national intelligence estimate. It is flawed. Saddam Hussein did not have weapons of mass destruction.’ That was a tough deal,” Roberts said.

Retired Kan. U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts yearns for days when bipartisanship wasn’t a nasty word

OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues investigating an officer-involved shooting that left one suspect deceased and four officers injured.

Just before 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the Osage County Sheriff's Office and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at 11222 S. Topeka Ave. in Osage County after a female resident called 911, according to a media release from the KBI.

Law enforcement encountered a male suspect, identified as Stephen M. McMillan, 22, outside the residence. During the encounter, gunfire was exchanged. Three deputies and two KHP troopers fired during the incident. In the shooting, three deputies, one trooper, the suspect and a male resident were struck. The male resident was identified as the suspect's 77-year-old grandfather.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, cleared the residence, and rendered aid to the injured. All law enforcement officers were transported to Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. The trooper was later transferred to KU Medical Center. The suspect's grandfather, 77, was also injured and taken to the hospital. McMillan was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

As of this update, two deputies from the Osage County Sheriff's Office underwent surgery and are in good condition, and the other was discharged from the hospital. The KHP trooper and McMillan's grandfather are expected to recover.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes case findings will be presented to the prosecutor for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763259271274.png" alt="Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene -Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene -Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues investigating an officer-involved shooting that left one suspect deceased and four officers injured.Just before 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the Osage County Sheriff's Office and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at 11222 S. Topeka Ave. in Osage County after a female resident called 911, according to a media release from the KBI.Law enforcement encountered a male suspect, identified as Stephen M. McMillan, 22, outside the residence. During the encounter, gunfire was exchanged. Three deputies and two KHP troopers fired during the incident. In the shooting, three deputies, one trooper, the suspect and a male resident were struck. The male resident was identified as the suspect's 77-year-old grandfather.Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, cleared the residence, and rendered aid to the injured. All law enforcement officers were transported to Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. The trooper was later transferred to KU Medical Center. The suspect's grandfather, 77, was also injured and taken to the hospital. McMillan was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;As of this update, two deputies from the Osage County Sheriff's Office underwent surgery and are in good condition, and the other was discharged from the hospital. The KHP trooper and McMillan's grandfather are expected to recover.This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.When this investigation concludes case findings will be presented to the prosecutor for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.

Update on Kansas deputies,Trooper injured in gunfight 

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a building fire In Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;

Just before noon Saturday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported building fire in the 11300 block of Blue Ridge Boulevard, according to Kansas Fire Department Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

 On arrival crews reported smoke showing and found a fire in the basement of the building. KCFD quickly got the fire under control and checked for extension.&nbsp;Searches of the building came back all clear. KCFD transported 3 civilian patients from the scene by ambulance to a local hospital.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a building fire In Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;Just before noon Saturday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported building fire in the 11300 block of Blue Ridge Boulevard, according to Kansas Fire Department Battalion Chief Riley Nolan. On arrival crews reported smoke showing and found a fire in the basement of the building. KCFD quickly got the fire under control and checked for extension.&nbsp;Searches of the building came back all clear. KCFD transported 3 civilian patients from the scene by ambulance to a local hospital.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

3 hospitalized after  building fire in Kansas City

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>

WASHINGTON — Congress has roughly two months to find bipartisan agreement to curb rising health insurance costs if lawmakers want to avoid another government shutdown.

That herculean task would be difficult in the best circumstances, but is much more challenging after lawmakers spent the last 43 days criticizing each other instead of building the types of trust that are usually needed for large deals. Democrats maintained they wanted to address skyrocketing premiums for individual health care plans, while Republicans insisted those talks had to occur when the government was open.

