TOPEKA&nbsp;—Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;has sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting a major presidential disaster for the Public Assistance Program due to damages caused by severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, torrential rainfall and flooding during the period of Sept. 8-10, 2025, according to a media release from the Kansas Adjutant General’s Office.

“It is important to have federal support available to these counties to assist in rebuilding their infrastructure,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly&nbsp;said. “Damages sustained will require long-term recovery and these funds will go a long way to help these communities rebuild.”

Counties included in this request are Ellsworth, Lincoln, Ottawa, and Saline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763762647523.png" alt="NWS image from September&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>NWS image from September&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;—Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;has sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting a major presidential disaster for the Public Assistance Program due to damages caused by severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, torrential rainfall and flooding during the period of Sept. 8-10, 2025, according to a media release from the Kansas Adjutant General’s Office.“It is important to have federal support available to these counties to assist in rebuilding their infrastructure,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly&nbsp;said. “Damages sustained will require long-term recovery and these funds will go a long way to help these communities rebuild.”Counties included in this request are Ellsworth, Lincoln, Ottawa, and Saline.

Gov. requests a declaration of major presidential disaster for Sept. storm

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the life of Sergeant Scott William Heimann. For nine years, Sergeant Heimann served as a member of the Hays Police Department. He passed on September 28, 2025.

Rep. Mann’s Remarks as Prepared:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Sergeant Scott William Heimann. A loyal husband, a devoted father, a beloved son, and an invaluable member of the Hays, Kansas community, Scott paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the community that he loved and served. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Scott’s watch ended far too soon when he was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call. On behalf of Kansans in the Big First District, I would like to say thank you for your service.

Scott served with the Hays Police Department for nine years. Throughout his time, he served on the Special Situation Response Team, High-Tech Crime Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Honor Guard. Scott took pride in wearing the Hays Police Department uniform. He was never above serving the community he lived in whether his task was reading books to students at the library or responding to the most dangerous threats that posed a risk to his neighbors. There was no task too big or too small in his eyes.

Audrey and I mourn with the Hays community and continue to pray for them as they come to terms with this tragedy. We especially pray for Scott’s wife, Beth, his beautiful children, Victoria and Patrick, and all his loved ones who he left behind.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 34 that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. As the reality of Scott’s untimely passing sets in, I ask that the Lord would be close to his family, wrap His arms around this grieving community, and provide comfort.

Well done, Sergeant Heimann. May your soul rest in peace.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761324299118.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the life of Sergeant Scott William Heimann. For nine years, Sergeant Heimann served as a member of the Hays Police Department. He passed on September 28, 2025.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dNIg2FOiyzs?si=_iON1bLdkEtaeZvj" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Rep. Mann’s Remarks as Prepared:Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Sergeant Scott William Heimann. A loyal husband, a devoted father, a beloved son, and an invaluable member of the Hays, Kansas community, Scott paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the community that he loved and served. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Scott’s watch ended far too soon when he was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call. On behalf of Kansans in the Big First District, I would like to say thank you for your service.Scott served with the Hays Police Department for nine years. Throughout his time, he served on the Special Situation Response Team, High-Tech Crime Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Honor Guard. Scott took pride in wearing the Hays Police Department uniform. He was never above serving the community he lived in whether his task was reading books to students at the library or responding to the most dangerous threats that posed a risk to his neighbors. There was no task too big or too small in his eyes.Audrey and I mourn with the Hays community and continue to pray for them as they come to terms with this tragedy. We especially pray for Scott’s wife, Beth, his beautiful children, Victoria and Patrick, and all his loved ones who he left behind.The Bible tells us in Psalm 34 that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. As the reality of Scott’s untimely passing sets in, I ask that the Lord would be close to his family, wrap His arms around this grieving community, and provide comfort.Well done, Sergeant Heimann. May your soul rest in peace.

🎥Rep. Mann honors fallen Kansas officer during House floor speech

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is to meet in private Friday with a high-profile issue on its agenda —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-immigration-trump-20919d26029cf0f98ecb0dc7f90a066b">birthright citizenship</a>&nbsp;order declaring that children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens.

The justices could say as soon as Monday whether they will hear Trump’s appeal of lower court rulings that have uniformly struck down the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-meaning-and-value-of-american-citizenship/" target="_blank">citizenship restrictions</a>. They have not taken effect anywhere in the United States.

If the court steps in now, the case would be argued in the spring, with a definitive ruling expected by early summer.

The birthright citizenship order, which Trump signed on the first day of his second term in the White House, is part of his administration’s broad immigration crackdown. Other actions include immigration enforcement surges in several cities and the first peacetime invocation of the 18th century Alien Enemies Act.

The administration is facing multiple&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-illinois-immigration-ice-border-patrol-7bb7d05c90b970226073857d97427c9e">court challenges</a>, and the high court has sent mixed signals in emergency orders it has issued. The justices effectively stopped the use of the Alien Enemies Act to rapidly deport alleged Venezuelan gang members without court hearings, while they allowed the resumption of sweeping immigration stops in the Los Angeles area after a lower court blocked the practice of stopping people solely based on their race, language, job or location.

The justices also are weighing the administration’s emergency appeal to be allowed to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area for immigration enforcement actions. A lower court has indefinitely prevented the deployment.

Birthright citizenship is the first Trump immigration-related policy to reach the court for a final ruling. Trump’s order would upend more than 125 years of understanding that the Constitution’s 14th Amendment confers citizenship on everyone born on American soil, with narrow exceptions for the children of foreign diplomats and those born to a foreign occupying force.

In a series of decisions, lower courts have struck down the executive order as unconstitutional, or likely so, even after a Supreme Court ruling in late June that limited judges’ use of nationwide injunctions.

While the Supreme Court curbed the use of nationwide injunctions, it did not rule out other court orders that could have nationwide effects, including in class-action lawsuits and those brought by states. The justices did not decide at that time whether the underlying citizenship order is constitutional.

But every lower court that has looked at the issue has concluded that Trump’s order violates or most likely violates the 14th Amendment, which was intended to ensure that Black people, including former slaves, had citizenship.

The administration is appealing two cases.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in San Francisco ruled in July that a group of states that sued over the order needed a nationwide injunction to prevent the problems that would be caused by birthright citizenship being in effect in some states and not others.

Also in July, a federal judge in New Hampshire blocked the citizenship order in a class-action lawsuit including all children who would be affected.

The American Civil Liberties Union, leading the legal team in the New Hampshire case, urged the court to reject the appeal because the administration’s “arguments are so flimsy,” ACLU lawyer Cody Wofsy said. “But if the court decides to hear the case, we’re more than ready to take Trump on and win.”

Birthright citizenship automatically makes anyone born in the United States an American citizen, including children born to mothers who are in the country illegally, under long-standing rules. The right was enshrined soon after the Civil War in the first sentence of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/800b0a2005254ec58369b9564f53be8f?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">14th Amendment</a>.

