CASS COUNTY —The  Missouri State Highway Patrol investigating a fatal officer shooting involving a member of the Belton Police Department.

Just after 10a.m. Friday, police in the Kansas City suburb of Belton responded to a the 16,000 Block of Rebecca Lane to check the welfare of a subject possibly experiencing&nbsp; mental health issues, according to a media release from the&nbsp; MSHP. Officers made contact with the subject, later identified as 26-year-old&nbsp;Quinn Swaggart at the residence. Swaggart refused any assistance from officers.

Just before 12:30p.m. Officers were called to the same address a second time on a report Swaggart was threatening a member of the residence with a&nbsp; knife. Officer arrived and contacted the reporting party in the front of the home. During the conversation, Swaggart exited the residence and was armed with a knife. Swaggart ran toward the officers and they retreated.&nbsp; The subject continued to chase an officer. At 12:35p.m., the officer fired shots striking the Swaggart. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

No officers were injured during the incident. Investigators recovered a knife at the scene.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. Their final report on the incident will forwarded to the Cass County Attorney for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766181673996.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>CASS COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigating a fatal officer shooting involving a member of the Belton Police Department.Just after 10a.m. Friday, police in the Kansas City suburb of Belton responded to a the 16,000 Block of Rebecca Lane to check the welfare of a subject possibly experiencing&nbsp; mental health issues, according to a media release from the&nbsp; MSHP. Officers made contact with the subject, later identified as 26-year-old&nbsp;Quinn Swaggart at the residence. Swaggart refused any assistance from officers.Just before 12:30p.m. Officers were called to the same address a second time on a report Swaggart was threatening a member of the residence with a&nbsp; knife. Officer arrived and contacted the reporting party in the front of the home. During the conversation, Swaggart exited the residence and was armed with a knife. Swaggart ran toward the officers and they retreated.&nbsp; The subject continued to chase an officer. At 12:35p.m., the officer fired shots striking the Swaggart. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;No officers were injured during the incident. Investigators recovered a knife at the scene.The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. Their final report on the incident will forwarded to the Cass County Attorney for review.

Patrol IDs man shot, killed after chasing officers with a knife

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said Monday that it had conducted another strike against a boat it said was smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing one person.

In a social media post, U.S. Southern Command said, “Intelligence confirmed the low-profile vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.” Southern Command provided no evidence that the vessel was engaged in drug smuggling.

A video posted by U.S. Southern Command shows splashes of water near one side of the boat. After a second salvo, the rear of the boat catches fire. More splashes engulf the craft and the fire grows. In the final second of the video, the vessel can be seen adrift with a large patch of fire alongside it.

Earlier videos of U.S. boat strikes showed vessels suddenly exploding, suggesting missile strikes. Some strike videos even had visible rocket-like projectiles coming down on the boats.

The Trump administration has said the strikes were meant to stop the flow of drugs into the U.S. and increase pressure on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>.

At least 105 people have been killed in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-petro-colombia-drugs-us-aid-c3955b2ce351737119920741178e0567">29 known strikes</a>&nbsp;since early September. The strikes have faced scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and human rights activists, who say the administration has offered scant evidence that its targets are indeed drug smugglers and say the fatal strikes amount to extrajudicial killings.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard has stepped up efforts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-tankers-shipbuilding-3c711c500a627243329807df42fa6ef8">interdict oil tankers</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea as part of the Trump administration’s escalating campaign against Maduro.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said Monday that it had conducted another strike against a boat it said was smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing one person.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On Dec. 22, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a low-profile vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the low-profile vessel was transiting… <a href="https://t.co/LGzEaQSTiR">pic.twitter.com/LGzEaQSTiR</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2003303616963133694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a social media post, U.S. Southern Command said, “Intelligence confirmed the low-profile vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.” Southern Command provided no evidence that the vessel was engaged in drug smuggling.A video posted by U.S. Southern Command shows splashes of water near one side of the boat. After a second salvo, the rear of the boat catches fire. More splashes engulf the craft and the fire grows. In the final second of the video, the vessel can be seen adrift with a large patch of fire alongside it.Earlier videos of U.S. boat strikes showed vessels suddenly exploding, suggesting missile strikes. Some strike videos even had visible rocket-like projectiles coming down on the boats.The Trump administration has said the strikes were meant to stop the flow of drugs into the U.S. and increase pressure on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>.At least 105 people have been killed in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-petro-colombia-drugs-us-aid-c3955b2ce351737119920741178e0567">29 known strikes</a>&nbsp;since early September. The strikes have faced scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and human rights activists, who say the administration has offered scant evidence that its targets are indeed drug smugglers and say the fatal strikes amount to extrajudicial killings.Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard has stepped up efforts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-tankers-shipbuilding-3c711c500a627243329807df42fa6ef8">interdict oil tankers</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea as part of the Trump administration’s escalating campaign against Maduro.

🎥U.S. military: New strike on drug boat killed 1 'narco-terrorist'

Powerball® could deliver the ultimate life-changing prize this Christmas Eve. No ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night, pushing the jackpot to an estimated $1.70 billion for Wednesday night’s drawing, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $781.3 million.

Wednesday’s jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Powerball history and among U.S. lottery games.

“Much like the holidays, Powerball is a game that brings people together to dream big and hope for a brighter future,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “We hope this growing jackpot inspires excitement and joy, and, most importantly, good will to all. A portion of every ticket helps support programs and services that benefit local communities.”

Historically, the Powerball® jackpot has been won once on Christmas Eve (2011) and four times on Christmas Day (1996, 2002, 2010 and 2013).

The jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 3, 18, 36, 41, 54 and red Powerball 7. The Power Play® multiplier was 2.

Although there was no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many tickets won cash prizes in last night’s drawing.

Nationwide, nine tickets matched all five white balls to $1 million prizes. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York (2), Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

The drawing also produced 107 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 28 tickets that won $100,000 prizes. Note: In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.

In the Double Play® drawing, two tickets sold in Florida and Maryland won $500,000 prizes after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. The Double Play drawing is live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;following the main Powerball drawing.

Wednesday’s Powerball drawing will be the 47th in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.

If a player wins Wednesday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.70 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $781.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

Powerball® could deliver the ultimate life-changing prize this Christmas Eve. No ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night, pushing the jackpot to an estimated $1.70 billion for Wednesday night’s drawing, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $781.3 million.Wednesday’s jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Powerball history and among U.S. lottery games.“Much like the holidays, Powerball is a game that brings people together to dream big and hope for a brighter future,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “We hope this growing jackpot inspires excitement and joy, and, most importantly, good will to all. A portion of every ticket helps support programs and services that benefit local communities.”Historically, the Powerball® jackpot has been won once on Christmas Eve (2011) and four times on Christmas Day (1996, 2002, 2010 and 2013).The jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 3, 18, 36, 41, 54 and red Powerball 7. The Power Play® multiplier was 2.Although there was no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many tickets won cash prizes in last night’s drawing.Nationwide, nine tickets matched all five white balls to $1 million prizes. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York (2), Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin.The drawing also produced 107 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 28 tickets that won $100,000 prizes. Note: In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.In the Double Play® drawing, two tickets sold in Florida and Maryland won $500,000 prizes after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. The Double Play drawing is live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;following the main Powerball drawing.Wednesday’s Powerball drawing will be the 47th in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.If a player wins Wednesday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.70 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $781.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.Record U.S. Lottery Jackpots<ol>
 <li>$2.04 Billion – Powerball – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.787 Billion – Powerball – Sept. 6, 2025 – MO, TX</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Powerball – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.70 Billion est. – Powerball – Dec. 24, 2025</li><li>$1.602 Billion – Mega Millions – Aug. 8, 2023 – FL</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Powerball – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.537 Billion – Mega Millions – Oct. 23, 2018 – SC</li><li>$1.348 Billion – Mega Millions – Jan. 13, 2023 – ME</li><li>$1.337 Billion – Mega Millions – July 29, 2022 – IL</li><li>$1.326 Billion – Powerball – April 6, 2024 – OR</li>
 </ol>

Merry Christmas: Powerball now 4th largest in history

&nbsp;The Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp; announced plans on Monday to move from Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri to a new domed stadium in Kansas.