At the same time, congressional leaders will try to wrap up work on the nine full-year government funding bills that were supposed to become law before Oct. 1 and weren’t included in the package that reopened the government.&nbsp;

Congress must pass all of those bills or another stopgap measure before the new Jan. 30 deadline, regardless of how well or disastrous talks on a health care bill turn out.&nbsp;

The two-track negotiations will push party leaders to compromise on issues they’d rather not, especially as next year’s November midterm elections inch closer.&nbsp;

House Speaker Mike Johnson said during a Wednesday night press conference the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire at the end of the year are a “boondoggle” and that “Republicans would demand a lot of reforms” before agreeing to extend those in any way.&nbsp;

“We currently have 433 members of the House of Representatives. There’s a lot of opinions in this building. And on our side, certainly, a lot of opinions on how to fix health care and make it more affordable. I have to allow that process to play out,” Johnson, R-La., said.&nbsp;

While Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., made a commitment to hold a vote on a health care bill before the end of December to conclude the shutdown, Johnson has avoided giving a timeline for when he would bring any similar legislation to the floor.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump, aside from throwing insults at Democrats, largely stayed on the sidelines of the shutdown fight, though he suggested the funds used for the tax credits should in some way go directly to individuals instead of large insurance companies.

The shutdown highlighted the stark differences Republicans and Democrats hold on health care as prices for insurance continue to spike, forcing millions of Americans to choose between taking care of themselves and breaking their budgets, States Newsroom found in interviews with members of Congress.&nbsp;

GOP leaders held together throughout the funding lapse and didn’t negotiate on the expiring ACA marketplace tax credits, or anything else.&nbsp;

Now that it’s over, Republicans will need to put something forward.

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said her sense is that Congress will “probably be in the same place on January 30th that we are now.”

“We have two parties here, two sides,” DeLauro said. “In the past … we’ve had serious negotiation back and forth, and that’s what we need to do, and that’s not happening.”

While Republicans have unified control of government, major legislation needs the support of at least 60 senators to advance in that chamber. Republicans hold 53 seats at the moment, meaning at least some Democrats must support a bill for it to pass.&nbsp;

DeLauro did not rule out another shutdown, saying Democrats plan to take the next few months “one day at a time,” while closely watching what Republicans are willing to do on the nine full-year appropriations bills and health care costs.&nbsp;

Maryland Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer, former House majority leader and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, said Republican leaders keeping that chamber in recess for nearly two months leading up to and during the shutdown significantly delayed work on the full-year government funding bills.&nbsp;

Hoyer said that scheduling decision was a clear “indication they’re not interested in solving the problem.”

“If they were, they would have had members here working on appropriation bills,” Hoyer said. “And the only way you’re going to ultimately solve this problem is to pass appropriation bills.”

Hoyer said the real question facing Congress now isn’t whether there is time to work out agreement on the remaining nine government spending bills, but whether there’s a will to make the types of compromises needed.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/government-reopens-after-43-days-trump-signs-bill-ending-record-shutdown" target="_blank">spending package that reopened the government</a>&nbsp;included three of the dozen full-year bills, funding the Agriculture Department, Food and Drug Administration, Legislative Branch, military construction projects and Department of Veterans Affairs.

The remaining appropriations bills will be considerably tougher to resolve, especially because the House and Senate have yet to agree on how much they want to spend across the thousands of programs. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-asks-congress-cut-163b-non-defense-spending-ax-dozens-programs" target="_blank">proposed major cutbacks</a>&nbsp;in multiple programs in his budget request earlier this year that Democrats have strongly resisted.

The Defense, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS-Education and State-Foreign Operations bills will be some of the more difficult to settle.&nbsp;

Congress could always lean on another stopgap spending bill to keep funding relatively flat for the departments and agencies not covered by a full-year bill before Jan. 30. But lawmakers will need bipartisan support to advance in the Senate.

Washington Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal, former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said Republicans don’t seem to grasp how much Americans are struggling with the cost of living, including for health insurance and health care.&nbsp;

“My constituents are already telling me that they’re making that choice between having health insurance or having a house to live in, and they’re going to choose the house,” Jayapal said.&nbsp;

Whether or not a partial government shutdown begins in early 2026 will likely depend on whether Republican lawmakers from swing districts force bipartisanship on a health care bill.&nbsp;

“I really don’t know,” Jayapal said. “I think it depends on these vulnerable House Republicans, who are not going to be able to go back to their constituents without telling them that they’ve done something on health care.”

Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico said she wouldn’t be surprised if Congress is unable to strike a deal on government funding and winds up in a partial shutdown by February.&nbsp;

“Do I think that the Republicans have the political juice to get … the rest of their appropriation bills across the finish line and a health care deal? No,” Stansbury said.&nbsp;

She added that she hopes a handful of Republicans decide to join Democrats on the discharge petition bill that would force a floor vote on a bill to extend the ACA marketplace subsidies for three years.&nbsp;

“We gotta find a few brave Republicans who still have a backbone and some guts to stand up to this administration and actually care for their constituents,” Stansbury said.&nbsp;

But any bipartisan deal to extend those health care tax credits seems fraught, as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries slammed Republicans as having “zero credibility on this issue.”

He pointed to Republicans trying several times to repeal the Affordable Care Act, including their last attempt in 2017, when GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and the late John McCain of Arizona crossed party lines to vote against repealing the 2010 law.

“There’s no evidence that they’re serious about extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits,” Jeffries, of New York, said. “Republicans have zero interest in fixing the health care crisis that they’ve created.”

When Democrats controlled both chambers, temporary health care subsidies were originally passed as part of the COVID-19-era American Rescue Plan in 2021 for two years.&nbsp;

With Democrats still controlling both chambers, lawmakers approved the Inflation Reduction Act, the 2022 signature climate policy bill from the Biden administration, that extended those health care subsidies for three years, expiring at the end of December 2025.

The outcome of the just concluded shutdown is shaping some House Democrats’ views.

Virginia Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott said if there is a new shutdown come February, Senate Democrats will have to decide whether they’re going to “cave again, or at least engage in negotiations.”&nbsp;

“When the (Senate) Democrats say: ‘Our strategy wasn’t working,’ it wasn’t working because they assume you’re going to cave, which you just proved,” Scott told States Newsroom. “Their strategy worked — trying to get them to negotiate and talk to you doesn’t because they know you’re going to cave.”

Scott said “there’s no point in taking 41 days to cave,” pointing to the eight members of the Senate Democratic Caucus who broke ranks&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-advances-bill-end-record-breaking-government-shutdown" target="_blank">to advance</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-bipartisan-vote-passes-bill-end-record-breaking-shutdown-house-next" target="_blank">later approve</a>&nbsp;the package to reopen the government.&nbsp;

“Why don’t you just cave right at the beginning, on February 2nd?” he said. “If the Republican strategy is: ‘We’re not going to negotiate at all because you’re going to cave,’ you have to show them that you’re not going to cave, then you can have a discussion.”

Scott said the same health care issues will still exist if nothing happens between now and the package’s Jan. 30 government funding deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“By then, we’ll know that several million people don’t have health insurance, we’ll know that rural hospitals are beginning to suffer,” Scott said.&nbsp;

Delaware Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride said that “from today through November (2026) and after, we will continue to be talking about health care, to be fighting for health care.”