The administration has asserted that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore not entitled to citizenship.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is to meet in private Friday with a high-profile issue on its agenda —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-immigration-trump-20919d26029cf0f98ecb0dc7f90a066b">birthright citizenship</a>&nbsp;order declaring that children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens.The justices could say as soon as Monday whether they will hear Trump’s appeal of lower court rulings that have uniformly struck down the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-meaning-and-value-of-american-citizenship/" target="_blank">citizenship restrictions</a>. They have not taken effect anywhere in the United States.If the court steps in now, the case would be argued in the spring, with a definitive ruling expected by early summer.The birthright citizenship order, which Trump signed on the first day of his second term in the White House, is part of his administration’s broad immigration crackdown. Other actions include immigration enforcement surges in several cities and the first peacetime invocation of the 18th century Alien Enemies Act.The administration is facing multiple&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-illinois-immigration-ice-border-patrol-7bb7d05c90b970226073857d97427c9e">court challenges</a>, and the high court has sent mixed signals in emergency orders it has issued. The justices effectively stopped the use of the Alien Enemies Act to rapidly deport alleged Venezuelan gang members without court hearings, while they allowed the resumption of sweeping immigration stops in the Los Angeles area after a lower court blocked the practice of stopping people solely based on their race, language, job or location.The justices also are weighing the administration’s emergency appeal to be allowed to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area for immigration enforcement actions. A lower court has indefinitely prevented the deployment.Birthright citizenship is the first Trump immigration-related policy to reach the court for a final ruling. Trump’s order would upend more than 125 years of understanding that the Constitution’s 14th Amendment confers citizenship on everyone born on American soil, with narrow exceptions for the children of foreign diplomats and those born to a foreign occupying force.In a series of decisions, lower courts have struck down the executive order as unconstitutional, or likely so, even after a Supreme Court ruling in late June that limited judges’ use of nationwide injunctions.While the Supreme Court curbed the use of nationwide injunctions, it did not rule out other court orders that could have nationwide effects, including in class-action lawsuits and those brought by states. The justices did not decide at that time whether the underlying citizenship order is constitutional.But every lower court that has looked at the issue has concluded that Trump’s order violates or most likely violates the 14th Amendment, which was intended to ensure that Black people, including former slaves, had citizenship.The administration is appealing two cases.The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in San Francisco ruled in July that a group of states that sued over the order needed a nationwide injunction to prevent the problems that would be caused by birthright citizenship being in effect in some states and not others.Also in July, a federal judge in New Hampshire blocked the citizenship order in a class-action lawsuit including all children who would be affected.The American Civil Liberties Union, leading the legal team in the New Hampshire case, urged the court to reject the appeal because the administration’s “arguments are so flimsy,” ACLU lawyer Cody Wofsy said. “But if the court decides to hear the case, we’re more than ready to take Trump on and win.”Birthright citizenship automatically makes anyone born in the United States an American citizen, including children born to mothers who are in the country illegally, under long-standing rules. The right was enshrined soon after the Civil War in the first sentence of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/800b0a2005254ec58369b9564f53be8f?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">14th Amendment</a>.The administration has asserted that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore not entitled to citizenship.

Supreme Court meets to weigh Trump’s birthright citizenship restrictions

WASHINGTON–&nbsp;On Thursday,&nbsp; Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall released the following statement after the Senate passed his legislation to restore whole milk in schools.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act&nbsp;expands healthy milk options in schools by reversing the Obama-era law that took whole milk out of school cafeterias.

“Whole milk is the most nutritious drink known to mankind, and for whatever reason, the federal government took it out of our schools over a decade ago – robbing an entire generation of essential dairy intake. As an obstetrician, I cannot stress the extensive list of benefits that comes from drinking whole – and most of all, it just tastes better,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“I’m proud to see another win on the MAHA agenda cross the finish line in the Senate and am looking forward to seeing it signed into law.”

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>&nbsp;(DGA) reports that nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations. Specifically, Americans are lacking enough Calcium and Vitamin D, and whole milk is an excellent source of both vitamins. Leading nutritionists&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522012898?via%3Dihub">have found</a>&nbsp;that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce the risk of heart disease.

The legislation was first&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by Senator Marshall in June of 2023. It was reintroduced in April of 2025 with numerous bipartisan sponsors and co-sponsors and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshalls-legislation-to-restore-whole-milk-in-schools-passes-senate-agriculture-committee/">passed</a>&nbsp;the Senate Agriculture Committee in June of 2025.

WASHINGTON–&nbsp;On Thursday,&nbsp; Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall released the following statement after the Senate passed his legislation to restore whole milk in schools.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act&nbsp;expands healthy milk options in schools by reversing the Obama-era law that took whole milk out of school cafeterias.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://t.co/UTi7tRhtMD">https://t.co/UTi7tRhtMD</a> <a href="https://t.co/W7QVf5dxvQ">pic.twitter.com/W7QVf5dxvQ</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1991605244988461489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Whole milk is the most nutritious drink known to mankind, and for whatever reason, the federal government took it out of our schools over a decade ago – robbing an entire generation of essential dairy intake. As an obstetrician, I cannot stress the extensive list of benefits that comes from drinking whole – and most of all, it just tastes better,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“I’m proud to see another win on the MAHA agenda cross the finish line in the Senate and am looking forward to seeing it signed into law.”The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>&nbsp;(DGA) reports that nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations. Specifically, Americans are lacking enough Calcium and Vitamin D, and whole milk is an excellent source of both vitamins. Leading nutritionists&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522012898?via%3Dihub">have found</a>&nbsp;that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce the risk of heart disease.The legislation was first&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by Senator Marshall in June of 2023. It was reintroduced in April of 2025 with numerous bipartisan sponsors and co-sponsors and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshalls-legislation-to-restore-whole-milk-in-schools-passes-senate-agriculture-committee/">passed</a>&nbsp;the Senate Agriculture Committee in June of 2025.

Kan. U.S. Senator's bill to restore whole milk in schools passes the Senate

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;–A man accused of killing his mother-in-law in front of&nbsp; his 8-year-old son will return to court Friday.

Stephen Rogers wil appear at a preliminary hearing in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The hearing, originally scheduled last Friday was delayed.

In July, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from 49-year-old Sharmaine Marlene Burke, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. Burke reported that her son-in-law, 29-year-old Stephen J. Rogers of Wichita, was drunk and had threatened to shoot her. She also stated that her eight-year-old grandson, Rogers’ son, was inside the home at the Longbranch Mobile Home Park near Derby.&nbsp;

The 911 call-taker stayed on the line as deputies responded. A few minutes into the call, gunshots were heard, and the line went silent.

Deputies arrived at 11:41 p.m. and found Burke with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body. Deputies and Sedgwick County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Burke succumbed to her injuries at 11:57 p.m.

Rogers and his son were not at the scene when deputies arrived. An immediate search for both the suspect and the child began. Deputies obtained critical information, including a description of Rogers’ vehicle, and shared it with surrounding law enforcement agencies.

At 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, FLOCK camera technology detected Rogers’ vehicle in Augusta. Butler County law enforcement quickly located and stopped the vehicle on U.S. Highway 54 near Haverhill Road. Rogers was arrested and the child was found unharmed inside the vehicle.

Rogers was taken to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigations Division, and&nbsp; booked into jail on requested charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child endangerment.

Deputies and investigators provided immediate resources to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.

The Sheriff’s Office coordinated with multiple agencies during the investigation. Quick action and cooperation allowed law enforcement to safely locate the child and apprehend the suspect.

As part of the investigation, it was determined that an Amber Alert was not necessary because investigators obtained real-time intelligence on the suspect’s vehicle and used FLOCK technology to track it. Issuing an Amber Alert could have alerted the suspect, increasing the risk to the child and complicating the search.

The process for issuing an alert also involves the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the timeline indicates the alert would have been issued only after the suspect and child were located.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754002321266.png" alt="Rogers-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Rogers-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;–A man accused of killing his mother-in-law in front of&nbsp; his 8-year-old son will return to court Friday.Stephen Rogers wil appear at a preliminary hearing in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The hearing, originally scheduled last Friday was delayed.In July, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from 49-year-old Sharmaine Marlene Burke, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. Burke reported that her son-in-law, 29-year-old Stephen J. Rogers of Wichita, was drunk and had threatened to shoot her. She also stated that her eight-year-old grandson, Rogers’ son, was inside the home at the Longbranch Mobile Home Park near Derby.&nbsp;The 911 call-taker stayed on the line as deputies responded. A few minutes into the call, gunshots were heard, and the line went silent.Deputies arrived at 11:41 p.m. and found Burke with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body. Deputies and Sedgwick County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Burke succumbed to her injuries at 11:57 p.m.Rogers and his son were not at the scene when deputies arrived. An immediate search for both the suspect and the child began. Deputies obtained critical information, including a description of Rogers’ vehicle, and shared it with surrounding law enforcement agencies.At 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, FLOCK camera technology detected Rogers’ vehicle in Augusta. Butler County law enforcement quickly located and stopped the vehicle on U.S. Highway 54 near Haverhill Road. Rogers was arrested and the child was found unharmed inside the vehicle.Rogers was taken to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigations Division, and&nbsp; booked into jail on requested charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child endangerment.Deputies and investigators provided immediate resources to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.The Sheriff’s Office coordinated with multiple agencies during the investigation. Quick action and cooperation allowed law enforcement to safely locate the child and apprehend the suspect.As part of the investigation, it was determined that an Amber Alert was not necessary because investigators obtained real-time intelligence on the suspect’s vehicle and used FLOCK technology to track it. Issuing an Amber Alert could have alerted the suspect, increasing the risk to the child and complicating the search.The process for issuing an alert also involves the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the timeline indicates the alert would have been issued only after the suspect and child were located.

