OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A basketball player at a junior college in Oklahoma who was injured during a game has died, school officials said.

Connors State College sophomore Ethan Dietz died Tuesday after he was injured during the second half of a game Saturday in Texas, the school said in a statement posted to its Facebook page. A spokesperson for the college, Shannon Rigsby, said initial reports indicate Dietz suffered some kind of head injury, but that she didn’t have any more information.

“Ethan exemplified what it means to be a Cowboy, to value hard work and being part of a team,” according to the statement from the school. “While the team and the Cowboy community are processing our own grief, our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

Messages seeking comment were left Wednesday with the college’s athletic director and men’s basketball coach.

Several of the college’s men’s and women’s basketball games were canceled following Dietz’s death.

Dietz was a 6-foot-8 forward from Vilonia, Arkansas, who was averaging 11 points per game through eight games so far this season. He had eight points and four rebounds in 20 minutes of playing time Saturday before he was injured.

A vigil in his honor was scheduled for Dec. 1 at the college’s campus in Warner, Oklahoma.

<p>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A basketball player at a junior college in Oklahoma who was injured during a game has died, school officials said.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid04mYf7chAo7Kq3sxiZWmDfsRBLuPFS1MdwR75AonAXeBtikyJ1QEYC8ibFUZbCimUl%26id%3D100075543713196&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="574" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><p>Connors State College sophomore Ethan Dietz died Tuesday after he was injured during the second half of a game Saturday in Texas, the school said in a statement posted to its Facebook page. A spokesperson for the college, Shannon Rigsby, said initial reports indicate Dietz suffered some kind of head injury, but that she didn’t have any more information.</p><p>“Ethan exemplified what it means to be a Cowboy, to value hard work and being part of a team,” according to the statement from the school. “While the team and the Cowboy community are processing our own grief, our hearts go out to his family and friends.”</p><p>Messages seeking comment were left Wednesday with the college’s athletic director and men’s basketball coach.</p><p>Several of the college’s men’s and women’s basketball games were canceled following Dietz’s death.</p><p>Dietz was a 6-foot-8 forward from Vilonia, Arkansas, who was averaging 11 points per game through eight games so far this season. He had eight points and four rebounds in 20 minutes of playing time Saturday before he was injured.</p><p>A vigil in his honor was scheduled for Dec. 1 at the college’s campus in Warner, Oklahoma.</p>

College basketball player in Oklahoma dies after injured during game

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump delivers remarks on the horrific attack on the Great National Guard Warriors <a href="https://t.co/xDxRzJENU0">https://t.co/xDxRzJENU0</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1993865712583180642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;My great fellow Americans, earlier today on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday, two members of the National Guard serving in Washington, D.C. were shot at point blank range in a monstrous, ambush-style attack just steps away from the White House... This heinous assault… <a href="https://t.co/3nmv426LRq">pic.twitter.com/3nmv426LRq</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993868356538057112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHSgov</a> is confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan... He was flown in by the Biden Administration in September 2021 on those infamous flights... His status was extended under legislation signed by President Biden.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/rMCQe6CMIo">pic.twitter.com/rMCQe6CMIo</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993869422717456872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Tonight, I can announce that I have directed the <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofWar</a> to mobilize an additional 500 troops to help protect our capital city... and we will bring the perpetrator of this barbaric attack to swift and certain justice.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4G7bj6s9Zg">pic.twitter.com/4G7bj6s9Zg</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993870051082998158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/jAPGBP5HH2">pic.twitter.com/jAPGBP5HH2</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993870729293746180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHSgov</a> is confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan... He was flown in by the Biden Administration in September 2021 on those infamous flights... His status was extended under legislation signed by President Biden.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/rMCQe6CMIo">pic.twitter.com/rMCQe6CMIo</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993869422717456872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump's remarks on the attack on National Guard soldiers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two West Virginia National Guard members who deployed to the nation’s capital were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House in a brazen act of violence.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the Guard members were hospitalized in critical condition. Bowser said they were victims of a ”targeted shooting.”

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially said the troops had died, but later walked back the statement to say his office was “receiving conflicting reports" about their condition. The governor’s office did not immediately respond to questions about the attack and the condition of the troops.

A suspect who was in custody also was shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington following the shooting. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump asked him to send the extra soldiers.

There are currently 2,188 troops assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the government’s latest update.

Law enforcement was reviewing surveillance video from the scene and believed the suspect approached the soldiers and pulled out a gun, said another law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

At least one of the soldiers exchanged gunfire with the shooter, the official said. Investigators were trying to determine the gunman's motive, including whether the suspect was targeting the troops for any specific reason, the official said.

The shooting happened roughly two blocks northwest of the White House.

Social media video shared in the immediate aftermath showed first responders attempting CPR on one of the soldiers and treating the other on a glass-covered sidewalk. Other officers could be seen steps away restraining an individual on the ground.

Stacy Walters said she was in a car near the scene when she heard two gunshots and saw people running. Almost instantly, law enforcement swarmed the area. “It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this? And we’re getting ready for the holidays?”

The presence of the National Guard in the nation’s capital has been a flashpoint issue for months, fueling a court fight and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administration’s use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem.

More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed to Washington in August. Last week, about 160 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year while the others returned to West Virginia just over a week ago.

Police tape cordoned off the scene where fire and police vehicle lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on scene, as National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guardsmen “will pay a very steep price.”

“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”

In Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Vice President JD Vance urged “everybody who’s a person of faith” to pray for the two Guardsmen. He cautioned that much remained unknown, including the motive of the shooter.

“I think it’s a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they’re active duty, reserve or National Guard, our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America,” Vance said as he delivered a Thanksgiving message to troops.

Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. The order expired a month later, but the troops remained.

Last week, a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment but also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to either remove the troops or appeal the decision.

The soldiers have patrolled neighborhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and also have been assigned to trash pickup and to guard sports events.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764187745883.png" alt="National Guard members near the scene of the Wednesday shooting -photo courtesy WTTG" />
                        <figcaption>National Guard members near the scene of the Wednesday shooting -photo courtesy WTTG</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Two West Virginia National Guard members who deployed to the nation’s capital were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House in a brazen act of violence.</p><p>FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the Guard members were hospitalized in critical condition. Bowser said they were victims of a ”targeted shooting.”</p><p>West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially said the troops had died, but later walked back the statement to say his office was “receiving conflicting reports" about their condition. The governor’s office did not immediately respond to questions about the attack and the condition of the troops.</p><p>A suspect who was in custody also was shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.</p><p>The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington following the shooting. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump asked him to send the extra soldiers.</p><p>There are currently 2,188 troops assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the government’s latest update.</p><p>Law enforcement was reviewing surveillance video from the scene and believed the suspect approached the soldiers and pulled out a gun, said another law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.</p><p>At least one of the soldiers exchanged gunfire with the shooter, the official said. Investigators were trying to determine the gunman's motive, including whether the suspect was targeting the troops for any specific reason, the official said.</p><p>The shooting happened roughly two blocks northwest of the White House.</p><p>Social media video shared in the immediate aftermath showed first responders attempting CPR on one of the soldiers and treating the other on a glass-covered sidewalk. Other officers could be seen steps away restraining an individual on the ground.</p><p>Stacy Walters said she was in a car near the scene when she heard two gunshots and saw people running. Almost instantly, law enforcement swarmed the area. “It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this? And we’re getting ready for the holidays?”</p><p>The presence of the National Guard in the nation’s capital has been a flashpoint issue for months, fueling a court fight and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administration’s use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem.</p><p>More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed to Washington in August. Last week, about 160 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year while the others returned to West Virginia just over a week ago.</p><p>Police tape cordoned off the scene where fire and police vehicle lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on scene, as National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.</p><p>Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guardsmen “will pay a very steep price.”</p><p>“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”</p><p>In Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Vice President JD Vance urged “everybody who’s a person of faith” to pray for the two Guardsmen. He cautioned that much remained unknown, including the motive of the shooter.</p><p>“I think it’s a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they’re active duty, reserve or National Guard, our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America,” Vance said as he delivered a Thanksgiving message to troops.</p><p>Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. The order expired a month later, but the troops remained.</p><p>Last week, a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment but also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to either remove the troops or appeal the decision.</p><p>The soldiers have patrolled neighborhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and also have been assigned to trash pickup and to guard sports events.</p><p>___</p>

Trump orders more National Guard troops to DC after shooting of soldiers

The West Virginia governor initially said the troops had died, but later walked back the statement to say his office was “receiving conflicting reports" about their condition. The governor’s office did not immediately respond to questions about the attack and the condition of the troops.

