NEW HAVEN, CT —&nbsp; Brian Baker, 48, of Scott City, Kansas, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking firearms into Connecticut, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, members of the FBI Waterbury Safe Streets Task Force conducted three controlled purchases of a total of nine firearms, and one controlled purchase of cocaine, from Luis Perez in Waterbury.&nbsp; An expanded investigation revealed that Perez was acquiring numerous firearms, most of which were purchased, at Baker’s direction, by individuals from licensed gun dealers in Kansas and then shipped through the U.S. Mail to a stash location maintained by Perez’s associate, Algelly Diaz, in Hartford.&nbsp; Perez then sold the firearms, which included assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, to others throughout Connecticut.

Perez coordinated the purchase of the firearms through Baker in Kansas and Fernando Soto, Jr. in California.&nbsp; Baker, a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, used straw purchasers to purchase the firearms and then shipped them to Connecticut, or to Soto, who then shipped them to Connecticut and elsewhere.

Between August 2020 and May 2023, one of Baker’s straw purchasers, Ramon Pichardo, purchased at least 73 firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Deerfield, Kansas.

Baker and others involved in the conspiracy were arrested on May 19, 2023.&nbsp; On that date, investigators executed search warrants at locations in Connecticut, Kansas, and California.&nbsp; A search of Perez’s residence and vehicle revealed nine firearms; more than 200 rounds of ammunition; distribution quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl/heroin; items used to process and package narcotics for street sale; and more than $7,000 in cash.&nbsp; In addition, a search of Diaz’s residence revealed approximately 90 rounds of ammunition, and a search of a package that was shipped to Diaz and seized from the mail stream revealed an additional three firearms.

To date, approximately 34 of the trafficked firearms have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut and elsewhere, including one that recovered on August 27, 2022, in San Bernardino, California, at the scene of the homicide of a juvenile.

Baker has been detained since his arrest.&nbsp; On March 26, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy, two counts of firearms trafficking, and two counts of mailing nonmailable firearms.

On March 19, 2025, Perez pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy, three counts of firearms trafficking, two counts of mailing nonmailable firearms, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.&nbsp; On April 4, 2025,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/waterbury-man-guilty-firearm-offense-related-gun-trafficking-operation">a jury found him guilty</a>&nbsp;of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.&nbsp; He awaits sentencing.

Diaz pleaded guilty and, on February 4, 2025,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/hartford-man-sentenced-4-years-federal-prison-role-gun-trafficking-ring">was sentenced</a>&nbsp;to 48 months of imprisonment.

Soto and Pichardo have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Connecticut State Police; and the Waterbury, Meriden, Hartford, Manchester, East Hartford, West Hartford, and Chino (Calif.) Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Christopher J. Lembo through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

NEW HAVEN, CT —&nbsp; Brian Baker, 48, of Scott City, Kansas, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking firearms into Connecticut, according to the United State's Attorney's office.According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, members of the FBI Waterbury Safe Streets Task Force conducted three controlled purchases of a total of nine firearms, and one controlled purchase of cocaine, from Luis Perez in Waterbury.&nbsp; An expanded investigation revealed that Perez was acquiring numerous firearms, most of which were purchased, at Baker’s direction, by individuals from licensed gun dealers in Kansas and then shipped through the U.S. Mail to a stash location maintained by Perez’s associate, Algelly Diaz, in Hartford.&nbsp; Perez then sold the firearms, which included assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, to others throughout Connecticut.Perez coordinated the purchase of the firearms through Baker in Kansas and Fernando Soto, Jr. in California.&nbsp; Baker, a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, used straw purchasers to purchase the firearms and then shipped them to Connecticut, or to Soto, who then shipped them to Connecticut and elsewhere.Between August 2020 and May 2023, one of Baker’s straw purchasers, Ramon Pichardo, purchased at least 73 firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Deerfield, Kansas.Baker and others involved in the conspiracy were arrested on May 19, 2023.&nbsp; On that date, investigators executed search warrants at locations in Connecticut, Kansas, and California.&nbsp; A search of Perez’s residence and vehicle revealed nine firearms; more than 200 rounds of ammunition; distribution quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl/heroin; items used to process and package narcotics for street sale; and more than $7,000 in cash.&nbsp; In addition, a search of Diaz’s residence revealed approximately 90 rounds of ammunition, and a search of a package that was shipped to Diaz and seized from the mail stream revealed an additional three firearms.To date, approximately 34 of the trafficked firearms have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut and elsewhere, including one that recovered on August 27, 2022, in San Bernardino, California, at the scene of the homicide of a juvenile.Baker has been detained since his arrest.&nbsp; On March 26, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy, two counts of firearms trafficking, and two counts of mailing nonmailable firearms.On March 19, 2025, Perez pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy, three counts of firearms trafficking, two counts of mailing nonmailable firearms, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.&nbsp; On April 4, 2025,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/waterbury-man-guilty-firearm-offense-related-gun-trafficking-operation">a jury found him guilty</a>&nbsp;of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.&nbsp; He awaits sentencing.Diaz pleaded guilty and, on February 4, 2025,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/hartford-man-sentenced-4-years-federal-prison-role-gun-trafficking-ring">was sentenced</a>&nbsp;to 48 months of imprisonment.Soto and Pichardo have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Connecticut State Police; and the Waterbury, Meriden, Hartford, Manchester, East Hartford, West Hartford, and Chino (Calif.) Police Departments.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Christopher J. Lembo through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

Prison for Kansas man for role in nationwide gun trafficking ring

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Epstein photo New York sex offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Epstein photo New York sex offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 <a href="https://t.co/1wOibgzIvg">pic.twitter.com/1wOibgzIvg</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1991315973425754570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump rips Dems as he signs bill to release Jeffrey Epstein case files

JOHNSON COUNTY —A former school paraprofessional who admitted having a sexual relationship with a student was sentenced last week.

Judge Jacquelyn Rokusek sentenced 28-year-old Kassidy Alexander of De Soto to 34 months in prison for unlawful sexual relations. Alexander was later placed on probation for 36 months, according to court documents filed Thursday.&nbsp; She must also register as a sex offender, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

In August, Alexander was charged with unlawful sexual relations, according to online jail records in Johnson County.&nbsp; She is a former USD 232 Desoto school district employee at&nbsp;Lexington Trails Middle School.

On September 11,&nbsp; Alexander pleaded guilty to a single count of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. Two other counts of unlawful sexual relations were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

The crime involved events occurring from July 25, 2022, to March 2024, involving someone 16 years or older, a student in the school, according to court documents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763086522044.png" alt="Alexander-photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Alexander-photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A former school paraprofessional who admitted having a sexual relationship with a student was sentenced last week.Judge Jacquelyn Rokusek sentenced 28-year-old Kassidy Alexander of De Soto to 34 months in prison for unlawful sexual relations. Alexander was later placed on probation for 36 months, according to court documents filed Thursday.&nbsp; She must also register as a sex offender, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.In August, Alexander was charged with unlawful sexual relations, according to online jail records in Johnson County.&nbsp; She is a former USD 232 Desoto school district employee at&nbsp;Lexington Trails Middle School.On September 11,&nbsp; Alexander pleaded guilty to a single count of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. Two other counts of unlawful sexual relations were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.The crime involved events occurring from July 25, 2022, to March 2024, involving someone 16 years or older, a student in the school, according to court documents.