Preliminary Hearing: Kan. man accused of killing his mother-in-law

As cases of potentially deadly botulism in babies who drank ByHeart infant formula continue to grow, state officials say they are still finding the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/byheart-baby-formula-infant-botulism-recall-e070565daaf1f425e3d37dca20277714">recalled product</a>&nbsp;on some store shelves.

Meanwhile the company reported late Wednesday that laboratory tests confirmed that some samples of formula were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/byheart-baby-formula-botulism-recall-98ad391ac5606c980a012d35f5f7637c">contaminated with the type of bacteria</a>&nbsp;that has sickened more than 30 babies in the outbreak.

Tests by an independent food safety laboratory found Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces toxins that can lead to potentially life threatening illness in babies younger than 1, the company said on its website. ByHeart officials said they notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the findings but did not specify how many samples were tested or how many were positive.

“We are working to investigate the facts, conduct ongoing testing to identify the source, and ensure this does not happen to families again,” ByHeart said on its website.

The FDA did not immediately respond to questions about the findings.

The lab results come as investigators in at least three states found ByHeart formula still for sale even after the New York-based company recalled all products nationwide, officials told The Associated Press.

At least 31 babies in 15 states who drank ByHeart formula have been hospitalized and treated for infantile botulism since August,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-nov-2025/investigation.html">federal health officials said Wednesday.</a>&nbsp;They range in age from about 2 weeks to about 6 months, with the most recent case reported on Nov. 13.

In Oregon, nine of more than 150 stores checked still had the formula on shelves this week, a state agriculture official said. In Minnesota, investigators conducted 119 checks between Nov. 13 and Nov. 17 and removed recalled products from sale at four sites, an agriculture department official said. An Arizona health official also said they found the product available.

Businesses and consumers should remain alert, Minnesota officials said in a statement. “No affected product should be sold or consumed,” they wrote.

Investigators with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted inspections at ByHeart manufacturing plants in Allerton, Iowa, and Portland, Oregon. No results from the inspections have been reported.

California officials previously confirmed the germ that can lead to illness in an open can of ByHeart formula fed to a baby who fell ill.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/byheart-baby-formula-botulism-recall-98ad391ac5606c980a012d35f5f7637c">Infant botulism,</a>&nbsp;which can cause paralysis and death, is caused by a type of bacteria that forms spores that germinate in a baby's gut and produce a toxin.

Symptoms can take up to 30 days to develop and include constipation, poor feeding, a weak cry, drooping eyelids or a flat facial expression. Babies can develop weakness in their limbs and head and may feel “floppy.” They can have trouble swallowing or breathing.

ByHeart had been manufacturing about 200,000 cans of formula per month. It was sold online or at retail stores such as Target and Walmart. A Walmart spokesperson said the company swiftly issued a restriction that prevented sale of the formula, removed the product from stores and notified consumers who had bought it. Customers can visit any store for a refund of the formula, which sold for about $42 per can.

Federal and state health officials are concerned that some parents and caregivers may still have ByHeart products in their homes. They are advising consumers to stop using the product — including formula in cans and any single-serve sticks. They also suggest marking it “DO NOT USE” and keeping it for at least a month in case a baby develops symptoms. In that case, the formula would need to be tested.

The California health department operates the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, which tracks cases and distributes treatment for the disease. Officials there have launched a public hotline at 833-398-2022, which is staffed with health officials from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

The new hotline was created after calls from hundreds of parents and caregivers flooded a different, longstanding hotline for doctors to discuss suspected infant botulism cases, officials said.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

More than 30 babies in 15 states have been sickened in a growing outbreak of infant botulism linked to recalled ByHeart infant formula, federal health officials said Wednesday.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-nov-2025/investigation.html">reported</a>&nbsp;31 cases of confirmed or suspected illness in babies who consumed ByHeart formula since August. The most recent case was reported on Nov. 13.

No deaths have been reported in the outbreak, which was announced Nov. 8.

“Do not use any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula,” the CDC said.

ByHeart, a New York-based manufacturer of organic infant formula,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/byheart-baby-formula-infant-botulism-recall-e070565daaf1f425e3d37dca20277714">has recalled all its products</a>&nbsp;sold in the U.S. The company, which accounts for about 1% of the U.S. infant formula market, had been selling about 200,000 cans of the product each month.

It can take up to 30 days for symptoms of infantile botulism to develop, medical experts said.

Here’s what to know about the outbreak and infant botulism.

The outbreak has sickened babies aged about 2 weeks to about 6 months, the FDA said. All the infants were hospitalized after consuming ByHeart powdered formula.

California officials confirmed that a sample from an open can of ByHeart baby formula fed to an infant who fell ill contained the type of bacteria that can lead to illness.

ByHeart officials said they recalled their products “in close collaboration” with the FDA, despite the fact that no previously unopened product tested positive for the illness-causing bacteria. The type of bacteria that produces the toxin is widespread in the environment and could come from sources other than the formula, company officials have said.

FDA inspectors have been to the company's infant formula production plants in Allerton, Iowa; and Portland, Oregon.

Families of babies treated for botulism after drinking ByHeart formula have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/byheart-baby-formula-recall-botulism-679c822667df767a278b166c7142e68f">sued the company.</a>&nbsp;Lawsuits filed in federal courts allege that the formula they fed their children was defective and ByHeart was negligent in selling it. They seek financial payment for medical bills, emotional distress and other harm.

The FDA is investigating a rise in cases of infant botulism reported since August. “ByHeart brand formula is disproportionately represented among sick infants in this outbreak," the agency said.

Illnesses began between Aug. 9 and Nov. 13, federal officials said. Cases were reported in Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington.

Infant botulism typically affects fewer than 200 babies in the U.S. each year. As of Sept. 20, 133 cases had been reported in the U.S. according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention records. There were 145 cases reported all of last year.

The infection is caused by a type of bacteria that produces a toxin in the large intestine. The bacterium is spread through hardy spores present in the environment that can cause serious illness, including paralysis.

Infants are particularly vulnerable to infection because their gut microbiomes are not developed enough to prevent the spores from germinating and producing the toxin. They can be sickened after exposure to the spores in dust, dirt or water or by eating contaminated honey.

Symptoms can take weeks to develop and can include poor feeding, loss of head control, drooping eyelids and a flat facial expression. Babies may feel “floppy” and can have problems swallowing or breathing.

Baby formula has previously been linked to sporadic cases of illness, but no known outbreaks of infant botulism tied to powdered formula have previously been confirmed, according to research studies.

The only treatment is known as BabyBIG, an IV medication made from the pooled blood plasma of adults immunized against botulism. California’s infant botulism program developed the product and is the sole source worldwide.

BabyBIG works to shorten hospital stays and decrease the severity of illness in babies with botulism. Because the infection can affect the ability to breathe, infants often need to be placed on ventilators.

All of the children in the ByHeart outbreak have received the medication, the CDC said. The treatment costs about $69,300 per child, California officials said.

Potential impact on U.S. formula supplies

There is little danger of infant formula shortages because ByHeart represents a small share of the market. That's far different from the crises in late 2021 and 2022, when four infants were sickened by a different germ after consuming formula made by Abbott Nutrition. Two of the babies died. No direct link was found between the Abbott products and the infections caused by a different germ,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infant-formula-cronobacter-bacteria-cdc-a660d40c148c64a9a1f3941fd45f9bc0">cronobacter sakazakii,</a>&nbsp;but FDA officials closed the company's Michigan plant after contamination and other problems were detected.