On social media, Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed his disappointment in the decision.

&nbsp;The Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp; announced plans on Monday to move from Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri to a new domed stadium in Kansas.On social media, Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed his disappointment in the decision.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rare in America do we all have a spot where we come together. That’s Arrowhead Stadium. <a href="https://t.co/FjDhhIt8XO">pic.twitter.com/FjDhhIt8XO</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/2003256467164659861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sometimes you get outbid, but today was still a lot. We’ll keep up our work, collaboratively with the county and our state to see the Royals in a great facility and to keep building progress citywide. <a href="https://t.co/SEmanWMcA3">pic.twitter.com/SEmanWMcA3</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/2003255500541215015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

What KCMO Mayor said about Chiefs decision to move to Kansas

KANSAS CITY—Two men are facing charges for fatal shooting that occurred at a Kansas City gas station in September.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2781/Fleck-Vasquez-Complaint--PC-">Undrellius K. Fleck and Jordan A. Vasque</a>z, 18, each are charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Robbery, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to a gas station in south Kansas City on Sept. 6 and located the victim, later identified as&nbsp;23-year-old Kenneth Hutt suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was confirmed deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Detectives reviewed surveillance video and determined Fleck was at the gas station purchasing gas when Hutt entered the store with what appeared to be a pistol tucked under his left arm. Fleck and Vasquez entered the gas station looking at Hutt. Fleck was holding a Glock style firearm with what appeared to be modified with a switch. Vasquez pulled out a small AK pistol and passed it to Fleck, who approached Hutt and grabbed his pistol. Vasquez also approached Hutt and attempted to grab his pistol.&nbsp;

As Hutt attempted to regain control of his firearm, Fleck fired the fully automatic firearm toward him. When Hutt dropped to the ground, Fleck grabbed his pistol and both defendants fled.&nbsp;

Detectives identified the defendants through multiple investigative leads.

On Dec. 18, Fleck was certified through Jackson County Juvenile Courts as an adult.&nbsp; A Jackson County judge set both Fleck and Vasquez’s bond at $500,000 each cash-only.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766242230418.png" alt="Vasquez -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Vasquez -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Two men are facing charges for fatal shooting that occurred at a Kansas City gas station in September.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2781/Fleck-Vasquez-Complaint--PC-">Undrellius K. Fleck and Jordan A. Vasque</a>z, 18, each are charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Robbery, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to a gas station in south Kansas City on Sept. 6 and located the victim, later identified as&nbsp;23-year-old Kenneth Hutt suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was confirmed deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Detectives reviewed surveillance video and determined Fleck was at the gas station purchasing gas when Hutt entered the store with what appeared to be a pistol tucked under his left arm. Fleck and Vasquez entered the gas station looking at Hutt. Fleck was holding a Glock style firearm with what appeared to be modified with a switch. Vasquez pulled out a small AK pistol and passed it to Fleck, who approached Hutt and grabbed his pistol. Vasquez also approached Hutt and attempted to grab his pistol.&nbsp;As Hutt attempted to regain control of his firearm, Fleck fired the fully automatic firearm toward him. When Hutt dropped to the ground, Fleck grabbed his pistol and both defendants fled.&nbsp;Detectives identified the defendants through multiple investigative leads.On Dec. 18, Fleck was certified through Jackson County Juvenile Courts as an adult.&nbsp; A Jackson County judge set both Fleck and Vasquez’s bond at $500,000 each cash-only.

Teens attacked, killed man in Kansas City gas station

SEDGWICK COUNTY–A&nbsp; woman accused in the shooting death of her boyfriend on his birthday was in court on Friday.

A jury found Amunique Cavitt, 19 of Wichita, guilty of 2nd degree intentional murder with a domestic violence finding, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Around noon April 23, 2024, police responded to the 1400 block of Minnesota Avenue in Wichita following reports of a shooting., according to police spokesman Andrew Ford. First responders found 34-year-old&nbsp; Norman E. Carter III with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body.

Responding officers immediately started life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported Carter to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead at 1:01 p.m, according to Ford.&nbsp; It was his birthday, according to<a href="https://www.heavenlygatesmortuary.com/obituary/norman-carter"> his obituary.</a>

Police detained a person of interest in their investigation and later booked&nbsp; Amunique Cavitt into jail. The district attorney's office has not released a date for her sentencing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766200106122.png" alt="Police at the sene of the investigation -photo courtesy" />
 <figcaption>Police at the sene of the investigation -photo courtesy</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY–A&nbsp; woman accused in the shooting death of her boyfriend on his birthday was in court on Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713961470429.png" alt="Cavitt photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Cavitt photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>A jury found Amunique Cavitt, 19 of Wichita, guilty of 2nd degree intentional murder with a domestic violence finding, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Around noon April 23, 2024, police responded to the 1400 block of Minnesota Avenue in Wichita following reports of a shooting., according to police spokesman Andrew Ford. First responders found 34-year-old&nbsp; Norman E. Carter III with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body.Responding officers immediately started life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported Carter to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead at 1:01 p.m, according to Ford.&nbsp; It was his birthday, according to<a href="https://www.heavenlygatesmortuary.com/obituary/norman-carter"> his obituary.</a>Police detained a person of interest in their investigation and later booked&nbsp; Amunique Cavitt into jail. The district attorney's office has not released a date for her sentencing.

Jury: Kansas woman killed her boyfriend on his birthday

SEWARD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 6a.m. Monday in Seward County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Aaron Bradley&nbsp;Patton, 26, Liberal, was eastbound on U.S. 54 just east of County Road 9. The pickup crossed over the fog line onto the eastbound shoulder and collided with an unknown stopped vehicle . The stopped vehicle left the collision scene prior to notification of the collision to law enforcement and has not yet been identified.

Patton was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Hornung Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; Patton was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

SEWARD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 6a.m. Monday in Seward County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Aaron Bradley&nbsp;Patton, 26, Liberal, was eastbound on U.S. 54 just east of County Road 9. The pickup crossed over the fog line onto the eastbound shoulder and collided with an unknown stopped vehicle . The stopped vehicle left the collision scene prior to notification of the collision to law enforcement and has not yet been identified.Patton was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Hornung Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; Patton was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after crash with vehicle that fled 

LOS ANGELES (AP) —<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/barry-manilow">Barry Manilow</a>&nbsp;will be having surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung and will reschedule his January concerts, the singer announced Monday.

Manilow, 82, said doctors found the cancer after he had an extended bout of bronchitis — six weeks, then a relapse of another five weeks.

“My wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK,” Manilow wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSkevRHFPfU/?hl=en&amp;img_index=3" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>. “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early.”

The singer added that doctors don’t believe cancer has spread, so for now he expects “No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and ‘I Love Lucy’ reruns.”