"We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues," Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.

Stacy Walters said she was in a car near the scene car when she heard two gunshots and saw people running. Almost instantly, law enforcement swarmed the area. “It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this, and we’re getting ready for the holidays?”

Emergency medical responders transported all three people to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services.

President Donald Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guardsmen “will pay a very steep price.”

A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said local leaders were actively monitoring the situation. Bowser had spent the morning at a Thanksgiving event at the Convention Center and then held a news conference to explain why she was not seeking reelection.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two West Virginia National Guard members shot Wednesday near the White House have died, the state’s governor said.

Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed their deaths in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/wvgovernor/status/1993782336056357214?s=20">a social media post</a>.

"We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues," he said.

A suspect who was in custody also was shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. One National Guard member was shot in the head, according to a person familiar with the details of the incident who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

The shooting happened at the corner of 17th and H Streets in the northwest quadrant of the city, roughly two blocks northwest of the White House.

Emergency medical responders transported all three victims to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services. The Joint DC Task Force confirmed they responded to the incident after reports of the shooting. The Metropolitan Police Department also said they were on-scene.

Police tape cordoned off the scene where emergency fire and police vehicles’ lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on scene, as National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

President Donald Trump, who is in Florida celebrating Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guardsmen “will pay a very steep price.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on social media that he was “closely monitoring” the shooting and that his “heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting.”

A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said that local leaders were actively monitoring the situation. Bowser had spent the morning at a Thanksgiving event at the Convention Center and then held a press conference to explain why she was not seeking reelection.

Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. The order expired a month later but the troops remained.

Associated Press reporters Konstantin Toropin, Seung Min Kim, Safiyah Riddle, Matt Brown, Mike Balsamo, Eric Tucker and Jesse Bedayn contributed.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-dc-c5785dd8920d2d1ac7d71fab769faf5f" target="_blank">WASHINGTON (AP) —Two National Guard members were shot</a>&nbsp;Wednesday near the White House and are in critical condition, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

A suspect, now in custody, was also shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, the source said.

Emergency medical responders transported all three victims to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services.

President Donald Trump was at his West Palm Beach golf course when the shooting took place.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A suspect is in custody in the shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, police said.

Two guard soldiers were shot near the White House and their conditions aren’t immediately known, according to two law enforcement officials not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

Emergency vehicles were seen responding to the area and at least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

The Joint DC Task Force confirmed they were responding to an incident in the vicinity of the White House in the movements after reports of the shooting. However, the spokesperson wouldn’t immediately confirm or deny if any National Guard members had been shot.

The Metropolitan Police Department said they were responding to a shooting but didn’t immediately provide more information.

A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said that local leaders were actively monitoring the situation. The mayor was in the city when the incident occurred.

“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Hundreds of National Guard members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-trump-deployment-washington-cbae3a840cec29b0d361413fbe162e14">from the district</a>&nbsp;and several states have been patrolling the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump in August issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in the capital, federalizing the local police force and sending in the guard from eight states and the District of Columbia.

Two National Guard soldiers shot near the White House

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A child was critically injured in an accident that may have involved street racing&nbsp; on Tuesday in Wichita.

Just before noon, police were dispatched to a vehicle crash at the intersection of 21st and Maize Road in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

A Toyota Camry was eastbound on 21st Street and collided with a&nbsp;minivan pulling out of a private drive. EMS transported the adult van driver and two 7-year-old children to a local hospital. One of the children was reported in critical condition, according to Gupilan.&nbsp; The driver of the Camry was not injured but spoke with police investigators about the crash.

During an online media briefing, Police Chief Joe Sullivan said witnesses indicated street racing may have contributed to the crash. Police are looking at several sources of video as part of their investigation.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764175800568.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A child was critically injured in an accident that may have involved street racing&nbsp; on Tuesday in Wichita.</p><p>Just before noon, police were dispatched to a vehicle crash at the intersection of 21st and Maize Road in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.</p><p>A Toyota Camry was eastbound on 21st Street and collided with a&nbsp;minivan pulling out of a private drive. EMS transported the adult van driver and two 7-year-old children to a local hospital. One of the children was reported in critical condition, according to Gupilan.&nbsp; The driver of the Camry was not injured but spoke with police investigators about the crash.</p><p>During an online media briefing, Police Chief Joe Sullivan said witnesses indicated street racing may have contributed to the crash. Police are looking at several sources of video as part of their investigation.</p>

Police: Street racing possible cause of Kan. crash that injured 7-year-olds

&nbsp;DOUGLAS COUNTY—The board of directors of the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc., made the difficult decision this week to cancel the 2025 parade scheduled for December 6, due to the current outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV) affecting horses in multiple states, according to a statement from the board.

EHV is a highly contagious virus among horses. Veterinarians and equine health experts recommend limiting travel and avoiding large gatherings of horses during active outbreaks. The virus poses no risks to humans, but it can spread quickly between horses making this precautionary action necessary.

"The health and safety of the horses and our community come first, always," said Marty Kennedy, president of the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc. "Cancelling this year's parade was an extremely difficult decision but it is the responsible one."

Although the parade is cancelled, visitors can still enjoy all the shopping, dining and other holiday events planned in downtown Lawrence.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764183872260.png" alt="Photo courtesy Downtown Lawrence" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy Downtown Lawrence</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>&nbsp;DOUGLAS COUNTY—The board of directors of the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc., made the difficult decision this week to cancel the 2025 parade scheduled for December 6, due to the current outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV) affecting horses in multiple states, according to a statement from the board.</p><p>EHV is a highly contagious virus among horses. Veterinarians and equine health experts recommend limiting travel and avoiding large gatherings of horses during active outbreaks. The virus poses no risks to humans, but it can spread quickly between horses making this precautionary action necessary.</p><p>"The health and safety of the horses and our community come first, always," said Marty Kennedy, president of the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc. "Cancelling this year's parade was an extremely difficult decision but it is the responsible one."</p><p>Although the parade is cancelled, visitors can still enjoy all the shopping, dining and other holiday events planned in downtown Lawrence.</p>

Annual Christmas parade in Kansas canceled due to horse virus 

ATLANTA (AP) — The prosecutor who recently took over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-grand-jury-willis-d39562cedfc60d64948708de1b011ed3">Georgia election interference case</a>&nbsp;against President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and others said in a court filing Wednesday that he has decided not to pursue the case further.

Pete Skandalakis, the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, took over the case last month from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who was removed over an “appearance of impropriety” created by a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fani-willis-georgia-election-indictment-removed-0aa6db3b7abed22eb08ed9323f687972">romantic relationship</a>&nbsp;with the special prosecutor she chose to lead the case.

After Skandalakis’ filing, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee issued a one-paragraph order dismissing the case in its entirety.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/26303252/23sc188947-request-for-dead-docketnolle-prosequi-by-district-attorney.pdf">Click here to read the full</a> motion document

It was unlikely that legal action against Trump could have moved forward while he is president. But 14 other defendants still faced charges, including former New York mayor and Trump attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-dominion-voting-2020-election-trump-fb964cb109a66338f2d594c732f5d2f1">Rudy Giuliani</a>&nbsp;and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

Steve Sadow, Trump’s lead attorney in Georgia, applauded the case’s dismissal: “The political persecution of President Trump by disqualified DA Fani Willis is finally over. This case should never have been brought. A fair and impartial prosecutor has put an end to this lawfare.”

After the Georgia Supreme Court in September declined to hear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-appeal-georgia-supreme-court-trump-7be50feee272612484490b53592e7e08">Willis’ appeal</a>&nbsp;of her disqualification, it fell to the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council to find a new prosecutor. Skandalakis said last month that he reached out to several prosecutors, but they all declined to take on the case. McAfee set a Nov. 14 deadline for the appointment of a new prosecutor, so Skandalakis chose to appoint himself rather than allow the case to be dismissed right away.

