KANSAS CITY—One person was critically injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.

According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino,&nbsp;a Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Ford F350 pickup truck was parked on the northbound curb of Grand, just north of 5th Street.

The driver of the City Vehicle put the pickup in drive and began traveling northbound and struck a pedestrian who was in front of the vehicle. The pedestrian went completely under the vehicle, according to DiMartino.

A KC Fire Department ambulance transported the pedestrian to a local hospital with serious injuries. The driver was not impaired.

KANSAS CITY—One person was critically injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino,&nbsp;a Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Ford F350 pickup truck was parked on the northbound curb of Grand, just north of 5th Street.The driver of the City Vehicle put the pickup in drive and began traveling northbound and struck a pedestrian who was in front of the vehicle. The pedestrian went completely under the vehicle, according to DiMartino.A KC Fire Department ambulance transported the pedestrian to a local hospital with serious injuries. The driver was not impaired.

Police: KC Parks and Rec pickup ran over pedestrian

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Two bills heard in a state Senate committee are designed to lower prices, provide fair competition for independent pharmacies, backers say

With billions of dollars at stake, a legislative battle in Missouri over payments for prescription drugs kicked off again Wednesday between pharmacies, health care providers and insurance companies.

For those unfamiliar with the conflict, terms like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mmitnetwork.com/what-is-white-bagging/" target="_blank">white bagging</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.valuebasedcancer.com/issues/2013/september-2013-vol-4-no-8/1341-brown-bagging-versus-white-bagging#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBrown%20bagging%E2%80%9D%20is%20when%20a,the%20physician's%20office%20for%20administration." target="_blank">brown bagging</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa" target="_blank">340B</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/therapeutic-biologics-applications-bla/biosimilars" target="_blank">biosimilarity</a>&nbsp;can make the debate impossible to fathom. But each of those phrases, and others equally baffling, play a part in how much patients and insurers pay and whether they can get their prescriptions from their favorite pharmacy.

A bill passed last year attempted to decide&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/13/billions-at-stake-as-national-battle-over-drug-pricing-plays-out-in-missouri/">one issue in favor of hospitals</a>, not-for-profit clinics and other selected providers by mandating that pharmaceutical manufacturers offer discounted drugs under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa" target="_blank">340B program</a>&nbsp;to any pharmacy with a contract to supply the provider’s patients.&nbsp;

That law is being&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/27/drugmakers-sue-to-block-missouri-law-on-federal-prescription-discounts/">challenged in federal court</a>, but no trial has been held.

Two bills discussed Wednesday by the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee would expand on that legislation and take on one of the other major features of prescription sales — pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs.

State Sen. Travis Fitzwater, a Republican from Holt’s Summit, wants to protect independent pharmacies from practices that favor large chain operations.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=209" target="_blank">His bill</a>&nbsp;would require reimbursements to all pharmacies to be the same as reimbursements for pharmacies affiliated with PBMs.

That will help the independent pharmacies stay in business, he said.

“They take care of our communities, they are leaders in our communities, they invest in our communities, and they are going away,” Fitzwater said.

Fitzwater’s bill would also require insurance providers to include amounts paid on behalf of a patient for prescription drugs to be counted against the maximum out-of-pocket costs allowed in a policy. Those payments can include rebates or outlays by a relative, Fitzwater said.

Currently, many plans only recognize payments made by the patient only.

The provisions are especially important when a high-cost specialty drug is involved, he said.

“They’ll say you can only get this drug in an approved pharmacy that will fulfill the requirements we have,” Fitzwater said. “So they will reimburse themselves at a much larger margin than they’ll reimburse the independent pharmacy.”

Supporters of the bill said PBMs get in the consumer choice.&nbsp;

Erica Crane, founder of NextRx Pharmacy in Columbia, said PBMs force people to use large chains and reap the benefits of negotiated discounts.

“PBMs do not lower the cost of medications,” Crane said. “They don’t increase the availability. What they are doing is closing our independent pharmacies.”

Opponents argue that the bill will shift costs and hurt self-insured plans.

Laurel Pickering, president and CEO of the St Louis Area Business Health Coalition, said her organization purchases health care on behalf of 500,000 people, employees and families of employees at Anheuser-Busch, Panera, Boeing and several other large companies.

“The provisions in this bill are being used to capture money from employers and their workers, and they’re going to increase those costs,” Pickering said.

State Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, pushed back against Pickering’s argument. More choice in the marketplace should mean reduced prices, he said.

“What I’m hearing you say is that you are for centralization of power and concentrating that in just a few hands, as opposed to competition, because you said that allowing choice increases prices, and that’s usually not the way the free market works,” Moon said.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=311" target="_blank">other legislation</a>&nbsp;considered Wednesday, sponsored by state Sen. Justin Brown of Rolla, would limit how PBMs reimburse pharmacies for physician-administered drugs, as well make them pay the same amounts for biosimilar drugs. PBMs would also be barred from paying a pharmacy less for a drug obtained under the 340B discount program than it pays for the same drug when it is not covered by the manufacturer’s discount.

Karen White, CEO of the not-for-profit Missouri Highlands Health Care, headquartered in Ellington, said the 340B program provides essential revenue for her clinics.

“Without these savings that we rely on, we will have to take a hard look at what services we can continue to provide,” White said.&nbsp;

Many of the provisions in his bill were in the legislation he filed last year on the 340B program, Brown said. They were removed as lawmakers worked through one of the most difficult years in recent history, passing a record low number of bills, he noted.

“​​While we made some progress with last year’s 340B legislation, it’s clear that we still have much to do,” Brown said.

A biologic medication is made from a living organism or its products and a biosimilar medication is one that has the same effect but is derived from a different source and is often administered by physicians by infusion or injection.

Brown’s bill would require the same reimbursements whether the originally prescribed biologic or a biosimilar drug is used.

When a patient visits a pharmacy to obtain a medication that is then administered in a physician’s office, it is called brown bagging. When the pharmacy delivers the same drug to a physician’s office so it can be administered to a patient, it is called white bagging. The bill would require the insurance companies and PBMs to treat the transaction the same either way.

Daniel Good, vice president for pharmacy at Mercy Health, said the provisions will help providers keep their focus on patient needs.

“This bill is going to ensure that the health systems and the pharmacy and therapeutic communities make a choice in the best interest of the patients,” Good said.

Representatives of the insurance industry, who oppose the bills, said that the well-intentioned legislation will actually drive up costs for many.

“At the end of the day, it’s about that dollar,” said Shannon Cooper, lobbyist for the America’s Health Insurance Plan, the national trade organization of health insurance companies.

Employers work to control costs for themselves and employees and the bills interfere with those relationships, he said.