A statement issued by Manilow’s representatives specified that the spot was a stage one tumor, and that the surgery would take place in late December.

Manilow will be recovering for the month of January and plans to return to action with Valentine’s weekend concerts beginning Feb. 12 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, and then his arena concerts will resume Feb. 28 in Tampa, Florida.

Manilow was&nbsp;<a href="https://barrymanilow.com/" target="_blank">due to perform 10 concerts</a>&nbsp;in January at nine locations in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Ohio. They will now be held in February.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766447729302.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) —<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/barry-manilow">Barry Manilow</a>&nbsp;will be having surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung and will reschedule his January concerts, the singer announced Monday.Manilow, 82, said doctors found the cancer after he had an extended bout of bronchitis — six weeks, then a relapse of another five weeks.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://t.co/b99026GcMI">pic.twitter.com/b99026GcMI</a>&mdash; Barry Manilow (@barrymanilow) <a href="https://twitter.com/barrymanilow/status/2003118902470205865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“My wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK,” Manilow wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSkevRHFPfU/?hl=en&amp;img_index=3" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>. “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early.”The singer added that doctors don’t believe cancer has spread, so for now he expects “No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and ‘I Love Lucy’ reruns.”A statement issued by Manilow’s representatives specified that the spot was a stage one tumor, and that the surgery would take place in late December.Manilow will be recovering for the month of January and plans to return to action with Valentine’s weekend concerts beginning Feb. 12 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, and then his arena concerts will resume Feb. 28 in Tampa, Florida.Manilow was&nbsp;<a href="https://barrymanilow.com/" target="_blank">due to perform 10 concerts</a>&nbsp;in January at nine locations in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Ohio. They will now be held in February.

Barry Manilow, 82, reveals cancer diagnosis

TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs on Monday announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas, according to a media release from the governor's office.

The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact.

The agreement includes two distinct parts: (1) a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, which will open at the start of the 2031 NFL season; and (2) a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both sites will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel and residential properties.

“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we’re creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we’re continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,”&nbsp;Gov. Kelly said. “This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”

The agreement was approved today by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) with strong bipartisan support.&nbsp; It will be a public-private partnership between the state and the Chiefs organization – and it will require no funds from the current state budget and no new taxes on Kansans. A fact sheet of the agreement and the independent Economic Impact Study can be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fchiefs-media-kit/1/0101019b47e3cc60-79d5a159-71bd-4dd8-9989-4634449a8d4e-000000/sqv0F-XILtGTBeOIeE7COgUvwiuDKDzH7f9cgKFBdrs=436">found here</a>.

“Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs,”&nbsp;Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt&nbsp;said. “We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will benefit the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”

“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” said&nbsp;NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases. The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s playoff games, concerts or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.”

The Chiefs announcement adds to the Kelly-Toland administration’s unprecedented streak of winning business investment projects that create jobs and grow Kansas’ economy. Since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $30 billion committed capital investment and created or retained almost 78,000 jobs.

“Kansas has had a streak of big economic wins, but nothing is bigger than this. This is truly once-in-a-generation,” said&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, who led the state team that negotiated the deal with the Chiefs. “This happened because we brought Democrats and Republicans together to do what was best for Kansas – landing our state a huge economic win, without requiring a single dollar from the state budget or a tax increase on Kansans. This historic win is the latest in a series of major economic wins for Kansas, including the Panasonic headquarters, which all tell the same story: the future for Kansas, its workers and its economy is very exciting.”&nbsp;

“This is an extraordinary economic win for our state thanks to the effort of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland,” said&nbsp;Christal Watson, Mayor &amp; CEO Unified Government of Wyandotte KCK. “All of us in Wyandotte and Kansas City, Kansas are excited to work with the Chiefs and are committed to driving results that strengthen our region and uplift our community.”

“This deal is a once-in-a-generation type of opportunity for our community and region. Having the Chiefs headquarters and training facilities here in Johnson County will be huge for our local economy - and a lot of fun for our families,” said&nbsp;John Bacon, Mayor of Olathe. “We’re eager to get to work, and are committed to ensuring the process – and the result – are first class, something everyone in Olathe – and all across Chiefs Kingdom – can be proud of."

“Today, Kansas won the Super Bowl,” said&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson. “This is a huge win for Kansas. Now, we get to watch our beloved Chiefs play right here at home, keeping jobs and tax dollars right here in Kansas. Best of all, this will not cost one more penny for Kansas taxpayers.”

“Here in Kansas, we love the Chiefs, and we also love a good deal for taxpayers. So this is a win-win,”&nbsp;House Speaker Dan Hawkins said.

The project will be financed through a public-private partnership (60% public - 40% private). The public portion is funded through&nbsp;Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund&nbsp;– both funding mechanisms established specifically for this purpose – to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget.&nbsp; The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council. The STAR bonds have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated by this project in neighboring communities to fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion of their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fprogram%2Fcommunity-programs%2Fstar-bonds%2F/1/0101019b47e3cc60-79d5a159-71bd-4dd8-9989-4634449a8d4e-000000/w6Q6rqfl0t1i1WOrOK2YcpE1h29RfpiF5DBiZJE9W7g=436">click here</a>.

The Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund was established by the legislature to dedicate revenue generated from iLottery and sports betting to recruit professional sports teams.

The Hunt Family is also committing to $1 billion in additional development, a portion of which can also be incentivized by STAR bonds.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766438187375.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly and Chiefs' owner Clark Hunt during the announcement on Monday in Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly and Chiefs' owner Clark Hunt during the announcement on Monday in Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs on Monday announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas, according to a media release from the governor's office.The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact.The agreement includes two distinct parts: (1) a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, which will open at the start of the 2031 NFL season; and (2) a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both sites will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel and residential properties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766438416223.png" alt="The 31 on the jersey represents the year the new stadium will open in Kansas" />
 <figcaption>The 31 on the jersey represents the year the new stadium will open in Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we’re creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we’re continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,”&nbsp;Gov. Kelly said. “This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”The agreement was approved today by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) with strong bipartisan support.&nbsp; It will be a public-private partnership between the state and the Chiefs organization – and it will require no funds from the current state budget and no new taxes on Kansans. A fact sheet of the agreement and the independent Economic Impact Study can be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fchiefs-media-kit/1/0101019b47e3cc60-79d5a159-71bd-4dd8-9989-4634449a8d4e-000000/sqv0F-XILtGTBeOIeE7COgUvwiuDKDzH7f9cgKFBdrs=436">found here</a>.“Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs,”&nbsp;Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt&nbsp;said. “We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will benefit the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” said&nbsp;NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases. The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s playoff games, concerts or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.”The Chiefs announcement adds to the Kelly-Toland administration’s unprecedented streak of winning business investment projects that create jobs and grow Kansas’ economy. Since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $30 billion committed capital investment and created or retained almost 78,000 jobs.“Kansas has had a streak of big economic wins, but nothing is bigger than this. This is truly once-in-a-generation,” said&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, who led the state team that negotiated the deal with the Chiefs. “This happened because we brought Democrats and Republicans together to do what was best for Kansas – landing our state a huge economic win, without requiring a single dollar from the state budget or a tax increase on Kansans. This historic win is the latest in a series of major economic wins for Kansas, including the Panasonic headquarters, which all tell the same story: the future for Kansas, its workers and its economy is very exciting.”&nbsp;“This is an extraordinary economic win for our state thanks to the effort of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland,” said&nbsp;Christal Watson, Mayor &amp; CEO Unified Government of Wyandotte KCK. “All of us in Wyandotte and Kansas City, Kansas are excited to work with the Chiefs and are committed to driving results that strengthen our region and uplift our community.”“This deal is a once-in-a-generation type of opportunity for our community and region. Having the Chiefs headquarters and training facilities here in Johnson County will be huge for our local economy - and a lot of fun for our families,” said&nbsp;John Bacon, Mayor of Olathe. “We’re eager to get to work, and are committed to ensuring the process – and the result – are first class, something everyone in Olathe – and all across Chiefs Kingdom – can be proud of."“Today, Kansas won the Super Bowl,” said&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson. “This is a huge win for Kansas. Now, we get to watch our beloved Chiefs play right here at home, keeping jobs and tax dollars right here in Kansas. Best of all, this will not cost one more penny for Kansas taxpayers.”“Here in Kansas, we love the Chiefs, and we also love a good deal for taxpayers. So this is a win-win,”&nbsp;House Speaker Dan Hawkins said.The project will be financed through a public-private partnership (60% public - 40% private). The public portion is funded through&nbsp;Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund&nbsp;– both funding mechanisms established specifically for this purpose – to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget.&nbsp; The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council. The STAR bonds have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated by this project in neighboring communities to fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion of their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fprogram%2Fcommunity-programs%2Fstar-bonds%2F/1/0101019b47e3cc60-79d5a159-71bd-4dd8-9989-4634449a8d4e-000000/w6Q6rqfl0t1i1WOrOK2YcpE1h29RfpiF5DBiZJE9W7g=436">click here</a>.The Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund was established by the legislature to dedicate revenue generated from iLottery and sports betting to recruit professional sports teams.The Hunt Family is also committing to $1 billion in additional development, a portion of which can also be incentivized by STAR bonds.&nbsp;