Plea deal kept Kan. school district para out of prison for sex crimes

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement in Kansas City, Missouri are investigating another homicide.

Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting the 8200 block of President Court, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Several 911 callers heard the sound of gunfire and believed someone had been shot at the apartment complex.

First responders located a male shooting victim unresponsive in the parking lot there. Officers called for EMS, who responded and transported the victim to the hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. 

Preliminary investigation indicates the victim had an interaction with one or more suspects in the parking lot at the apartment complex there that led to gunfire that struck the victim. The unknown suspects then left the scene. 

In the early hours of Wednesday, detectives were notified that the victim died at the hospital from his injuries. This is now a homicide investigation and the Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763582979955.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement in Kansas City, Missouri are investigating another homicide.Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting the 8200 block of President Court, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Several 911 callers heard the sound of gunfire and believed someone had been shot at the apartment complex.First responders located a male shooting victim unresponsive in the parking lot there. Officers called for EMS, who responded and transported the victim to the hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. Preliminary investigation indicates the victim had an interaction with one or more suspects in the parking lot at the apartment complex there that led to gunfire that struck the victim. The unknown suspects then left the scene. In the early hours of Wednesday, detectives were notified that the victim died at the hospital from his injuries. This is now a homicide investigation and the Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation.

KCPD: Shooting victim found in apartment parking lot died from injuries

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital in Johnson County.

Just after 11p.m. Monday, the Shawnee Police Department, Shawnee Fire Department, and Johnson County MED-ACT responded to a report of a shooting in a parking lot in the 10300 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway.

One adult man, who had been shot once, was taken to the hospital in stable condition. 

The suspect left the scene in a dark-colored truck. It is unclear whether the victim and the suspect knew each other prior to the altercation in the parking lot. 

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.Anyone with information is asked to call 913-631-2150.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital in Johnson County.Just after 11p.m. Monday, the Shawnee Police Department, Shawnee Fire Department, and Johnson County MED-ACT responded to a report of a shooting in a parking lot in the 10300 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway.One adult man, who had been shot once, was taken to the hospital in stable condition. The suspect left the scene in a dark-colored truck. It is unclear whether the victim and the suspect knew each other prior to the altercation in the parking lot. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.Anyone with information is asked to call 913-631-2150.

Police: Suspect in Kan. shooting  was driving a dark-colored truck

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The federal government shutdown threatened food program benefits for 180,000 Kansans, and near daily guidance from courts left state leaders unsure about November payments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Nov. 7, the state of Kansas paid out November benefits in full to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, after days of back-and-forth filings in lawsuits that&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/03/kansas-food-assistance-recipients-set-to-receive-partial-payment-but-no-one-knows-when/">first indicated 50% of November benefits&nbsp;</a>should be paid and then a miscalculation increases that amount&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/usdas-food-assistance-miscalculation-means-more-money-to-kansas-recipients/">to 66% of benefits</a>.&nbsp;

Based on a court order and guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kansas made the full November SNAP payments “with the expectation the USDA would fully fund SNAP with federal funding,” said Erin La Row, spokeswoman for the Kansas Department for Children and Families in an email.&nbsp;

But on Nov. 8, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/benefit-issuance-nov8" target="_blank">USDA issued guidance</a>&nbsp;that states were to pay partial benefits and said, “To the extent states sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized. Accordingly, states must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025. Please advise the appropriate FNS regional office representative of steps taken to correct any actions taken that do not comply with this memorandum.”

Kansas was one of at least four states that paid out benefits Nov. 7, including New York, Wisconsin and Oregon.&nbsp;

The memo said that if states didn’t comply, the USDA could possibly take action, including cancelling the federal share of state administrative costs and&nbsp;holding states liable for any overissuances from the noncompliance.

However, La Row said Tuesday that Kansas doesnt expect any problems after paying out benefits on Nov. 7, the day before the USDA ordered states to “undo” paying the benefits.&nbsp;

She referred to a USDA memo on Nov. 13 that ordered states to transmit full November payments after the government shutdown ended.&nbsp;

“FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) shall not pursue any additional penalties against State agencies, pursuant to 7 CFR 271.7(h), due to extraordinary circumstances,” the memo said.

Even before SNAP payments were delayed,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/10/29/hope-for-the-best-government-shutdown-strains-kansas-food-resources-local-businesses/">Kansas food pantries</a>&nbsp;were stretched to meet the needs of families as costs rose and the governtment shutdown took its toll. Communities across the state stepped up to provide resources, including four Kansas health philanthropies.

The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, Kansas Health Foundation, Sunflower Foundation and REACH Healthcare Foundation contributed more than $381,000 to support food banks and community pantries, the groups said in a news release. The money will be distributed before year’s end.

“Kansans are struggling to put food on their tables right now, and it’s important we help where we can in the short term,” said David Jordan, Health Fund president and CEO.&nbsp;

SNAP funding is still under the gun with changes to the program included in the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/obbb-implementation#:~:text=This%20provision%20also%20changes%20how,towards%20the%20excess%20shelter%20deduction." target="_blank">In a September memo</a>, the USDA outlined upcoming SNAP changes, including tying state administrative cost reimbursement&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/26/kansas-official-defends-refusal-to-turn-over-private-food-program-data-in-face-of-political-attacks/">to the state’s error rate</a>&nbsp;and changing work requirements for some adults.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739672428485.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The federal government shutdown threatened food program benefits for 180,000 Kansans, and near daily guidance from courts left state leaders unsure about November payments.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Nov. 7, the state of Kansas paid out November benefits in full to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, after days of back-and-forth filings in lawsuits that&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/03/kansas-food-assistance-recipients-set-to-receive-partial-payment-but-no-one-knows-when/">first indicated 50% of November benefits&nbsp;</a>should be paid and then a miscalculation increases that amount&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/usdas-food-assistance-miscalculation-means-more-money-to-kansas-recipients/">to 66% of benefits</a>.&nbsp;Based on a court order and guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kansas made the full November SNAP payments “with the expectation the USDA would fully fund SNAP with federal funding,” said Erin La Row, spokeswoman for the Kansas Department for Children and Families in an email.&nbsp;But on Nov. 8, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/benefit-issuance-nov8" target="_blank">USDA issued guidance</a>&nbsp;that states were to pay partial benefits and said, “To the extent states sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized. Accordingly, states must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025. Please advise the appropriate FNS regional office representative of steps taken to correct any actions taken that do not comply with this memorandum.”Kansas was one of at least four states that paid out benefits Nov. 7, including New York, Wisconsin and Oregon.&nbsp;The memo said that if states didn’t comply, the USDA could possibly take action, including cancelling the federal share of state administrative costs and&nbsp;holding states liable for any overissuances from the noncompliance.However, La Row said Tuesday that Kansas doesnt expect any problems after paying out benefits on Nov. 7, the day before the USDA ordered states to “undo” paying the benefits.&nbsp;She referred to a USDA memo on Nov. 13 that ordered states to transmit full November payments after the government shutdown ended.&nbsp;“FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) shall not pursue any additional penalties against State agencies, pursuant to 7 CFR 271.7(h), due to extraordinary circumstances,” the memo said.Even before SNAP payments were delayed,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/10/29/hope-for-the-best-government-shutdown-strains-kansas-food-resources-local-businesses/">Kansas food pantries</a>&nbsp;were stretched to meet the needs of families as costs rose and the governtment shutdown took its toll. Communities across the state stepped up to provide resources, including four Kansas health philanthropies.The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, Kansas Health Foundation, Sunflower Foundation and REACH Healthcare Foundation contributed more than $381,000 to support food banks and community pantries, the groups said in a news release. The money will be distributed before year’s end.“Kansans are struggling to put food on their tables right now, and it’s important we help where we can in the short term,” said David Jordan, Health Fund president and CEO.&nbsp;SNAP funding is still under the gun with changes to the program included in the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/obbb-implementation#:~:text=This%20provision%20also%20changes%20how,towards%20the%20excess%20shelter%20deduction." target="_blank">In a September memo</a>, the USDA outlined upcoming SNAP changes, including tying state administrative cost reimbursement&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/26/kansas-official-defends-refusal-to-turn-over-private-food-program-data-in-face-of-political-attacks/">to the state’s error rate</a>&nbsp;and changing work requirements for some adults.&nbsp;