“I think what you’ve seen over the last several months, you will continue to see from us through November and then, God willing, once we’re in a majority, we’ll do all that we can to reverse these cuts and restore care and expand access to it,” she said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763246330614.png" alt="Image Office of&nbsp; U.S. Senate Democrat Leade" />
 <figcaption>Image Office of&nbsp; U.S. Senate Democrat Leade</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>WASHINGTON — Congress has roughly two months to find bipartisan agreement to curb rising health insurance costs if lawmakers want to avoid another government shutdown.That herculean task would be difficult in the best circumstances, but is much more challenging after lawmakers spent the last 43 days criticizing each other instead of building the types of trust that are usually needed for large deals. Democrats maintained they wanted to address skyrocketing premiums for individual health care plans, while Republicans insisted those talks had to occur when the government was open.At the same time, congressional leaders will try to wrap up work on the nine full-year government funding bills that were supposed to become law before Oct. 1 and weren’t included in the package that reopened the government.&nbsp;Congress must pass all of those bills or another stopgap measure before the new Jan. 30 deadline, regardless of how well or disastrous talks on a health care bill turn out.&nbsp;The two-track negotiations will push party leaders to compromise on issues they’d rather not, especially as next year’s November midterm elections inch closer.&nbsp;Early signs were not good.House Speaker Mike Johnson said during a Wednesday night press conference the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire at the end of the year are a “boondoggle” and that “Republicans would demand a lot of reforms” before agreeing to extend those in any way.&nbsp;“We currently have 433 members of the House of Representatives. There’s a lot of opinions in this building. And on our side, certainly, a lot of opinions on how to fix health care and make it more affordable. I have to allow that process to play out,” Johnson, R-La., said.&nbsp;While Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., made a commitment to hold a vote on a health care bill before the end of December to conclude the shutdown, Johnson has avoided giving a timeline for when he would bring any similar legislation to the floor.&nbsp;President Donald Trump, aside from throwing insults at Democrats, largely stayed on the sidelines of the shutdown fight, though he suggested the funds used for the tax credits should in some way go directly to individuals instead of large insurance companies.<h2>Pessimism over progress</h2>The shutdown highlighted the stark differences Republicans and Democrats hold on health care as prices for insurance continue to spike, forcing millions of Americans to choose between taking care of themselves and breaking their budgets, States Newsroom found in interviews with members of Congress.&nbsp;GOP leaders held together throughout the funding lapse and didn’t negotiate on the expiring ACA marketplace tax credits, or anything else.&nbsp;Now that it’s over, Republicans will need to put something forward.Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said her sense is that Congress will “probably be in the same place on January 30th that we are now.”“We have two parties here, two sides,” DeLauro said. “In the past … we’ve had serious negotiation back and forth, and that’s what we need to do, and that’s not happening.”While Republicans have unified control of government, major legislation needs the support of at least 60 senators to advance in that chamber. Republicans hold 53 seats at the moment, meaning at least some Democrats must support a bill for it to pass.&nbsp;DeLauro did not rule out another shutdown, saying Democrats plan to take the next few months “one day at a time,” while closely watching what Republicans are willing to do on the nine full-year appropriations bills and health care costs.&nbsp;Maryland Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer, former House majority leader and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, said Republican leaders keeping that chamber in recess for nearly two months leading up to and during the shutdown significantly delayed work on the full-year government funding bills.&nbsp;Hoyer said that scheduling decision was a clear “indication they’re not interested in solving the problem.”“If they were, they would have had members here working on appropriation bills,” Hoyer said. “And the only way you’re going to ultimately solve this problem is to pass appropriation bills.”Hoyer said the real question facing Congress now isn’t whether there is time to work out agreement on the remaining nine government spending bills, but whether there’s a will to make the types of compromises needed.&nbsp;<h2>Untangling spending bills</h2>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/government-reopens-after-43-days-trump-signs-bill-ending-record-shutdown" target="_blank">spending package that reopened the government</a>&nbsp;included three of the dozen full-year bills, funding the Agriculture Department, Food and Drug Administration, Legislative Branch, military construction projects and Department of Veterans Affairs.The remaining appropriations bills will be considerably tougher to resolve, especially because the House and Senate have yet to agree on how much they want to spend across the thousands of programs. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-asks-congress-cut-163b-non-defense-spending-ax-dozens-programs" target="_blank">proposed major cutbacks</a>&nbsp;in multiple programs in his budget request earlier this year that Democrats have strongly resisted.The Defense, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS-Education and State-Foreign Operations bills will be some of the more difficult to settle.&nbsp;Congress could always lean on another stopgap spending bill to keep funding relatively flat for the departments and agencies not covered by a full-year bill before Jan. 30. But lawmakers will need bipartisan support to advance in the Senate.Washington Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal, former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said Republicans don’t seem to grasp how much Americans are struggling with the cost of living, including for health insurance and health care.&nbsp;“My constituents are already telling me that they’re making that choice between having health insurance or having a house to live in, and they’re going to choose the house,” Jayapal said.&nbsp;Whether or not a partial government shutdown begins in early 2026 will likely depend on whether Republican lawmakers from swing districts force bipartisanship on a health care bill.&nbsp;“I really don’t know,” Jayapal said. “I think it depends on these vulnerable House Republicans, who are not going to be able to go back to their constituents without telling them that they’ve done something on health care.”<h2>Political juice and a backbone</h2>Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico said she wouldn’t be surprised if Congress is unable to strike a deal on government funding and winds up in a partial shutdown by February.&nbsp;“Do I think that the Republicans have the political juice to get … the rest of their appropriation bills across the finish line and a health care deal? No,” Stansbury said.&nbsp;She added that she hopes a handful of Republicans decide to join Democrats on the discharge petition bill that would force a floor vote on a bill to extend the ACA marketplace subsidies for three years.&nbsp;“We gotta find a few brave Republicans who still have a backbone and some guts to stand up to this administration and actually care for their constituents,” Stansbury said.&nbsp;But any bipartisan deal to extend those health care tax credits seems fraught, as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries slammed Republicans as having “zero credibility on this issue.”He pointed to Republicans trying several times to repeal the Affordable Care Act, including their last attempt in 2017, when GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and the late John McCain of Arizona crossed party lines to vote against repealing the 2010 law.“There’s no evidence that they’re serious about extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits,” Jeffries, of New York, said. “Republicans have zero interest in fixing the health care crisis that they’ve created.”<h2>‘No point in taking 41 days to cave’</h2>When Democrats controlled both chambers, temporary health care subsidies were originally passed as part of the COVID-19-era American Rescue Plan in 2021 for two years.&nbsp;With Democrats still controlling both chambers, lawmakers approved the Inflation Reduction Act, the 2022 signature climate policy bill from the Biden administration, that extended those health care subsidies for three years, expiring at the end of December 2025.The outcome of the just concluded shutdown is shaping some House Democrats’ views.Virginia Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott said if there is a new shutdown come February, Senate Democrats will have to decide whether they’re going to “cave again, or at least engage in negotiations.”&nbsp;“When the (Senate) Democrats say: ‘Our strategy wasn’t working,’ it wasn’t working because they assume you’re going to cave, which you just proved,” Scott told States Newsroom. “Their strategy worked — trying to get them to negotiate and talk to you doesn’t because they know you’re going to cave.”Scott said “there’s no point in taking 41 days to cave,” pointing to the eight members of the Senate Democratic Caucus who broke ranks&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-advances-bill-end-record-breaking-government-shutdown" target="_blank">to advance</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-bipartisan-vote-passes-bill-end-record-breaking-shutdown-house-next" target="_blank">later approve</a>&nbsp;the package to reopen the government.&nbsp;“Why don’t you just cave right at the beginning, on February 2nd?” he said. “If the Republican strategy is: ‘We’re not going to negotiate at all because you’re going to cave,’ you have to show them that you’re not going to cave, then you can have a discussion.”Scott said the same health care issues will still exist if nothing happens between now and the package’s Jan. 30 government funding deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp;“By then, we’ll know that several million people don’t have health insurance, we’ll know that rural hospitals are beginning to suffer,” Scott said.&nbsp;Delaware Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride said that “from today through November (2026) and after, we will continue to be talking about health care, to be fighting for health care.”“I think what you’ve seen over the last several months, you will continue to see from us through November and then, God willing, once we’re in a majority, we’ll do all that we can to reverse these cuts and restore care and expand access to it,” she said.&nbsp;