Chiefs announce move to Kansas: Details on new domed stadium 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers approved a proposal Monday to help pay for a new stadium for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kansas-city-chiefs">the Kansas City Chiefs</a>, which is expected to lure one of the NFL's iconic franchises across the state line from Missouri and replace popular but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-stadium-c90881d77888591bbaec75a03c6d9f5c">aging Arrowhead Stadium</a>.

(Click below to watch the roll call vote)

The Legislative Coordinating Council, which includes the state's top lawmakers, voted unanimously inside a packed room at the state capitol to allow for STAR bonds to be issued to cover up to 70% of the cost of a stadium and accompanying district. The bonds would be paid off with state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around it.

The council meeting was attended by Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and team president Mark Donovan, along with other officials. They are expected to announce their intention to move later Monday from their longtime home in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has called a news conference for 3 p.m. local time “to present a major economic development announcement for the State of Kansas and the Kansas City Region.” She will be joined by legislators and Kansas City-area representatives.

The most likely landing place for the Chiefs is Kansas City, Kansas, near the Kansas Speedway and a retail and entertainment district known as The Legends. The area is also home to Children's Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City.

The move by the Chiefs would be a massive blow to Missouri lawmakers and Gov. Mike Kehoe, who had been working on their own package to prevent a second NFL franchise in a decade from leaving their borders. The Rams left St. Louis for Los Angeles in part due to their inability to secure funding to help replace The Dome at America’s Center.

Kehoe had backed a special legislative session in June to authorize bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.

Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, has been working to keep both the Chiefs and Kansas City Royals on the Missouri side of the state line. He has called a news conference for later Monday regarding “sports team developments.”

The Chiefs originally planned an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium in a joint effort with the Royals, who are similarly planning to build a new facility to replace Kauffman Stadium. The facilities sit a couple of hundred yards across the parking lot from each other, and both teams have leases with Jackson County, Missouri, that expire in January 2031.

Last year, Jackson County voters soundly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-kansas-city-stadiums-e9605296b85e91699441e4ba10e83212">defeated a local sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;which would have helped to pay for those renovations to the football stadium while helping to fund a new ballpark for the Royals in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

The Royals were not discussed by Kansas lawmakers Monday, but momentum appears to be building behind their own move across the state line. An affiliate of the club already has purchased the mortgage on a tract of land in Overland Park, Kansas.

Hunt has long said his preference was to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, which was beloved by his father and team founder, the late Lamar Hunt. It is considered one of the jewels of the NFL, alongside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and is revered for its tailgating scene and home-field advantage; it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar.

This summer, Arrowhead Stadium will host six World Cup matches, including matches in the Round of 32 and quarterfinals.

Lamar Hunt established the Chiefs on August 14, 1959. The team was originally based in Dallas and known as the Texans, but Hunt was convinced by then-Kansas City Mayor H. Roe Bartle to relocate the team to Missouri with promises of tripling the team's season-ticket sales and expanding the seating capacity of Municipal Stadium.

In 1972, the team moved into Arrowhead Stadium at the Truman Sports Complex just east of downtown Kansas City.

The stadium has undergone numerous renovations through the years, allowing it to stay relevant in a changing sports landscape. But there has been little economic development around the stadium, the facility itself is starting to show wear and tear, and there is a limit to the number of luxury suites and amenities that the franchise can utilize to help drive revenue.

While the Hunt family has long loved Arrowhead Stadium, it has warmed in recent years to the idea of a replacement.

Not only would it solve many of the shortcomings of the Chiefs' longtime home, a new facility with a fixed or retractable roof would allow them to use it year-round. That would mean the potential for hosting more concerts and events, college football bowl games, the Final Four and perhaps one of Lamar Hunt's long-held dreams: a Super Bowl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766433945390.png" alt="-A view of the Legislative Coordinating Council meeting moment before the unanimous vote-image from the Kansas Legislature YouTube page" />
 <figcaption>-A view of the Legislative Coordinating Council meeting moment before the unanimous vote-image from the Kansas Legislature YouTube page</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA and JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers approved a proposal Monday to help pay for a new stadium for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kansas-city-chiefs">the Kansas City Chiefs</a>, which is expected to lure one of the NFL's iconic franchises across the state line from Missouri and replace popular but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-stadium-c90881d77888591bbaec75a03c6d9f5c">aging Arrowhead Stadium</a>.(Click below to watch the roll call vote)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P_VAc_3kmn0?si=-jAzhQQw6SS61clV&amp;start=2499" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Legislative Coordinating Council, which includes the state's top lawmakers, voted unanimously inside a packed room at the state capitol to allow for STAR bonds to be issued to cover up to 70% of the cost of a stadium and accompanying district. The bonds would be paid off with state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766433895007.png" alt="Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson applaud after the unanimous vote Monday afternoon -image from the Kansas Legislature YouTube page" />
 <figcaption>Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson applaud after the unanimous vote Monday afternoon -image from the Kansas Legislature YouTube page</figcaption>
 </figure>The council meeting was attended by Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and team president Mark Donovan, along with other officials. They are expected to announce their intention to move later Monday from their longtime home in Kansas City, Missouri.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has called a news conference for 3 p.m. local time “to present a major economic development announcement for the State of Kansas and the Kansas City Region.” She will be joined by legislators and Kansas City-area representatives.The most likely landing place for the Chiefs is Kansas City, Kansas, near the Kansas Speedway and a retail and entertainment district known as The Legends. The area is also home to Children's Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City.The move by the Chiefs would be a massive blow to Missouri lawmakers and Gov. Mike Kehoe, who had been working on their own package to prevent a second NFL franchise in a decade from leaving their borders. The Rams left St. Louis for Los Angeles in part due to their inability to secure funding to help replace The Dome at America’s Center.Kehoe had backed a special legislative session in June to authorize bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, has been working to keep both the Chiefs and Kansas City Royals on the Missouri side of the state line. He has called a news conference for later Monday regarding “sports team developments.”The Chiefs originally planned an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium in a joint effort with the Royals, who are similarly planning to build a new facility to replace Kauffman Stadium. The facilities sit a couple of hundred yards across the parking lot from each other, and both teams have leases with Jackson County, Missouri, that expire in January 2031.Last year, Jackson County voters soundly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-kansas-city-stadiums-e9605296b85e91699441e4ba10e83212">defeated a local sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;which would have helped to pay for those renovations to the football stadium while helping to fund a new ballpark for the Royals in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.The Royals were not discussed by Kansas lawmakers Monday, but momentum appears to be building behind their own move across the state line. An affiliate of the club already has purchased the mortgage on a tract of land in Overland Park, Kansas.Hunt has long said his preference was to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, which was beloved by his father and team founder, the late Lamar Hunt. It is considered one of the jewels of the NFL, alongside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and is revered for its tailgating scene and home-field advantage; it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar.This summer, Arrowhead Stadium will host six World Cup matches, including matches in the Round of 32 and quarterfinals.Lamar Hunt established the Chiefs on August 14, 1959. The team was originally based in Dallas and known as the Texans, but Hunt was convinced by then-Kansas City Mayor H. Roe Bartle to relocate the team to Missouri with promises of tripling the team's season-ticket sales and expanding the seating capacity of Municipal Stadium.In 1972, the team moved into Arrowhead Stadium at the Truman Sports Complex just east of downtown Kansas City.The stadium has undergone numerous renovations through the years, allowing it to stay relevant in a changing sports landscape. But there has been little economic development around the stadium, the facility itself is starting to show wear and tear, and there is a limit to the number of luxury suites and amenities that the franchise can utilize to help drive revenue.While the Hunt family has long loved Arrowhead Stadium, it has warmed in recent years to the idea of a replacement.Not only would it solve many of the shortcomings of the Chiefs' longtime home, a new facility with a fixed or retractable roof would allow them to use it year-round. That would mean the potential for hosting more concerts and events, college football bowl games, the Final Four and perhaps one of Lamar Hunt's long-held dreams: a Super Bowl.