He said Willis’ office had only recently delivered the case file — 101 boxes and an eight-terabyte hard drive — and he hadn’t had a chance to review everything yet. Citing the public’s “legitimate interest in the outcome of this case,” he said he wanted to assess the evidence and decide on the appropriate next steps.

Skandalakis, who has led the small, nonpartisan council since 2018, said in a court filing last month that he will get no extra pay for the case but that Fulton County will reimburse expenses. He previously spent about 25 years as the elected Republican district attorney for the Coweta Judicial Circuit, southwest of Atlanta.

Willis announced the sprawling indictment against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-indictment-meadows-guiliani-084efc6796becef3714196cee3854cf6">Trump and 18 others</a>&nbsp;in August 2023, using the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-trump-election-investigation-indictment-rico-willis-2b18a1c1ed6a4ce22b1a2ca88ea861e3">anti-racketeering law</a>&nbsp;to allege a wide-ranging conspiracy to illegally overturn Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-georgia-elections-bb997641ca36805c0f53f406a3529d87">narrow loss</a>&nbsp;to Democrat Joe Biden in Georgia.

Defense attorneys sought Willis’ removal after one revealed in January 2024 that Willis had a romantic relationship with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-willis-wade-georgia-election-5d76abb5578308317306e7b2e610ac91">Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor</a>&nbsp;she hired to lead the case. The defense attorneys alleged a conflict of interest and said Willis profited from the case when Wade used his earnings to pay for vacations the pair took.

During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-hearing-trump-case-potential-conflict-c37fcf993ac33c150f3cb3e4a7a888db">an extraordinary hearing</a>&nbsp;the following month, Willis and Wade testified about the intimate details of their relationship. They said the romance didn’t begin until after Wade was hired and that they split the costs for vacations and other outings.

The judge rebuked Willis for a “tremendous lapse in judgment” but found no disqualifying conflict of interest, ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-wade-trump-georgia-election-takeaways-150a46abe71ee76da2c0050798a5d93e">she could stay on</a>&nbsp;the case if Wade resigned,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-election-indictment-fani-willis-trump-60b7dd9642fc9ef7c03d75980692334c">which he did</a>&nbsp;hours later.

Defense attorneys appealed, and the Georgia Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fani-willis-georgia-election-indictment-removed-0aa6db3b7abed22eb08ed9323f687972">removed Willis from the case</a>&nbsp;in December 2024, citing an “appearance of impropriety.” The state Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-appeal-georgia-supreme-court-trump-7be50feee272612484490b53592e7e08">declined to hear Willis’ appeal</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692924558227.png" alt="Donald Trump as shown in his Fulton Co. Georgia booking photo from Aug. 2023" />
                        <figcaption>Donald Trump as shown in his Fulton Co. Georgia booking photo from Aug. 2023</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>ATLANTA (AP) — The prosecutor who recently took over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-grand-jury-willis-d39562cedfc60d64948708de1b011ed3">Georgia election interference case</a>&nbsp;against President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and others said in a court filing Wednesday that he has decided not to pursue the case further.</p><p>Pete Skandalakis, the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, took over the case last month from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who was removed over an “appearance of impropriety” created by a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fani-willis-georgia-election-indictment-removed-0aa6db3b7abed22eb08ed9323f687972">romantic relationship</a>&nbsp;with the special prosecutor she chose to lead the case.</p><p>After Skandalakis’ filing, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee issued a one-paragraph order dismissing the case in its entirety.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764173705082.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/26303252/23sc188947-request-for-dead-docketnolle-prosequi-by-district-attorney.pdf">Click here to read the full</a> motion document</p><p>It was unlikely that legal action against Trump could have moved forward while he is president. But 14 other defendants still faced charges, including former New York mayor and Trump attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-dominion-voting-2020-election-trump-fb964cb109a66338f2d594c732f5d2f1">Rudy Giuliani</a>&nbsp;and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708029546187.png" alt="Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis-image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Steve Sadow, Trump’s lead attorney in Georgia, applauded the case’s dismissal: “The political persecution of President Trump by disqualified DA Fani Willis is finally over. This case should never have been brought. A fair and impartial prosecutor has put an end to this lawfare.”</p><p>After the Georgia Supreme Court in September declined to hear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-appeal-georgia-supreme-court-trump-7be50feee272612484490b53592e7e08">Willis’ appeal</a>&nbsp;of her disqualification, it fell to the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council to find a new prosecutor. Skandalakis said last month that he reached out to several prosecutors, but they all declined to take on the case. McAfee set a Nov. 14 deadline for the appointment of a new prosecutor, so Skandalakis chose to appoint himself rather than allow the case to be dismissed right away.</p><p>He said Willis’ office had only recently delivered the case file — 101 boxes and an eight-terabyte hard drive — and he hadn’t had a chance to review everything yet. Citing the public’s “legitimate interest in the outcome of this case,” he said he wanted to assess the evidence and decide on the appropriate next steps.</p><p>Skandalakis, who has led the small, nonpartisan council since 2018, said in a court filing last month that he will get no extra pay for the case but that Fulton County will reimburse expenses. He previously spent about 25 years as the elected Republican district attorney for the Coweta Judicial Circuit, southwest of Atlanta.</p><p>Willis announced the sprawling indictment against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-indictment-meadows-guiliani-084efc6796becef3714196cee3854cf6">Trump and 18 others</a>&nbsp;in August 2023, using the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-trump-election-investigation-indictment-rico-willis-2b18a1c1ed6a4ce22b1a2ca88ea861e3">anti-racketeering law</a>&nbsp;to allege a wide-ranging conspiracy to illegally overturn Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-georgia-elections-bb997641ca36805c0f53f406a3529d87">narrow loss</a>&nbsp;to Democrat Joe Biden in Georgia.</p><p>Defense attorneys sought Willis’ removal after one revealed in January 2024 that Willis had a romantic relationship with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-willis-wade-georgia-election-5d76abb5578308317306e7b2e610ac91">Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor</a>&nbsp;she hired to lead the case. The defense attorneys alleged a conflict of interest and said Willis profited from the case when Wade used his earnings to pay for vacations the pair took.</p><p>During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-hearing-trump-case-potential-conflict-c37fcf993ac33c150f3cb3e4a7a888db">an extraordinary hearing</a>&nbsp;the following month, Willis and Wade testified about the intimate details of their relationship. They said the romance didn’t begin until after Wade was hired and that they split the costs for vacations and other outings.</p><p>The judge rebuked Willis for a “tremendous lapse in judgment” but found no disqualifying conflict of interest, ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-wade-trump-georgia-election-takeaways-150a46abe71ee76da2c0050798a5d93e">she could stay on</a>&nbsp;the case if Wade resigned,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-election-indictment-fani-willis-trump-60b7dd9642fc9ef7c03d75980692334c">which he did</a>&nbsp;hours later.</p><p>Defense attorneys appealed, and the Georgia Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fani-willis-georgia-election-indictment-removed-0aa6db3b7abed22eb08ed9323f687972">removed Willis from the case</a>&nbsp;in December 2024, citing an “appearance of impropriety.” The state Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-appeal-georgia-supreme-court-trump-7be50feee272612484490b53592e7e08">declined to hear Willis’ appeal</a>.</p>

Read the ruling: Trump's criminal case in Georgia dismissed

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a homicide that occurred November 24,in the 1200 block of N 77th Street in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 8:30p.m. November 24, police were dispatched a report of a shooting.&nbsp; Officers went to a local hospital where they located a man who was transported to the hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound.  He was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  Detectives have not released the name of the victim or possible suspect details.

<p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a homicide that occurred November 24,in the 1200 block of N 77th Street in Kansas City, Kansas.</p><p>Just after 8:30p.m. November 24, police were dispatched a report of a shooting.&nbsp; Officers went to a local hospital where they located a man who was transported to the hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound.  He was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  Detectives have not released the name of the victim or possible suspect details.</p>

Police: Man hospitalized after Kan. shooting has died

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

CEDAR CREST — The best gift Statehouse Republicans could give Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly this holiday season is collaboration to resolve Kansas’ water issues, she said Tuesday at the annual Christmas tree donation at Cedar Crest.

