KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a fatal car fire at a home in Kansas City.

Just after 6:30a.m. Thursday, crews responded to a reported fire in the 8300 block of Oak Street, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders discovered a car fire in the driveway with a 28-year-old man outside the vehicle in the driveway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; The incident remains under investigation, according&nbsp;KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The name of the victim has not been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731669550393.png" alt="First responders at the scene -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a fatal car fire at a home in Kansas City.Just after 6:30a.m. Thursday, crews responded to a reported fire in the 8300 block of Oak Street, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders discovered a car fire in the driveway with a 28-year-old man outside the vehicle in the driveway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; The incident remains under investigation, according&nbsp;KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The name of the victim has not been released.

Man dies after car fire at home in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City woman was sentenced in federal court this week for the sexual exploitation of two children.

Jessica Ann Young, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 45 years in federal prison without parole, according to the United State's Attorney.

On March 11, 2024, Jessica Young pleaded guilty to two counts of the sexual exploitation of a minor. Her husband, Houston Wade Young, 37, was sentenced on July 30, 2024, to life in federal prison without parole. Houston Young pleaded guilty to one count of the sexual exploitation of a minor on Jan. 30, 2024.

Houston Young, while an inmate at the Vernon County jail, was found to be in possession of a cell phone that contained images of child pornography on March 5, 2020. Young was being detained pending a civil proceeding to determine whether he should be civilly committed as a sexually violent predator for his prior sex offense convictions.

On March 7, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Jessica Young had sent pornographic images of a 7-year-old child (identified in court documents as “John Doe 1”) to Houston Young’s cell phone. Investigators found text messages on the cell phone between Jessica and Houston Young that discussed sexually abusing John Doe 1. During the text messages, Jessica Young sent Houston Young two pornographic images of John Doe 1. Multiple other images of child pornography sent by Jessica Young also were found on Houston Young’s cell phone.

Jessica Young admitted she had sexually abused two child victims, John Doe 1 and 13-year-old John Doe 2, on multiple occasions. Jessica Young also admitted that she had recorded video of herself sexually abusing John Doe 2.

A forensic analysis of Houston Young’s cell phone determined that he sent images of child pornography to Jessica Young and a 16-year-old child victim (identified in court documents as “Jane Doe”). Houston Young sent pornographic images of himself to Jane Doe, solicited pornographic images of her that she sent to him, and engaged in sexual conversations. Jane Doe told investigators she met Houston Young on a game room chat, League of Legends, and started talking via that forum. They communicated via text, the Kik and Whatsapp applications, and video chat.

Houston Young was involuntarily committed to the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Sex Offender Rehabilitation and Treatment Services program in February 2021. He has two prior felony convictions related to the sexual exploitation of children. He was convicted of child molestation in Wright County, Mo., in 2005 and of possessing child pornography in Jackson County, Mo., in 2016.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Vernon County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Investigations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731497005375.png" alt="Young -photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Young -photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City woman was sentenced in federal court this week for the sexual exploitation of two children.Jessica Ann Young, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 45 years in federal prison without parole, according to the United State's Attorney.On March 11, 2024, Jessica Young pleaded guilty to two counts of the sexual exploitation of a minor. Her husband, Houston Wade Young, 37, was sentenced on July 30, 2024, to life in federal prison without parole. Houston Young pleaded guilty to one count of the sexual exploitation of a minor on Jan. 30, 2024.Houston Young, while an inmate at the Vernon County jail, was found to be in possession of a cell phone that contained images of child pornography on March 5, 2020. Young was being detained pending a civil proceeding to determine whether he should be civilly committed as a sexually violent predator for his prior sex offense convictions.On March 7, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Jessica Young had sent pornographic images of a 7-year-old child (identified in court documents as “John Doe 1”) to Houston Young’s cell phone. Investigators found text messages on the cell phone between Jessica and Houston Young that discussed sexually abusing John Doe 1. During the text messages, Jessica Young sent Houston Young two pornographic images of John Doe 1. Multiple other images of child pornography sent by Jessica Young also were found on Houston Young’s cell phone.Jessica Young admitted she had sexually abused two child victims, John Doe 1 and 13-year-old John Doe 2, on multiple occasions. Jessica Young also admitted that she had recorded video of herself sexually abusing John Doe 2.A forensic analysis of Houston Young’s cell phone determined that he sent images of child pornography to Jessica Young and a 16-year-old child victim (identified in court documents as “Jane Doe”). Houston Young sent pornographic images of himself to Jane Doe, solicited pornographic images of her that she sent to him, and engaged in sexual conversations. Jane Doe told investigators she met Houston Young on a game room chat, League of Legends, and started talking via that forum. They communicated via text, the Kik and Whatsapp applications, and video chat.Houston Young was involuntarily committed to the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Sex Offender Rehabilitation and Treatment Services program in February 2021. He has two prior felony convictions related to the sexual exploitation of children. He was convicted of child molestation in Wright County, Mo., in 2005 and of possessing child pornography in Jackson County, Mo., in 2016.This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Vernon County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Investigations.