Kan. lawmakers approve proposal to help Chiefs build new stadium in Kansas

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Sunday announced he is appointing Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to serve as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, the vast, semi-autonomous territory of Denmark that Trump has said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-offshore-drilling-gulf-of-america-fa66f8d072eb39c00a8128a8941ede75">U.S. needs to take over.</a>

“Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World,” Trump said in announcing the appointment.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-greenland-norway-panama-canal-canada-a52858e3075f9b5ad95e78753293fc1f">during his presidential transition</a>&nbsp;and in the early months of his return to the White House repeatedly called for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, and has not ruled out military force to take control of the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island.

The issue had drifted out of the headlines in recent months, but in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denmark-greenland-us-trump-6c9544314792cf1e287e21af06111c1e">Danish officials summoned the U.S. ambassador</a>&nbsp;following a report that at least three people with connections to Trump had carried out covert influence operations in Greenland.

Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance visited a remote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-american-military-pituffik-space-base-denmark-746d67b1bc8e6681328a809787412495">U.S. military base</a>&nbsp;on the island and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-dd58fe169672042f803886da55ff3c0b">accused Denmark of underinvesting</a>&nbsp;there.

Trump has said that Greenland is crucial for U.S. security and hasn’t ruled out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-834785773189f2f12ec6b09f8c5a9321">taking the island by military force</a>, even though Denmark is a NATO ally of the U.S.

Landry took office as governor in January 2024. His term ends in January 2028.

“It's an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.,” Landry wrote in a posting on X in which he thanked Trump for the appointment. He added, "This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”

Denmark, a NATO ally of the U.S., and Greenland have said the island is not for sale and condemned reports of the U.S. gathering intelligence there. The U.S. push for Greenland is also opposed by Russia and much of Europe.

The Embassy of Denmark in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Landry's appointment.

The Danish Defense Intelligence Service said in a report earlier this month that the United States is using its economic power to “assert its will” and threaten military force against friend and foe alike.

The service, in its annual assessment, said Washington’s greater assertiveness under the Trump administration also comes as China and Russia seek to diminish Western, especially American, influence.

"The strategic importance of the Arctic is rising as the conflict between Russia and the West intensifies, and the growing security and strategic focus on the Arctic by the United States will further accelerate these developments,” the report said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766430284412.png" alt="Gov. Jeff Landry-image from CSPAN video" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jeff Landry-image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Sunday announced he is appointing Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to serve as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, the vast, semi-autonomous territory of Denmark that Trump has said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-offshore-drilling-gulf-of-america-fa66f8d072eb39c00a8128a8941ede75">U.S. needs to take over.</a><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/lRjG11rMSu">pic.twitter.com/lRjG11rMSu</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2002927574440186264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World,” Trump said in announcing the appointment.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>! It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S. This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!&mdash; Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAGovJeffLandry/status/2002950029494124986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-greenland-norway-panama-canal-canada-a52858e3075f9b5ad95e78753293fc1f">during his presidential transition</a>&nbsp;and in the early months of his return to the White House repeatedly called for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, and has not ruled out military force to take control of the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island.The issue had drifted out of the headlines in recent months, but in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denmark-greenland-us-trump-6c9544314792cf1e287e21af06111c1e">Danish officials summoned the U.S. ambassador</a>&nbsp;following a report that at least three people with connections to Trump had carried out covert influence operations in Greenland.Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance visited a remote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-american-military-pituffik-space-base-denmark-746d67b1bc8e6681328a809787412495">U.S. military base</a>&nbsp;on the island and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-dd58fe169672042f803886da55ff3c0b">accused Denmark of underinvesting</a>&nbsp;there.Trump has said that Greenland is crucial for U.S. security and hasn’t ruled out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-834785773189f2f12ec6b09f8c5a9321">taking the island by military force</a>, even though Denmark is a NATO ally of the U.S.Landry took office as governor in January 2024. His term ends in January 2028.“It's an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.,” Landry wrote in a posting on X in which he thanked Trump for the appointment. He added, "This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”Denmark, a NATO ally of the U.S., and Greenland have said the island is not for sale and condemned reports of the U.S. gathering intelligence there. The U.S. push for Greenland is also opposed by Russia and much of Europe.The Embassy of Denmark in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Landry's appointment.The Danish Defense Intelligence Service said in a report earlier this month that the United States is using its economic power to “assert its will” and threaten military force against friend and foe alike.The service, in its annual assessment, said Washington’s greater assertiveness under the Trump administration also comes as China and Russia seek to diminish Western, especially American, influence."The strategic importance of the Arctic is rising as the conflict between Russia and the West intensifies, and the growing security and strategic focus on the Arctic by the United States will further accelerate these developments,” the report said.

Trump takes next step in effort to make Greenland part of U.S.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the death of a 4-year-old boy is due back in court on Monday.&nbsp;

On Dec. 12, Judge Rodger Woods charged 34-year-old Daniel Martin with&nbsp; first degree murder and child abuse in the death of Tiuri Blunt-Porrata, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 3:30p.m. Dec. 8, police&nbsp; responded to a medical call regarding an unresponsive 4-year-old child in the 2600 block of South Topeka in Wichita, according to police department spokesman Andrew Ford. The child identified as Tirui Blunt-Porrata, according to an online fundraiser, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and was pronounced deceased at 4:07 p.m.