“When you meddle with legislation like this, when you break contract law, when you break agreements,” Cooper said, “that drives the cost of those services up for the ultimate consumer.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737638738385.png" alt="State Sen. Travis Fitzwater, a Republican from Holts Summit, presents legislation to a Senate committee on Wednesday (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Travis Fitzwater, a Republican from Holts Summit, presents legislation to a Senate committee on Wednesday (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>Two bills heard in a state Senate committee are designed to lower prices, provide fair competition for independent pharmacies, backers say</h2>With billions of dollars at stake, a legislative battle in Missouri over payments for prescription drugs kicked off again Wednesday between pharmacies, health care providers and insurance companies.For those unfamiliar with the conflict, terms like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mmitnetwork.com/what-is-white-bagging/" target="_blank">white bagging</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.valuebasedcancer.com/issues/2013/september-2013-vol-4-no-8/1341-brown-bagging-versus-white-bagging#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBrown%20bagging%E2%80%9D%20is%20when%20a,the%20physician's%20office%20for%20administration." target="_blank">brown bagging</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa" target="_blank">340B</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/therapeutic-biologics-applications-bla/biosimilars" target="_blank">biosimilarity</a>&nbsp;can make the debate impossible to fathom. But each of those phrases, and others equally baffling, play a part in how much patients and insurers pay and whether they can get their prescriptions from their favorite pharmacy.A bill passed last year attempted to decide&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/13/billions-at-stake-as-national-battle-over-drug-pricing-plays-out-in-missouri/">one issue in favor of hospitals</a>, not-for-profit clinics and other selected providers by mandating that pharmaceutical manufacturers offer discounted drugs under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa" target="_blank">340B program</a>&nbsp;to any pharmacy with a contract to supply the provider’s patients.&nbsp;That law is being&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/27/drugmakers-sue-to-block-missouri-law-on-federal-prescription-discounts/">challenged in federal court</a>, but no trial has been held.Two bills discussed Wednesday by the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee would expand on that legislation and take on one of the other major features of prescription sales — pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs.State Sen. Travis Fitzwater, a Republican from Holt’s Summit, wants to protect independent pharmacies from practices that favor large chain operations.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=209" target="_blank">His bill</a>&nbsp;would require reimbursements to all pharmacies to be the same as reimbursements for pharmacies affiliated with PBMs.That will help the independent pharmacies stay in business, he said.“They take care of our communities, they are leaders in our communities, they invest in our communities, and they are going away,” Fitzwater said.Fitzwater’s bill would also require insurance providers to include amounts paid on behalf of a patient for prescription drugs to be counted against the maximum out-of-pocket costs allowed in a policy. Those payments can include rebates or outlays by a relative, Fitzwater said.Currently, many plans only recognize payments made by the patient only.The provisions are especially important when a high-cost specialty drug is involved, he said.“They’ll say you can only get this drug in an approved pharmacy that will fulfill the requirements we have,” Fitzwater said. “So they will reimburse themselves at a much larger margin than they’ll reimburse the independent pharmacy.”Supporters of the bill said PBMs get in the consumer choice.&nbsp;Erica Crane, founder of NextRx Pharmacy in Columbia, said PBMs force people to use large chains and reap the benefits of negotiated discounts.“PBMs do not lower the cost of medications,” Crane said. “They don’t increase the availability. What they are doing is closing our independent pharmacies.”Opponents argue that the bill will shift costs and hurt self-insured plans.Laurel Pickering, president and CEO of the St Louis Area Business Health Coalition, said her organization purchases health care on behalf of 500,000 people, employees and families of employees at Anheuser-Busch, Panera, Boeing and several other large companies.“The provisions in this bill are being used to capture money from employers and their workers, and they’re going to increase those costs,” Pickering said.State Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, pushed back against Pickering’s argument. More choice in the marketplace should mean reduced prices, he said.“What I’m hearing you say is that you are for centralization of power and concentrating that in just a few hands, as opposed to competition, because you said that allowing choice increases prices, and that’s usually not the way the free market works,” Moon said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737638699454.png" alt=" Karen White, left, CEO of Missouri Highlands Health Care in Ellington, testifies Tuesday in favor of legislation from state Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla, right, that would require drug manufacturers to allow access to drugs discounted under the federal 340B program (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Karen White, left, CEO of Missouri Highlands Health Care in Ellington, testifies Tuesday in favor of legislation from state Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla, right, that would require drug manufacturers to allow access to drugs discounted under the federal 340B program (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=311" target="_blank">other legislation</a>&nbsp;considered Wednesday, sponsored by state Sen. Justin Brown of Rolla, would limit how PBMs reimburse pharmacies for physician-administered drugs, as well make them pay the same amounts for biosimilar drugs. PBMs would also be barred from paying a pharmacy less for a drug obtained under the 340B discount program than it pays for the same drug when it is not covered by the manufacturer’s discount.Karen White, CEO of the not-for-profit Missouri Highlands Health Care, headquartered in Ellington, said the 340B program provides essential revenue for her clinics.“Without these savings that we rely on, we will have to take a hard look at what services we can continue to provide,” White said.&nbsp;Many of the provisions in his bill were in the legislation he filed last year on the 340B program, Brown said. They were removed as lawmakers worked through one of the most difficult years in recent history, passing a record low number of bills, he noted.“​​While we made some progress with last year’s 340B legislation, it’s clear that we still have much to do,” Brown said.A biologic medication is made from a living organism or its products and a biosimilar medication is one that has the same effect but is derived from a different source and is often administered by physicians by infusion or injection.Brown’s bill would require the same reimbursements whether the originally prescribed biologic or a biosimilar drug is used.When a patient visits a pharmacy to obtain a medication that is then administered in a physician’s office, it is called brown bagging. When the pharmacy delivers the same drug to a physician’s office so it can be administered to a patient, it is called white bagging. The bill would require the insurance companies and PBMs to treat the transaction the same either way.Daniel Good, vice president for pharmacy at Mercy Health, said the provisions will help providers keep their focus on patient needs.“This bill is going to ensure that the health systems and the pharmacy and therapeutic communities make a choice in the best interest of the patients,” Good said.Representatives of the insurance industry, who oppose the bills, said that the well-intentioned legislation will actually drive up costs for many.“At the end of the day, it’s about that dollar,” said Shannon Cooper, lobbyist for the America’s Health Insurance Plan, the national trade organization of health insurance companies.Employers work to control costs for themselves and employees and the bills interfere with those relationships, he said.“When you meddle with legislation like this, when you break contract law, when you break agreements,” Cooper said, “that drives the cost of those services up for the ultimate consumer.”

Missouri bills target pharmacy costs, insurance rules on drug pricing

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a Monday homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 18-year-old&nbsp;Amauri Holland-Williams, according to&nbsp;KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just after 7:30p.m. January 20, police were dispatched to 56th and Westridge in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to DiMartino.

Upon arrival they were directed to a residence near the intersection. In the yard they located Holland-Williams suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Several witnesses were rendering aid to him as officers arrived.

 Officers took over life saving measures and ordered EMS.&nbsp; EMS transported him from the scene with life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Several hours later he died at the hospital, according to DiMartion.

This is being investigated as a homicide and no one is in custody. Detectives and crime scene personnel are working to determine what led up to the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737478624532.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a Monday homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 18-year-old&nbsp;Amauri Holland-Williams, according to&nbsp;KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Just after 7:30p.m. January 20, police were dispatched to 56th and Westridge in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to DiMartino.Upon arrival they were directed to a residence near the intersection. In the yard they located Holland-Williams suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Several witnesses were rendering aid to him as officers arrived. Officers took over life saving measures and ordered EMS.&nbsp; EMS transported him from the scene with life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Several hours later he died at the hospital, according to DiMartion.This is being investigated as a homicide and no one is in custody. Detectives and crime scene personnel are working to determine what led up to the incident.