“Recognizing that that is not a political win or loss for anybody, but absolutely essential for the future in this state,” Kelly said.&nbsp;

In August Kelly elevated water to her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/732/55" target="_blank">highest priority</a>. She’s concerned with creating a long-term sustainable strategy that recognizes the falling levels in the Ogallala Aquifer.&nbsp;

“I hadn’t really thought about what the Democrats themselves could give me,” Kelly said. “There’s probably not a lot in this upcoming session. What they could do is get some really good candidates for November 2026, break that supermajority so that regardless of who the next governor is there will be an absolute need to work together to get anything done.”&nbsp;

Republicans currently have a supermajority in both the House and Senate, enough to override the governor’s vetoes.

Charlotte Cooper, granddaughter of Dave Bruton — the Kansas Forest Service liaison with the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association — isn’t entirely sure what she wants this holiday season either. Lucky for Cooper, Santa’s elves encouraged him to make business cards, so her mom can e-mail Santa with her list. She even got the chance to talk to Santa at Tuesday’s event.&nbsp;

“This is a good group,” Santa said. “Santa always likes to reward the good people, and tell the others they have time —”

“Do you live in the North Pole?” Cooper interjected.&nbsp;

“Most of the time. When I’m not living down here, checking up on children,” Santa said.&nbsp;

Santa, Cooper and others rode in a replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach up to the governor’s mansion to deliver the donated Christmas decorations.

Two six-year-old&nbsp;Percheron&nbsp;horses carried the stagecoach. They replaced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/24/one-kansas-tradition-goes-on-as-usual-this-year-bess-and-betty-do-their-job/">Bess and Betty</a>, who carried the stagecoach for years before. The ceremony was the horses’ first large crowd, and they acted “about what you would guess,” according to Robin Dunn of Dunn’s Landing farm near Wellsville.&nbsp;

When asked if the new horses would be able to replace Bess and Betty, Dunn responded with a swift “no.” Then she paused.&nbsp;

“Well, I don’t know,” Dunn said. “It’ll take about 15 years. In 15 years ask me that question again.”

On top of the stagecoach was an 8½-foot tall Scotch pine grown on the Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree&nbsp;Farm in Lawrence. Each year one farm from the Kansas Christmas Tree Association donates the tree.

According to Mark Walther, part of the family who runs Strawberry Hill, his late brother Mitch volunteered.

“Well, it’s kind of a sad story,” Walther said. “So Mitch stepped up and unfortunately passed away. So then it’s like, well, shoot, because he didn’t tell me which tree it was.”&nbsp;

Mitch died unexpectedly in July. When the time came, the family went to the field and chose the tree with the nicest height and shape.

This is the third year that Chris Seets from Chris’s Tree Lodge in Abilene presented a wreath.&nbsp;

“Hopefully, this is the first time I get to actually meet the governor. I’ve always handed it to lieutenant governors in the past,” Seets said shortly before the presentation.&nbsp;

Perhaps Santa overheard her comment, because Seets was called up to present her wreath to Kelly in front of the mansion.

“I was just so excited. I think I spoke to her. I don’t know, I’m not sure,” Seets said after.&nbsp;

After the carriage rolled in and Seets presented her wreath, the group entered the mansion to watch the tree be placed in a corner. Kelly adorned it with an ornament that recognized Charles Robinson, Kansas’ first governor.&nbsp;

Kelly thanked the farmers, volunteers, and families who made the event happen. Cooper responded with a toothless grin.&nbsp;

“When did you lose that?” Kelly asked.&nbsp;

“When my mom was out of town,” Cooper said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764164861179.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly welcomes Santa to the governor’s mansion on Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly welcomes Santa to the governor’s mansion on Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a></p><p>CEDAR CREST — The best gift Statehouse Republicans could give Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly this holiday season is collaboration to resolve Kansas’ water issues, she said Tuesday at the annual Christmas tree donation at Cedar Crest.</p><p>“Recognizing that that is not a political win or loss for anybody, but absolutely essential for the future in this state,” Kelly said.&nbsp;</p><p>In August Kelly elevated water to her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/732/55" target="_blank">highest priority</a>. She’s concerned with creating a long-term sustainable strategy that recognizes the falling levels in the Ogallala Aquifer.&nbsp;</p><p>And the Democrats?&nbsp;</p><p>“I hadn’t really thought about what the Democrats themselves could give me,” Kelly said. “There’s probably not a lot in this upcoming session. What they could do is get some really good candidates for November 2026, break that supermajority so that regardless of who the next governor is there will be an absolute need to work together to get anything done.”&nbsp;</p><p>Republicans currently have a supermajority in both the House and Senate, enough to override the governor’s vetoes.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764164809162.png" alt="Charlotte Cooper rides a replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach to deliver Gov. Laura Kelly’s Christmas decorations on Nov. 25, 2025, at Cedar Crest in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption>Charlotte Cooper rides a replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach to deliver Gov. Laura Kelly’s Christmas decorations on Nov. 25, 2025, at Cedar Crest in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Charlotte Cooper, granddaughter of Dave Bruton — the Kansas Forest Service liaison with the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association — isn’t entirely sure what she wants this holiday season either. Lucky for Cooper, Santa’s elves encouraged him to make business cards, so her mom can e-mail Santa with her list. She even got the chance to talk to Santa at Tuesday’s event.&nbsp;</p><p>“This is a good group,” Santa said. “Santa always likes to reward the good people, and tell the others they have time —”</p><p>“Do you live in the North Pole?” Cooper interjected.&nbsp;</p><p>“Most of the time. When I’m not living down here, checking up on children,” Santa said.&nbsp;</p><p>Santa, Cooper and others rode in a replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach up to the governor’s mansion to deliver the donated Christmas decorations.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764165005997.png" alt="Charlotte Cooper tells Santa she hasn’t quite completed her Christmas list at the governor’s Christmas tree donation on Nov. 25, 2025, at Cedar Crest in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption>Charlotte Cooper tells Santa she hasn’t quite completed her Christmas list at the governor’s Christmas tree donation on Nov. 25, 2025, at Cedar Crest in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Two six-year-old&nbsp;Percheron&nbsp;horses carried the stagecoach. They replaced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/24/one-kansas-tradition-goes-on-as-usual-this-year-bess-and-betty-do-their-job/">Bess and Betty</a>, who carried the stagecoach for years before. The ceremony was the horses’ first large crowd, and they acted “about what you would guess,” according to Robin Dunn of Dunn’s Landing farm near Wellsville.&nbsp;</p><p>When asked if the new horses would be able to replace Bess and Betty, Dunn responded with a swift “no.” Then she paused.&nbsp;</p><p>“Well, I don’t know,” Dunn said. “It’ll take about 15 years. In 15 years ask me that question again.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764165066477.png" alt="A Wells Fargo stagecoach replica proceeds up the driveway of the governor’s mansion to deliver donated Christmas decorations on Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption>A Wells Fargo stagecoach replica proceeds up the driveway of the governor’s mansion to deliver donated Christmas decorations on Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>On top of the stagecoach was an 8½-foot tall Scotch pine grown on the Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree&nbsp;Farm in Lawrence. Each year one farm from the Kansas Christmas Tree Association donates the tree.</p><p>According to Mark Walther, part of the family who runs Strawberry Hill, his late brother Mitch volunteered.</p><p>“Well, it’s kind of a sad story,” Walther said. “So Mitch stepped up and unfortunately passed away. So then it’s like, well, shoot, because he didn’t tell me which tree it was.”&nbsp;</p><p>Mitch died unexpectedly in July. When the time came, the family went to the field and chose the tree with the nicest height and shape.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764165115695.png" alt="Chris Seets presents the wreath she made to Gov. Laura Kelly on Nov. 25, 2025, at Cedar Crest in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption>Chris Seets presents the wreath she made to Gov. Laura Kelly on Nov. 25, 2025, at Cedar Crest in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>This is the third year that Chris Seets from Chris’s Tree Lodge in Abilene presented a wreath.&nbsp;</p><p>“Hopefully, this is the first time I get to actually meet the governor. I’ve always handed it to lieutenant governors in the past,” Seets said shortly before the presentation.&nbsp;</p><p>Perhaps Santa overheard her comment, because Seets was called up to present her wreath to Kelly in front of the mansion.</p><p>“I was just so excited. I think I spoke to her. I don’t know, I’m not sure,” Seets said after.&nbsp;</p><p>After the carriage rolled in and Seets presented her wreath, the group entered the mansion to watch the tree be placed in a corner. Kelly adorned it with an ornament that recognized Charles Robinson, Kansas’ first governor.&nbsp;</p><p>Kelly thanked the farmers, volunteers, and families who made the event happen. Cooper responded with a toothless grin.&nbsp;</p><p>“When did you lose that?” Kelly asked.&nbsp;</p><p>“When my mom was out of town,” Cooper said.</p>

Kansas governor’s holiday tradition comes with a push for water solutions 

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas school bus driver is in custody after an incident on Tuesday in Atchison.