Police arrested Martin and booked him, into the Sedgwick County Jail where he remains on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records.

On December 16, police arrested the boy's mother 27-year-old Tyne Blunt in connection with the boy's death. A Sedgwick County judge charged her with first-degree murder and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Blunt is being held on a  a $750,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on December 29, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765296481475.png" alt="Martin-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Martin-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the death of a 4-year-old boy is due back in court on Monday.&nbsp;On Dec. 12, Judge Rodger Woods charged 34-year-old Daniel Martin with&nbsp; first degree murder and child abuse in the death of Tiuri Blunt-Porrata, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765596159268.png" alt="Tiuri Blunt-Porrata-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Tiuri Blunt-Porrata-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 3:30p.m. Dec. 8, police&nbsp; responded to a medical call regarding an unresponsive 4-year-old child in the 2600 block of South Topeka in Wichita, according to police department spokesman Andrew Ford. The child identified as Tirui Blunt-Porrata, according to an online fundraiser, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and was pronounced deceased at 4:07 p.m.Police arrested Martin and booked him, into the Sedgwick County Jail where he remains on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records.On December 16, police arrested the boy's mother 27-year-old Tyne Blunt in connection with the boy's death. A Sedgwick County judge charged her with first-degree murder and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Blunt is being held on a a $750,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on December 29, according to the district attorney's office.

Suspect in 4-year-old's death is due back in court

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>

Project relies on combination of state and federal funding, donations and bond debt

TOPEKA — The total price of constructing research and clinical facilities for the new University of Kansas Cancer Center increased nearly $80 million to accommodate plans for additional laboratory space and in response to general inflation, tariff and labor cost spikes.

Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center, said financial requirements of transforming the campus in Kansas City, Kansas, to fulfill the promise of a coveted federal designation as a comprehensive cancer center was estimated in November 2023 to total $250 million. He said the current assessment pegged the project cost at $329 million, which would amount to a 30% escalation in the budget.

Presentations to the Kansas Legislature and Kansas Board of Regents indicated decisions to add 70,000 square feet to the project for research purposes, enough to allow 44 principal laboratories rather than the original 32, would elevate the cost by $67.5 million. Escalation in materials and labor expenses added $6 million to the bottom line. In addition, planners committed $6 million more to the contingency fund.

In May, ground was broken for the cancer center complex. The plan calls for occupancy of the new research building in February 2028. Renovation of the nearby Hemenway Life Sciences and Innovation Center would connect it to the research hub of the cancer center. The entire complex would be operational by February 2029.

“It’s going to be an incredible catalyst for, I think, further growth of the cancer center,” Jensen said. “We’re super excited to have this in progress right now.”

The cancer center complex at 39th and Rainbow campus was designed to provide patients with access to groundbreaking clinical trials and therapies, KU officials said. Physicians and researchers engaged in cancer research and treatment would be brought together to make personalized care more readily available.

Jensen said KU Medical Center attracted 8,500 new cancer patients annually, an increase from 1,700 new patients in 2004. The volume of research at the medical center has grown over the past 20 years from $14 million annually to $94 million annually, he said.

“With that significant growth, we’re in need of an expansion,” Jensen said. “We’re currently in 10 different buildings just on the medical center campus. A big reason for this project was to begin to consolidate.”

Under the revised $329 million budget endorsed by the Board of Regents, the cancer center project would rely on $75 million in state aid, $60.7 million in federal appropriations, $57.2 million in private donations, $98 million in bond debt and $38 million from cash reserves and contributions from KU Health System.

“The Legislature’s allocation of $75 million played a key role in allowing us to move forward with this project,” Jensen said. “The office of Sen. (Jerry) Moran has also been quite helpful with a number of congressionally directed spending allocations.”

Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said unresolved pieces of the puzzle included the potential of supplemental federal funding. U.S. Senate legislation pending in Washington, D.C., would earmark $36 million more to the KU Cancer Center, which Waymaster suggested could be dedicated to reducing KU’s bond debt obligations.

Jensen said extra federal aid might moderate costs of borrowing, but the infusion also could allow shifting of resources to better incentivize hiring of cancer center researchers.

“Some of the cash on hand that’s being set aside for this building could then be used to help us to build recruiting packages to help bring new investigators to the cancer center,” he said.

In 2012, KU was federally designated by the U.S. National Cancer Institute as a clinical cancer center. KU Cancer Center was declared a comprehensive center in 2022, which was the highest level of recognition awarded by NCI.

Fifty-four comprehensive cancer centers have been established in the United States — a figure representing 1% of all cancer treatment facilities in the country, Jensen said.

“It’s impressive,” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence. “I think people should know that because it didn’t happen by accident.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766420960440.png" alt=" Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center at the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas, says the overall cost of the facility will rise nearly $80 million to a total of $329 million. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center at the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas, says the overall cost of the facility will rise nearly $80 million to a total of $329 million. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)</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>Project relies on combination of state and federal funding, donations and bond debt</h2>TOPEKA — The total price of constructing research and clinical facilities for the new University of Kansas Cancer Center increased nearly $80 million to accommodate plans for additional laboratory space and in response to general inflation, tariff and labor cost spikes.Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center, said financial requirements of transforming the campus in Kansas City, Kansas, to fulfill the promise of a coveted federal designation as a comprehensive cancer center was estimated in November 2023 to total $250 million. He said the current assessment pegged the project cost at $329 million, which would amount to a 30% escalation in the budget.Presentations to the Kansas Legislature and Kansas Board of Regents indicated decisions to add 70,000 square feet to the project for research purposes, enough to allow 44 principal laboratories rather than the original 32, would elevate the cost by $67.5 million. Escalation in materials and labor expenses added $6 million to the bottom line. In addition, planners committed $6 million more to the contingency fund.In May, ground was broken for the cancer center complex. The plan calls for occupancy of the new research building in February 2028. Renovation of the nearby Hemenway Life Sciences and Innovation Center would connect it to the research hub of the cancer center. The entire complex would be operational by February 2029.“It’s going to be an incredible catalyst for, I think, further growth of the cancer center,” Jensen said. “We’re super excited to have this in progress right now.”The cancer center complex at 39th and Rainbow campus was designed to provide patients with access to groundbreaking clinical trials and therapies, KU officials said. Physicians and researchers engaged in cancer research and treatment would be brought together to make personalized care more readily available.Jensen said KU Medical Center attracted 8,500 new cancer patients annually, an increase from 1,700 new patients in 2004. The volume of research at the medical center has grown over the past 20 years from $14 million annually to $94 million annually, he said.“With that significant growth, we’re in need of an expansion,” Jensen said. “We’re currently in 10 different buildings just on the medical center campus. A big reason for this project was to begin to consolidate.”Under the revised $329 million budget endorsed by the Board of Regents, the cancer center project would rely on $75 million in state aid, $60.7 million in federal appropriations, $57.2 million in private donations, $98 million in bond debt and $38 million from cash reserves and contributions from KU Health System.“The Legislature’s allocation of $75 million played a key role in allowing us to move forward with this project,” Jensen said. “The office of Sen. (Jerry) Moran has also been quite helpful with a number of congressionally directed spending allocations.”Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said unresolved pieces of the puzzle included the potential of supplemental federal funding. U.S. Senate legislation pending in Washington, D.C., would earmark $36 million more to the KU Cancer Center, which Waymaster suggested could be dedicated to reducing KU’s bond debt obligations.Jensen said extra federal aid might moderate costs of borrowing, but the infusion also could allow shifting of resources to better incentivize hiring of cancer center researchers.“Some of the cash on hand that’s being set aside for this building could then be used to help us to build recruiting packages to help bring new investigators to the cancer center,” he said.In 2012, KU was federally designated by the U.S. National Cancer Institute as a clinical cancer center. KU Cancer Center was declared a comprehensive center in 2022, which was the highest level of recognition awarded by NCI.Fifty-four comprehensive cancer centers have been established in the United States — a figure representing 1% of all cancer treatment facilities in the country, Jensen said.“It’s impressive,” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence. “I think people should know that because it didn’t happen by accident.”