Abbott recalled top brands of infant formula, triggering a nationwide shortage that lasted months.

In 2022, ByHeart recalled five batches of infant formula after a sample at the company's packaging plant tested positive for cronobacter sakazakii. In 2023, the FDA sent a warning letter to the company detailing “areas that still require corrective actions.” A ByHeart plant in Reading, Pennsylvania, was shut down in 2023 just before FDA inspectors found problems with mold, water leaks and insects, inspection documents show.

Federal health officials have vowed to overhaul&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/artificial-synthetic-food-dyes-natural-fda-sensient-ad9611b1235f2097469508e711e71094">the U.S. food supply</a>&nbsp;and are taking a new look at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-breastfeeding-1a666d5da95ef605b0a71c48c63e9461">infant formula</a>.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has directed the FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infant-formula-fda-review-4df7d47ed0d8bb2a16df119e16c5f96d">to review</a>&nbsp;the nutrients and other ingredients in infant formula, which fills the bottles of millions of American babies.

The effort, dubbed “Operation Stork Speed,” is the first deep look at the ingredients since 1998.

FDA officials are reviewing comments from industry, health experts and public to decide next steps.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763644148677.png" alt="CDC&nbsp; map shows where the 31 infants in this infant botulism outbreak lived." />
 <figcaption>CDC&nbsp; map shows where the 31 infants in this infant botulism outbreak lived.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONEL ALECCIA AP Health WriterAs cases of potentially deadly botulism in babies who drank ByHeart infant formula continue to grow, state officials say they are still finding the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/byheart-baby-formula-infant-botulism-recall-e070565daaf1f425e3d37dca20277714">recalled product</a>&nbsp;on some store shelves.Meanwhile the company reported late Wednesday that laboratory tests confirmed that some samples of formula were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/byheart-baby-formula-botulism-recall-98ad391ac5606c980a012d35f5f7637c">contaminated with the type of bacteria</a>&nbsp;that has sickened more than 30 babies in the outbreak.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762681537657.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Tests by an independent food safety laboratory found Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces toxins that can lead to potentially life threatening illness in babies younger than 1, the company said on its website. ByHeart officials said they notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the findings but did not specify how many samples were tested or how many were positive.“We are working to investigate the facts, conduct ongoing testing to identify the source, and ensure this does not happen to families again,” ByHeart said on its website.The FDA did not immediately respond to questions about the findings.The lab results come as investigators in at least three states found ByHeart formula still for sale even after the New York-based company recalled all products nationwide, officials told The Associated Press.At least 31 babies in 15 states who drank ByHeart formula have been hospitalized and treated for infantile botulism since August,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-nov-2025/investigation.html">federal health officials said Wednesday.</a>&nbsp;They range in age from about 2 weeks to about 6 months, with the most recent case reported on Nov. 13.No deaths have been reported.In Oregon, nine of more than 150 stores checked still had the formula on shelves this week, a state agriculture official said. In Minnesota, investigators conducted 119 checks between Nov. 13 and Nov. 17 and removed recalled products from sale at four sites, an agriculture department official said. An Arizona health official also said they found the product available.Businesses and consumers should remain alert, Minnesota officials said in a statement. “No affected product should be sold or consumed,” they wrote.Investigators with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted inspections at ByHeart manufacturing plants in Allerton, Iowa, and Portland, Oregon. No results from the inspections have been reported.California officials previously confirmed the germ that can lead to illness in an open can of ByHeart formula fed to a baby who fell ill.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/byheart-baby-formula-botulism-recall-98ad391ac5606c980a012d35f5f7637c">Infant botulism,</a>&nbsp;which can cause paralysis and death, is caused by a type of bacteria that forms spores that germinate in a baby's gut and produce a toxin.Symptoms can take up to 30 days to develop and include constipation, poor feeding, a weak cry, drooping eyelids or a flat facial expression. Babies can develop weakness in their limbs and head and may feel “floppy.” They can have trouble swallowing or breathing.ByHeart had been manufacturing about 200,000 cans of formula per month. It was sold online or at retail stores such as Target and Walmart. A Walmart spokesperson said the company swiftly issued a restriction that prevented sale of the formula, removed the product from stores and notified consumers who had bought it. Customers can visit any store for a refund of the formula, which sold for about $42 per can.Federal and state health officials are concerned that some parents and caregivers may still have ByHeart products in their homes. They are advising consumers to stop using the product — including formula in cans and any single-serve sticks. They also suggest marking it “DO NOT USE” and keeping it for at least a month in case a baby develops symptoms. In that case, the formula would need to be tested.The California health department operates the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, which tracks cases and distributes treatment for the disease. Officials there have launched a public hotline at 833-398-2022, which is staffed with health officials from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.The new hotline was created after calls from hundreds of parents and caregivers flooded a different, longstanding hotline for doctors to discuss suspected infant botulism cases, officials said.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.-------------More than 30 babies in 15 states have been sickened in a growing outbreak of infant botulism linked to recalled ByHeart infant formula, federal health officials said Wednesday.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-nov-2025/investigation.html">reported</a>&nbsp;31 cases of confirmed or suspected illness in babies who consumed ByHeart formula since August. The most recent case was reported on Nov. 13.No deaths have been reported in the outbreak, which was announced Nov. 8.“Do not use any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula,” the CDC said.ByHeart, a New York-based manufacturer of organic infant formula,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/byheart-baby-formula-infant-botulism-recall-e070565daaf1f425e3d37dca20277714">has recalled all its products</a>&nbsp;sold in the U.S. The company, which accounts for about 1% of the U.S. infant formula market, had been selling about 200,000 cans of the product each month.It can take up to 30 days for symptoms of infantile botulism to develop, medical experts said.Here’s what to know about the outbreak and infant botulism.<h2>The outbreak begins</h2>The outbreak has sickened babies aged about 2 weeks to about 6 months, the FDA said. All the infants were hospitalized after consuming ByHeart powdered formula.California officials confirmed that a sample from an open can of ByHeart baby formula fed to an infant who fell ill contained the type of bacteria that can lead to illness.ByHeart officials said they recalled their products “in close collaboration” with the FDA, despite the fact that no previously unopened product tested positive for the illness-causing bacteria. The type of bacteria that produces the toxin is widespread in the environment and could come from sources other than the formula, company officials have said.FDA inspectors have been to the company's infant formula production plants in Allerton, Iowa; and Portland, Oregon.Families of babies treated for botulism after drinking ByHeart formula have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/byheart-baby-formula-recall-botulism-679c822667df767a278b166c7142e68f">sued the company.</a>&nbsp;Lawsuits filed in federal courts allege that the formula they fed their children was defective and ByHeart was negligent in selling it. They seek financial payment for medical bills, emotional distress and other harm.The FDA is investigating a rise in cases of infant botulism reported since August. “ByHeart brand formula is disproportionately represented among sick infants in this outbreak," the agency said.Illnesses began between Aug. 9 and Nov. 13, federal officials said. Cases were reported in Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington.<h2>Causes of infant botulism</h2>Infant botulism typically affects fewer than 200 babies in the U.S. each year. As of Sept. 20, 133 cases had been reported in the U.S. according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention records. There were 145 cases reported all of last year.The infection is caused by a type of bacteria that produces a toxin in the large intestine. The bacterium is spread through hardy spores present in the environment that can cause serious illness, including paralysis.Infants are particularly vulnerable to infection because their gut microbiomes are not developed enough to prevent the spores from germinating and producing the toxin. They can be sickened after exposure to the spores in dust, dirt or water or by eating contaminated honey.Symptoms can take weeks to develop and can include poor feeding, loss of head control, drooping eyelids and a flat facial expression. Babies may feel “floppy” and can have problems swallowing or breathing.Baby formula has previously been linked to sporadic cases of illness, but no known outbreaks of infant botulism tied to powdered formula have previously been confirmed, according to research studies.<h2>Infant botulism treatment</h2>The only treatment is known as BabyBIG, an IV medication made from the pooled blood plasma of adults immunized against botulism. California’s infant botulism program developed the product and is the sole source worldwide.BabyBIG works to shorten hospital stays and decrease the severity of illness in babies with botulism. Because the infection can affect the ability to breathe, infants often need to be placed on ventilators.All of the children in the ByHeart outbreak have received the medication, the CDC said. The treatment costs about $69,300 per child, California officials said.<h2>Potential impact on U.S. formula supplies</h2>There is little danger of infant formula shortages because ByHeart represents a small share of the market. That's far different from the crises in late 2021 and 2022, when four infants were sickened by a different germ after consuming formula made by Abbott Nutrition. Two of the babies died. No direct link was found between the Abbott products and the infections caused by a different germ,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infant-formula-cronobacter-bacteria-cdc-a660d40c148c64a9a1f3941fd45f9bc0">cronobacter sakazakii,</a>&nbsp;but FDA officials closed the company's Michigan plant after contamination and other problems were detected.Abbott recalled top brands of infant formula, triggering a nationwide shortage that lasted months.In 2022, ByHeart recalled five batches of infant formula after a sample at the company's packaging plant tested positive for cronobacter sakazakii. In 2023, the FDA sent a warning letter to the company detailing “areas that still require corrective actions.” A ByHeart plant in Reading, Pennsylvania, was shut down in 2023 just before FDA inspectors found problems with mold, water leaks and insects, inspection documents show.<h2>Reviewing infant formula ingredients</h2>Federal health officials have vowed to overhaul&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/artificial-synthetic-food-dyes-natural-fda-sensient-ad9611b1235f2097469508e711e71094">the U.S. food supply</a>&nbsp;and are taking a new look at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-breastfeeding-1a666d5da95ef605b0a71c48c63e9461">infant formula</a>.Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has directed the FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infant-formula-fda-review-4df7d47ed0d8bb2a16df119e16c5f96d">to review</a>&nbsp;the nutrients and other ingredients in infant formula, which fills the bottles of millions of American babies.The effort, dubbed “Operation Stork Speed,” is the first deep look at the ingredients since 1998.FDA officials are reviewing comments from industry, health experts and public to decide next steps.___