Police ID teen shooting victim who died at KC hospital

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8p.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Audi A6 driven by&nbsp;Oldfield, Delbert Kevin Oldfield, 61, Baldwin City, was northbound Interstate 35 just south of 75th Street at a high rate of speed.&nbsp;

The driver swerved to the left to avoid striking another vehicle. The car traveled off the road, struck the median barrier wall, rode the wall before coming back onto the interstate, spun around and came to rest backwards in the number four lane.

EMS transported Oldfield to Overland Park Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8p.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Audi A6 driven by&nbsp;Oldfield, Delbert Kevin Oldfield, 61, Baldwin City, was northbound Interstate 35 just south of 75th Street at a high rate of speed.&nbsp;The driver swerved to the left to avoid striking another vehicle. The car traveled off the road, struck the median barrier wall, rode the wall before coming back onto the interstate, spun around and came to rest backwards in the number four lane.EMS transported Oldfield to Overland Park Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after violent crash into median barrier wall

On Wednesday, President Trump signed an Executive Order re-designating Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101&nbsp;et seq.) (INA), it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1.&nbsp; Purpose. &nbsp;This order sets in motion a process by which Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, shall be considered for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, consistent with section 219 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1189).

Supported by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF), which arms and trains terrorist organizations worldwide, the Houthis have fired at U.S. Navy warships dozens of times since 2023, endangering American men and women in uniform. &nbsp;Since seizing most Yemeni population centers by force from the legitimate Yemeni government in 2014-2015، the Houthis have launched numerous attacks on civilian infrastructure, including multiple attacks on civilian airports in Saudi Arabia, the deadly January 2022 attacks on the United Arab Emirates, and more than 300 projectiles fired at Israel since October 2023.&nbsp; The Houthis have also attacked commercial vessels transiting Bab al-Mandeb more than 100 times, killing at least four civilian sailors and forcing some Red Sea maritime commercial traffic to reroute, which has contributed to global inflation.

The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade.

Sec. 2. &nbsp;Policy. &nbsp;It is the policy of the United States to cooperate with its regional partners to eliminate Ansar Allah’s capabilities and operations, deprive it of resources, and thereby end its attacks on U.S. personnel and civilians, U.S. partners, and maritime shipping in the Red Sea.

Sec. 3. &nbsp;Implementation. &nbsp;(a) &nbsp;Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State shall, after consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of the Treasury, submit a report to the President, through the National Security Council, concerning the designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization consistent with 8 U.S.C. 1189.

(b) &nbsp;Within 15 days after submitting the report required under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of State shall take all appropriate action, consistent with 8 U.S.C. 1189, with regards to a designation of Ansar Allah as a terrorist organization.

(d) &nbsp;Following any designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization under 8 U.S.C. 1189, the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) shall jointly conduct a review of the United Nations partners, nongovernmental organizations, and contractors through which USAID works in Yemen, and identify any entities with a relationship with USAID that has:

(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; made payments to members of, or governmental entities controlled by, Ansar Allah; or

(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp; has criticized international efforts to counter Ansar Allah while failing to document Ansar Allah’s abuses sufficiently.

(e) &nbsp;The Administrator of USAID shall take all appropriate action to terminate the projects, grants, or contracts identified under subsection (e) of this section as appropriate.

Sec. 4. &nbsp;General Provisions.&nbsp; (a)&nbsp; Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)&nbsp;&nbsp; the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)&nbsp; the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)&nbsp; This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)&nbsp; This order is not intended to and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, o

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561036312700.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, President Trump signed an Executive Order re-designating Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East.The executive order is printed below.By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101&nbsp;et seq.) (INA), it is hereby ordered as follows:Section 1.&nbsp; Purpose. &nbsp;This order sets in motion a process by which Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, shall be considered for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, consistent with section 219 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1189).Supported by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF), which arms and trains terrorist organizations worldwide, the Houthis have fired at U.S. Navy warships dozens of times since 2023, endangering American men and women in uniform. &nbsp;Since seizing most Yemeni population centers by force from the legitimate Yemeni government in 2014-2015، the Houthis have launched numerous attacks on civilian infrastructure, including multiple attacks on civilian airports in Saudi Arabia, the deadly January 2022 attacks on the United Arab Emirates, and more than 300 projectiles fired at Israel since October 2023.&nbsp; The Houthis have also attacked commercial vessels transiting Bab al-Mandeb more than 100 times, killing at least four civilian sailors and forcing some Red Sea maritime commercial traffic to reroute, which has contributed to global inflation.The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade.Sec. 2. &nbsp;Policy. &nbsp;It is the policy of the United States to cooperate with its regional partners to eliminate Ansar Allah’s capabilities and operations, deprive it of resources, and thereby end its attacks on U.S. personnel and civilians, U.S. partners, and maritime shipping in the Red Sea.Sec. 3. &nbsp;Implementation. &nbsp;(a) &nbsp;Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State shall, after consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of the Treasury, submit a report to the President, through the National Security Council, concerning the designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization consistent with 8 U.S.C. 1189.(b) &nbsp;Within 15 days after submitting the report required under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of State shall take all appropriate action, consistent with 8 U.S.C. 1189, with regards to a designation of Ansar Allah as a terrorist organization.(d) &nbsp;Following any designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization under 8 U.S.C. 1189, the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) shall jointly conduct a review of the United Nations partners, nongovernmental organizations, and contractors through which USAID works in Yemen, and identify any entities with a relationship with USAID that has:(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; made payments to members of, or governmental entities controlled by, Ansar Allah; or(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp; has criticized international efforts to counter Ansar Allah while failing to document Ansar Allah’s abuses sufficiently.(e) &nbsp;The Administrator of USAID shall take all appropriate action to terminate the projects, grants, or contracts identified under subsection (e) of this section as appropriate.Sec. 4. &nbsp;General Provisions.&nbsp; (a)&nbsp; Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:(i)&nbsp;&nbsp; the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or(ii)&nbsp; the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.(b)&nbsp; This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.(c)&nbsp; This order is not intended to and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, o

Read the order: U.S. redesignates Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Sheriff's deputies saved two dogs from an icy Kansas pond on Monday.

Just after 4:30pm, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding two&nbsp; dogs stuck in a pond in the 5800 block of SW Auburn Road, according to a media release.

 Two deputies arrived and immediately began taking action. The deputies used their smarts and quick thinking to find a nearby kayak. The Auburn Fire Department assisted and pulled the kayak with the deputies and dogs back to shore.

The dogs were reunited with their owners and taken to their veterinarian to be checked out. 

Sheriff Brian Hill commends the decisiveness and quick thinking of the deputies while rescuing these dogs. "We appreciate the callers for notifying the Dispatch and the teamwork that ensued."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737566958649.png" alt="Image from body camera video provided by Shawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Image from body camera video provided by Shawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Sheriff's deputies saved two dogs from an icy Kansas pond on Monday.Just after 4:30pm, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding two&nbsp; dogs stuck in a pond in the 5800 block of SW Auburn Road, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737566893597.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Two deputies arrived and immediately began taking action. The deputies used their smarts and quick thinking to find a nearby kayak. The Auburn Fire Department assisted and pulled the kayak with the deputies and dogs back to shore.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737567275013.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The dogs were reunited with their owners and taken to their veterinarian to be checked out. Sheriff Brian Hill commends the decisiveness and quick thinking of the deputies while rescuing these dogs. "We appreciate the callers for notifying the Dispatch and the teamwork that ensued."