Extra lab space, inflation drives cost of University of Kansas Cancer Center to $329 million

JACKSON COUNTY —A Jackson County sheriff's deputy struck by a car while investigating an accident continues to show improvement, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp;

Just after 6p.m. December 17, a 2012 Mercedes driven by a 69-year-old Lee's Summit woman was southbound at South Buckner Tarsney at E. Ryan Road. The vehicle traveled into the crash scene and struck the the 53-year-old deputy, according to the MSHP. 

Central Jackson County EMS transported the deputy to Centerpoint Medical Center.

"After undergoing several medical procedures the deputy is making progress toward healing, remains in stable condition and is expected to recover," according to Sheriff Forte'

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766358531941.png" alt="Road blocked following the pedestrian incident Dec. 17, -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Road blocked following the pedestrian incident Dec. 17, -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —A Jackson County sheriff's deputy struck by a car while investigating an accident continues to show improvement, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp;Just after 6p.m. December 17, a 2012 Mercedes driven by a 69-year-old Lee's Summit woman was southbound at South Buckner Tarsney at E. Ryan Road. The vehicle traveled into the crash scene and struck the the 53-year-old deputy, according to the MSHP. Central Jackson County EMS transported the deputy to Centerpoint Medical Center."After undergoing several medical procedures the deputy is making progress toward healing, remains in stable condition and is expected to recover," according to Sheriff Forte'

Deputy recovering after struck by a car at scene of earlier crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Wichita police arrested four people, including two juveniles, after investigators determined a gunshot that struck a 22-year-old woman inside her home was fired from a nearby parking garage.

Just before 10p.m. Dec. 18, police responded to a reported shooting in the 700 block of E. Second Street North in Wichita, according to a media release.

The injured woman told officers she had just arrived home with a friend when a bullet came through a window and struck her in the upper body. She went to a local hospital in a private vehicle and was later treated and released.

Investigators determined the shot came from the Warren Parking Garage, 315 N. Moore Street., across from the apartment complex at 701 E. Second St. North.

Cameras in the area were used to identify a vehicle of interest. Later that night, officers observed and stopped that vehicle near Mount Vernon and Washington. Officers detained five people and took them for interviews. Police later booked four suspects into the Sedgwick County Jail and the Juvenile Detention Facility.

Those arrested include a 17-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy, an 18-year-old woman identified in county booking records at Pamela Nunez and a 20-year-old man identified in county booking records as Franklin L. Hernandez Murillo. They are being held on requested charges of aggravated battery, discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling and unlawful possession of a firearm by a juvenile.

“This has to stop,” Chief Joe Sullivan said. “One reckless decision can change a life forever. Juveniles, or any person, who make the intentional decision to pick up a firearm and use it in the commission of a crime need to and will be held accountable.”

Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 316-268-4407. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766245844778.png" alt="Hernandez Murillo-Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Hernandez Murillo-Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Wichita police arrested four people, including two juveniles, after investigators determined a gunshot that struck a 22-year-old woman inside her home was fired from a nearby parking garage.Just before 10p.m. Dec. 18, police responded to a reported shooting in the 700 block of E. Second Street North in Wichita, according to a media release.The injured woman told officers she had just arrived home with a friend when a bullet came through a window and struck her in the upper body. She went to a local hospital in a private vehicle and was later treated and released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766246386311.png" alt="Nunez photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Nunez photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators determined the shot came from the Warren Parking Garage, 315 N. Moore Street., across from the apartment complex at 701 E. Second St. North.Cameras in the area were used to identify a vehicle of interest. Later that night, officers observed and stopped that vehicle near Mount Vernon and Washington. Officers detained five people and took them for interviews. Police later booked four suspects into the Sedgwick County Jail and the Juvenile Detention Facility.Those arrested include a 17-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy, an 18-year-old woman identified in county booking records at Pamela Nunez and a 20-year-old man identified in county booking records as Franklin L. Hernandez Murillo. They are being held on requested charges of aggravated battery, discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling and unlawful possession of a firearm by a juvenile.“This has to stop,” Chief Joe Sullivan said. “One reckless decision can change a life forever. Juveniles, or any person, who make the intentional decision to pick up a firearm and use it in the commission of a crime need to and will be held accountable.”Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 316-268-4407. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Gunfire struck Kansas woman in her home, 4 arrested

KANSAS CITY—Three people were injured in a fire on Sunday in Kansas City.

Just after 10:30a.m. crews were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 3300 block of Askew Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

On arrival, crews reported smoke on the 2nd&nbsp;floor of a 2-story house and initiated an offensive fire attack.&nbsp;Residents reported that all residents were able to get out on their own. Crews did conduct a search of the structure, which came back all clear. The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to a single room.&nbsp;KCFD ambulances transported 3 occupants of the residence, to local hospitals. Late Sunday, there was no update on their condition. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—Three people were injured in a fire on Sunday in Kansas City.Just after 10:30a.m. crews were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 3300 block of Askew Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.On arrival, crews reported smoke on the 2nd&nbsp;floor of a 2-story house and initiated an offensive fire attack.&nbsp;Residents reported that all residents were able to get out on their own. Crews did conduct a search of the structure, which came back all clear. The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to a single room.&nbsp;KCFD ambulances transported 3 occupants of the residence, to local hospitals. Late Sunday, there was no update on their condition. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;

3 hospitalized after fire at home in Kansas City

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday defended the Justice Department’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">release just a fraction</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;files by the congressionally mandated deadline as necessary to protect survivors of sexual abuse by the disgraced financier.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the Epstein files and do a search

Blanche pledged that the Trump administration eventually would meet its obligation required by law. But he stressed that the department was obligated to act with caution as it goes about making public thousands of documents that can include sensitive information.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">Friday's partial release</a>&nbsp;of the Epstein files has led to a new crush of criticism from Democrats who have accused the Republican administration of trying to hide information.

Blanche called that pushback disingenuous as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;administration continues to struggle with calls for greater transparency, including from members of his political base, about the government’s investigations into Epstein, who once counted Trump as well as several political leaders and business titans among his peers.

“The reason why we are still reviewing documents and still continuing our process is simply that to protect victims,” Blanche told NBC's "Meet the Press." “So the same individuals that are out there complaining about the lack of documents that were produced on Friday are the same individuals who apparently don’t want us to protect victims.”

Blanche's comments were the most extensive by the administration since the file dump, which included photographs, interview transcripts, call logs, court records and other documents. But some of the most consequential records expected about Epstein were nowhere to be found, such as FBI interviews with survivors and internal Justice Department memos examining charging decisions. Those records could help explain how investigators viewed the case and why Epstein was allowed in 2008 to plead guilty to a relatively minor state-level prostitution charge.

Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and that the public should focus on other issues.

Federal prosecutors in New York brought sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">he killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;after his arrest.

Democrat see a cover-up, not an effort to protect victims

But Democratic lawmakers on Sunday hammered Trump and the Justice Department for a partial release.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., argued that the Justice Department is obstructing the implementation of the law mandating the release of the documents not because it wants to protect the Epstein victims.