Kansas City woman sent child porn to incarcerated husband

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have made an arrest.

Just after 9a.m. November 10, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Huntoon Street, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.&nbsp; First responders found two individuals with life threatening injuries. Ricky R. Washington, 45, Topeka, was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other individual was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

As a result of the investigation, Dujontez J. Owens, 24, of Topeka was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections where he was booked on requested charges Conspiracy to commit murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated and Attempted murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated.

This is the city’s 17th homicide investigation of 2024, according to Nichols. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731617147828.png" alt="Owen photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Owen photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have made an arrest.Just after 9a.m. November 10, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Huntoon Street, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.&nbsp; First responders found two individuals with life threatening injuries. Ricky R. Washington, 45, Topeka, was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other individual was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.As a result of the investigation, Dujontez J. Owens, 24, of Topeka was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections where he was booked on requested charges Conspiracy to commit murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated and Attempted murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated.This is the city’s 17th homicide investigation of 2024, according to Nichols.

Police make arrest in fatal weekend shooting at Kansas home

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives investigating a deadly shooting in Wyandotte County have identified the victim as 21-year-old Daniel Thurman, according to Kansas City, Kansas Police.

Just after 5p.m. Nov. 8 officers were dispatched to a shooting at a residence in the area of N. 6th Street and Splitlog Avenue, according to a media release.

&nbsp;When officers arrived on scene, they discovered Thurman with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on scene. The suspect, later identified as 25-year-old David Marcos, a resident of Kansas City, Kan. was arrested at the scene.&nbsp; He has been charged by the district attorney’s office with murder in the second-degree. He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $200,000.00 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731583393364.png" alt="Marcos photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Marcos photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives investigating a deadly shooting in Wyandotte County have identified the victim as 21-year-old Daniel Thurman, according to Kansas City, Kansas Police.Just after 5p.m. Nov. 8 officers were dispatched to a shooting at a residence in the area of N. 6th Street and Splitlog Avenue, according to a media release.&nbsp;When officers arrived on scene, they discovered Thurman with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on scene. The suspect, later identified as 25-year-old David Marcos, a resident of Kansas City, Kan. was arrested at the scene.&nbsp; He has been charged by the district attorney’s office with murder in the second-degree. He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $200,000.00 bond.

Police ID victim, charge suspect in deadly Kansas shooting

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just after 6a.m. Thursday in Kansas City.

A&nbsp; pedestrian was standing and or walking in the southernmost lane of eastbound Interstate 435 at Wornall, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

An eastbound Ford F-150 struck the pedestrian. The driver of the Ford was not injured in the collision, stopped immediately and cooperated with the investigation. 

The pedestrian, whose name has not been released, was pronounced deceased at the scene. This is fatality #82 compared to #85 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just after 6a.m. Thursday in Kansas City.A&nbsp; pedestrian was standing and or walking in the southernmost lane of eastbound Interstate 435 at Wornall, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.An eastbound Ford F-150 struck the pedestrian. The driver of the Ford was not injured in the collision, stopped immediately and cooperated with the investigation. The pedestrian, whose name has not been released, was pronounced deceased at the scene. This is fatality #82 compared to #85 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.

KCPD: Pedestrian struck by pickup has died

YEMEN —U.S. forces executed a series of precise airstrikes on multiple Houthi weapons storage facilities situated within Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, Nov. 9-10, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

These facilities housed a variety of advanced conventional weapons used by the Iran-backed Houthis to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The operation involved U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets to include the F-35C.

This targeted operation was conducted in response to the Houthi’s repeated and unlawful attacks on international commercial shipping, as well as U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. It also aimed to degrade the Houthi’s ability to threaten regional partners.