As infant botulism cases climb, recalled baby formula still on some store shelves

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash have identified the victim as&nbsp;36-year-old Amber Kirk, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ron Ekis.

The Topeka Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating anyone who was in the area of the NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Paramore Street intersection in Topeka at the time of the incident.

Just before 6p.m. November 15, police&nbsp;responded to a hit-and-run injury accident call at the intersection of NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Paramore Streets in Topeka. The accident involved a vehicle and pedestrian. 

The pedestrian, later identified as Kirk, was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries where she died.

During investigation of this incident, police identified Sultan Y. Andemichael, 18, Topeka, as a suspect. Andemichael was located and transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on November 17. He remains jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; Involuntary manslaughter;&nbsp;Interference with LEO;  Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case and Failure to stop accident resulting in death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763425624800.png" alt="Andemichael photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Andemichael photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash have identified the victim as&nbsp;36-year-old Amber Kirk, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ron Ekis.The Topeka Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating anyone who was in the area of the NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Paramore Street intersection in Topeka at the time of the incident.Just before 6p.m. November 15, police&nbsp;responded to a hit-and-run injury accident call at the intersection of NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Paramore Streets in Topeka. The accident involved a vehicle and pedestrian. The pedestrian, later identified as Kirk, was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries where she died.During investigation of this incident, police identified Sultan Y. Andemichael, 18, Topeka, as a suspect. Andemichael was located and transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on November 17. He remains jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; Involuntary manslaughter;&nbsp;Interference with LEO; Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case and Failure to stop accident resulting in death.

Police look for witnesses to hit-and-run that killed Kansas woman

WASHINGTON (AP)—President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is accusing half a dozen Democratic lawmakers of sedition “punishable by DEATH” after the lawmakers — all veterans of the armed services and intelligence community — called on U.S. military members to uphold the Constitution and defy “illegal orders” in a video posted to X.

The 90-second video was first posted early Tuesday from Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/slotkin-democratic-response-text-trump-congress-6ba1012264201e715c290da1b8f45bc4">Elissa Slotkin’s</a>&nbsp;X account. In it, the six lawmakers — Slotkin, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan — speak directly to U.S. service members, whom Slotkin acknowledges are “under enormous stress and pressure right now.

This is the original video that prompted President Trump to respond.

WASHINGTON (AP)—President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is accusing half a dozen Democratic lawmakers of sedition “punishable by DEATH” after the lawmakers — all veterans of the armed services and intelligence community — called on U.S. military members to uphold the Constitution and defy “illegal orders” in a video posted to X.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763674382514.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The 90-second video was first posted early Tuesday from Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/slotkin-democratic-response-text-trump-congress-6ba1012264201e715c290da1b8f45bc4">Elissa Slotkin’s</a>&nbsp;X account. In it, the six lawmakers — Slotkin, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan — speak directly to U.S. service members, whom Slotkin acknowledges are “under enormous stress and pressure right now.This is the original video that prompted President Trump to respond.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community. The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution. Don’t give up the ship. <a href="https://t.co/N8lW0EpQ7r">pic.twitter.com/N8lW0EpQ7r</a>&mdash; Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1990774492356902948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763731398462.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) goes on a ridiculous rant where she doubles down on her treason where she told US Military to disobey orders. She’s telling servicemembers to commit sedition. Her doing that is clear treason. Try her. Sentence her to life.<a href="https://t.co/YyXpGhfgdf">pic.twitter.com/YyXpGhfgdf</a>&mdash; Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bubblebathgirl/status/1991643812389638283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earlier this morning, President Trump threatened me and a group of service and veteran Members of Congress with arrest, trial, and death by hanging. Here’s my response: <a href="https://t.co/jIZYrQTlP7">pic.twitter.com/jIZYrQTlP7</a>&mdash; Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1991571957494448420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/rGyeeyOEXf">pic.twitter.com/rGyeeyOEXf</a>&mdash; Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepHoulahan/status/1991636065774628945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The President of the United States just called for my arrest and execution. In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage: <a href="https://t.co/QMkRRoUxEn">pic.twitter.com/QMkRRoUxEn</a>&mdash; Rep. Jason Crow (@RepJasonCrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJasonCrow/status/1991584226907681097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 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">Don&#39;t give up the ship. <a href="https://t.co/T4EiN521iY">pic.twitter.com/T4EiN521iY</a>&mdash; Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepHoulahan/status/1991572053825093961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a> should agree to testify on domestic deployments. It is a fundamental issue to who we are as Americans. No matter where you land on the issue, transparency shouldn’t be seen as a threat. <a href="https://t.co/H3SrQ31RlX">pic.twitter.com/H3SrQ31RlX</a>&mdash; Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1991325305101832674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donald Trump is calling for my death and others, and every political leader should condemn the President&#39;s violent threats. <a href="https://t.co/Cgtmoujsba">pic.twitter.com/Cgtmoujsba</a>&mdash; Congressman Chris Deluzio (@RepDeluzio) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDeluzio/status/1991611011942724004?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Just to be clear, does the president want to execute members of Congress?&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a> Karoline Leavitt: &quot;No. Let&#39;s be clear about what the president is responding to...you have sitting members of the United States Congress who conspired together to orchestrate a video message… <a href="https://t.co/pPCLJ4LqCD">pic.twitter.com/pPCLJ4LqCD</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1991596354767057136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Dem lawmakers respond to President Trump's accusation of sedition

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Wichita police officer was seriously injured Thursday afternoon while attempting to take a suspect into custody during a child abuse investigation, according to a media release.

Around 4:30 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1000 block of 54th Street South in Wichita as part of a follow-up on a child abuse case, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers contacted a suspect, identified from booking records, as 33-year-old Levi J. Bates at the home.

Bates immediately became aggressive and punched one of the officers in the head. As officers attempted to detain him, they called for additional units. During the struggle, Bates struck the officer multiple times in the head before he was eventually subdued and taken into custody.