Kansas doesn’t expect penalties over November payout of food program benefits

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 8:30p.m. Tuesday, police officers were dispatched to a shooting at a convenience store in the 7000 Block of Prospect, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Officers were led inside the store where they located a shooting victim, unresponsive on the ground. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS to come to the scene. EMS pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.

&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates that there were numerous people inside the store when the victim and a suspect or suspects had an interaction that escalated, eventually to gunfire, which struck the victim.

There are no suspects identified or in custody at this time.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763552289360.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday evening&nbsp; -photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday evening&nbsp; -photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 8:30p.m. Tuesday, police officers were dispatched to a shooting at a convenience store in the 7000 Block of Prospect, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Officers were led inside the store where they located a shooting victim, unresponsive on the ground. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS to come to the scene. EMS pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates that there were numerous people inside the store when the victim and a suspect or suspects had an interaction that escalated, eventually to gunfire, which struck the victim.There are no suspects identified or in custody at this time.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the victim.

KCPD: Man killed in shooting inside convenience store

WASHINGTON —Both the House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein.

Kansas and Missouri members of the House were forced to go on the record on whether to release the files.&nbsp; U.S. Senators did not face a roll call vote on the bill.

The House voted overwhelmingly 427-1 in favor of the bill Tuesday afternoon. Kansas and Missouri members of the House of Representatives&nbsp; voted in favor of the bill. U.S. Senators did not have to go on the record on whether to release the files.&nbsp; The U.S. Senate agreed by unanimous consent to approve the House-passed bill.

Unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate is a procedure where a measure is passed, or action is taken, as long as no senator objects. This allows for the swift passage of legislation without the need for a formal roll call vote

The only no vote in Congress against releasing the files came from Rep. Clay Higgins, a Louisiana Republican who is a fervent supporter of Trump.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The bill now goes to President Trump’s desk for his signature compelling the Justice Department to release the files.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763502796963.png" alt="Robin Galbraith, 61, of Maryland, and Donna Powell, 67, of Washington, D.C., held signs outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, ahead of a U.S. House vote on releasing the Epstein files. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>Robin Galbraith, 61, of Maryland, and Donna Powell, 67, of Washington, D.C., held signs outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, ahead of a U.S. House vote on releasing the Epstein files. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Both the House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein.Kansas and Missouri members of the House were forced to go on the record on whether to release the files.&nbsp; U.S. Senators did not face a roll call vote on the bill.The House voted overwhelmingly 427-1 in favor of the bill Tuesday afternoon. Kansas and Missouri members of the House of Representatives&nbsp; voted in favor of the bill. U.S. Senators did not have to go on the record on whether to release the files.&nbsp; The U.S. Senate agreed by unanimous consent to approve the House-passed bill.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Senate agrees by unanimous consent to approve the House-passed bill requiring the Justice Department to release the Epstein files. <a href="https://t.co/LqfA3TfDgB">pic.twitter.com/LqfA3TfDgB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1990918894240809216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate is a procedure where a measure is passed, or action is taken, as long as no senator objects. This allows for the swift passage of legislation without the need for a formal roll call voteThe only no vote in Congress against releasing the files came from Rep. Clay Higgins, a Louisiana Republican who is a fervent supporter of Trump.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763495349874.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The bill now goes to President Trump’s desk for his signature compelling the Justice Department to release the files.

U.S. Senators avoid roll call vote on release of Epstein files

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted Prince Mohammed on a red carpet and under a white tent ahead of a special dinner at the White House Tuesday.&nbsp;A military band was playing as they walked inside to the East Room.

List of people attending the official dinner of the Saudi Crown Prince at the White House : 

The President of the United States and Mrs. Melania Trump

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

His Highness Prince Badr Bin Abdullah M. N. S. Alfarhan Al Saud

His Highness Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud

His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud

His Excellency Mosaad bin Mohammad Alaiban

His Excellency Salman Bin Yousef Al-Dossary

His Excellency Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih

His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah A Aljadaan

His Excellency Majid Abdullah O. Alkasabi

His Excellency Yasir Othman H. AlRumayyan

Her Highness Princess Haifa Mohammed Al-Saud

His Excellency Mohammad Bin Abdulmalik Bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh

His Excellency Abdullah Bin Amer Al-Swaha

His Excellency Mohammad Bin Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri

Mr. Cristiano Amon and Mrs. Adriana Gamba Amon

The Honorable Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury

The Honorable Pam Bondi, Attorney General and Mr. John Wakefield

Mr. Stefan Brodie and Mrs. Elizabeth Brodie

The Honorable Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior

Mr. William Clay Ford Jr. and Mrs. Lisa Ford

The Honorable Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative and Mrs. Marlo Greer

The Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War and Mrs. Jennifer Hegseth

The Honorable Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Mrs. Kelly Johnson

The Honorable Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State 

The Honorable Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce and Mrs. Allison Lutnick

The Honorable Brian Mast, United States Representative from Florida

The Honorable Dave McCormick, United States Senator from Pennsylvania and Ms. Dina Powell

Mr. Kelly Ortberg and Mrs. Valerie Ortberg

The Honorable James Risch, United States Senator from Idaho and Mrs. Vicki Risch

The Honorable John F.W. Rogers and Ms. Deborah Lehr

The Honorable Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Mark Rollins

Mr. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ms. Georgina Rodríguez

The Honorable Marco Rubio, Secretary of State and Mrs. Jeanette Rubio

Mr. Stephen Schwarzman and Mrs. Christine Schwarzman

Mr. Jeffrey Sprecher and the Honorable Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the Small Business Administration