Additionally, U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS Spruance (DDG 111), along with U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy aircraft successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. These forces successfully engaged and defeated eight one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), five anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), and four anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel.

There were no injuries or damage to U.S. personnel or equipment. These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping, while maintaining security and stability in the region.

YEMEN —U.S. forces executed a series of precise airstrikes on multiple Houthi weapons storage facilities situated within Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, Nov. 9-10, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">U.S. Central Command Strikes Houthi Facilities and Weapons Systems U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces executed a series of precise airstrikes on multiple Houthi weapons storage facilities situated within Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, Nov. 9-10. These facilities… <a href="https://t.co/nMkWTvegIr">pic.twitter.com/nMkWTvegIr</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1856780067231469739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>These facilities housed a variety of advanced conventional weapons used by the Iran-backed Houthis to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The operation involved U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets to include the F-35C.This targeted operation was conducted in response to the Houthi’s repeated and unlawful attacks on international commercial shipping, as well as U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. It also aimed to degrade the Houthi’s ability to threaten regional partners.Additionally, U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS Spruance (DDG 111), along with U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy aircraft successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. These forces successfully engaged and defeated eight one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), five anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), and four anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel.There were no injuries or damage to U.S. personnel or equipment. These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping, while maintaining security and stability in the region.

🎥 US military released video of strike on Iran-backed rebels

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas school districts showed caution in allowing transfers through a new open enrollment option that lets students attend school outside their home district, data presented Wednesday to the Kansas State Board of Education showed.

About 1,500 students transferred out of their home district under the new law for the 2024-2025 school year, making up just 6% of all district transfers, according to data from the Kansas State Department of Education.&nbsp;

Transferring between districts has been permitted for years under different methods, and even with the new law, the total number of students who transferred to a district outside their own declined overall this school year.&nbsp;

The new “school choice” open enrollment option was wrapped into an education funding bill in 2022, and it mandated schools accept students who don’t live in the district if they can accommodate them. Students have a right to stay at their chosen school until graduation if they remain in good standing, and districts must set limits ahead of enrollment deadlines on how many students it can accept.&nbsp;

Skeptics have said the option works against public schools by making it easier for families who have the means to access better-performing schools and widening an already large gap in public education.

Frank Harwood, deputy education commissioner, said districts appeared to conservatively estimate how many students they could accept in the new option’s first year.&nbsp;

“I think the idea of cautiousness in something new is reasonable,” he said.

Midsized school districts, especially those surrounding Wichita, saw an influx of students because of the new open enrollment policy. Districts like Andover, Derby and Emporia recorded the highest numbers with more than 100 out-of-district students attending each of those districts through the new open enrollment option.

Several districts surrounding Wichita saw overall net growth because of out-of-district transfers. The Wichita school district, along with Topeka Public Schools, lost the most amount of students to transfers, which include open enrollment and other circumstances. More than 1,200 students transferred out of the Wichita district and more than 600 transferred out of Topeka Public Schools this school year, according to enrollment data.&nbsp;

Fluctuating district numbers aren’t new, but they point to underlying problems, such as declining birth rates, rural out-migration, and teacher recruitment and retention troubles in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/lawmakers-pass-bill-responding-to-low-kansas-school-district-enrollment/">school districts with waning enrollment</a>.&nbsp;

Ten public school districts in Kansas have just 100 students or fewer. More than 30 districts have fewer than 200 students.

The state’s 50 largest public school districts educate more than 70% of K-12 students while the 50 smallest districts educate about 2% of students.

Healy Public Schools in west-central Kansas will&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/24/kansas-smallest-school-district-prepares-to-close-in-warning-sign-for-rural-communities/">dissolve</a>&nbsp;at the end of the 2024-2025 school year because of low enrollment. Two students are enrolled in the district this year. It will be the first Kansas school district to close since the 2010-2011 school year.

“It’s more than just numbers,” said Ann Mah, a board member representing parts of northeast Kansas. “It’s social. It’s community. It’s all that stuff.”

The current school finance formula didn’t anticipate school districts with fewer than 100 students, said Randy Watkins, the state’s education commissioner, at Wednesday’s board meeting.