The injured officer was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries but is expected to recover. Bates was booked into the Sedgewick County Jail on requested charges of Felony Battery of a law enforcement officer and Felony resist.&nbsp;

A child at the residence was taken into police protective custody in connection with the original child abuse investigation.

Police Chief Joe Sullivan said, “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the community, and I’m proud of their courage and professionalism. We are glad the injured officer is expected to be okay, but let me be clear: Assaulting a police officer is a serious crime and will not be tolerated. We will pursue full accountability for this violent attack.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763724901015.png" alt="Bates photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Bates photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Wichita police officer was seriously injured Thursday afternoon while attempting to take a suspect into custody during a child abuse investigation, according to a media release.Around 4:30 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1000 block of 54th Street South in Wichita as part of a follow-up on a child abuse case, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers contacted a suspect, identified from booking records, as 33-year-old Levi J. Bates at the home.Bates immediately became aggressive and punched one of the officers in the head. As officers attempted to detain him, they called for additional units. During the struggle, Bates struck the officer multiple times in the head before he was eventually subdued and taken into custody.The injured officer was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries but is expected to recover. Bates was booked into the Sedgewick County Jail on requested charges of Felony Battery of a law enforcement officer and Felony resist.&nbsp;A child at the residence was taken into police protective custody in connection with the original child abuse investigation.Police Chief Joe Sullivan said, “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the community, and I’m proud of their courage and professionalism. We are glad the injured officer is expected to be okay, but let me be clear: Assaulting a police officer is a serious crime and will not be tolerated. We will pursue full accountability for this violent attack.”

Kan. officer  hospitalized after fight with child abuse suspect 

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating another fatal shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;

Just after 7:30p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the area of 55th and Wabash on the sound of gunshots, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Officers checked the area and located a vehicle mid block to the south in the east side alley. Inside the vehicle officers located an a woman shooting victim unresponsive. Officers called for EMS who responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene canvassing for any witnesses.&nbsp; The shooting appears to have happened in the alley of the location, according to Becchina. Police have not released the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763724181674.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating another fatal shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;Just after 7:30p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the area of 55th and Wabash on the sound of gunshots, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Officers checked the area and located a vehicle mid block to the south in the east side alley. Inside the vehicle officers located an a woman shooting victim unresponsive. Officers called for EMS who responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.Homicide detectives responded to the scene canvassing for any witnesses.&nbsp; The shooting appears to have happened in the alley of the location, according to Becchina. Police have not released the name of the victim.

Homicide: KC woman found with gunshot wounds in a vehicle

COWLEY COUNTY—The Arkansas City Police Department recognized the outstanding work and bravery of Master Police Officer Shannese McIntosh Thursday.

According to a social media report from the police department, on November 12, officers were dispatched to a call involving an unresponsive 6-week-old baby who wasn’t breathing and had no pulse. Upon arriving, MPO McIntosh immediately took action, performing CPR and giving the infant every possible chance. 

The baby was transported to South Central Kansas Medical Center and later flown to Wichita for additional care. On Thursday, the police department shared that baby Nova Raie is doing great.

Nova Raie and her mother even stopped by the department to visit MPO McIntosh after she was released from the hospital — a moment that meant a great deal to all at the Arkansas City Police Department.

"Please join us in commending Master Police Officer McIntosh for her quick response, skill, and compassion. Her actions made a profound difference, and we are incredibly proud to have her on our team."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763690269078.png" alt="Photo Arkansas City Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Arkansas City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—The Arkansas City Police Department recognized the outstanding work and bravery of Master Police Officer Shannese McIntosh Thursday.According to a social media report from the police department, on November 12, officers were dispatched to a call involving an unresponsive 6-week-old baby who wasn’t breathing and had no pulse. Upon arriving, MPO McIntosh immediately took action, performing CPR and giving the infant every possible chance. The baby was transported to South Central Kansas Medical Center and later flown to Wichita for additional care. On Thursday, the police department shared that baby Nova Raie is doing great.Nova Raie and her mother even stopped by the department to visit MPO McIntosh after she was released from the hospital — a moment that meant a great deal to all at the Arkansas City Police Department."Please join us in commending Master Police Officer McIntosh for her quick response, skill, and compassion. Her actions made a profound difference, and we are incredibly proud to have her on our team."

Kansas officer's quick action helped save life of baby

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-plan-europe-witkoff-33545b140c5bfbbc5e9061a739802e54">28-point draft proposal</a>&nbsp;to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;has been presented in Kyiv.

Washington and Moscow worked together on the draft, and it offers terms more favorable to Russia by calling for Ukraine to cede territory, avoid joining NATO and more. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the draft proposal Thursday.

1. Ukraine’s sovereignty will be confirmed.

2. A comprehensive non-aggression agreement will be concluded between Russia, Ukraine and Europe. All ambiguities of the last 30 years will be considered settled.

3. It is expected that Russia will not invade neighboring countries and NATO will not expand further.

4. A dialogue will be held between Russia and NATO, mediated by the United States, to resolve all security issues and create conditions for de-escalation in order to ensure global security and increase opportunities for cooperation and future economic development.

5. Ukraine will receive reliable security guarantees.

6. The size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be limited to 600,000 personnel.

7. Ukraine agrees to enshrine in its constitution that it will not join NATO, and NATO agrees to include in its statutes a provision that Ukraine will not be admitted in the future.

8. NATO agrees not to station troops in Ukraine.

9. European fighter jets will be stationed in Poland.

— The U.S. will receive compensation for the guarantee;

— If Ukraine invades Russia, it will lose the guarantee;

— If Russia invades Ukraine, in addition to a decisive coordinated military response, all global sanctions will be reinstated, recognition of the new territory and all other benefits of this deal will be revoked;

— If Ukraine launches a missile at Moscow or St. Petersburg without cause, the security guarantee will be deemed invalid.

11. Ukraine is eligible for EU membership and will receive short-term preferential access to the European market while this issue is being considered.

12. A powerful global package of measures to rebuild Ukraine, including but not limited to:

— The creation of a Ukraine Development Fund to invest in fast-growing industries, including technology, data centers, and artificial intelligence.

— The United States will cooperate with Ukraine to jointly rebuild, develop, modernize, and operate Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities.

— Joint efforts to rehabilitate war-affected areas for the restoration, reconstruction and modernization of cities and residential areas.

— Extraction of minerals and natural resources.

— The World Bank will develop a special financing package to accelerate these efforts.

13. Russia will be reintegrated into the global economy:

— The lifting of sanctions will be discussed and agreed upon in stages and on a case-by-case basis.

— The United States will enter into a long-term economic cooperation agreement for mutual development in the areas of energy, natural resources, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data centers, rare earth metal extraction projects in the Arctic, and other mutually beneficial corporate opportunities.

— Russia will be invited to rejoin the G8.

14. Frozen funds will be used as follows:

— $100 billion in frozen Russian assets will be invested in US-led efforts to rebuild and invest in Ukraine;

— The US will receive 50% of the profits from this venture. Europe will add $100 billion to increase the amount of investment available for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Frozen European funds will be unfrozen. The remainder of the frozen Russian funds will be invested in a separate US-Russian investment vehicle that will implement joint projects in specific areas. This fund will be aimed at strengthening relations and increasing common interests to create a strong incentive not to return to conflict.

15. A joint American-Russian working group on security issues will be established to promote and ensure compliance with all provisions of this agreement.

16. Russia will enshrine in law its policy of non-aggression towards Europe and Ukraine.

17. The United States and Russia will agree to extend the validity of treaties on the non-proliferation and control of nuclear weapons, including the START I Treaty.

18. Ukraine agrees to be a non-nuclear state in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

19. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant will be launched under the supervision of the IAEA, and the electricity produced will be distributed equally between Russia and Ukraine — 50:50.

20. Both countries undertake to implement educational programs in schools and society aimed at promoting understanding and tolerance of different cultures and eliminating racism and prejudice:

— Ukraine will adopt EU rules on religious tolerance and the protection of linguistic minorities.

— Both countries will agree to abolish all discriminatory measures and guarantee the rights of Ukrainian and Russian media and education.