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted Prince Mohammed on a red carpet and under a white tent ahead of a special dinner at the White House Tuesday.&nbsp;A military band was playing as they walked inside to the East Room.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump welcomes Saudi Crown Prince back to White House for dinner. <a href="https://t.co/6aGcLbiCJa">pic.twitter.com/6aGcLbiCJa</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1990941062790074400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> arrives for dinner at the White House 👀 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/seMABdhfWY">pic.twitter.com/seMABdhfWY</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1990944982510006712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">OH, WHAT A NIGHT! Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>, for hosting the most lovely dinner — pure class from start to finish. So proud of our peacemaking, world-changing President Trump. 🇺🇸 (…and sitting with the incredible <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> and his amazing wife Gio was pretty special!!!) <a href="https://t.co/3blgStm3qY">pic.twitter.com/3blgStm3qY</a>&mdash; Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRollins/status/1991132252109950977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;Tonight, I&#39;m pleased to announce that we&#39;re taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/vDJs2XOMHJ">pic.twitter.com/vDJs2XOMHJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1990970655223824479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;This opening up of the new avenues of cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia is really unprecedented. On that trip, Saudi Arabia announced that it will invest an incredible $600 billion... he said, &#39;I am going to up that to $1 TRILLION.&#39;&quot; <a href="https://t.co/FB6qHuqjDJ">pic.twitter.com/FB6qHuqjDJ</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1990948338641088858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;It&#39;s a special privilege to welcome His Royal Highness to Washington this year as we mark the 80th anniversary of the first meeting between a U.S. President and a Saudi King... right now, you have the best friend you&#39;ve ever had.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/5Leq7t55ob">pic.twitter.com/5Leq7t55ob</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1990947419417420105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;My son is a big fan of <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a>... Barron got to meet him and I think he respects his father a little bit more now.&quot; 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/uLPY84DHcu">https://t.co/uLPY84DHcu</a> <a href="https://t.co/nmOQotP9I9">pic.twitter.com/nmOQotP9I9</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1990946183859032382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House 🇺🇸🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/dHLj9Gep86">pic.twitter.com/dHLj9Gep86</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1990820614974636113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>List of people attending the official dinner of the Saudi Crown Prince at the White House : The President of the United States and Mrs. Melania TrumpHis Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaMr. Mohammad AbunayyanMr. Bill Ackman and Ms. Neri OxmanHis Highness Prince Badr Bin Abdullah M. N. S. Alfarhan Al SaudHis Highness Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al SaudHis Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al SaudHer Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al SaudHis Excellency Mosaad bin Mohammad AlaibanMs. Adwa AlArifiHis Excellency Salman Bin Yousef Al-DossaryHis Excellency Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al-FalihHis Excellency Mohammed Abdullah A AljadaanHis Excellency Majid Abdullah O. AlkasabiMr. Jeremy AllaireMs. Lubna AlOlayanMr. Abdulrahman Rashed AlRashedMr. Abdulrahman Hamad AlRashedHis Excellency Yasir Othman H. AlRumayyanHer Highness Princess Haifa Mohammed Al-SaudHis Excellency Mohammad Bin Abdulmalik Bin Abdullah Al Al-SheikhMs. Sarah AlSuhaimiHis Excellency Abdullah Bin Amer Al-SwahaHis Excellency Mohammad Bin Mazyad Al-TuwaijriMr. Tareq AminMr. Cristiano Amon and Mrs. Adriana Gamba AmonMr. Brian ArmstrongMr. Bret Baier and Mrs. Amy BaierMrs. Mary Barra and Mr. Tony BarraMs. Maria BartiromoMr. Brendan BechtelMr. Marc BeckmanMr. Marc BenioffThe Honorable Scott Bessent, Secretary of the TreasuryThe Honorable Pam Bondi, Attorney General and Mr. John WakefieldMr. Albert BourlaMr. Greg Brockman and Mrs. Anna BrockmanMr. Stefan Brodie and Mrs. Elizabeth BrodieThe Honorable Doug Burgum, Secretary of the InteriorGeneral Dan CaineMr. Charles CascarillaMr. Derek ChangMr. Tim CookMr. Larry Culp and Mrs. Wendy CulpMr. Bryson DeChambeauMr. Michael Dell and Mrs. Susan DellDr. Hala AltuwaigriMr. David EllisonMr. William Clay Ford Jr. and Mrs. Lisa FordMs. Jane FraserThe Honorable Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative and Mrs. Marlo GreerMr. Charles HallabMr. Josh Harris and Mrs. Marjorie HarrisThe Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War and Mrs. Jennifer HegsethMr. Jensen Huang and Mrs. Lori HuangMr. Gianni InfantinoThe Honorable Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Mrs. Kelly JohnsonMr. Khaled JuffaliMr. Abdullah bin Saleh KamelMr. Vimal KapurDr. Alexander KarpMr. Arvind KrishnaThe Honorable Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State The Honorable Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce and Mrs. Allison LutnickMr. Kris MarszalekThe Honorable Brian Mast, United States Representative from FloridaThe Honorable Dave McCormick, United States Senator from Pennsylvania and Ms. Dina PowellMr. Bill McDermottMr. Sanjay MehrotraThe Honorable Stephen MillerMr. Elon MuskMr. Amin NasserMs. Phebe NovakovicMr. Scott O'Neil and Mrs. Lisa O'NeilMrs. Meredith O'RourkeMr. Kelly Ortberg and Mrs. Valerie OrtbergMr. Ross Perot Jr. and Mrs. Sarah PerotThe Honorable James Risch, United States Senator from Idaho and Mrs. Vicki RischMr. Chuck RobbinsThe Honorable John F.W. Rogers and Ms. Deborah LehrThe Honorable Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Mark RollinsMr. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ms. Georgina RodríguezThe Honorable Marco Rubio, Secretary of State and Mrs. Jeanette RubioMr. David SacksMr. Charles Schwab and Mrs. Helen SchwabMr. Stephen Schwarzman and Mrs. Christine SchwarzmanMr. Jeffrey Sprecher and the Honorable Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the Small Business AdministrationMr. Scott StrazikDr. Lisa Su and Mr. Daniel LinMr. James Taiclet and Mrs. Carol TaicletMr. Vlad TenevMr. Donald Trump Jr. and Mrs. Bettina AndersonMs. Tiffany Trump and Mr. BoulosMr. Jim UmplebyThe Vice President of the United States and Mrs. Usha VanceMrs. Kathy Warden and Mr. Charles WardenMr. Mike WirthThe Honorable Chris Wright, Secretary of EnergyMr. Stephen Wynn and Mrs. Andrea WynnMr. Eric Yuan

🎥Highlights of White House dinner for Saudi Crown Prince

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 31-year-old&nbsp; &nbsp;a criminal illegal alien from Uzbekistan wanted in his origin country for belonging to a&nbsp;terrorist&nbsp;organization, according to a statement from the agency.

Uzbekistan authorities issued an arrest warrant for Bozorov in 2022 for being a member of a terrorist organization. He is accused of distributing terrorist propaganda calling for jihad online and recruiting terrorists to join the jihad movement.

ICE arrested him in Kansas on November 9, while he was working as a commercial truck driver. Governor Josh Shapiro’s Pennsylvania issued him a commercial driver's license (CDL). The Biden administration granted him work authorization in January 2024.

“Not only was Akhror Bozorov—a wanted&nbsp;terrorist—RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration, but he was he was also given a commercial driver’s license by Governor Shapiro’s Pennsylvania. This should go without saying, but terrorist illegal aliens should not be operating 18-wheelers on America’s highways,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.&nbsp;“Biden and Mayorkas allowed countless terrorists to come into our country. President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed ICE to target these national security threats.”