Police were notified on Tuesday morning of an argument that had occurred between a bus driver identified as 68-year-old Paul G. Detherage of Atthison and a student on a school bus, according to. Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; During the argument, the bus driver allegedly made threatening statements. 

Just before 8a.m. Tuesday, police took Detherage into custody after he returned to the USD 409 school bus barn in the 2600 Block of Industrial Road, according to Wilson. He is being held on a requested charge of criminal threat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764110046287.png" alt="Detherage -photo Atchison County" />
                        <figcaption>Detherage -photo Atchison County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas school bus driver is in custody after an incident on Tuesday in Atchison.</p><p>Police were notified on Tuesday morning of an argument that had occurred between a bus driver identified as 68-year-old Paul G. Detherage of Atthison and a student on a school bus, according to. Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; During the argument, the bus driver allegedly made threatening statements. </p><p>Just before 8a.m. Tuesday, police took Detherage into custody after he returned to the USD 409 school bus barn in the 2600 Block of Industrial Road, according to Wilson. He is being held on a requested charge of criminal threat.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Kan. school bus driver jailed for allegedly threatening student

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” say the FBI has contacted them to begin scheduling interviews, signaling a possible inquiry into the matter.

It would mark the second investigation tied to the video, coming a day after the Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-mark-kelly-troop-investigation-4882f76b05dcdfa3060c284c2c84dd12">said it was reviewing</a>&nbsp;Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over potential violations of military law. The FBI and Pentagon actions come after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-traitors-sedition-illegal-orders-c5fc3c5bd2fbc6b1204550e4203c24b2">accused the lawmakers of sedition</a>&nbsp;and said it is “punishable by DEATH” in a social media post.

Together, the inquiries mark an extraordinary escalation for federal law enforcement and military institutions that traditionally steer clear of partisan clashes. They also underscore the administration’s willingness to push legal limits against its critics, even when they are sitting members of Congress. Lawmakers in the video urge troops to reject any illegal orders from their superiors, something they are already duty-bound to do.

“President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress,” a group of four Democratic House members said in a statement Tuesday. “Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews.”

Democrats call inquiry a ‘scare tactic’

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/slotkin-democratic-response-text-trump-congress-6ba1012264201e715c290da1b8f45bc4">Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin</a>, one of the six Democratic lawmakers in the video, told reporters Tuesday that “last night the counterterrorism division at the FBI sent a note to the members of Congress, saying they are opening what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us.” Slotkin called it a “scare tactic by” Trump.

“Whether you agree with the video or don’t agree with the video, the question to me is: is this the appropriate response for a president of the United States to go after and seek to weaponize the federal government against those he disagrees with?” said Slotkin.

The group of four Democratic House members said in their statement that “no amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution.”

All six of the Democratic lawmakers in the video have served in the military or intelligence community.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska criticized both inquiries on social media, saying that accusing the lawmakers “of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders is reckless and flat-out wrong.”

“The Department of Defense and FBI surely have more important priorities than this frivolous investigation,” wrote Murkowski.

FBI provides no insight into interview requests

The FBI went through the top security officials for the House and Senate to request interviews with each of the six lawmakers. The lawmakers said they had no further information and the FBI has not made clear on what basis they were seeking the interviews.

The FBI declined to comment Tuesday, but Director Kash Patel, in an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge, described it as an “ongoing matter” in explaining why he could not discuss details.

Asked for his reaction to the video, Patel said, “What goes through my head is the same thing that goes through my head in any case: is there a lawful predicate to open up an inquiry and investigation, or is there not? And that decision will be made by the career agents and analysts here at the FBI.”

In the video, lawmakers said they needed troops to “stand up for our laws … our Constitution.” Kelly, who was a fighter pilot before becoming an astronaut and then retiring at the rank of captain, told troops that “you can refuse illegal orders.”

After the Pentagon announced the investigation into Kelly on Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth referred it to the Navy on Tuesday and requested a briefing by Dec. 10.

The lawmakers didn’t mention specific circumstances in the video. But at an event Tuesday in Michigan, Slotkin pointed to the Trump administration ordering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">the military to blow up small boats</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean accused of ferrying drugs and continued attempts at deploying National Guard troops into U.S. cities despite some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">legal setbacks</a>.

“It wasn’t that there was any one incident, it was the sheer number of people coming to us and saying, ‘I’m worried. I am being sent to Washington or I’m being sent to LA or Chicago, North Carolina now, and I’m concerned I’m going to be asked to do something that I don’t know if I should do,'” said Slotkin. “So that’s where it came from.”

Troops, especially uniformed commanders, do have specific obligations to reject orders that are unlawful, if they make that determination.

Broad legal precedence also holds that just following orders — colloquially known as the “Nuremberg defense,” as it was used unsuccessfully by senior Nazi officials to justify their actions under Adolf Hitler — doesn’t absolve troops.