“You hit a hundred, you’re one event away from probably not operating,” he said.&nbsp;

Public officials have a few options to address the issue. The state board could add school district size rules within the education department’s accreditation process, Harwood said, or the Legislature could modify the funding formula based on district size and provide incentives for districts to consolidate. However, he said, the process for school district reorganization and dissolution has remained largely unchanged for the past 50 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731602808662.png" alt=" Kansas State Board of Education members, from left, Deena Horst, Betty Arnold and Ann Mah at a Nov.13, 2024, meeting. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas State Board of Education members, from left, Deena Horst, Betty Arnold and Ann Mah at a Nov.13, 2024, meeting. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas school districts showed caution in allowing transfers through a new open enrollment option that lets students attend school outside their home district, data presented Wednesday to the Kansas State Board of Education showed.About 1,500 students transferred out of their home district under the new law for the 2024-2025 school year, making up just 6% of all district transfers, according to data from the Kansas State Department of Education.&nbsp;Transferring between districts has been permitted for years under different methods, and even with the new law, the total number of students who transferred to a district outside their own declined overall this school year.&nbsp;The new “school choice” open enrollment option was wrapped into an education funding bill in 2022, and it mandated schools accept students who don’t live in the district if they can accommodate them. Students have a right to stay at their chosen school until graduation if they remain in good standing, and districts must set limits ahead of enrollment deadlines on how many students it can accept.&nbsp;Skeptics have said the option works against public schools by making it easier for families who have the means to access better-performing schools and widening an already large gap in public education.Frank Harwood, deputy education commissioner, said districts appeared to conservatively estimate how many students they could accept in the new option’s first year.&nbsp;“I think the idea of cautiousness in something new is reasonable,” he said.Midsized school districts, especially those surrounding Wichita, saw an influx of students because of the new open enrollment policy. Districts like Andover, Derby and Emporia recorded the highest numbers with more than 100 out-of-district students attending each of those districts through the new open enrollment option.Several districts surrounding Wichita saw overall net growth because of out-of-district transfers. The Wichita school district, along with Topeka Public Schools, lost the most amount of students to transfers, which include open enrollment and other circumstances. More than 1,200 students transferred out of the Wichita district and more than 600 transferred out of Topeka Public Schools this school year, according to enrollment data.&nbsp;Fluctuating district numbers aren’t new, but they point to underlying problems, such as declining birth rates, rural out-migration, and teacher recruitment and retention troubles in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/lawmakers-pass-bill-responding-to-low-kansas-school-district-enrollment/">school districts with waning enrollment</a>.&nbsp;Ten public school districts in Kansas have just 100 students or fewer. More than 30 districts have fewer than 200 students.The state’s 50 largest public school districts educate more than 70% of K-12 students while the 50 smallest districts educate about 2% of students.Healy Public Schools in west-central Kansas will&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/24/kansas-smallest-school-district-prepares-to-close-in-warning-sign-for-rural-communities/">dissolve</a>&nbsp;at the end of the 2024-2025 school year because of low enrollment. Two students are enrolled in the district this year. It will be the first Kansas school district to close since the 2010-2011 school year.“It’s more than just numbers,” said Ann Mah, a board member representing parts of northeast Kansas. “It’s social. It’s community. It’s all that stuff.”The current school finance formula didn’t anticipate school districts with fewer than 100 students, said Randy Watkins, the state’s education commissioner, at Wednesday’s board meeting.“You hit a hundred, you’re one event away from probably not operating,” he said.&nbsp;Public officials have a few options to address the issue. The state board could add school district size rules within the education department’s accreditation process, Harwood said, or the Legislature could modify the funding formula based on district size and provide incentives for districts to consolidate. However, he said, the process for school district reorganization and dissolution has remained largely unchanged for the past 50 years.

About 1,500 Kansas students change school districts under new open enrollment policy

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City and have identified the victim as 16-year-old&nbsp; Andre Pride.

Just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 7500 block of E 85th Terrace, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Officers arrived on scene and were summoned to a grassy area within an apartment complex and were advised someone had been shot. First responders found Pride unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. 

Medical aid was immediately rendered by responding officers until EMS arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary information indicates there may had been a disturbance in the area involving an unknown number of people that escalated to shots being fired and Pride being struck. 