Bozorov illegally entered the United States in February 2023. He was then arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and released into American communities by the Biden administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763486944726.png" alt="Bozorov photo DHS" />
 <figcaption>Bozorov photo DHS</figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 31-year-old&nbsp; &nbsp;a criminal illegal alien from Uzbekistan wanted in his origin country for belonging to a&nbsp;terrorist&nbsp;organization, according to a statement from the agency.Uzbekistan authorities issued an arrest warrant for Bozorov in 2022 for being a member of a terrorist organization. He is accused of distributing terrorist propaganda calling for jihad online and recruiting terrorists to join the jihad movement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763486969342.png" alt="Bozorov photo DHS" />
 <figcaption>Bozorov photo DHS</figcaption>
 </figure>ICE arrested him in Kansas on November 9, while he was working as a commercial truck driver. Governor Josh Shapiro’s Pennsylvania issued him a commercial driver's license (CDL). The Biden administration granted him work authorization in January 2024.“Not only was Akhror Bozorov—a wanted&nbsp;terrorist—RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration, but he was he was also given a commercial driver’s license by Governor Shapiro’s Pennsylvania. This should go without saying, but terrorist illegal aliens should not be operating 18-wheelers on America’s highways,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.&nbsp;“Biden and Mayorkas allowed countless terrorists to come into our country. President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed ICE to target these national security threats.”Bozorov illegally entered the United States in February 2023. He was then arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and released into American communities by the Biden administration.

ICE arrests truck driver in Kansas, wanted on international terrorism warrant

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>

WASHINGTON — A bill is heading to President Donald Trump’s desk compelling the release of unclassified investigative files from the case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a friend to the rich and powerful who died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 awaiting federal trial on sex trafficking charges.

Senate Republicans on Tuesday night did not object to a unanimous consent request from Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to accept and pass the legislation, as is, after the U.S. House overwhelmingly approved the measure earlier in the day.

A senior administration official told States Newsroom the president will sign the bill “whenever it gets to the White House.”

The lawmakers in the lower chamber voted&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025289" target="_blank">427-1</a>&nbsp;to compel the Department of Justice to release materials related to the government’s investigation of the financier who harmed over 1,000 victims, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., was the lone “no” vote.

Survivors and their supporters watched the vote from the chamber’s gallery seats. Among them was Sky Roberts, the brother of the late Virginia Giuffre, who sued Epstein’s co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell and the British royal family’s Andrew Windsor, who recently was stripped of his title of prince. Giuffre died by suicide in April.

“I’m very happy with the outcome, but this is just the beginning, and we have a lot of work ahead of us, a lot more to do,” Haley Robson told States Newsroom in an interview after the vote. Robson is prominent among those who have shared their stories of abuse by Epstein.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/581" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;now goes to Trump, who said Monday he will sign it.

‘Courage and advocacy’ of survivors cited

Schumer, a New York Democrat, wrote on social media earlier the vote would “not have been possible without the courage and advocacy of Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors. They made this vote possible. They risked their safety coming out of the darkness to share their stories and to tell the truth.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said earlier Tuesday he expected the bill to move through the Senate “fairly quickly” and likely without changes, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/18/politics/what-happens-next-epstein-bill" target="_blank">reporting</a>&nbsp;by CNN.

The legislation compels the Justice Department to publicly disclose “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in its possession that relate to Epstein or Maxwell.” They include records related to Epstein’s detention and death; flight logs from Epstein’s planes; names of those connected with Epstein’s alleged crimes; records of civil settlements, and sealed and unsealed immunity deals and plea bargains; records pertaining to entities with ties to Epstein’s trafficking or financial networks; and internal DOJ communications “concerning decisions to investigate or charge Epstein or his associates.”&nbsp;

The bill carves out exceptions for records containing victims’ identities, images of death or physical abuse, and information that could jeopardize a federal investigation.&nbsp;

The bill also notes that the “DOJ may not withhold or redact records on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.”

Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the House effort to release the files until this week.

Johnson said Tuesday morning that he will vote for the measure that has been forced to the floor after Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., gathered enough signatures on a discharge petition to override leadership.

The Louisiana Republican told reporters at his regular House leadership press conference that the “forcing mechanism here prevents the very deliberate, professional, careful manner in which Congress is supposed to do this.”

“But having now forced the vote, none of us want to go on record and in any way be accused of not being for maximum transparency,” Johnson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/news-conference/house-republican-leaders-hold-news-conference/669234" target="_blank">said</a>.

The vote comes less than a week after lawmakers on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-dems-say-newly-released-epstein-emails-show-trump-knew-about-abuse" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;some 20,000 pages of emails from Epstein’s estate that repeatedly mentioned Trump’s name.&nbsp;

In one email from Epstein to convicted co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, the financier and sex offender claimed Trump “knew about the girls.”

Trump denies any involvement with Epstein’s alleged crimes, and has said that he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/29/politics/epstein-trump-falling-out-analysis" target="_blank">kicked Epstein out</a>&nbsp;of his private Florida club, Mar-a-Lago, because he alleged the financier had poached young female staffers from the club. Epstein was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/01/us/jeffrey-epstein-grand-jury" target="_blank">convicted</a>&nbsp;in Florida of soliciting minors for sex in 2008.&nbsp;

During a press conference in the Oval Office Tuesday alongside the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump told reporters, “As far as the Epstein files, I have nothing to do with Jeffery Epstein. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert.”

Trump added, as he has repeatedly said before, that the files are a “Democratic hoax.”

Women who told stories of being abused by Epstein as teens rallied outside the U.S. Capitol Tuesday morning, alongside Massie, Khanna and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., whom Trump attacked online this weekend, nicknaming her a “traitor.”

Robson told the crowd that as a Republican herself, the advocacy from Massie and Greene is “unbelievable to watch, and we are so grateful.”

“And to the president of the United States of America, who is not here today, I want to send a clear message to you: While I do understand that your position has changed on the Epstein files, and I’m grateful that you have pledged to sign this bill, I can’t help to be skeptical of what the agenda is,” Robson said.

In a Sunday night post on his own social media platform, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-about-face-urges-us-house-republicans-vote-release-epstein-files" target="_blank">told Republicans</a>&nbsp;to vote in favor of the bipartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/581" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, which lawmakers have named the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Greene, who also spoke at the press conference, said the administration’s refusal to release what are collectively referred to as the Epstein files “has ripped MAGA apart.”

“The only thing that will speak to the powerful, courageous women behind me is when action is actually taken to release these files, and the American people won’t tolerate any other b- – – -t,” Greene said.

GOP Reps. Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Lauren Boebert of Colorado were the other Republicans to join Massie, Greene and all Democrats to sign the petition.

In a second press conference outside the Capitol later Tuesday morning, the House’s newest Democratic member, Arizona’s Adelita Grijalva, spoke alongside sexual abuse prevention advocates.&nbsp;

“The momentum behind this did not come from politicians. It came from survivors and the public who demanded answers. This is why the discharge petition crossed 218 signatures, despite Speaker Johnson doing everything in his power to prevent this from happening, including calling an early summer release, and delaying myself my swearing in for seven weeks,” Grijalva said.