As health costs spike, a sour and divided Congress escapes one shutdown to face another

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.

A medium-sized SUV was northbound from Raytown and struck a pedestrian at 46th and Blue Ridge Cut Off, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. The pedestrian was either walking along the roadway or attempting to cross it.

EMS pronounced the pedestrian deceased at the scene. The driver remained on scene and is fully cooperating with the investigation. 

This incident represents Fatality #58 for the year, compared to #82 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.A medium-sized SUV was northbound from Raytown and struck a pedestrian at 46th and Blue Ridge Cut Off, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. The pedestrian was either walking along the roadway or attempting to cross it.EMS pronounced the pedestrian deceased at the scene. The driver remained on scene and is fully cooperating with the investigation. This incident represents Fatality #58 for the year, compared to #82 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.

KCPD: Pedestrian struck and killed by SUV

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after midnight Friday in Wyandotte County.

Kansas City, Kansas police reported a vehicle was northbound in the 300 Block of North James Street at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control at a curve and continued over the bridge.

EMS transported one occupant to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The second occupant was pronounced dead at the scene.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after midnight Friday in Wyandotte County.Kansas City, Kansas police reported a vehicle was northbound in the 300 Block of North James Street at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control at a curve and continued over the bridge.EMS transported one occupant to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The second occupant was pronounced dead at the scene.

One dead, one injured after vehicle travels off Kansas bridge

OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to a fatal officer-involved shooting where multiple law enforcement officers were shot.&nbsp;

(Click below to watch the news conference with&nbsp;KBI Director Tony Mattivi)

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., at a residence north of 113th Street and S Topeka Boulevard, just north of Carbondale in Osage County, according to a media release from the KBI.

 The injured officers include three Osage County Sheriff's deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper.&nbsp;&nbsp;The deputies and the State Trooper were transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka. The Trooper was later transferred to the University of Kansas Medical Center for further treatment.

One male suspect in the home died. A second individual in the home was wounded. The KBI did not release the names of those involved.

This is a developing story. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763236712505.png" alt="Photo by Aja Carter courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Aja Carter courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to a fatal officer-involved shooting where multiple law enforcement officers were shot.&nbsp;(Click below to watch the news conference with&nbsp;KBI Director Tony Mattivi)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKBIKansas%2Fvideos%2F1352056169782758%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., at a residence north of 113th Street and S Topeka Boulevard, just north of Carbondale in Osage County, according to a media release from the KBI. The injured officers include three Osage County Sheriff's deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper.&nbsp;&nbsp;The deputies and the State Trooper were transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka. The Trooper was later transferred to the University of Kansas Medical Center for further treatment.One male suspect in the home died. A second individual in the home was wounded. The KBI did not release the names of those involved.This is a developing story. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

🎥New details in shooting that injured 3 deputies, KHP Trooper

FORD COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) trooper following a domestic violence investigation, according to a media release from the agency.

Just before 9p.m. Friday, KBI agents served an arrest warrant for Dillon Keller, 34, of Dodge City, at his residence. Keller was arrested on requested charges that include one count of kidnapping, one count of forgery, two counts of criminal threat, and two counts of domestic battery.

On July 2 of this year, the Dodge City Police Department requested the KBI investigate an off-duty KHP trooper and allegations of domestic violence. The alleged incidents occurred over several months leading up to the start of the investigation.

Following the arrest, Keller was booked into the Ford County Jail. He met the requirement for bond and was released just before 11p.m. Friday, according to online jail records.

The case is expected to be prosecuted by Kiowa County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763224247700.png" alt="Keller photo Ford County" />
 <figcaption>Keller photo Ford County</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) trooper following a domestic violence investigation, according to a media release from the agency.Just before 9p.m. Friday, KBI agents served an arrest warrant for Dillon Keller, 34, of Dodge City, at his residence. Keller was arrested on requested charges that include one count of kidnapping, one count of forgery, two counts of criminal threat, and two counts of domestic battery.On July 2 of this year, the Dodge City Police Department requested the KBI investigate an off-duty KHP trooper and allegations of domestic violence. The alleged incidents occurred over several months leading up to the start of the investigation.Following the arrest, Keller was booked into the Ford County Jail. He met the requirement for bond and was released just before 11p.m. Friday, according to online jail records.The case is expected to be prosecuted by Kiowa County Attorney’s Office.