Police have not made an arrest and do not have a person of interest identified, according to&nbsp;Officer Gonzalez.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731585134779.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City and have identified the victim as 16-year-old&nbsp; Andre Pride.Just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 7500 block of E 85th Terrace, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Officers arrived on scene and were summoned to a grassy area within an apartment complex and were advised someone had been shot. First responders found Pride unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. Medical aid was immediately rendered by responding officers until EMS arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary information indicates there may had been a disturbance in the area involving an unknown number of people that escalated to shots being fired and Pride being struck. Police have not made an arrest and do not have a person of interest identified, according to&nbsp;Officer Gonzalez.

16-year-old killed in Kansas City apartment complex disturbance

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– Republicans on Wednesday used a secret ballot and elected South Dakota Sen.&nbsp;John Thune&nbsp;as the next Senate majority leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement from his office, Kansas Senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran wrote, “I congratulate Sen. John Thune on being selected as the new Senate Majority Leader. I stand ready to work with John and President Trump to lower prices, secure the southern border, promote domestic energy production and bolster our national security.

Moran continued, “I appreciate Sen. Cornyn and Sen. Scott’s willingness to serve their colleagues and the American people and have no doubt they will continue to be valuable members of the Senate.”

Moran and Marshall have not indicated how they voted. Moran and Thune were both members of the freshman class in Congress in 1996 which may indicate how Moran voted.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731512616861.png" alt="President-elect Trump during a meeting with House Republicans at the Capitol on Wednesday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President-elect Trump during a meeting with House Republicans at the Capitol on Wednesday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– Republicans on Wednesday used a secret ballot and elected South Dakota Sen.&nbsp;John Thune&nbsp;as the next Senate majority leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a statement from his office, Kansas Senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran wrote, “I congratulate Sen. John Thune on being selected as the new Senate Majority Leader. I stand ready to work with John and President Trump to lower prices, secure the southern border, promote domestic energy production and bolster our national security.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations to Leader <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenJohnThune</a> and all of the newly elected Senate Republican Leadership. Senate Republicans are united and ready to work with Leader Thune to execute President Trump&#39;s America First agenda and fight for America&#39;s workers, families&#39; economic security, and…&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1856808284314878058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Moran continued, “I appreciate Sen. Cornyn and Sen. Scott’s willingness to serve their colleagues and the American people and have no doubt they will continue to be valuable members of the Senate.”Moran and Marshall have not indicated how they voted. Moran and Thune were both members of the freshman class in Congress in 1996 which may indicate how Moran voted.&nbsp;

After secret ballot, Kan. U.S. Senators show support for Trump, new Majority Leader

JASPER COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 3p.m. Wednesday in Jasper County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford F250 driven by a 56-year-old Mount Vernon man was southbound on Interstate 49 one mile north of Jasper.&nbsp;

The pickup rear-ended a 2003 Toyota Corolla that was slowing to a near stop due to fact that the 30-year-old driver from Carthage was falling asleep.

Two passengers in the car, a 27-year-0ld man and 27-year-old woman, both from Carthage, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to the county coroner's office.&nbsp; Mercy Ambulance transported the driver and a third passenger, a 33-year-old woman from Carthage to Mercy in Joplin. The pickup driver was not injured. The driver and occupants of the Toyota were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

JASPER COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 3p.m. Wednesday in Jasper County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford F250 driven by a 56-year-old Mount Vernon man was southbound on Interstate 49 one mile north of Jasper.&nbsp;The pickup rear-ended a 2003 Toyota Corolla that was slowing to a near stop due to fact that the 30-year-old driver from Carthage was falling asleep.Two passengers in the car, a 27-year-0ld man and 27-year-old woman, both from Carthage, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to the county coroner's office.&nbsp; Mercy Ambulance transported the driver and a third passenger, a 33-year-old woman from Carthage to Mercy in Joplin. The pickup driver was not injured. The driver and occupants of the Toyota were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man, woman dead after rear-end crash

MCPHERSON County— A coach from Central Christian College in McPherson was jailed on sex crime charges earlier this week.

According to the McPherson County jail log, 46-year-old Joshua Macharia was booked just before 6p.m. Tuesday on two counts of Aggravated Sexual Battery. He posted bond and was released just before 9p.m.

The 46-year-old&nbsp;Macharia, who coaches women's soccer, is on administrative leave pending a full investigation. He is also restricted from campus and prohibited from contacting students during the investigation.

Macharia's playing and coaching career has been at Christian institutions, as he played at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois before becoming an assistant there and then head women's coach for four years at Arizona Christian University before joining Central, according to his online bio.