Grijalva became the petition’s 218th signature on Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-adelita-grijalva-sworn-us-house-signs-epstein-petition" target="_blank">immediately after</a>&nbsp;her swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;

Johnson refused to swear in Grijalva, who won her seat on Sept. 23, during the government shutdown despite precedent of other representatives swearing an oath while the House is out of session.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., also spoke at the press conference, warning that Senate leadership should not “delay this any further.”

“They need to schedule a vote on this so this can get passed into law,” Kelly said.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/live-blog/trump-congress-jeffrey-epstein-files-venezuela-maduro-live-updates-rcna244133" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;NBC News Monday he would sign the legislation.

Roughly a dozen public protesters stood outside the police barricade surrounding the press conference, holding signs demanding the release of the Epstein files.

Robin Galbraith, 61, of Maryland, held a sign protesting Johnson’s refusal to allow an earlier floor vote to disclose the files.

“These survivors deserve justice. And you know, all women and girls deserve justice,” Galbraith told States Newsroom in an interview. “Like when you have the richest people in the world trafficking girls, I mean, as somebody who has daughters and sons, we all want to see that children are not victims like this anymore.”

In July, the FBI issued a memo stating the department would not publicly release any further information on the Epstein case.

The sudden reversal, after Trump and his supporters campaigned on releasing the files, sparked upheaval among the president’s base and trained a magnifying glass on Trump’s well-documented friendship with Epstein.

The president sued The Wall Street Journal for reporting on a 50th&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?mod=Searchresults_pos1&amp;page=1" target="_blank">birthday card</a>&nbsp;Trump allegedly gave to Epstein. The card featured a cryptic message and a doodle of a naked woman with Trump’s apparent signature mimicking pubic hair. Trump denies that he created and signed the birthday doodle.

The Journal also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/justice-department-told-trump-name-in-epstein-files-727a8038?mod=hp_lead_pos1" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that Attorney General Pam Bondi briefed the president in May that his name appeared in the Epstein case files. The context in which his name appeared is unclear.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article221404845.html" target="_blank">series</a>&nbsp;in the Miami Herald in 2018 by journalist Julie K. Brown drew wide attention to Epstein’s crimes and Trump’s appointment in 2017 of former Miami federal prosecutor Alex Acosta, who cut a deal in 2008 to end a federal investigation into Epstein, as the secretary of Labor.

Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763495156325.jpeg" alt="View of the House floor as the vote count ended Tuesday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>View of the House floor as the vote count ended Tuesday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>WASHINGTON — A bill is heading to President Donald Trump’s desk compelling the release of unclassified investigative files from the case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a friend to the rich and powerful who died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 awaiting federal trial on sex trafficking charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763502796963.png" alt="Robin Galbraith, 61, of Maryland, and Donna Powell, 67, of Washington, D.C., held signs outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, ahead of a U.S. House vote on releasing the Epstein files. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>Robin Galbraith, 61, of Maryland, and Donna Powell, 67, of Washington, D.C., held signs outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, ahead of a U.S. House vote on releasing the Epstein files. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>Senate Republicans on Tuesday night did not object to a unanimous consent request from Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to accept and pass the legislation, as is, after the U.S. House overwhelmingly approved the measure earlier in the day.A senior administration official told States Newsroom the president will sign the bill “whenever it gets to the White House.”The lawmakers in the lower chamber voted&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025289" target="_blank">427-1</a>&nbsp;to compel the Department of Justice to release materials related to the government’s investigation of the financier who harmed over 1,000 victims, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., was the lone “no” vote.Survivors and their supporters watched the vote from the chamber’s gallery seats. Among them was Sky Roberts, the brother of the late Virginia Giuffre, who sued Epstein’s co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell and the British royal family’s Andrew Windsor, who recently was stripped of his title of prince. Giuffre died by suicide in April.“I’m very happy with the outcome, but this is just the beginning, and we have a lot of work ahead of us, a lot more to do,” Haley Robson told States Newsroom in an interview after the vote. Robson is prominent among those who have shared their stories of abuse by Epstein.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/581" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;now goes to Trump, who said Monday he will sign it.<h2>‘Courage and advocacy’ of survivors cited</h2>Schumer, a New York Democrat, wrote on social media earlier the vote would “not have been possible without the courage and advocacy of Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors. They made this vote possible. They risked their safety coming out of the darkness to share their stories and to tell the truth.”Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said earlier Tuesday he expected the bill to move through the Senate “fairly quickly” and likely without changes, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/18/politics/what-happens-next-epstein-bill" target="_blank">reporting</a>&nbsp;by CNN.The legislation compels the Justice Department to publicly disclose “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in its possession that relate to Epstein or Maxwell.” They include records related to Epstein’s detention and death; flight logs from Epstein’s planes; names of those connected with Epstein’s alleged crimes; records of civil settlements, and sealed and unsealed immunity deals and plea bargains; records pertaining to entities with ties to Epstein’s trafficking or financial networks; and internal DOJ communications “concerning decisions to investigate or charge Epstein or his associates.”&nbsp;The bill carves out exceptions for records containing victims’ identities, images of death or physical abuse, and information that could jeopardize a federal investigation.&nbsp;The bill also notes that the “DOJ may not withhold or redact records on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.”<h2>Trump, Johnson opposition</h2>Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the House effort to release the files until this week.Johnson said Tuesday morning that he will vote for the measure that has been forced to the floor after Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., gathered enough signatures on a discharge petition to override leadership.The Louisiana Republican told reporters at his regular House leadership press conference that the “forcing mechanism here prevents the very deliberate, professional, careful manner in which Congress is supposed to do this.”“But having now forced the vote, none of us want to go on record and in any way be accused of not being for maximum transparency,” Johnson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/news-conference/house-republican-leaders-hold-news-conference/669234" target="_blank">said</a>.The vote comes less than a week after lawmakers on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-dems-say-newly-released-epstein-emails-show-trump-knew-about-abuse" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;some 20,000 pages of emails from Epstein’s estate that repeatedly mentioned Trump’s name.&nbsp;In one email from Epstein to convicted co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, the financier and sex offender claimed Trump “knew about the girls.”Trump denies any involvement with Epstein’s alleged crimes, and has said that he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/29/politics/epstein-trump-falling-out-analysis" target="_blank">kicked Epstein out</a>&nbsp;of his private Florida club, Mar-a-Lago, because he alleged the financier had poached young female staffers from the club. Epstein was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/01/us/jeffrey-epstein-grand-jury" target="_blank">convicted</a>&nbsp;in Florida of soliciting minors for sex in 2008.&nbsp;During a press conference in the Oval Office Tuesday alongside the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump told reporters, “As far as the Epstein files, I have nothing to do with Jeffery Epstein. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert.”Trump added, as he has repeatedly said before, that the files are a “Democratic hoax.”<h2>Stories of abuse&nbsp;</h2>Women who told stories of being abused by Epstein as teens rallied outside the U.S. Capitol Tuesday morning, alongside Massie, Khanna and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., whom Trump attacked online this weekend, nicknaming her a “traitor.”Robson told the crowd that as a Republican herself, the advocacy from Massie and Greene is “unbelievable to watch, and we are so grateful.”“And to the president of the United States of America, who is not here today, I want to send a clear message to you: While I do understand that your position has changed on the Epstein files, and I’m grateful that you have pledged to sign this bill, I can’t help to be skeptical of what the agenda is,” Robson said.In a Sunday night post on his own social media platform, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-about-face-urges-us-house-republicans-vote-release-epstein-files" target="_blank">told Republicans</a>&nbsp;to vote in favor of the bipartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/581" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, which lawmakers have named the Epstein Files Transparency Act.Greene, who also spoke at the press conference, said the administration’s refusal to release what are collectively referred to as the Epstein files “has ripped MAGA apart.”“The only thing that will speak to the powerful, courageous women behind me is when action is actually taken to release these files, and the American people won’t tolerate any other b- – – -t,” Greene said.GOP Reps. Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Lauren Boebert of Colorado were the other Republicans to join Massie, Greene and all Democrats to sign the petition.<h2>Grijalva signature</h2>In a second press conference outside the Capitol later Tuesday morning, the House’s newest Democratic member, Arizona’s Adelita Grijalva, spoke alongside sexual abuse prevention advocates.&nbsp;“The momentum behind this did not come from politicians. It came from survivors and the public who demanded answers. This is why the discharge petition crossed 218 signatures, despite Speaker Johnson doing everything in his power to prevent this from happening, including calling an early summer release, and delaying myself my swearing in for seven weeks,” Grijalva said.Grijalva became the petition’s 218th signature on Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-adelita-grijalva-sworn-us-house-signs-epstein-petition" target="_blank">immediately after</a>&nbsp;her swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;Johnson refused to swear in Grijalva, who won her seat on Sept. 23, during the government shutdown despite precedent of other representatives swearing an oath while the House is out of session.U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., also spoke at the press conference, warning that Senate leadership should not “delay this any further.”“They need to schedule a vote on this so this can get passed into law,” Kelly said.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/live-blog/trump-congress-jeffrey-epstein-files-venezuela-maduro-live-updates-rcna244133" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;NBC News Monday he would sign the legislation.Roughly a dozen public protesters stood outside the police barricade surrounding the press conference, holding signs demanding the release of the Epstein files.Robin Galbraith, 61, of Maryland, held a sign protesting Johnson’s refusal to allow an earlier floor vote to disclose the files.“These survivors deserve justice. And you know, all women and girls deserve justice,” Galbraith told States Newsroom in an interview. “Like when you have the richest people in the world trafficking girls, I mean, as somebody who has daughters and sons, we all want to see that children are not victims like this anymore.”<h2>FBI memo&nbsp;</h2>In July, the FBI issued a memo stating the department would not publicly release any further information on the Epstein case.The sudden reversal, after Trump and his supporters campaigned on releasing the files, sparked upheaval among the president’s base and trained a magnifying glass on Trump’s well-documented friendship with Epstein.Trump denies any wrongdoing.The president sued The Wall Street Journal for reporting on a 50th&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?mod=Searchresults_pos1&amp;page=1" target="_blank">birthday card</a>&nbsp;Trump allegedly gave to Epstein. The card featured a cryptic message and a doodle of a naked woman with Trump’s apparent signature mimicking pubic hair. Trump denies that he created and signed the birthday doodle.The Journal also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/justice-department-told-trump-name-in-epstein-files-727a8038?mod=hp_lead_pos1" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that Attorney General Pam Bondi briefed the president in May that his name appeared in the Epstein case files. The context in which his name appeared is unclear.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article221404845.html" target="_blank">series</a>&nbsp;in the Miami Herald in 2018 by journalist Julie K. Brown drew wide attention to Epstein’s crimes and Trump’s appointment in 2017 of former Miami federal prosecutor Alex Acosta, who cut a deal in 2008 to end a federal investigation into Epstein, as the secretary of Labor.Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.