“It’s all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn’t want to go public, either about himself, other members of his family, friends, Jeffrey Epstein, or just the social, business, cultural network that he was involved in for at least a decade, if not longer," he said on CNN's “State of the Union.”

Blanche also defended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-9290fcaad1cb6fcb1cbc1befabc01994">department's decision to remove several files</a>&nbsp;related to the case from its public webpage, including a photograph showing Trump, less than a day after they were posted.

The missing files, which were available Friday but no longer accessible by Saturday, included images of paintings depicting nude women, and one showed a series of photographs along a credenza and in drawers. In that image, inside a drawer among other photos, was a photograph of Trump, alongside Epstein, Melania Trump and Epstein’s longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Blanche said the documents were removed because they also showed victims of Epstein. Blanche said that Trump photo and the other documents will be reposted once redactions are made to protect survivors.

“It has nothing to do with President Trump,” Blanche said. “There are dozens of photos of President Trump already released to the public seeing him with Mr. Epstein.”

The thousands of Epstein-related records posted publicly offer the most detailed look yet at nearly two decades worth of government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">scrutiny of Epstein’s sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;of young women and underage girls. Yet Friday's release, replete with redactions, has not dulled the clamor for information given how many records had yet to be released and because some of the materials had already been made public.

Justice Department has just learned the names of more potential victims, Blanche says

Blanche said that the department continues to review the trove of documents and has learned the names of additional potential victims in recent days.

The deputy attorney general also defended the decision by the federal Bureau of Prisons, which Blanche oversees, to transfer Maxwell to a less restrictive, minimum-security federal prison earlier this year soon after he interviewed her about Epstein. Blanche said that the transfer was made because of concerns about her safety.

Maxwell, Epstein's onetime girlfriend, is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for her 2021 conviction for sex trafficking crimes.

“She was suffering numerous and numerous threats against her life,” Blanche said. “So the BOP is not only responsible for putting people in jail and making sure they stay in jail, but also for their safety.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., have indicated they could draft articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi for what they see as the gross failure of the department to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

“It’s not about the timeline, it’s about the selective concealment,” Khanna said on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” adding that the redactions in the released files are excessive. He said he believes there will be "bipartisan support in holding her accountable, and a committee of Congress should determine whether these redactions are justified or not."

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said on ABC's “This Week” that there needs “to be a full and complete explanation and then a full and complete investigation as to why the document production has fallen short of what the law clearly required,” but he stopped short of backing impeachment.

“Bring it on,” Blanche said. “We are doing everything we’re supposed to be doing to comply with this statute.”

Gómez Licón reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday defended the Justice Department’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">release just a fraction</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;files by the congressionally mandated deadline as necessary to protect survivors of sexual abuse by the disgraced financier.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the Epstein files and do a search<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/ZbpE6Uq6xh">pic.twitter.com/ZbpE6Uq6xh</a>&mdash; U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept/status/2002843217633632644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Blanche pledged that the Trump administration eventually would meet its obligation required by law. But he stressed that the department was obligated to act with caution as it goes about making public thousands of documents that can include sensitive information.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">Friday's partial release</a>&nbsp;of the Epstein files has led to a new crush of criticism from Democrats who have accused the Republican administration of trying to hide information.Blanche called that pushback disingenuous as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;administration continues to struggle with calls for greater transparency, including from members of his political base, about the government’s investigations into Epstein, who once counted Trump as well as several political leaders and business titans among his peers.“The reason why we are still reviewing documents and still continuing our process is simply that to protect victims,” Blanche told NBC's "Meet the Press." “So the same individuals that are out there complaining about the lack of documents that were produced on Friday are the same individuals who apparently don’t want us to protect victims.”Blanche's comments were the most extensive by the administration since the file dump, which included photographs, interview transcripts, call logs, court records and other documents. But some of the most consequential records expected about Epstein were nowhere to be found, such as FBI interviews with survivors and internal Justice Department memos examining charging decisions. Those records could help explain how investigators viewed the case and why Epstein was allowed in 2008 to plead guilty to a relatively minor state-level prostitution charge.Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and that the public should focus on other issues.Federal prosecutors in New York brought sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">he killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;after his arrest.<h2>Democrat see a cover-up, not an effort to protect victims</h2>But Democratic lawmakers on Sunday hammered Trump and the Justice Department for a partial release.Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., argued that the Justice Department is obstructing the implementation of the law mandating the release of the documents not because it wants to protect the Epstein victims.“It’s all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn’t want to go public, either about himself, other members of his family, friends, Jeffrey Epstein, or just the social, business, cultural network that he was involved in for at least a decade, if not longer," he said on CNN's “State of the Union.”Blanche also defended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-9290fcaad1cb6fcb1cbc1befabc01994">department's decision to remove several files</a>&nbsp;related to the case from its public webpage, including a photograph showing Trump, less than a day after they were posted.The missing files, which were available Friday but no longer accessible by Saturday, included images of paintings depicting nude women, and one showed a series of photographs along a credenza and in drawers. In that image, inside a drawer among other photos, was a photograph of Trump, alongside Epstein, Melania Trump and Epstein’s longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.Blanche said the documents were removed because they also showed victims of Epstein. Blanche said that Trump photo and the other documents will be reposted once redactions are made to protect survivors.“It has nothing to do with President Trump,” Blanche said. “There are dozens of photos of President Trump already released to the public seeing him with Mr. Epstein.”The thousands of Epstein-related records posted publicly offer the most detailed look yet at nearly two decades worth of government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">scrutiny of Epstein’s sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;of young women and underage girls. Yet Friday's release, replete with redactions, has not dulled the clamor for information given how many records had yet to be released and because some of the materials had already been made public.<h2>Justice Department has just learned the names of more potential victims, Blanche says</h2>Blanche said that the department continues to review the trove of documents and has learned the names of additional potential victims in recent days.The deputy attorney general also defended the decision by the federal Bureau of Prisons, which Blanche oversees, to transfer Maxwell to a less restrictive, minimum-security federal prison earlier this year soon after he interviewed her about Epstein. Blanche said that the transfer was made because of concerns about her safety.Maxwell, Epstein's onetime girlfriend, is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for her 2021 conviction for sex trafficking crimes.“She was suffering numerous and numerous threats against her life,” Blanche said. “So the BOP is not only responsible for putting people in jail and making sure they stay in jail, but also for their safety.”Meanwhile, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., have indicated they could draft articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi for what they see as the gross failure of the department to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.“It’s not about the timeline, it’s about the selective concealment,” Khanna said on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” adding that the redactions in the released files are excessive. He said he believes there will be "bipartisan support in holding her accountable, and a committee of Congress should determine whether these redactions are justified or not."House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said on ABC's “This Week” that there needs “to be a full and complete explanation and then a full and complete investigation as to why the document production has fallen short of what the law clearly required,” but he stopped short of backing impeachment.Blanche dismissed the impeachment talk.“Bring it on,” Blanche said. “We are doing everything we’re supposed to be doing to comply with this statute.”___Gómez Licón reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

DOJ issues new statement on release of Epstein files

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

just before 4:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the intersection of Admiral and Paseo on a reported shooting, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766337684429.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.just before 4:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the intersection of Admiral and Paseo on a reported shooting, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766337663096.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found a man lying in the street near the intersection, unresponsive, and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene&nbsp; and pronounced the victim deceased.There is no preliminary information indicating what led up to the shooting and a subject of interest has not been identified at this time.