Central Christian College of Kansas has been made aware of allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a staff member and a student, according to a statement in an email from&nbsp;Doug Vanderhoof,&nbsp;Chief Strategic Operations Officer.

"Upon learning of these allegations, we took immediate action by placing the individual on administrative leave, pending a full investigation. The individual is restricted from campus and prohibited from contact with students during the period of the investigation. In the meantime, the College is cooperating with law enforcement to ensure a thorough and fair investigation."

"As an institution rooted in Christian faith and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of our students, we are profoundly saddened and grieved by these accusations. Our primary concern is the safety and support of our students and we remain steadfast in our resolve to uphold our values and maintain a safe, respectful environment for all members of our community."

"We have received no further information from authorities regarding this ongoing investigation and are respecting the privacy of the involved parties by not disclosing additional details. Out of respect for the legal process and the integrity of the investigation, we ask for the public’s patience and understanding. We remain dedicated to seeking truth, accountability, and justice in this matter."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731584355079.png" alt="Macharia- photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Macharia- photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON County— A coach from Central Christian College in McPherson was jailed on sex crime charges earlier this week.According to the McPherson County jail log, 46-year-old Joshua Macharia was booked just before 6p.m. Tuesday on two counts of Aggravated Sexual Battery. He posted bond and was released just before 9p.m.The 46-year-old&nbsp;Macharia, who coaches women's soccer, is on administrative leave pending a full investigation. He is also restricted from campus and prohibited from contacting students during the investigation.Macharia's playing and coaching career has been at Christian institutions, as he played at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois before becoming an assistant there and then head women's coach for four years at Arizona Christian University before joining Central, according to his online bio.Central Christian College of Kansas has been made aware of allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a staff member and a student, according to a statement in an email from&nbsp;Doug Vanderhoof,&nbsp;Chief Strategic Operations Officer."Upon learning of these allegations, we took immediate action by placing the individual on administrative leave, pending a full investigation. The individual is restricted from campus and prohibited from contact with students during the period of the investigation. In the meantime, the College is cooperating with law enforcement to ensure a thorough and fair investigation.""As an institution rooted in Christian faith and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of our students, we are profoundly saddened and grieved by these accusations. Our primary concern is the safety and support of our students and we remain steadfast in our resolve to uphold our values and maintain a safe, respectful environment for all members of our community.""We have received no further information from authorities regarding this ongoing investigation and are respecting the privacy of the involved parties by not disclosing additional details. Out of respect for the legal process and the integrity of the investigation, we ask for the public’s patience and understanding. We remain dedicated to seeking truth, accountability, and justice in this matter."

College responds after women's soccer coach accused of sex crimes in McPherson

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a violent knife attack have captured a suspect.

On November 4,&nbsp;police were called to 3250 Michigan Street in Lawrence where a 56-year-old victim told police a 46-year-old man had slashed his arm with a knife. The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, .&nbsp;Police asked the public for help locating 46-year-old Rashidi "Rocky" McClelland in connection with the incident.

Just before <a href="https://x.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1856889439911301533?t=330">5:30</a> p.m. Wednesday, police received information that&nbsp; McClelland was inside a house in the 3700 block of Westland Place, near 6th Street and Monterey Way, according to a media release.

Within minutes, officers were in the area and began watching the house. Officers were able to spot a person they believed to be McClelland moving around inside. At approximately <a href="https://x.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1856889439911301533?t=450">7:30</a>p.m., officers moved in on the house, making their presence known, and used loudspeakers from the street to call McClelland out.

After attempting to exit multiple doors and windows, McClelland eventually surrendered peacefully to officers at <a href="https://x.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1856889439911301533?t=483">8:03</a> p.m. He was transported to the Douglas County Correctional Facility and booked on requested charges in connection with the stabbing.