US Senate agrees with overwhelming House vote to force release of Epstein files

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA —The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to cut $145 million from Kansas’ coffers beginning next year, state officials said.

That’s on top of an impending state budget hole that has shrunk since the Kansas Legislature passed its budget this spring, but still threatens to put the state in the red.

Budget analysts released Friday consensus revenue estimates, predicting state general fund revenues, which can be used to inform the budget-crafting process.

All told, the estimates included modest forecast changes in the economy and state revenues, said Shirley Morrow, director of the Kansas Legislative Research Department, at a press conference in the Statehouse in Topeka.

Revenue in fiscal year 2025, which ended in June, exceeded analysts’ estimates by $130 million, and revenue in the first four months of fiscal year 2026 has exceeded previous predictions by about $100 million, she said.

“The most noteworthy change is the full incorporation of the impacts of the federal tax legislation that was passed over the summer,” Morrow said.

However, she added, most of the legislation’s provisions were continuations of previous policies and will result in small changes to state receipts.

As the state incorporates federal tax law, Kansans will not automatically see deductions for tips and overtime, said Adam Proffitt, state budget director and secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration.

Of the roughly $145 million effect in fiscal year 2027, which begins in July, Proffitt listed the largest costs: $85 million for full expensing of certain business property, $32 million for full expensing of domestic research and development, $7 million for increased limitations on property depreciations and about $6.5 million for enhanced child care tax credits for individuals.

The state also has to account for its own tax changes, including cuts to corporate income taxes and property taxes as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/27/kansas-legislature-passes-tax-relief-with-talk-of-broken-promises-and-out-of-control-spending/">a result of 2025 legislation</a>. One law eliminated the statewide levy of 1.5 mills for the state education building fund and the state institution building fund. The state now has to cover that missing property tax revenue.

Beyond 2027, the state’s ending balance is projected to tank.

The state ended fiscal year 2025 with $2.9 billion. By 2030, it will drop below $1.2 billion.

“The ending balance is going down because the receipts are below expenditures to the tune of $367 million in fiscal ‘27, $302 million in fiscal ‘28, so on and so forth,” said Proffitt.

Before the Legislature’s most recent budget, the numbers were closer to $700 million of overspending, he said. The decrease is largely because of a roughly $160 million drop in education costs, stemming from 10,000 fewer students in Kansas’ public school system than the previous headcount. Over five years, that drop means sizable savings, Proffitt said.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said in a news release that cutting waste, fraud and abuse from state spending will be a top priority in 2026, as affordability is top of mind. He vowed to manage tax dollars with discipline.

“When the state spends like a drunken sailor, rubber-stamping everything on the governor’s pricey big-government wish list, there’s no way to stay on a responsible fiscal path,” he said. “And in the end, Kansas taxpayers are the ones left holding the bill.”

The Legislature crafted the provisions of the most recent budget, declining to use Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposals as a starting point.

“To the extent anyone reads the speaker’s press releases, I doubt they believe he is focused on how to budget responsibly,” said Will Lawrence, the governor’s chief of staff.