Deputies rescue dogs from icy Kansas pond

KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City man to 10 years in prison for a shooting that caused serious physical injury to a juvenile, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

Jeremy Brown, Jr., 21, pled guilty to Unlawful Use of a Weapon last year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2484/2216-CR03767-01---Jeremy-Brown---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Lee’s Summit Police officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of SW Arbor Creek Drive in Lee’s Summit on August 15, 2022, and made contact with a juvenile suffering a gunshot wound to his lower back.&nbsp;

At the scene with the victim were three other juveniles who said they had a confrontation with another juvenile who drives a white Ford Escape. After the confrontation, the juveniles left the area in a vehicle and said they were being chased by the juvenile driving the white Ford Escape. When they were around the area of SW Kline, they said someone from the Ford Escape, later identified as Brown, began shooting at them and the victim was struck.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737148558985.png" alt="Brown photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City man to 10 years in prison for a shooting that caused serious physical injury to a juvenile, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.Jeremy Brown, Jr., 21, pled guilty to Unlawful Use of a Weapon last year.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2484/2216-CR03767-01---Jeremy-Brown---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Lee’s Summit Police officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of SW Arbor Creek Drive in Lee’s Summit on August 15, 2022, and made contact with a juvenile suffering a gunshot wound to his lower back.&nbsp;At the scene with the victim were three other juveniles who said they had a confrontation with another juvenile who drives a white Ford Escape. After the confrontation, the juveniles left the area in a vehicle and said they were being chased by the juvenile driving the white Ford Escape. When they were around the area of SW Kline, they said someone from the Ford Escape, later identified as Brown, began shooting at them and the victim was struck.&nbsp;

Prison for chasing down, shooting juvenile in Kansas City

JOHNSON COUNTY —According to Olathe Police, Gary Wallace has been found and is safe.

JOHNSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Olathe man.

The whereabouts of 76-year-old Gary Wallace are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him. Wallace was last seen driving a white 2010 Honda CRV bearing Kansas tag 4790SHP at the Price Chopper at W. Santa Fe St. and K-7 highway.

Wallace is a white male who is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. He has blue eyes and brown hair. Wallace was last seen wearing a black coat, black pants, black shoes, a Rolex watch and rings.

If you see Gary Wallace, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, call the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at 913-782-0720.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737587797846.png" alt="Wallace-photo Olathe Police" />
 <figcaption>Wallace-photo Olathe Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —According to Olathe Police, Gary Wallace has been found and is safe.-------------JOHNSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Olathe man.The whereabouts of 76-year-old Gary Wallace are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him. Wallace was last seen driving a white 2010 Honda CRV bearing Kansas tag 4790SHP at the Price Chopper at W. Santa Fe St. and K-7 highway.Wallace is a white male who is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. He has blue eyes and brown hair. Wallace was last seen wearing a black coat, black pants, black shoes, a Rolex watch and rings.If you see Gary Wallace, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, call the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at 913-782-0720.

Police: Silver Alert canceled; missing Kansas man found

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a deadly shooting in Wyandotte County.

Just after 2:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1600 block of S. Valley Street, in the Argentine neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

First responders discovered a man inside a residence, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene. 

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Police did not release the name of the victim or report any suspect information. This is the first homicide reported in Kansas City, Kansas in 2025. There were 22 reported in 2024, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737559024633.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a deadly shooting in Wyandotte County.Just after 2:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1600 block of S. Valley Street, in the Argentine neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.First responders discovered a man inside a residence, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene. This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Police did not release the name of the victim or report any suspect information. This is the first homicide reported in Kansas City, Kansas in 2025. There were 22 reported in 2024, according to police.

Homicide: Man found dead in Kansas home

CHEROKEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Tuesday in Cherokee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta driven by Joesph Monroe&nbsp;Reed, 79, Vinita, Oklahoma,&nbsp;was eastbound on Old 166 at Kansas 26 Highway. He stopped at the stop sign at the intersection but failed to yield. 

A southbound Ford F650 Tow Truck, towing a Nissan pickup, and driven by Joseph Edward Anderson, 23, Webb City, Missouri struck the drivers side of the Volkswagen as it began to cross the intersection.

Reed was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home in Galena. EMS transported a passenger in the Volkswagen Cynthia Kay Conrad, 73, Miami, Oklahoma, to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. Anderson was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

CHEROKEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Tuesday in Cherokee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta driven by Joesph Monroe&nbsp;Reed, 79, Vinita, Oklahoma,&nbsp;was eastbound on Old 166 at Kansas 26 Highway. He stopped at the stop sign at the intersection but failed to yield. A southbound Ford F650 Tow Truck, towing a Nissan pickup, and driven by Joseph Edward Anderson, 23, Webb City, Missouri struck the drivers side of the Volkswagen as it began to cross the intersection.Reed was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home in Galena. EMS transported a passenger in the Volkswagen Cynthia Kay Conrad, 73, Miami, Oklahoma, to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. Anderson was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Mo. Tow Truck driver involved in fatal crash on Kansas highway

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – today led the first hearing for the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in the 119th Congress to consider the nomination of Congressman Doug Collins to be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“My work on this committee is almost always driven by what I hear from veterans particularly at home in Kansas but also across the country,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“We will hear from a lot of veterans organizations as well, and this is about how do we make the VA work better – what is it doing well; what is it not doing well; how do we solve the problems veterans face in this country. As Chairman, I will work to solve problems and deliver results to help veterans access the health care and benefits they have earned and achieve success after their service, and I expect the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs to share a similar focus.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737494729964.png" alt="President Trump's nominee Congressman Doug Collins during the hearing on Tuesday." />
 <figcaption>President Trump's nominee Congressman Doug Collins during the hearing on Tuesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – today led the first hearing for the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in the 119th Congress to consider the nomination of Congressman Doug Collins to be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA).<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mlOKELj7ovs?si=klJejbFlw5XPw9VL&amp;start=8" 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>“My work on this committee is almost always driven by what I hear from veterans particularly at home in Kansas but also across the country,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“We will hear from a lot of veterans organizations as well, and this is about how do we make the VA work better – what is it doing well; what is it not doing well; how do we solve the problems veterans face in this country. As Chairman, I will work to solve problems and deliver results to help veterans access the health care and benefits they have earned and achieve success after their service, and I expect the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs to share a similar focus.”

🎥Kan. U.S. Senator opening statement during VA Secretary confirmation hearing 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are looking for help to find a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run that occurred just before 11p.m. Monday in Kansas City.

An eastbound vehicle struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street on the crosswalk from the North to the South at Truman Road and Bennington in Kansas City, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

The vehicle then left the scene. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are looking for help to find a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run that occurred just before 11p.m. Monday in Kansas City.An eastbound vehicle struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street on the crosswalk from the North to the South at Truman Road and Bennington in Kansas City, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.The vehicle then left the scene. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

KCPD: Driver fled after deadly crash in crosswalk

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged with two felonies in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred near East 17th Street and Cambridge Avenue on October 23, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

Mikael Hickman-Perry, 19,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2483/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet-Hickman-Perry">faces Murder in the 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action</a>.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2482/Hickman-PerryMikael-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, officers located a teen victim suffering from trauma to his head on East 17th Street and Cambridge Avenue. Witnesses on the scene described hearing an argument and then multiple gunshots.