The victim is expected to recover from his injuries, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730743188862.png" alt="McClelland photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>McClelland photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a violent knife attack have captured a suspect.On November 4,&nbsp;police were called to 3250 Michigan Street in Lawrence where a 56-year-old victim told police a 46-year-old man had slashed his arm with a knife. The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, .&nbsp;Police asked the public for help locating 46-year-old Rashidi "Rocky" McClelland in connection with the incident.Just before <a href="https://x.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1856889439911301533?t=330">5:30</a> p.m. Wednesday, police received information that&nbsp; McClelland was inside a house in the 3700 block of Westland Place, near 6th Street and Monterey Way, according to a media release.Within minutes, officers were in the area and began watching the house. Officers were able to spot a person they believed to be McClelland moving around inside. At approximately <a href="https://x.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1856889439911301533?t=450">7:30</a>p.m., officers moved in on the house, making their presence known, and used loudspeakers from the street to call McClelland out. After attempting to exit multiple doors and windows, McClelland eventually surrendered peacefully to officers at <a href="https://x.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1856889439911301533?t=483">8:03</a> p.m. He was transported to the Douglas County Correctional Facility and booked on requested charges in connection with the stabbing.The victim is expected to recover from his injuries, according to police.

Police capture Kan. knife attack suspect after 9-day search

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating after fire crews in Kansas City&nbsp; encountered gunfire on the way to a call.

Just before noon Wednesday, while responding to a call at 55th and Prospect, a Kansas City Fire Department pumper drove into the vicinity of gun fire while heading to their call, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;

Preliminary information indicates there was indeed an exchange of gunfire between individuals in the area, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. Fire crews believed their pumper had been struck. 

Police responded to assist and the initial investigation revealed there were no injuries to any Kansas City Fire Department staff. Police and fire officials have also not found any damage to KCFD property.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating after fire crews in Kansas City&nbsp; encountered gunfire on the way to a call.Just before noon Wednesday, while responding to a call at 55th and Prospect, a Kansas City Fire Department pumper drove into the vicinity of gun fire while heading to their call, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates there was indeed an exchange of gunfire between individuals in the area, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. Fire crews believed their pumper had been struck. Police responded to assist and the initial investigation revealed there were no injuries to any Kansas City Fire Department staff. Police and fire officials have also not found any damage to KCFD property.

Kansas City fire crews drive through gunfire on the way to a call

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run in Kansas City that occurred just before 7p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a man was crossing Blue Ridge Boulevard from west to east at 103rd Terrace. He was in the middle of the southbound lanes of Blue Ridge when at least one vehicle struck him, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

The unknown vehicle(s) left the scene of the crash without stopping and the pedestrian was declared deceased at the scene. 

This is fatality #81 in Kansas City, Missouri compared to #85 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run in Kansas City that occurred just before 7p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.A preliminary investigation revealed that a man was crossing Blue Ridge Boulevard from west to east at 103rd Terrace. He was in the middle of the southbound lanes of Blue Ridge when at least one vehicle struck him, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.The unknown vehicle(s) left the scene of the crash without stopping and the pedestrian was declared deceased at the scene. This is fatality #81 in Kansas City, Missouri compared to #85 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.

KCPD: Man dies after struck by at least one vehicle

JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas middle school teacher is going to prison for child sex crimes.

On November 8, Judge Neil Foth sentenced 55-year-old Keil Hileman to 24-months in prison. He must also register as a sex offender for 25-years.

On August 14,&nbsp; Hileman pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

As part of the plea agreement, the State of Kansas dismissed&nbsp; four additional sex crime charges against him, according to court documents.

In October of 2022, the Johnson County District Attorney’s office charged Hileman, at the time a Monticello Trails Middle School, USD 232 DeSoto teacher, alleging criminal conduct involving his role as an educator," the district said in the letter to families.

In 2004, Hileman was named Kansas Teacher of the Year and was a finalists for the National Teacher of the Year.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731165443157.png" alt="Hileman photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Hileman photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas middle school teacher is going to prison for child sex crimes.On November 8, Judge Neil Foth sentenced 55-year-old Keil Hileman to 24-months in prison. He must also register as a sex offender for 25-years.On August 14,&nbsp; Hileman pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.As part of the plea agreement, the State of Kansas dismissed&nbsp; four additional sex crime charges against him, according to court documents.In October of 2022, the Johnson County District Attorney’s office charged Hileman, at the time a Monticello Trails Middle School, USD 232 DeSoto teacher, alleging criminal conduct involving his role as an educator," the district said in the letter to families.In 2004, Hileman was named Kansas Teacher of the Year and was a finalists for the National Teacher of the Year.&nbsp;

Former Kan. teacher of the year sentenced for child sex crimes

SALINE COUNTY —A Salina Police Department SWAT operation tied to a Topeka Police Department&nbsp; homicide investigation led to the discovery of a significant amount of drugs, including MDMA and marijuana.