In the upcoming election year, he said the Legislature should “resist their natural instinct to fund pet projects for their special interest friends.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763464861952.png" alt="Adam Proffitt, the Kansas state budget director, and Gov. Laura Kelly address a Salina audience at a town hall forum on the state government’s budget. Proffitt is challenging House Speaker Dan Hawkins’ statement that the budget approved by the 2025 Legislature spent $30 million less than was recommended by Kelly. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Adam Proffitt, the Kansas state budget director, and Gov. Laura Kelly address a Salina audience at a town hall forum on the state government’s budget. Proffitt is challenging House Speaker Dan Hawkins’ statement that the budget approved by the 2025 Legislature spent $30 million less than was recommended by Kelly. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA —The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to cut $145 million from Kansas’ coffers beginning next year, state officials said.That’s on top of an impending state budget hole that has shrunk since the Kansas Legislature passed its budget this spring, but still threatens to put the state in the red.Budget analysts released Friday consensus revenue estimates, predicting state general fund revenues, which can be used to inform the budget-crafting process.All told, the estimates included modest forecast changes in the economy and state revenues, said Shirley Morrow, director of the Kansas Legislative Research Department, at a press conference in the Statehouse in Topeka.Revenue in fiscal year 2025, which ended in June, exceeded analysts’ estimates by $130 million, and revenue in the first four months of fiscal year 2026 has exceeded previous predictions by about $100 million, she said.“The most noteworthy change is the full incorporation of the impacts of the federal tax legislation that was passed over the summer,” Morrow said.However, she added, most of the legislation’s provisions were continuations of previous policies and will result in small changes to state receipts.As the state incorporates federal tax law, Kansans will not automatically see deductions for tips and overtime, said Adam Proffitt, state budget director and secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration.Of the roughly $145 million effect in fiscal year 2027, which begins in July, Proffitt listed the largest costs: $85 million for full expensing of certain business property, $32 million for full expensing of domestic research and development, $7 million for increased limitations on property depreciations and about $6.5 million for enhanced child care tax credits for individuals.The state also has to account for its own tax changes, including cuts to corporate income taxes and property taxes as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/27/kansas-legislature-passes-tax-relief-with-talk-of-broken-promises-and-out-of-control-spending/">a result of 2025 legislation</a>. One law eliminated the statewide levy of 1.5 mills for the state education building fund and the state institution building fund. The state now has to cover that missing property tax revenue.Beyond 2027, the state’s ending balance is projected to tank.The state ended fiscal year 2025 with $2.9 billion. By 2030, it will drop below $1.2 billion.“The ending balance is going down because the receipts are below expenditures to the tune of $367 million in fiscal ‘27, $302 million in fiscal ‘28, so on and so forth,” said Proffitt.Before the Legislature’s most recent budget, the numbers were closer to $700 million of overspending, he said. The decrease is largely because of a roughly $160 million drop in education costs, stemming from 10,000 fewer students in Kansas’ public school system than the previous headcount. Over five years, that drop means sizable savings, Proffitt said.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said in a news release that cutting waste, fraud and abuse from state spending will be a top priority in 2026, as affordability is top of mind. He vowed to manage tax dollars with discipline.“When the state spends like a drunken sailor, rubber-stamping everything on the governor’s pricey big-government wish list, there’s no way to stay on a responsible fiscal path,” he said. “And in the end, Kansas taxpayers are the ones left holding the bill.”The Legislature crafted the provisions of the most recent budget, declining to use Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposals as a starting point.“To the extent anyone reads the speaker’s press releases, I doubt they believe he is focused on how to budget responsibly,” said Will Lawrence, the governor’s chief of staff.In the upcoming election year, he said the Legislature should “resist their natural instinct to fund pet projects for their special interest friends.”

Kansas faces impending budget imbalance, effects of ‘big, beautiful’ legislation

A nine-way tie among write-in candidates for USD 309/ South Hutchinson and Nickerson Board Position 6 was broken Monday afternoon when the Reno County Board of Canvassers conducted a name drawing. 

Don Bogner drew the name of Diana Bruce, selecting her as the winner.

After the election was certified, it was discovered that Bruce does not live in the correct district and is therefore ineligible to serve.

The seat will officially become vacant in January. The USD 309 School Board will appoint someone to fill the position until the November 2027 election, when the remainder of the term will be on the ballot as an unexpired term.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763469853811.jpeg" alt="Reno County Commission Chairman Don Bogner reaches in for one of nine names to break the tie for USD 309 Board of Education Position 6 as Reno County Clerk Jenna Fager holds the hat. (Photo courtesy Reno County)" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Commission Chairman Don Bogner reaches in for one of nine names to break the tie for USD 309 Board of Education Position 6 as Reno County Clerk Jenna Fager holds the hat. (Photo courtesy Reno County)</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTYA nine-way tie among write-in candidates for USD 309/ South Hutchinson and Nickerson Board Position 6 was broken Monday afternoon when the Reno County Board of Canvassers conducted a name drawing. Don Bogner drew the name of Diana Bruce, selecting her as the winner.After the election was certified, it was discovered that Bruce does not live in the correct district and is therefore ineligible to serve.The seat will officially become vacant in January. The USD 309 School Board will appoint someone to fill the position until the November 2027 election, when the remainder of the term will be on the ballot as an unexpired term.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Election tiebreaker leaves Kan. school district with board vacancy

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating four suspects on multiple allegations after a wild police chase in Kansas City.

Just before 10:30p.m. Sunday, a Trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol initiated a traffic stop on a passenger car for speeding and a registration violation southbound on Interstate 35 jus south of Missouri 291 in Liberty, Missouri, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A. The Trooper advised the vehicle was not stopping and he was in a pursuit.

Moments later just south of Missouri Highway 152 and north Pleasant Valley Rod, the trooper advised a passenger was shooting at him from the suspect's vehicle.

The pursuit continued southbound on Interstate 35 to Northeast Chouteau Trafficway, where the suspect vehicle exited and traveled on multiple city streets and the onto southbound Interstate 29 and then south to Interstate 70 inJackson County.&nbsp;

At 10:41 as the suspect vehicle was eastbound on Interstate 70, the vehicle began to exit at 119th Street and a passenger continued to fire at the Trooper, striking his patrol car. The pursuit continued and othe shots were fired at. Kansas City, Missouri Police officers near 17th Street and Jackson Avenue.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763405786095.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating four suspects on multiple allegations after a wild police chase in Kansas City.Just before 10:30p.m. Sunday, a Trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol initiated a traffic stop on a passenger car for speeding and a registration violation southbound on Interstate 35 jus south of Missouri 291 in Liberty, Missouri, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A. The Trooper advised the vehicle was not stopping and he was in a pursuit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763405762612.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>Moments later just south of Missouri Highway 152 and north Pleasant Valley Rod, the trooper advised a passenger was shooting at him from the suspect's vehicle.The pursuit continued southbound on Interstate 35 to Northeast Chouteau Trafficway, where the suspect vehicle exited and traveled on multiple city streets and the onto southbound Interstate 29 and then south to Interstate 70 inJackson County.&nbsp;At 10:41 as the suspect vehicle was eastbound on Interstate 70, the vehicle began to exit at 119th Street and a passenger continued to fire at the Trooper, striking his patrol car. The pursuit continued and othe shots were fired at. Kansas City, Missouri Police officers near 17th Street and Jackson Avenue.&nbsp;The suspect vehicle came to a stop in the area of Cleveland Avenue and 41st Street in Kansas City. Four occupants ran from the vehicle. Officers took three into custody shortly after. At approximately 4a.m., officers found the fourth suspect hiding in a sewer drain.No officers or civilians were injured during the chase or from the gunfire. Three of the suspects arrested are adults and one is a juvenile. Police released no additional details early Monday afternoon.