Family of the victim said he was last seen leaving the residence with the Hickman-Perry who is known to drive a red/orange Jeep Renegade. Security cameras pointed toward the crime scene showed a red/orange Jeep Renegade arrive on scene and then it’s seen fleeing the scene.&nbsp;

When detectives located the vehicle, they observed what appeared to be blood spatter on the ceiling of the Renegade. Detectives later obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found large amounts of blood on the inside of the vehicle and signs that someone was attempting to clean it.&nbsp;

A friend of the defendant provided a statement to detectives and said on the day of the fatal shooting, the defendant returned home and said he was out with friends smoking and asked to see a gun. He said the person they were with started acting crazy and then he said everything went left, but he would not elaborate on what that meant.&nbsp;

Another individual received a video from the victim recording himself in the passenger seat of the Renegade and a Black male in the driver’s seat, close to the time witnesses say they heard the argument and shooting.&nbsp;

The Jackson County Medical Examiner found lacerations and gun muzzle strike marks on the left side of the victim’s scalp during the body exam. The victim also suffered two apparent gunshot wounds, one to the center of the back and one grazing the left shoulder.&nbsp;

Hickman-Perry is in custody on a $100,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737147184195.png" alt="Hickman-Perry -photo Jackson&nbsp; County" />
 <figcaption>Hickman-Perry -photo Jackson&nbsp; County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged with two felonies in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred near East 17th Street and Cambridge Avenue on October 23, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.Mikael Hickman-Perry, 19,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2483/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet-Hickman-Perry">faces Murder in the 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2482/Hickman-PerryMikael-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, officers located a teen victim suffering from trauma to his head on East 17th Street and Cambridge Avenue. Witnesses on the scene described hearing an argument and then multiple gunshots.Family of the victim said he was last seen leaving the residence with the Hickman-Perry who is known to drive a red/orange Jeep Renegade. Security cameras pointed toward the crime scene showed a red/orange Jeep Renegade arrive on scene and then it’s seen fleeing the scene.&nbsp;When detectives located the vehicle, they observed what appeared to be blood spatter on the ceiling of the Renegade. Detectives later obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found large amounts of blood on the inside of the vehicle and signs that someone was attempting to clean it.&nbsp;A friend of the defendant provided a statement to detectives and said on the day of the fatal shooting, the defendant returned home and said he was out with friends smoking and asked to see a gun. He said the person they were with started acting crazy and then he said everything went left, but he would not elaborate on what that meant.&nbsp;Another individual received a video from the victim recording himself in the passenger seat of the Renegade and a Black male in the driver’s seat, close to the time witnesses say they heard the argument and shooting.&nbsp;The Jackson County Medical Examiner found lacerations and gun muzzle strike marks on the left side of the victim’s scalp during the body exam. The victim also suffered two apparent gunshot wounds, one to the center of the back and one grazing the left shoulder.&nbsp;Hickman-Perry is in custody on a $100,000 bond.&nbsp;

Court records: Suspect tried to clean vehicle after killing KC teen

Missouri’s Josh Hawley, who can be seen on security video running for safety during the attack, said the pardons send a signal that Trump ‘keeps his campaign promises’

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

WASHINGTON — Barring a few exceptions, Senate Republicans on Tuesday largely deflected or altogether avoided questions about President Donald Trump’s broad clemency for over 1,500 defendants who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 — including many who beat police officers, smashed windows and trashed offices as lawmakers hid in designated safe areas.

Just hours into his second term Monday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-issues-pardons-1500-defendants-charged-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">commuted</a>&nbsp;the sentences of 14 felons, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.

The president granted a “full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.” He also dismissed any pending indictments.

The pardons did not come as a surprise. As Senate Republicans were cheering for Trump on his march to electoral victory, the former and now current president exalted the “hostages” and “patriots” who injured more than 140 law enforcement officers and caused north of $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol, according to the Department of Justice.

Oath Keepers founder and Jan. 6 ringleader Stewart Rhodes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/oath-keepers-stewart-rhodes-released-prison-trump-clemency/3746604/" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;reporters Tuesday that it was “a good day for America.” Rhodes, who was released from federal prison in Cumberland, Maryland, faced an 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy, among other crimes.

But Trump allies had earlier raised questions about releasing some defendants, including Vice President J.D. Vance, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/jd-vance-trump-process-rectify-unfair-jan-6-prosecutions" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;Fox News on Jan. 12 that “If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned.”

As of early January the government had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;just over 1,580 people for crimes related to the riot, 608 of whom were charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding law enforcement. Nearly a third of those charged with assaulting officers used a dangerous or deadly weapon,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">according</a>&nbsp;to the Justice Department.

Investigations uncovered that weapons brought onto Capitol grounds included&nbsp;firearms, tasers, chemical sprays; edged weapons, including a sword, axes, hatchets, and knives; and makeshift weapons, including broken office furniture, fencing, bike racks, stolen riot shields, baseball bats, hockey sticks, flagpoles, PVC piping and reinforced knuckle gloves.

States Newsroom asked over 20 Republican senators if they are comfortable with Trump’s clemency orders, and followed up with some of the lawmakers who were willing to speak.

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he wasn’t comfortable with “any that involved an assault on a police officer.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski told a group of journalists that she was “disappointed.”

“I do fear the message that is sent to these great men and women that stood by us,” the Alaska Republican said as she gestured toward the Capitol Police officers posted outside the Senate Republicans’ weekly luncheon.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said there’s a “distinction to be made between providing clemency for individuals who may have been caught up in the crowd that day and did not commit any violent act, versus those who assaulted police officers with their fists, with flag poles, with pepper spray, and destroyed property, broke into the Capitol by breaking windows.”

“I do not believe those individuals warrant clemency,” she said. Collins also released a written&nbsp;<a href="https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-statement-on-presidential-pardons" target="_blank">statement</a>.

Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who was photographed raising his fist in solidarity with Trump supporters as he exited the Capitol on Jan. 6, said “If you’re asking me if it’s what I would have done, what I’ve said is, is that for folks who committed violence, I wouldn’t commute their sentence or pardon.”

Hawley, who can be seen on security video&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/josh-hawley-seen-fleeing-trump-mob-riled-newly-released-jan-6-footage-rcna39490" target="_blank">running for safety</a>&nbsp;during the attack, said the pardons send a signal that Trump “keeps his campaign promises.”

When States Newsroom asked Sen. Deb Fischer if she was comfortable with the broad pardons, the Nebraska Republican responded, “I’m looking forward to getting some great opportunities and getting good things done.”

In response to a follow-up question on whether she condoned political violence, Fischer, who was on her way into Majority Whip John Barrasso’s office, said, “Ma’am, no one would ever condone political violence.”

As Sen. Markwayne Mullin walked by an entrance to the Senate chamber he greeted and shook the hands of Capitol Police officers posted at the doors.

The Oklahoma Republican refused to talk specifically about the Jan. 6 pardons, saying he didn’t get “near this many questions” about pardons issued by former President Joe Biden in his final hours in office.