— All Nazi ideology and activities must be rejected and prohibited.

— Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk will be recognized as de facto Russian, including by the United States.

— Kherson and Zaporizhzhia will be frozen along the line of contact, which will mean de facto recognition along the line of contact.

— Russia will relinquish other agreed territories it controls outside the five regions.

— Ukrainian forces will withdraw from the part of Donetsk Oblast that they currently control, and this withdrawal zone will be considered a neutral demilitarized buffer zone, internationally recognized as territory belonging to the Russian Federation. Russian forces will not enter this demilitarized zone.

22. After agreeing on future territorial arrangements, both the Russian Federation and Ukraine undertake not to change these arrangements by force. Any security guarantees will not apply in the event of a breach of this commitment.

23. Russia will not prevent Ukraine from using the Dnieper River for commercial activities, and agreements will be reached on the free transport of grain across the Black Sea.

24. A humanitarian committee will be established to resolve outstanding issues:

— All remaining prisoners and bodies will be exchanged on an ‘all for all’ basis.

— All civilian detainees and hostages will be returned, including children.

— A family reunification program will be implemented.

— Measures will be taken to alleviate the suffering of the victims of the conflict.

25. Ukraine will hold elections in 100 days.

26. All parties involved in this conflict will receive full amnesty for their actions during the war and agree not to make any claims or consider any complaints in the future.

27. This agreement will be legally binding. Its implementation will be monitored and guaranteed by the Peace Council, headed by President Donald J. Trump. Sanctions will be imposed for violations.

28. Once all parties agree to this memorandum, the ceasefire will take effect immediately after both sides retreat to agreed points to begin implementation of the agreement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's plan for ending the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;would cede land to Russia and limit the size of Kyiv's military, according to a draft obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-plan-92b2c89b62f4326ff67abc5613c9b59e">The proposal,</a>&nbsp;originating from negotiations between Washington and Moscow, appeared decidedly favorable to Russia, which started the war nearly four years ago by invading its neighbor. If past is prologue, it would seem untenable for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has opposed Trump's previous calls for territorial concessions.

There has also been resistance from European leaders, who are likely to decry the U.S. peace push as rewarding Russian President Vladimir Putin for his aggression, leaving him emboldened rather than defeated.

For example, the proposal would not only bar Ukraine from joining NATO but would also prevent the alliance's future expansion. Such a step would be a significant victory for Moscow, which views NATO as a threat.

Putin would also gain ground he has been unable to win on the battlefield. Under the draft, Moscow would hold all the eastern Donbas region, even though approximately 14% still remains in Ukrainian hands. Ukraine's military, currently at roughly 880,000 troops, would be reduced to 600,000.

The proposal opens the door to lifting sanctions on Russia and returning it to what was formerly known as the Group of Eight, which includes many of the world’s biggest economies. Russia was suspended from the annual gathering in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea, a strategically important peninsula on the northern coast of the Black Sea that is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.

The U.S. team began drawing up the plan soon after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Rustem Umerov, a top adviser to Zelenskyy, according to a senior administration official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The official added that Umerov agreed to the majority of the plan, after making several modifications, and then presented it to Zelenskyy.

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was also in Kyiv on Thursday and discussed the latest draft with Zelenskyy, according to a senior administration official. Zelenskyy offered a measured statement on social media about it but did not directly speak to the substance of the proposal.

“Our teams — of Ukraine and the United States — will work on the provisions of the plan to end the war. We are ready for constructive, honest and swift work,” he wrote.

Under the proposal, Russia would commit to making no future attacks, something the White House views as a concession. In addition, $100 billion in frozen Russian assets would be dedicated to rebuilding Ukraine.

However, handing over territory to Russia would be deeply unpopular in Ukraine. It also would be illegal under Ukraine’s constitution. Zelenskyy has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-land-swap-trump-summit-e8e869d5d5ec672fee3e86022b20d11a">repeatedly ruled out</a>&nbsp;such a possibility.

Russia would also be allowed to keep half of the power generated by Europe’s largest nuclear power plant,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-nuclear-zaporizhzhia-a0273ea4558a7b26cf232edd620942cc">Zaporizhzhia</a>, which it captured from Ukraine early during the war.