KHP Trooper accused of kidnapping, forgery and domestic battery

The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department was notified of a confirmed case of measles in a&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;resident who&nbsp;was present&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;terminal&nbsp;at the Kansas City International Airport&nbsp;(MCI)&nbsp;on November 5 from approximately 2 a.m.&nbsp;until noon,&nbsp;and&nbsp;on November 10,&nbsp;from&nbsp;2 a.m. until 4&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Measles is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus.&nbsp;Measles&nbsp;is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Measles can be spread to others from four days before to four days after the rash appears. Measles cannot be spread to others by&nbsp;an&nbsp;exposed&nbsp;person&nbsp;unless that person develops&nbsp;measles&nbsp;disease&nbsp;symptoms.&nbsp;

If you are up to date on your Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, your risk of getting sick is&nbsp;very low.&nbsp;The best way to prevent measles is to get your MMR vaccination. Those not vaccinated or infants under the age of 1 who are too young to be vaccinated are at the highest risk for contracting measles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We want people to stay calm but stay aware,”&nbsp;said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department.&nbsp;“Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination offers strong protection. If you&nbsp;haven’t&nbsp;received your MMR vaccine, now is the time to get it.&nbsp;I also&nbsp;urge&nbsp;people to avoid travel if they&nbsp;haven’t&nbsp;been vaccinated.”&nbsp;

Any exposed person would be expected to develop symptoms between November 12&nbsp;-&nbsp;December 1. The symptoms of measles&nbsp;generally include&nbsp;a rash that appears 7-21 days&nbsp;after exposure. Measles symptoms typically begin with:&nbsp;

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash typically appears. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots that initially break out on the face, near the hairline, and then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.&nbsp;

We are urging people who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention.&nbsp;Before visiting a healthcare provider, please call ahead and let the provider know of the measles exposure so that steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff, especially if you have a fever and rash.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/measles" target="_blank">Click here for more information about measles.</a>&nbsp;

Residents can receive Measles vaccinations at the Kansas City Health Department Immunization Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;through&nbsp;Friday.&nbsp;The&nbsp;measles&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;are free for children under 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Community members unsure of their vaccination status or in need of vaccines are encouraged to&nbsp;contact their primary care provider&nbsp;or&nbsp;call the Health Department at 816-513-6008.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741908251964.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department was notified of a confirmed case of measles in a&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;resident who&nbsp;was present&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;terminal&nbsp;at the Kansas City International Airport&nbsp;(MCI)&nbsp;on November 5 from approximately 2 a.m.&nbsp;until noon,&nbsp;and&nbsp;on November 10,&nbsp;from&nbsp;2 a.m. until 4&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;Measles is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus.&nbsp;Measles&nbsp;is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Measles can be spread to others from four days before to four days after the rash appears. Measles cannot be spread to others by&nbsp;an&nbsp;exposed&nbsp;person&nbsp;unless that person develops&nbsp;measles&nbsp;disease&nbsp;symptoms.&nbsp;If you are up to date on your Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, your risk of getting sick is&nbsp;very low.&nbsp;The best way to prevent measles is to get your MMR vaccination. Those not vaccinated or infants under the age of 1 who are too young to be vaccinated are at the highest risk for contracting measles.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We want people to stay calm but stay aware,”&nbsp;said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department.&nbsp;“Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination offers strong protection. If you&nbsp;haven’t&nbsp;received your MMR vaccine, now is the time to get it.&nbsp;I also&nbsp;urge&nbsp;people to avoid travel if they&nbsp;haven’t&nbsp;been vaccinated.”&nbsp;Any exposed person would be expected to develop symptoms between November 12&nbsp;-&nbsp;December 1. The symptoms of measles&nbsp;generally include&nbsp;a rash that appears 7-21 days&nbsp;after exposure. Measles symptoms typically begin with:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>A high fever&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Cough&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Runny nose&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Red, watery eyes&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash typically appears. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots that initially break out on the face, near the hairline, and then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.&nbsp;We are urging people who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention.&nbsp;Before visiting a healthcare provider, please call ahead and let the provider know of the measles exposure so that steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff, especially if you have a fever and rash.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/measles" target="_blank">Click here for more information about measles.</a>&nbsp;Residents can receive Measles vaccinations at the Kansas City Health Department Immunization Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;through&nbsp;Friday.&nbsp;The&nbsp;measles&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;are free for children under 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;Community members unsure of their vaccination status or in need of vaccines are encouraged to&nbsp;contact their primary care provider&nbsp;or&nbsp;call the Health Department at 816-513-6008.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Health department: Potential measles exposure at KCI