Householder reported from Inkster, Michigan. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington also contributed to this report.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764102122289.png" alt="Image of Senator Elissa Slotkin from the controversial video" />
                        <figcaption>Image of Senator Elissa Slotkin from the controversial video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” say the FBI has contacted them to begin scheduling interviews, signaling a possible inquiry into the matter.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763674382514.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>It would mark the second investigation tied to the video, coming a day after the Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-mark-kelly-troop-investigation-4882f76b05dcdfa3060c284c2c84dd12">said it was reviewing</a>&nbsp;Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over potential violations of military law. The FBI and Pentagon actions come after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-traitors-sedition-illegal-orders-c5fc3c5bd2fbc6b1204550e4203c24b2">accused the lawmakers of sedition</a>&nbsp;and said it is “punishable by DEATH” in a social media post.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joint statement in response to FBI inquiry: <a href="https://t.co/SYPWCnZpjA">pic.twitter.com/SYPWCnZpjA</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Jason Crow (@RepJasonCrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJasonCrow/status/1993388137431941607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My statement on FBI request for interviews. <a href="https://t.co/o818paJIAf">pic.twitter.com/o818paJIAf</a></p>&mdash; Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepHoulahan/status/1993387976529776906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/42TxcjdJiK">pic.twitter.com/42TxcjdJiK</a></p>&mdash; Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today in Nashua <a href="https://twitter.com/RepGoodlander?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepGoodlander</a> talks with <a href="https://twitter.com/WMUR9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WMUR9</a> about a request from the FBI to interview her about her role in the &#39;refuse illegal orders&#39; video posted last week: &quot;I am doing my job. I will not be intimidated. I will not be harassed.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHPolitics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHPolitics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NH02?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NH02</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WMUR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WMUR</a> <a href="https://t.co/TT0Uau2Isn">pic.twitter.com/TT0Uau2Isn</a></p>&mdash; Adam Sexton (@AdamSextonWMUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSextonWMUR/status/1993448994455048471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Together, the inquiries mark an extraordinary escalation for federal law enforcement and military institutions that traditionally steer clear of partisan clashes. They also underscore the administration’s willingness to push legal limits against its critics, even when they are sitting members of Congress. Lawmakers in the video urge troops to reject any illegal orders from their superiors, something they are already duty-bound to do.</p><p>“President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress,” a group of four Democratic House members said in a statement Tuesday. “Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews.”</p><h2>Democrats call inquiry a ‘scare tactic’</h2><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/slotkin-democratic-response-text-trump-congress-6ba1012264201e715c290da1b8f45bc4">Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin</a>, one of the six Democratic lawmakers in the video, told reporters Tuesday that “last night the counterterrorism division at the FBI sent a note to the members of Congress, saying they are opening what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us.” Slotkin called it a “scare tactic by” Trump.</p><p>“Whether you agree with the video or don’t agree with the video, the question to me is: is this the appropriate response for a president of the United States to go after and seek to weaponize the federal government against those he disagrees with?” said Slotkin.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Senator Kelly valiantly served our country as an aviator in the U.S. Navy before later completing four space shuttle missions as a NASA astronaut. To accuse him and other lawmakers of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders…</p>&mdash; Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) <a href="https://twitter.com/lisamurkowski/status/1993458701601014111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The group of four Democratic House members said in their statement that “no amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution.”</p><p>All six of the Democratic lawmakers in the video have served in the military or intelligence community.</p><p>Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska criticized both inquiries on social media, saying that accusing the lawmakers “of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders is reckless and flat-out wrong.”</p><p>“The Department of Defense and FBI surely have more important priorities than this frivolous investigation,” wrote Murkowski.</p><h2>FBI provides no insight into interview requests</h2><p>The FBI went through the top security officials for the House and Senate to request interviews with each of the six lawmakers. The lawmakers said they had no further information and the FBI has not made clear on what basis they were seeking the interviews.</p><p>The FBI declined to comment Tuesday, but Director Kash Patel, in an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge, described it as an “ongoing matter” in explaining why he could not discuss details.</p><p>Asked for his reaction to the video, Patel said, “What goes through my head is the same thing that goes through my head in any case: is there a lawful predicate to open up an inquiry and investigation, or is there not? And that decision will be made by the career agents and analysts here at the FBI.”</p><h2>The video at the heart of the inquiries</h2><p>In the video, lawmakers said they needed troops to “stand up for our laws … our Constitution.” Kelly, who was a fighter pilot before becoming an astronaut and then retiring at the rank of captain, told troops that “you can refuse illegal orders.”</p><p>After the Pentagon announced the investigation into Kelly on Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth referred it to the Navy on Tuesday and requested a briefing by Dec. 10.</p><p>The lawmakers didn’t mention specific circumstances in the video. But at an event Tuesday in Michigan, Slotkin pointed to the Trump administration ordering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">the military to blow up small boats</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean accused of ferrying drugs and continued attempts at deploying National Guard troops into U.S. cities despite some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">legal setbacks</a>.</p><p>“It wasn’t that there was any one incident, it was the sheer number of people coming to us and saying, ‘I’m worried. I am being sent to Washington or I’m being sent to LA or Chicago, North Carolina now, and I’m concerned I’m going to be asked to do something that I don’t know if I should do,'” said Slotkin. “So that’s where it came from.”</p><p>Troops, especially uniformed commanders, do have specific obligations to reject orders that are unlawful, if they make that determination.</p><p>Broad legal precedence also holds that just following orders — colloquially known as the “Nuremberg defense,” as it was used unsuccessfully by senior Nazi officials to justify their actions under Adolf Hitler — doesn’t absolve troops.</p><p>___</p><p>Householder reported from Inkster, Michigan. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington also contributed to this report.</p>

What Dem lawmakers are saying about FBI inquiry of their alleged sedition video 

KANSAS CITY —A family pet is safe after found during a house fire in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a house fire in the 8400 block of E 92nd&nbsp;Terrace in Kansas City Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

On arrival, crews reported light smoke showing from the front of a two-story residence. Interior operations were initiated, and companies found a fire in the kitchen area, which was quickly extinguished with a single hose line.&nbsp;

As searches of the structure were conducted, a dog was found in the basement. The rest of the search came back all clear. The fire was brought under control at 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;The dog did get out and is unharmed, according to Nolan.&nbsp; The cause of the fire is under investigation.

<p>KANSAS CITY —A family pet is safe after found during a house fire in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a house fire in the 8400 block of E 92nd&nbsp;Terrace in Kansas City Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.</p><p>On arrival, crews reported light smoke showing from the front of a two-story residence. Interior operations were initiated, and companies found a fire in the kitchen area, which was quickly extinguished with a single hose line.&nbsp;</p><p>As searches of the structure were conducted, a dog was found in the basement. The rest of the search came back all clear. The fire was brought under control at 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;The dog did get out and is unharmed, according to Nolan.&nbsp; The cause of the fire is under investigation.</p>

Family pet survives house fire in Kansas City

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 20-year-old Makih Franklin, according to a media release from Kansas City, Kansas police.

Just after 8:30p.m. November 20, police were dispatched&nbsp; to a shooting in the 400 block of Greeley Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.

First responders located Franklin outside a residence with an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. 

Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

<p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 20-year-old Makih Franklin, according to a media release from Kansas City, Kansas police.</p><p>Just after 8:30p.m. November 20, police were dispatched&nbsp; to a shooting in the 400 block of Greeley Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.</p><p>First responders located Franklin outside a residence with an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. </p><p>Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.</p>

Police ID 20-year-old Kansas shooting victim

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Police have identified a woman who died in an accident just after 7p.m. Monday in Douglas County.

Lawrence police reported a vehicle driven by&nbsp;75-year-old Bonnie Susan Hernandez of Lawrence was eastbound in the 1500 block of east 23rd Street, just west of 23rd and Harper. The vehicle crossed into the westbound lanes and struck an SUV nearly head-on.

Investigators believe Hernandez suffered a medical emergency just before the crash. Those in the SUV suffered minor injuries, but did not go to the hospital.&nbsp;

<p>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Police have identified a woman who died in an accident just after 7p.m. Monday in Douglas County.</p><p>Lawrence police reported a vehicle driven by&nbsp;75-year-old Bonnie Susan Hernandez of Lawrence was eastbound in the 1500 block of east 23rd Street, just west of 23rd and Harper. The vehicle crossed into the westbound lanes and struck an SUV nearly head-on.</p><p>Investigators believe Hernandez suffered a medical emergency just before the crash. Those in the SUV suffered minor injuries, but did not go to the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

Kansas woman killed in near head-on crash

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City teen faces multiple allegations for a fatal shooting that occurred in April.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2753/Jacoway-RED-COMPLAINT-MJ">Martez Jacoway Jr.</a>, 19, faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2754/Jacoway-RED-PC-MJRedacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on April 17 and found the victim in the front passenger seat of a white Ford Focus suffering from a single gunshot wound to his back. He was pronounced deceased at a nearby hospital.&nbsp;

Witnesses told detectives they saw a man wearing a black hoodie at the driver’s side window holding a rifle. The man fired several rounds toward the white Ford Focus. Surveillance footage captured muzzle flashes from the front driver’s side of a black vehicle directed at the victim’s vehicle.&nbsp;

Detectives used the Automated License Plate Recognition (APLR) system to track the suspect vehicle’s movements, which led to the identification of Jacoway. His cellphone records showed incoming and outgoing calls from areas that matched the black Nissan’s path on the day of the homicide, corroborating surveillance footage, city camera footage, and license plate reader data.

Jacoway had previously been identified by SAVE KC, but did not attend a call-in. He is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762983061770.png" alt="Jacoway photo Jackson County" />
                        <figcaption>Jacoway photo Jackson County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City teen faces multiple allegations for a fatal shooting that occurred in April.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2753/Jacoway-RED-COMPLAINT-MJ">Martez Jacoway Jr.</a>, 19, faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.</p><p><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2754/Jacoway-RED-PC-MJRedacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on April 17 and found the victim in the front passenger seat of a white Ford Focus suffering from a single gunshot wound to his back. He was pronounced deceased at a nearby hospital.&nbsp;</p><p>Witnesses told detectives they saw a man wearing a black hoodie at the driver’s side window holding a rifle. The man fired several rounds toward the white Ford Focus. Surveillance footage captured muzzle flashes from the front driver’s side of a black vehicle directed at the victim’s vehicle.&nbsp;</p><p>Detectives used the Automated License Plate Recognition (APLR) system to track the suspect vehicle’s movements, which led to the identification of Jacoway. His cellphone records showed incoming and outgoing calls from areas that matched the black Nissan’s path on the day of the homicide, corroborating surveillance footage, city camera footage, and license plate reader data.</p><p>Jacoway had previously been identified by SAVE KC, but did not attend a call-in. He is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;</p>

Court records: KC teen used rifle in deadly drive-by shooting

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia has agreed to pay nearly $5.2 million in overdue personal taxes, the latest saga for the former billionaire who has been followed by a trail of financial challenges going back well over a decade.