“Here’s my thing on pardons, I’m not any more comfortable with Biden releasing and pardoning his whole family too,” Mullin said. “When you all want to cover both, come talk to me.”

States Newsroom reported Monday Biden preemptively&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-pardons-his-family-members-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-and-staff" target="_blank">pardoned</a>&nbsp;lawmakers who served on the congressional committee to investigate the Capitol attack, as well as police officers who testified before the panel.

He also preemptively pardoned former administration officials who’ve been the target of death threats, as well as five of his family members — roughly a month-and-a-half after he pardoned his son, Hunter.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/us/politics/biden-pardons-family.html" target="_blank">Major</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/20/politics/joe-biden-preemptive-pardons/index.html" target="_blank">news</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-fauci-milley-pardons-january-6-3cba287f89051513fb48d7ae700ae747" target="_blank">outlets</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-family-trump-white-hous-caee326c4723a4ba6d972f7daf750a0b" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/20/biden-pardons-family-members.html" target="_blank">numerous</a>&nbsp;articles covering Biden’s pardons.

Mullin walked away from a follow-up question highlighting violent acts committed by those who received Trump’s clemency.

Collins similarly said the press “ought to be paying attention” to Biden’s pardons as well, especially the commutation of indigenous activist&nbsp;<a href="https://northdakotamonitor.com/briefs/native-activist-leonard-peltier-to-serve-remainder-of-sentence-at-home-after-biden-order/" target="_blank">Leonard Peltier</a>.

Iowa’s Sen. Chuck Grassley, the most senior member of the Senate and the body’s president pro tempore, said, “Hey, everybody’s asked me about J6. None of you guys are asking about the Biden pardons.”

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said “Congress doesn’t have a role to play in pardons” and walked away from further questions on the topic.

Many GOP senators did not respond to clearly shouted, and many times repeated, questions from journalists Tuesday afternoon about the pardons.

They included Mike Crapo of Idaho, Barrasso of Wyoming, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, John Curtis of Utah, Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott of South Carolina, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Joni Ernst of Iowa.

Blackburn and Curtis specifically said they don’t speak to reporters in the hallways of Congress.

Some GOP senators said they hadn’t yet seen Trump’s Monday night order.

“I haven’t looked at it yet,” said Sen. Rick Scott of Florida.

When States Newsroom summarized the 334-word proclamation and underscored that it was highly publicized by major news outlets, Scott replied “I haven’t looked at the executive order yet.”

Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said: “I don’t have anything for you.”

“You don’t have anything about people who came here with weapons and beat police officers?” States Newsroom pressed as Kennedy walked away.

Murkowski’s fellow Alaska senator, Dan Sullivan, stopped to speak to reporters about the “grand slam home run” executive order from Trump that expands energy development in his state, but he would not comment on the president’s clemency for Jan. 6 defendants.

“I need to read the order first,” he said.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office did not respond to requests for comment. The South Dakota Republican briefly&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mkraju/status/1881807490901270531" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;reporters outside of a committee room, “We’re not looking backwards, we’re looking forward.”

States Newsroom reached out to all members of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/senators/leadership.htm" target="_blank">Senate</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.house.gov/leadership" target="_blank">House</a>&nbsp;Republican leadership for comment, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, but did not receive any response.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737508898170.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley speaks to reporters at the governor’s ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia on Aug. 15 , 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley speaks to reporters at the governor’s ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia on Aug. 15 , 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri’s Josh Hawley, who can be seen on security video running for safety during the attack, said the pardons send a signal that Trump ‘keeps his campaign promises’</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — Barring a few exceptions, Senate Republicans on Tuesday largely deflected or altogether avoided questions about President Donald Trump’s broad clemency for over 1,500 defendants who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 — including many who beat police officers, smashed windows and trashed offices as lawmakers hid in designated safe areas.Just hours into his second term Monday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-issues-pardons-1500-defendants-charged-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">commuted</a>&nbsp;the sentences of 14 felons, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.The president granted a “full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.” He also dismissed any pending indictments.The pardons did not come as a surprise. As Senate Republicans were cheering for Trump on his march to electoral victory, the former and now current president exalted the “hostages” and “patriots” who injured more than 140 law enforcement officers and caused north of $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol, according to the Department of Justice.Oath Keepers founder and Jan. 6 ringleader Stewart Rhodes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/oath-keepers-stewart-rhodes-released-prison-trump-clemency/3746604/" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;reporters Tuesday that it was “a good day for America.” Rhodes, who was released from federal prison in Cumberland, Maryland, faced an 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy, among other crimes.But Trump allies had earlier raised questions about releasing some defendants, including Vice President J.D. Vance, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/jd-vance-trump-process-rectify-unfair-jan-6-prosecutions" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;Fox News on Jan. 12 that “If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned.”As of early January the government had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;just over 1,580 people for crimes related to the riot, 608 of whom were charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding law enforcement. Nearly a third of those charged with assaulting officers used a dangerous or deadly weapon,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">according</a>&nbsp;to the Justice Department.Investigations uncovered that weapons brought onto Capitol grounds included&nbsp;firearms, tasers, chemical sprays; edged weapons, including a sword, axes, hatchets, and knives; and makeshift weapons, including broken office furniture, fencing, bike racks, stolen riot shields, baseball bats, hockey sticks, flagpoles, PVC piping and reinforced knuckle gloves.States Newsroom asked over 20 Republican senators if they are comfortable with Trump’s clemency orders, and followed up with some of the lawmakers who were willing to speak.<h2>Trump ‘keeps his campaign promises’</h2>Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he wasn’t comfortable with “any that involved an assault on a police officer.”Sen. Lisa Murkowski told a group of journalists that she was “disappointed.”“I do fear the message that is sent to these great men and women that stood by us,” the Alaska Republican said as she gestured toward the Capitol Police officers posted outside the Senate Republicans’ weekly luncheon.Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said there’s a “distinction to be made between providing clemency for individuals who may have been caught up in the crowd that day and did not commit any violent act, versus those who assaulted police officers with their fists, with flag poles, with pepper spray, and destroyed property, broke into the Capitol by breaking windows.”“I do not believe those individuals warrant clemency,” she said. Collins also released a written&nbsp;<a href="https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-statement-on-presidential-pardons" target="_blank">statement</a>.Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who was photographed raising his fist in solidarity with Trump supporters as he exited the Capitol on Jan. 6, said “If you’re asking me if it’s what I would have done, what I’ve said is, is that for folks who committed violence, I wouldn’t commute their sentence or pardon.”Hawley, who can be seen on security video&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/josh-hawley-seen-fleeing-trump-mob-riled-newly-released-jan-6-footage-rcna39490" target="_blank">running for safety</a>&nbsp;during the attack, said the pardons send a signal that Trump “keeps his campaign promises.”<h2>Biden pardons</h2>When States Newsroom asked Sen. Deb Fischer if she was comfortable with the broad pardons, the Nebraska Republican responded, “I’m looking forward to getting some great opportunities and getting good things done.”In response to a follow-up question on whether she condoned political violence, Fischer, who was on her way into Majority Whip John Barrasso’s office, said, “Ma’am, no one would ever condone political violence.”As Sen. Markwayne Mullin walked by an entrance to the Senate chamber he greeted and shook the hands of Capitol Police officers posted at the doors.The Oklahoma Republican refused to talk specifically about the Jan. 6 pardons, saying he didn’t get “near this many questions” about pardons issued by former President Joe Biden in his final hours in office.“Here’s my thing on pardons, I’m not any more comfortable with Biden releasing and pardoning his whole family too,” Mullin said. “When you all want to cover both, come talk to me.”States Newsroom reported Monday Biden preemptively&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-pardons-his-family-members-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-and-staff" target="_blank">pardoned</a>&nbsp;lawmakers who served on the congressional committee to investigate the Capitol attack, as well as police officers who testified before the panel.He also preemptively pardoned former administration officials who’ve been the target of death threats, as well as five of his family members — roughly a month-and-a-half after he pardoned his son, Hunter.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/us/politics/biden-pardons-family.html" target="_blank">Major</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/20/politics/joe-biden-preemptive-pardons/index.html" target="_blank">news</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-fauci-milley-pardons-january-6-3cba287f89051513fb48d7ae700ae747" target="_blank">outlets</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-family-trump-white-hous-caee326c4723a4ba6d972f7daf750a0b" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/20/biden-pardons-family-members.html" target="_blank">numerous</a>&nbsp;articles covering Biden’s pardons.Mullin walked away from a follow-up question highlighting violent acts committed by those who received Trump’s clemency.Collins similarly said the press “ought to be paying attention” to Biden’s pardons as well, especially the commutation of indigenous activist&nbsp;<a href="https://northdakotamonitor.com/briefs/native-activist-leonard-peltier-to-serve-remainder-of-sentence-at-home-after-biden-order/" target="_blank">Leonard Peltier</a>.Iowa’s Sen. Chuck Grassley, the most senior member of the Senate and the body’s president pro tempore, said, “Hey, everybody’s asked me about J6. None of you guys are asking about the Biden pardons.”Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said “Congress doesn’t have a role to play in pardons” and walked away from further questions on the topic.<h2>No response at all</h2>Many GOP senators did not respond to clearly shouted, and many times repeated, questions from journalists Tuesday afternoon about the pardons.They included Mike Crapo of Idaho, Barrasso of Wyoming, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, John Curtis of Utah, Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott of South Carolina, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Joni Ernst of Iowa.Blackburn and Curtis specifically said they don’t speak to reporters in the hallways of Congress.Some GOP senators said they hadn’t yet seen Trump’s Monday night order.“I haven’t looked at it yet,” said Sen. Rick Scott of Florida.When States Newsroom summarized the 334-word proclamation and underscored that it was highly publicized by major news outlets, Scott replied “I haven’t looked at the executive order yet.”Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said: “I don’t have anything for you.”“You don’t have anything about people who came here with weapons and beat police officers?” States Newsroom pressed as Kennedy walked away.Murkowski’s fellow Alaska senator, Dan Sullivan, stopped to speak to reporters about the “grand slam home run” executive order from Trump that expands energy development in his state, but he would not comment on the president’s clemency for Jan. 6 defendants.“I need to read the order first,” he said.Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office did not respond to requests for comment. The South Dakota Republican briefly&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mkraju/status/1881807490901270531" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;reporters outside of a committee room, “We’re not looking backwards, we’re looking forward.”States Newsroom reached out to all members of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/senators/leadership.htm" target="_blank">Senate</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.house.gov/leadership" target="_blank">House</a>&nbsp;Republican leadership for comment, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, but did not receive any response.