After growing since the end of June, the Mega Millions® jackpot was won for just the fifth time this year on Friday night. 

A single ticket sold in Georgia matched all six numbers in the November 14 drawing – the white balls 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57, plus the gold Mega Ball 7 – to win the estimated $980 million prize ($452.2 million cash),&nbsp; according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. 

After growing since the end of June, the Mega Millions® jackpot was won for just the fifth time this year on Friday night. A single ticket sold in Georgia matched all six numbers in the November 14 drawing – the white balls 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57, plus the gold Mega Ball 7 – to win the estimated $980 million prize ($452.2 million cash),&nbsp; according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. It’s by far the largest prize ever won in the month of November, and the eighth largest jackpot in the history of the game.&nbsp;Georgia is one of the founding members of Mega Millions, and this is the largest-ever Mega Millions jackpot won in the state, and its first since November 2016.“$980 million is the largest jackpot that’s been won since the Mega Millions game changed back in April,” said Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium. “Congratulations to our big winner from Georgia and to all our players who are winning more than ever with this new version of the game.”Indeed, in the 40 drawings since the jackpot was last won at $348 million in Virginia on June 27 – the most drawings in a single jackpot run in the game’s history – there were almost 14.3 million winning tickets at all prize levels. With the new greatly-enhanced prize values, total non-jackpot prizes won were nearly $343.4 million. These include 21 second-tier prizes of $2 million or more (won in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia).&nbsp;Also in this jackpot run, a total of 347 third-tier prizes of $20,000 to $100,000 were won in 40 different jurisdictions across the country: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.In the November 14 drawing alone, there were 1,112,941 winning tickets at all prize levels, plus the single jackpot-winning ticket. One ticket, sold in Michigan, matched the five white balls for the second-tier prize; with the 3X multiplier, it is worth $3 million. Forty-eight tickets matched four white balls plus the Mega Ball to win the game’s third-tier prize: 22 at 2X (two each in California, Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia, plus one each in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee and Wyoming), 17 at 3X (two each in Georgia, Maryland and Texas, and one each in California, Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia), seven at 4X (Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New York and Texas), and two at 10X (New York and Pennsylvania).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.megamillions.com/Winning-Numbers.aspx">Find complete drawing results here.</a><a href="https://www.megamillions.com/Winning-Numbers.aspx"></a>Due to California’s pari-mutuel rules, all prizes in that state will vary from the standard values.The jackpot is the largest won since last December’s whopping $1.269 billion prize awarded in California. Four earlier jackpots were won this year; in addition to the Virginia win on June 27, jackpots were awarded in Ohio ($112 million on April 18), Illinois ($349 million on March 25), and Arizona ($112 million on January 17).<a href="https://www.megamillions.com/About/Jackpot-History.aspx">See the complete Mega Millions jackpot history.</a>The jackpot for the next drawing on Tuesday, November 18, resets to its new starting value of $50 million ($23.1 million cash). This starting jackpot level is another benefit of the game change.