An attorney for Justice and his wife, Cathy, entered into a joint motion for consent judgment with the federal government Monday, the same day that the government filed a lawsuit saying that the couple “have neglected or refused to make full payment” for the income taxes dating to 2009. An attorney for the U.S. Justice Department's tax division signed off on the agreement.

Justice had a fortune&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-39a131d2143b4f458fe6c50e8283e03f">estimated at $1.9 billion last decade</a>&nbsp;by Forbes magazine, which stripped his billionaire title in 2021, when Justice's worth had dwindled to an estimated $513 million. Earlier this year, Forbes estimated that Justice’s net worth had disintegrated to “less than zero” due to liabilities that far exceeded assets.

A spokesperson for Justice's office didn’t immediate respond to an email seeking comment Tuesday.

During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senator-jim-justice-debts-west-virginia-irs-f83649c701450b4a8e1077305760479a">a briefing with local media in October</a>, Justice asserted that his companies “are complicated and complex” and that his children “are doing a magnificent job” running them. He then repeated past assertions that collection efforts against him were politically motivated, before concluding:. “At the end of the day, I’d say just let it be and see how it all plays out.”

Justice, a former two-term Republican governor who owns dozens of businesses that include coal and agricultural operations,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-senate-justice-elliott-7376ed0ceb9bebd0766190fb14cc0e69">was elected last November to the Senate.</a>&nbsp;He took over the seat vacated by the retiring Joe Manchin, a Democrat who became an independent in 2024 near the end of his second full term.

Justice still has other financial challenges to work out.

The Internal Revenue Service last month filed liens totaling more than $8 million against Justice and his wife on unpaid personal taxes. In September, state tax officials filed $1.4 million in liens against the Justice family’s historic hotel, The Greenbrier, and the resort’s Greenbrier Sporting Club, over unpaid sales taxes.

Last month, a foreclosure auction on several hundred lots owned by the Justice family at a resort community near Beckley was paused. The auction centered on a dispute between the Glade Springs Village Property Owners Association and Justice Holdings over unpaid fees. The state Supreme Court plans to review the case more closely.

In 2021, the IRS filed liens over $1.1 million in unpaid taxes on the Greenbrier Hotel and an additional $80,000 on the resort’s medical clinic. Those debts were paid off later that year.

Justice’s family settled debts last year in a separate case to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-governor-justice-hotel-51715adcfa963192d9c13cbd64707d82">avoid the Greenbrier Hotel’s foreclosure</a>. The 710-room hotel, which has hosted U.S. presidents, royalty and congressional retreats, had come under threat of being auctioned off on the steps of a Lewisburg courthouse. That was after JPMorgan Chase sold a longstanding loan taken out by Justice to a credit collection company, Beltway Capital, which declared it to be in default.

The state Democratic Party has said efforts to seize the hotel from Justice were “a direct consequence of his own financial incompetence.”

Last year, a union official at the Greenbrier said that Justice’s family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenbrier-hotel-jim-justice-west-virginia-350b92c83c37dfe03dd38f4368a4accc">was at least $2.4 million behind</a>&nbsp;in payments to an employees’ health insurance fund, putting workers’ coverage at risk. In 2023, dozens of properties owned by the Justice family in three counties were auctioned as payment for delinquent real estate taxes. Others have sought to recoup millions in fines for environmental issues and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-governor-jim-justice-mine-fines-3d98e07c4d14646a194ee9f739b5f770">unsafe working conditions at his company’s coal mines</a>.

Justice bought The Greenbrier resort out of bankruptcy in 2009 for $20.1 million. The sporting club is a private equity club and residential community on the property that opened in 2000.

The resort in White Sulphur Springs that dates to 1778 also has a casino, spa and dozens of amenities and employs around 2,000 workers. The resort held a PGA Tour golf tournament from 2010 until 2019 and has welcomed NFL teams for training camp and practices. A once-secret 112,000-square-foot (10,080-square-meter) underground bunker built for Congress at the Greenbrier in case of nuclear attack during the Cold War now hosts tours.

<p>CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia has agreed to pay nearly $5.2 million in overdue personal taxes, the latest saga for the former billionaire who has been followed by a trail of financial challenges going back well over a decade.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My best buddy is SIX years old today! <br><br>The joy you bring to our family—and to a whole lot of others—is a true blessing. <br><br>We love you big time, <a href="https://twitter.com/BabydogJustice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BabydogJustice</a>! <a href="https://t.co/gUK3Bd1VFI">pic.twitter.com/gUK3Bd1VFI</a></p>&mdash; Senator Jim Justice (@JimJustice_WV) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimJustice_WV/status/1978465316704231886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>An attorney for Justice and his wife, Cathy, entered into a joint motion for consent judgment with the federal government Monday, the same day that the government filed a lawsuit saying that the couple “have neglected or refused to make full payment” for the income taxes dating to 2009. An attorney for the U.S. Justice Department's tax division signed off on the agreement.</p><p>Justice had a fortune&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-39a131d2143b4f458fe6c50e8283e03f">estimated at $1.9 billion last decade</a>&nbsp;by Forbes magazine, which stripped his billionaire title in 2021, when Justice's worth had dwindled to an estimated $513 million. Earlier this year, Forbes estimated that Justice’s net worth had disintegrated to “less than zero” due to liabilities that far exceeded assets.</p><p>A spokesperson for Justice's office didn’t immediate respond to an email seeking comment Tuesday.</p><p>During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senator-jim-justice-debts-west-virginia-irs-f83649c701450b4a8e1077305760479a">a briefing with local media in October</a>, Justice asserted that his companies “are complicated and complex” and that his children “are doing a magnificent job” running them. He then repeated past assertions that collection efforts against him were politically motivated, before concluding:. “At the end of the day, I’d say just let it be and see how it all plays out.”</p><p>Justice, a former two-term Republican governor who owns dozens of businesses that include coal and agricultural operations,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-senate-justice-elliott-7376ed0ceb9bebd0766190fb14cc0e69">was elected last November to the Senate.</a>&nbsp;He took over the seat vacated by the retiring Joe Manchin, a Democrat who became an independent in 2024 near the end of his second full term.</p><p>Justice still has other financial challenges to work out.</p><p>The Internal Revenue Service last month filed liens totaling more than $8 million against Justice and his wife on unpaid personal taxes. In September, state tax officials filed $1.4 million in liens against the Justice family’s historic hotel, The Greenbrier, and the resort’s Greenbrier Sporting Club, over unpaid sales taxes.</p><p>Last month, a foreclosure auction on several hundred lots owned by the Justice family at a resort community near Beckley was paused. The auction centered on a dispute between the Glade Springs Village Property Owners Association and Justice Holdings over unpaid fees. The state Supreme Court plans to review the case more closely.</p><p>In 2021, the IRS filed liens over $1.1 million in unpaid taxes on the Greenbrier Hotel and an additional $80,000 on the resort’s medical clinic. Those debts were paid off later that year.</p><p>Justice’s family settled debts last year in a separate case to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-governor-justice-hotel-51715adcfa963192d9c13cbd64707d82">avoid the Greenbrier Hotel’s foreclosure</a>. The 710-room hotel, which has hosted U.S. presidents, royalty and congressional retreats, had come under threat of being auctioned off on the steps of a Lewisburg courthouse. That was after JPMorgan Chase sold a longstanding loan taken out by Justice to a credit collection company, Beltway Capital, which declared it to be in default.</p><p>The state Democratic Party has said efforts to seize the hotel from Justice were “a direct consequence of his own financial incompetence.”</p><p>Last year, a union official at the Greenbrier said that Justice’s family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenbrier-hotel-jim-justice-west-virginia-350b92c83c37dfe03dd38f4368a4accc">was at least $2.4 million behind</a>&nbsp;in payments to an employees’ health insurance fund, putting workers’ coverage at risk. In 2023, dozens of properties owned by the Justice family in three counties were auctioned as payment for delinquent real estate taxes. Others have sought to recoup millions in fines for environmental issues and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-governor-jim-justice-mine-fines-3d98e07c4d14646a194ee9f739b5f770">unsafe working conditions at his company’s coal mines</a>.</p><p>Justice bought The Greenbrier resort out of bankruptcy in 2009 for $20.1 million. The sporting club is a private equity club and residential community on the property that opened in 2000.</p><p>The resort in White Sulphur Springs that dates to 1778 also has a casino, spa and dozens of amenities and employs around 2,000 workers. The resort held a PGA Tour golf tournament from 2010 until 2019 and has welcomed NFL teams for training camp and practices. A once-secret 112,000-square-foot (10,080-square-meter) underground bunker built for Congress at the Greenbrier in case of nuclear attack during the Cold War now hosts tours.</p>

U.S. Senator agrees to pay nearly $5.2M in overdue personal taxes

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;didn't bring much holiday cheer Tuesday when bestowing ceremonial pardons on two Thanksgiving turkeys, dispensing more insults than goodwill at the traditional White House ritual.