U.S. Senate Republicans have little to say about Trump pardons of 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fatal fire in Olathe.

Just after 7:30a.m. Monday, crews responded to the fire in a duplex-style home at 306 S. Kenwood, according to a social media report.

One adult lost their life. One side of the home was significantly damage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Olathe Fire Department, Olathe Police Department and Johnson County Sheriff's Office are working together on the investigation. Johnson County MED-ACT also provided professional support at the incident.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the name of the victim or other details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737479592227.png" alt="Photos Olathe Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos Olathe Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fatal fire in Olathe.Just after 7:30a.m. Monday, crews responded to the fire in a duplex-style home at 306 S. Kenwood, according to a social media report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737479571641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>One adult lost their life. One side of the home was significantly damage.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Olathe Fire Department, Olathe Police Department and Johnson County Sheriff's Office are working together on the investigation. Johnson County MED-ACT also provided professional support at the incident.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the name of the victim or other details..

One dead after fire at Kansas home

BUTLER COUNTY – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography which was found on multiple electronic devices.

According to court documents, Alexander James Rosell, 34, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

Rosell's activity was discovered through an international investigation into a particular dark web website, as well as reports made against IP addresses connected to a residence to which he had access. During a search warrant at the home, investigators found Rosell had child pornography images on a cell phone and multiple laptops.

Rosell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are investigating the case

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737409307108.png" alt="Rosell is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Rosell is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography which was found on multiple electronic devices.According to court documents, Alexander James Rosell, 34, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.Rosell's activity was discovered through an international investigation into a particular dark web website, as well as reports made against IP addresses connected to a residence to which he had access. During a search warrant at the home, investigators found Rosell had child pornography images on a cell phone and multiple laptops.Rosell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are investigating the case

International child porn investigation led to Kan. man's arrest

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

Just after 7:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to 56th and Westridge in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Upon arrival they were directed to a residence near the intersection. In the yard they located a man suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Several witnesses were rendering aid to the victim as officers arrived.

 Officers took over life saving measures and ordered EMS.&nbsp; The victim was transported from the scene with life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Several hours later the victim died at the hospital, according to DiMartion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737478624532.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 7:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to 56th and Westridge in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Upon arrival they were directed to a residence near the intersection. In the yard they located a man suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Several witnesses were rendering aid to the victim as officers arrived. Officers took over life saving measures and ordered EMS.&nbsp; The victim was transported from the scene with life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Several hours later the victim died at the hospital, according to DiMartion.This is being investigated as a homicide and no one is in custody. Detectives and crime scene personnel are working to determine what led up to the incident.

Police: Shooting victim dies at Kansas City hospital

WASHINGTON —Vice President JD Vance has sworn in Rubio as Secretary of State. Rubio, a Senator from Florida becomes the first of Trump’s Cabinet nominees to get to work.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The U.S. Senate confirmed Rubio by a unanimous 99-0 vote Monday evening.

WASHINGTON —Vice President JD Vance has sworn in Rubio as Secretary of State. Rubio, a Senator from Florida becomes the first of Trump’s Cabinet nominees to get to work.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Vice President Vance swears in Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. Full video here: <a href="https://t.co/hzNSC919DE">https://t.co/hzNSC919DE</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cdh76lakDa">pic.twitter.com/Cdh76lakDa</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881717644291653784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. Senate confirmed Rubio by a unanimous 99-0 vote Monday evening.

First Trump cabinet member sworn in to begin work

WASHINGTON — Just hours into his second term, President Donald Trump signed some of his first executive orders as an arena crowd of thousands cheered a U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/return-to-in-person-work/" target="_blank">mandate</a>&nbsp;for federal workers to return to the office full-time.

Trump scrawled his signature on nearly 10 portfolio-bound documents at a desk on the floor of the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., following an indoor inauguration parade at the 20,000-seat venue. Monday’s ceremonies were moved indoors because of cold temperatures.