The draft calls for a “Peace Council” that Trump will oversee. The council is an idea that Trump snatched from his lengthy peace plan aimed at bringing about a permanent end to war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760736061957.png" alt="President Trump welcomes President Zelensky to the White House in October-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Trump welcomes President Zelensky to the White House in October-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-plan-europe-witkoff-33545b140c5bfbbc5e9061a739802e54">28-point draft proposal</a>&nbsp;to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;has been presented in Kyiv.Washington and Moscow worked together on the draft, and it offers terms more favorable to Russia by calling for Ukraine to cede territory, avoid joining NATO and more. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the draft proposal Thursday.Here is Trump’s proposal, verbatim:1. Ukraine’s sovereignty will be confirmed.2. A comprehensive non-aggression agreement will be concluded between Russia, Ukraine and Europe. All ambiguities of the last 30 years will be considered settled.3. It is expected that Russia will not invade neighboring countries and NATO will not expand further.4. A dialogue will be held between Russia and NATO, mediated by the United States, to resolve all security issues and create conditions for de-escalation in order to ensure global security and increase opportunities for cooperation and future economic development.5. Ukraine will receive reliable security guarantees.6. The size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be limited to 600,000 personnel.7. Ukraine agrees to enshrine in its constitution that it will not join NATO, and NATO agrees to include in its statutes a provision that Ukraine will not be admitted in the future.8. NATO agrees not to station troops in Ukraine.9. European fighter jets will be stationed in Poland.10. The U.S. guarantee:— The U.S. will receive compensation for the guarantee;— If Ukraine invades Russia, it will lose the guarantee;— If Russia invades Ukraine, in addition to a decisive coordinated military response, all global sanctions will be reinstated, recognition of the new territory and all other benefits of this deal will be revoked;— If Ukraine launches a missile at Moscow or St. Petersburg without cause, the security guarantee will be deemed invalid.11. Ukraine is eligible for EU membership and will receive short-term preferential access to the European market while this issue is being considered.12. A powerful global package of measures to rebuild Ukraine, including but not limited to:— The creation of a Ukraine Development Fund to invest in fast-growing industries, including technology, data centers, and artificial intelligence.— The United States will cooperate with Ukraine to jointly rebuild, develop, modernize, and operate Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities.— Joint efforts to rehabilitate war-affected areas for the restoration, reconstruction and modernization of cities and residential areas.— Infrastructure development.— Extraction of minerals and natural resources.— The World Bank will develop a special financing package to accelerate these efforts.13. Russia will be reintegrated into the global economy:— The lifting of sanctions will be discussed and agreed upon in stages and on a case-by-case basis.— The United States will enter into a long-term economic cooperation agreement for mutual development in the areas of energy, natural resources, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data centers, rare earth metal extraction projects in the Arctic, and other mutually beneficial corporate opportunities.— Russia will be invited to rejoin the G8.14. Frozen funds will be used as follows:— $100 billion in frozen Russian assets will be invested in US-led efforts to rebuild and invest in Ukraine;— The US will receive 50% of the profits from this venture. Europe will add $100 billion to increase the amount of investment available for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Frozen European funds will be unfrozen. The remainder of the frozen Russian funds will be invested in a separate US-Russian investment vehicle that will implement joint projects in specific areas. This fund will be aimed at strengthening relations and increasing common interests to create a strong incentive not to return to conflict.15. A joint American-Russian working group on security issues will be established to promote and ensure compliance with all provisions of this agreement.16. Russia will enshrine in law its policy of non-aggression towards Europe and Ukraine.17. The United States and Russia will agree to extend the validity of treaties on the non-proliferation and control of nuclear weapons, including the START I Treaty.18. Ukraine agrees to be a non-nuclear state in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.19. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant will be launched under the supervision of the IAEA, and the electricity produced will be distributed equally between Russia and Ukraine — 50:50.20. Both countries undertake to implement educational programs in schools and society aimed at promoting understanding and tolerance of different cultures and eliminating racism and prejudice:— Ukraine will adopt EU rules on religious tolerance and the protection of linguistic minorities.— Both countries will agree to abolish all discriminatory measures and guarantee the rights of Ukrainian and Russian media and education.— All Nazi ideology and activities must be rejected and prohibited.21. Territories:— Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk will be recognized as de facto Russian, including by the United States.— Kherson and Zaporizhzhia will be frozen along the line of contact, which will mean de facto recognition along the line of contact.— Russia will relinquish other agreed territories it controls outside the five regions.— Ukrainian forces will withdraw from the part of Donetsk Oblast that they currently control, and this withdrawal zone will be considered a neutral demilitarized buffer zone, internationally recognized as territory belonging to the Russian Federation. Russian forces will not enter this demilitarized zone.22. After agreeing on future territorial arrangements, both the Russian Federation and Ukraine undertake not to change these arrangements by force. Any security guarantees will not apply in the event of a breach of this commitment.23. Russia will not prevent Ukraine from using the Dnieper River for commercial activities, and agreements will be reached on the free transport of grain across the Black Sea.24. A humanitarian committee will be established to resolve outstanding issues:— All remaining prisoners and bodies will be exchanged on an ‘all for all’ basis.— All civilian detainees and hostages will be returned, including children.— A family reunification program will be implemented.— Measures will be taken to alleviate the suffering of the victims of the conflict.25. Ukraine will hold elections in 100 days.26. All parties involved in this conflict will receive full amnesty for their actions during the war and agree not to make any claims or consider any complaints in the future.27. This agreement will be legally binding. Its implementation will be monitored and guaranteed by the Peace Council, headed by President Donald J. Trump. Sanctions will be imposed for violations.28. Once all parties agree to this memorandum, the ceasefire will take effect immediately after both sides retreat to agreed points to begin implementation of the agreement.-------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's plan for ending the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;would cede land to Russia and limit the size of Kyiv's military, according to a draft obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-plan-92b2c89b62f4326ff67abc5613c9b59e">The proposal,</a>&nbsp;originating from negotiations between Washington and Moscow, appeared decidedly favorable to Russia, which started the war nearly four years ago by invading its neighbor. If past is prologue, it would seem untenable for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has opposed Trump's previous calls for territorial concessions.There has also been resistance from European leaders, who are likely to decry the U.S. peace push as rewarding Russian President Vladimir Putin for his aggression, leaving him emboldened rather than defeated.For example, the proposal would not only bar Ukraine from joining NATO but would also prevent the alliance's future expansion. Such a step would be a significant victory for Moscow, which views NATO as a threat.Putin would also gain ground he has been unable to win on the battlefield. Under the draft, Moscow would hold all the eastern Donbas region, even though approximately 14% still remains in Ukrainian hands. Ukraine's military, currently at roughly 880,000 troops, would be reduced to 600,000.The proposal opens the door to lifting sanctions on Russia and returning it to what was formerly known as the Group of Eight, which includes many of the world’s biggest economies. Russia was suspended from the annual gathering in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea, a strategically important peninsula on the northern coast of the Black Sea that is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.<h2>Proposal increases pressure on Zelenskyy</h2>The U.S. team began drawing up the plan soon after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Rustem Umerov, a top adviser to Zelenskyy, according to a senior administration official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The official added that Umerov agreed to the majority of the plan, after making several modifications, and then presented it to Zelenskyy.U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was also in Kyiv on Thursday and discussed the latest draft with Zelenskyy, according to a senior administration official. Zelenskyy offered a measured statement on social media about it but did not directly speak to the substance of the proposal.“Our teams — of Ukraine and the United States — will work on the provisions of the plan to end the war. We are ready for constructive, honest and swift work,” he wrote.Under the proposal, Russia would commit to making no future attacks, something the White House views as a concession. In addition, $100 billion in frozen Russian assets would be dedicated to rebuilding Ukraine.However, handing over territory to Russia would be deeply unpopular in Ukraine. It also would be illegal under Ukraine’s constitution. Zelenskyy has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-land-swap-trump-summit-e8e869d5d5ec672fee3e86022b20d11a">repeatedly ruled out</a>&nbsp;such a possibility.Russia would also be allowed to keep half of the power generated by Europe’s largest nuclear power plant,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-nuclear-zaporizhzhia-a0273ea4558a7b26cf232edd620942cc">Zaporizhzhia</a>, which it captured from Ukraine early during the war.The draft calls for a “Peace Council” that Trump will oversee. The council is an idea that Trump snatched from his lengthy peace plan aimed at bringing about a permanent end to war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.If either Ukraine or Russia violated the truce once enacted, it would face sanctions.U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., an Air Force veteran, rejected the emerging plan. “Unacceptable,” he posted on social media. “It is a 1938 Munich,” referring to a diplomatic agreement aimed at securing peace with Nazi Germany but widely viewed as paving the way for World War II.<h2>European diplomats urge wider consultations</h2>Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-witkoff-special-envoy-russia-ukraine-mideast-d26c80c87a57fd3a811e4b0aa0eda58e">Witkoff</a>&nbsp;have been quietly working on the peace plan for a month, receiving input from both Ukrainians and Russians on terms that are acceptable to each side, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriev, a close adviser to Putin, have been key to drafting the proposal.As reports about the draft emerged, blindsided European diplomats insisted they and Ukraine must be consulted.European leaders have already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-europe-sidelined-ukraine-gaza-51d8929e55b921c02de063908fe2a8a2">been alarmed</a>&nbsp;this year by indications that Trump’s administration might be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-russia-war-putin-zelenskyy-europe-7940f9c5828fc46431928bc073170bc2">sidelining them</a>&nbsp;and Zelenskyy in its push to stop the fighting. Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-putin-comments-2b977a12e445817fffd6ef9f8df9aa38">at-times conciliatory approach</a>&nbsp;to Putin has fueled those concerns, but Trump adopted a tougher line last month when he announced heavy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-sanctions-oil-trump-war-ukraine-4fa911a41494f56c29cb76a7f70f73d0">sanctions on Russia’s vital oil sector</a>&nbsp;that come into force Friday.“For any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board,” European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said at the start of a meeting in Brussels of the 27-nation bloc’s foreign ministers. She also suggested that the draft would be too favorable toward Moscow.“We haven’t heard of any concessions on the Russian side," Kallas said.German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul said he talked by phone Thursday with Witkoff and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss “our various current efforts to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and thus finally put an end to the immeasurable human suffering.”Ukraine’s deputy U.N. Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn told the U.N. Security Council that Kyiv has officially received Trump’s draft peace plan and is ready “to work constructively,” but she stressed Ukraine’s “red lines.”“There will never be any recognition, formal or otherwise, of Ukrainian territory temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation as Russian,” she said. “Our land is not for sale.”“Ukraine will not accept any limits on its right to self-defense or on the size and capabilities of our armed forces, nor will we tolerate any infringement on our sovereignty, including our sovereign right to choose the alliances we want to join,” Hayovyshyn added.<h2>Trump has long pushed for end to war</h2>It was not clear whether European foreign ministers had seen the peace plan, which was first reported by Axios.Although they appeared caught by surprise, some elements of the plan were not new. Trump said last month that the Donbas region&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-drones-gas-strikes-energy-50826ce7b96814ad943d8721c1a2915c">should be “cut up,”</a>&nbsp;leaving most of it in Russian hands.However, the administration's previous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-ukraine-not-happy-weapons-pause-51b774fc94f9835c7aae4707da444291">diplomatic efforts</a>&nbsp;this year to stop the fighting have so far come to nothing. A summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska did not result in a breakthrough over the summer, and plans for them to meet again in Budapest, Hungary, did not come to fruition.Trump frequently complained that the negotiations involving Ukraine were taking longer than other conflicts where he helped mediate.“I thought that was going to be my easy one because I have a good relationship with President Putin,” he said this week. “But I’m a little disappointed in President Putin right now.”___Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press journalists Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Sam McNeil in Brussels, Samya Kullab in Kyiv and Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, contributed to this report.