He joked about sending the turkeys to an infamous prison in El Salvador that has been used to house migrants deported from the United States. He said the birds should be named Chuck and Nancy — after Democratic stalwarts Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi — but “I would never pardon those people.”

Trump claimed that last year's turkey pardons, issued by President Joe Biden, were invalid because he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-pardons-autopen-capitol-riot-1956c5dcb44ecba10cd9b01171ca9efa">used an autopen</a>. “Where's Hunter?” he said, suggesting that his predecessor's son could once again face legal jeopardy.

And all of that was before Trump turned his attention to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-violence-crime-pritzker-national-guard-trump-2023e25445c45a3f0f4d3513e8eb2ac4">resisted the White House's plans</a>&nbsp;to deploy the National Guard in Chicago.

Trump said he had a joke prepared about Pritzker, but “I refuse to talk about the fact that he's a fat slob. I don't mention it.”

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;didn't bring much holiday cheer Tuesday when bestowing ceremonial pardons on two Thanksgiving turkeys, dispensing more insults than goodwill at the traditional White House ritual.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gobble &amp; Waddle living their best life. <br><br>🇺🇸 Don’t miss the Presidential Turkey Pardon — 12 PM EST! <a href="https://t.co/YwCtCdn3Mz">pic.twitter.com/YwCtCdn3Mz</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1993353700434199001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;The turkeys being pardoned today go by the names Gobble and Waddle. When I first saw their pictures... I was going to call them Chuck and Nancy — but then I realized I wouldn&#39;t be pardoning them. I would never pardon those two people.&quot; 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/XuhIbTGUbI">pic.twitter.com/XuhIbTGUbI</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993368386395685351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We thank God for his many blessings and the great success that this country has seen in a short period of time. We draw strength from the love of family and friends, and we express our undying gratitude for the men in the women of the United States armed forces.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/uULjzeAqER">pic.twitter.com/uULjzeAqER</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993371788097593447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Gobble, I just want to tell you this — very important — you are hereby unconditionally pardoned!&quot;<br><br>🤣🦃 <a href="https://t.co/WmjvScCf6K">pic.twitter.com/WmjvScCf6K</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993371733865160937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;These are two of the largest Turkey’s ever presented to an American president—over 50 pounds each... despite their size, <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> has formally certified that these are the first ever MAHA turkeys.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/H5kW4yM1Rn">pic.twitter.com/H5kW4yM1Rn</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993368718655570036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>He joked about sending the turkeys to an infamous prison in El Salvador that has been used to house migrants deported from the United States. He said the birds should be named Chuck and Nancy — after Democratic stalwarts Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi — but “I would never pardon those people.”</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: President Trump says an investigation has shown Biden used an autopen for last year&#39;s turkey pardon.<br><br>&quot;I determined that last year&#39;s turkey pardons are totally invalid, as are the pardons of about every other person that was pardoned other than Where&#39;s Hunter.&quot; 🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/tZBfHwJKq6">pic.twitter.com/tZBfHwJKq6</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1993368344100323390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Trump claimed that last year's turkey pardons, issued by President Joe Biden, were invalid because he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-pardons-autopen-capitol-riot-1956c5dcb44ecba10cd9b01171ca9efa">used an autopen</a>. “Where's Hunter?” he said, suggesting that his predecessor's son could once again face legal jeopardy.</p><p>And all of that was before Trump turned his attention to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-violence-crime-pritzker-national-guard-trump-2023e25445c45a3f0f4d3513e8eb2ac4">resisted the White House's plans</a>&nbsp;to deploy the National Guard in Chicago.</p><p>Trump said he had a joke prepared about Pritzker, but “I refuse to talk about the fact that he's a fat slob. I don't mention it.”</p><p>Scattered laughter rippled through the audience, which sat under cloudy skies and an intermittent drizzle on the Rose Garden patio.</p><p>Trump eventually got around to the business at hand, which was pardoning the turkeys Gobble and Waddle. But Waddle wasn't there — the White House did not immediately respond to questions about the bird's whereabouts — and the president proceeded anyway.</p><p>“Gobble, I just want to tell you this — very important — you are hereby unconditionally pardoned,” Trump said. He reached over to run his hand over the feathers, saying, “Who would want to harm this beautiful bird?”</p><p>Waddle had previously been spotted in the White House briefing room.</p><p>"Waddle, want to give us a gobble?” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt asked.</p><p>The turkey obliged.</p><p>“Very on message!” Leavitt said.</p><p>Trump used part of his ceremonial remarks to insist that the price of Thanksgiving meals was dropping under his leadership, although&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-thanksgiving-meal-cost-discounts-0005c70022b7701e0ec0531220673942">his numbers are misleading.</a>&nbsp;Some research indicates that holiday dinners could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thanksgiving-turkey-food-prices-2025-5754f2e4c7ca8747b75a4b3efe15297f">cost more this year</a>, a reminder of persistent frustration with inflation.</p><p>The president plans to fly south to his private Florida resort later Tuesday, a holiday interlude during what has been a turbulent and uncertain chapter of his second term.</p><p>Trump is struggling to advance a plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-ukraine-russia-war-ece1a80b435f402b475fb180023a75dc">end the Russian invasion of Ukraine</a>&nbsp;after an earlier version faced swift criticism from European allies and even some Republicans. The U.S. military is also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caine-caribbean-military-venezuela-boat-strikes-02073d27c1d264deb0fb1afd03cc1971">poised to target Venezuela</a>&nbsp;with military strikes, part of an anti-drug operation that could ultimately destabilize the country's leadership.</p><p>In Washington, Trump faces the possibility of a splintering Republican coalition ahead of next year's midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. Some members of his party already took the rare step of crossing the president by successfully pushing legislation to force the Justice Department to release more documents about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-e1fa3b7cb64b6c678073744c7744c4a9">the Jeffrey Epstein case.</a></p><p>Trump faced a setback in court this week when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/comey-james-justice-department-5ec1a59d152bc1fd000ade15e20745b5">a federal judge tossed cases</a>&nbsp;against James Comey and Letitia James, two targets of the president's retribution campaign.</p><p>Comey, a former FBI director whom Trump fired during his first term, was charged with making a false statement and obstructing Congress. James, the New York attorney general who investigated the president between his two terms, was charged with mortgage fraud.</p><p>Both pleaded not guilty and said the prosecutions were politically motivated, pointing to Trump's public demands for the Justice Department to punish his enemies.</p><p>The judge said the interim U.S. attorney, a former member of Trump's personal legal team, who obtained the indictments was illegally appointed. However, the decision was made without prejudice, so the Justice Department could try again to charge Comey and James.</p><p>The White House plans to be open for holiday tours. However, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-christmas-tree-3249c03bec94e4ac99cc6002733a971c">the traditional arrival of a Christmas tree</a>&nbsp;on Monday, the presidential residence will be much different this year.</p><p>Trump's decision to demolish the building's East Wing to make room for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-east-wing-white-house-844ddefd00c2323cf9419e5ba9635daf">a new ballroom</a>&nbsp;has turned part of the White House grounds into a construction site.</p>