The orders included rescinding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/initial-rescissions-of-harmful-executive-orders-and-actions/" target="_blank">78</a>&nbsp;Biden administration actions, freezing federal hiring and new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/regulatory-freeze-pending-review/" target="_blank">regulations</a>, and “<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/restoring-freedom-of-speech-and-ending-federal-censorship/" target="_blank">restoring</a>&nbsp;freedom of speech,” among&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/" target="_blank">others</a>&nbsp;that the White House press office dubbed “<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25499090-americafirstpriorities/" target="_blank">America First Priorities</a>.”

“Could you imagine Biden doing this? I don’t think so,” Trump said to the crowd.

Trump threw his ceremonial pens into the seats after signing the orders.

In an Oval Office ceremony shortly afterward, Trump signed a slew of other orders ranging from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-officials-outline-planned-immigration-crackdown" target="_blank">declaring</a>&nbsp;a national emergency at the southern border to throwing TikTok a 75-day lifeline to find a new owner.

Earlier Monday, surrounded by lawmakers from both parties who bantered with him in the President’s Room at the U.S. Capitol, Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/flying-the-flag-of-the-united-states-at-full-staff-on-inauguration-day/" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;mandating all U.S. flags fly at full height during future presidential inaugurations. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flags-half-staff-trump-inauguration-johnson-a0c99a017e74b880df1c2eadfce25c28" target="_blank">ordered</a>&nbsp;flags at full staff for Trump’s inauguration despite the recent death of the late President Jimmy Carter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737424030648.png" alt="Photo by Taylor Budowich, Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Taylor Budowich, Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — Just hours into his second term, President Donald Trump signed some of his first executive orders as an arena crowd of thousands cheered a U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/return-to-in-person-work/" target="_blank">mandate</a>&nbsp;for federal workers to return to the office full-time.Trump scrawled his signature on nearly 10 portfolio-bound documents at a desk on the floor of the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., following an indoor inauguration parade at the 20,000-seat venue. Monday’s ceremonies were moved indoors because of cold temperatures.The orders included rescinding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/initial-rescissions-of-harmful-executive-orders-and-actions/" target="_blank">78</a>&nbsp;Biden administration actions, freezing federal hiring and new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/regulatory-freeze-pending-review/" target="_blank">regulations</a>, and “<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/restoring-freedom-of-speech-and-ending-federal-censorship/" target="_blank">restoring</a>&nbsp;freedom of speech,” among&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/" target="_blank">others</a>&nbsp;that the White House press office dubbed “<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25499090-americafirstpriorities/" target="_blank">America First Priorities</a>.”“Could you imagine Biden doing this? I don’t think so,” Trump said to the crowd.Trump threw his ceremonial pens into the seats after signing the orders.In an Oval Office ceremony shortly afterward, Trump signed a slew of other orders ranging from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-officials-outline-planned-immigration-crackdown" target="_blank">declaring</a>&nbsp;a national emergency at the southern border to throwing TikTok a 75-day lifeline to find a new owner.Earlier Monday, surrounded by lawmakers from both parties who bantered with him in the President’s Room at the U.S. Capitol, Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/flying-the-flag-of-the-united-states-at-full-staff-on-inauguration-day/" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;mandating all U.S. flags fly at full height during future presidential inaugurations. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flags-half-staff-trump-inauguration-johnson-a0c99a017e74b880df1c2eadfce25c28" target="_blank">ordered</a>&nbsp;flags at full staff for Trump’s inauguration despite the recent death of the late President Jimmy Carter.<h2>The first blitz</h2>During his first blitz, Trump erased Biden executive orders on “Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation” and “Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals.”Trump’s team signaled hours before inauguration that the incoming president planned to sign an order mandating the use of the word “sex” instead of “gender” in federal policy language and documents, including passports and visas.White House administration officials said on a call with reporters early Monday, speaking on background, that one of their first executive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/" target="_blank">orders</a>&nbsp;will focus on “defending women from gender ideology extremism and restoring biological truth to the federal government.”Roughly 2 million transgender people live in the United States, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, which condemned Trump’s order Monday.Kelley Robinson, the organization’s president, criticized Trump in a statement for “taking aim at the LGBTQ+ community instead of uniting our country and prioritizing the pressing issues the American people are facing.”Among the dozens of previous Biden administration orders, Trump reversed Biden actions titled “Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis” and “Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All.”Environmental advocates denounced Trump’s executive orders. The Center for Biological Diversity said in a statement that Trump’s order for withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement “shows how threatened Trump is by the recent global compact to transition away from fossil fuels.”“While Trump buries his head in the sand, it’s going to be up to state leaders to lock eyes on the climate crisis and lead us toward a livable future,” the statement said.Incoming White House officials also teased orders taking down Biden-era environmental initiatives, including declaring an energy emergency, opening the Alaska wilderness for energy development and nixing energy standards for household appliances. They had not yet been released Monday night.<h2>TikTok</h2>Later Monday evening in the Oval Office, Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/application-of-protecting-americans-from-foreign-adversary-controlled-applications-act-to-tiktok/" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;giving TikTok an extra 75 days to find a new owner. The order instructs the Department of Justice to ignore enforcing a federal law that required TikTok to separate from its China ties by Jan. 19.“The unfortunate timing of (the law) — one day before I took office as the 47th President of the United States — interferes with my ability to assess the national security and foreign policy implications of the Act’s prohibitions before they take effect,” Trump’s order stated.The popular video sharing app used by approximately 170 million Americans briefly went dark overnight Saturday into Sunday. A message to users read, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”A federal law&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-sign-executive-order-monday-delaying-tiktok-ban" target="_blank">mandated</a>&nbsp;that TikTok’s parent company ByteDance divest from the video sharing platform by the deadline when it became illegal for U.S. companies to distribute or maintain the app. Companies that don’t comply face fines up $5,000 per user.Trump’s position is a reversal of his support for a ban in 2020.&nbsp;“I guess I have a warm spot for TikTok that I guess I didn’t have originally,” he told reporters in the Oval Office Monday night.TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was among the attendees at Trump’s inauguration, and the company sponsored an inauguration eve party in downtown D.C., Reuters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/conservative-influencers-celebrate-tiktok-sponsored-trump-inauguration-party-2025-01-20/" target="_blank">reported</a>.Some lawmakers want to see the law enforced now. In a statement Sunday, Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Pete Ricketts of Nebraska warned that companies who ignore the deadline could “face ruinous bankruptcy.”&nbsp;“Now that the law has taken effect there’s no legal basis for any kind of ‘extension,’ of its effective date” they wrote.<h2>A long campaign of promises</h2>Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-warns-sweeping-executive-orders-coming-monday-he-rallies-supporters" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;a packed arena in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the inauguration that they were “going to see executive orders that are going to make you extremely happy, lots of them.”Trump said he would “act with historic speed and strength and fix every single crisis facing our country.”As a candidate and Republican presidential nominee, Trump promised his supporters that on day one he would launch a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/immigration-advocates-prep-trump-mass-deportations-vow-legal-challenges" target="_blank">mass deportation</a>&nbsp;of immigrants, end Russia’s war on Ukraine, and pardon those convicted and who pleaded guilty to crimes committed during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.In one of his last actions in office, Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-issues-preemptive-pardons-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-staff" target="_blank">issued</a>&nbsp;preemptive pardons for lawmakers and staff who served on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, as well as the police officers who testified before the panel.