On November 11, the Salina Police SWAT team executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of North College in Salina at the request of Topeka police, which is investigating a homicide that occurred in its jurisdiction.&nbsp;

While officers were serving the search warrant, they came across suspected drugs, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. Police applied for a search warrant for the drugs, and during the investigation and search of the residence, officers did locate drugs that were consistent with the distribution of drugs, according to Feldman.

Officers found packaging materials alongside more than a pound of marijuana and approximately 1,000 pills of suspected MDMA or ecstasy. 

Police arrested Damari Owens, 19, of Salina on requested charges including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (marijuana and MDMA), possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, no Kansas drug tax stamp, and endangering a child.

Feldman said the requested charge of child endangerment was added after police discovered a two-year-old child was living in the room where the drugs were found.

The initial search warrant, requested by TPD, for the North College Avenue residence is connected to a reported homicide that occurred in Topeka earlier this week.&nbsp;

On Sunday, November 10, Topeka police officers responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Huntoon Street in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp; Upon arrival, two individuals were located with life-threatening injuries. One was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

According to a statement from Topeka, this marks the 17th homicide investigation of 2024. TPD has not said whether or not Owens is a suspect in the ongoing Topeka homicide investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731416657744.jpeg" alt="Owens photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Owens photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —A Salina Police Department SWAT operation tied to a Topeka Police Department&nbsp; homicide investigation led to the discovery of a significant amount of drugs, including MDMA and marijuana.On November 11, the Salina Police SWAT team executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of North College in Salina at the request of Topeka police, which is investigating a homicide that occurred in its jurisdiction.&nbsp;While officers were serving the search warrant, they came across suspected drugs, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. Police applied for a search warrant for the drugs, and during the investigation and search of the residence, officers did locate drugs that were consistent with the distribution of drugs, according to Feldman.Officers found packaging materials alongside more than a pound of marijuana and approximately 1,000 pills of suspected MDMA or ecstasy. Police arrested Damari Owens, 19, of Salina on requested charges including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (marijuana and MDMA), possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, no Kansas drug tax stamp, and endangering a child.Feldman said the requested charge of child endangerment was added after police discovered a two-year-old child was living in the room where the drugs were found.The initial search warrant, requested by TPD, for the North College Avenue residence is connected to a reported homicide that occurred in Topeka earlier this week.&nbsp;On Sunday, November 10, Topeka police officers responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Huntoon Street in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp; Upon arrival, two individuals were located with life-threatening injuries. One was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.According to a statement from Topeka, this marks the 17th homicide investigation of 2024. TPD has not said whether or not Owens is a suspect in the ongoing Topeka homicide investigation.&nbsp;

Police: 2-year-old was living in drug filled room at Kansas home

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Damon Michael&nbsp; Welsh, 20, Manhattan, was southbound on Kansas 99 just north of&nbsp;North of Antelope Creek Road.

&nbsp;The pickup traveled left of center and collided with a northbound 2010 Honda CR-V driven by John W. Long, 69, Wamego, in the northbound lane. After impact both vehicles became disabled in the east ditch.

EMS transported Long to the Wamego Health Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; EMS transported Welsh to Stormont Vail. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Damon Michael&nbsp; Welsh, 20, Manhattan, was southbound on Kansas 99 just north of&nbsp;North of Antelope Creek Road.&nbsp;The pickup traveled left of center and collided with a northbound 2010 Honda CR-V driven by John W. Long, 69, Wamego, in the northbound lane. After impact both vehicles became disabled in the east ditch.EMS transported Long to the Wamego Health Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; EMS transported Welsh to Stormont Vail. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after pickup, SUV crash

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>&nbsp;

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republicans on Wednesday elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune as that chamber’s next majority leader during a closed-door, secret ballot election.

When Thune takes over in January, it will mark the first time since 2007 that Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell hasn’t held the top GOP slot after choosing to retire from leadership.

Thune defeated Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Florida Sen. Rick Scott during the vote.

“I am extremely honored&nbsp;to have earned the support of my colleagues to lead the Senate in the 119th Congress, and I am beyond proud of the work we have done to secure our majority and the White House,”&nbsp;Thune said in a written statement. “This Republican team is united behind President Trump’s agenda, and our work starts today.”

Wyoming’s Sen. John Barrasso, who ran unopposed, will become the majority whip next Congress, holding the No. 2 slot in the Senate.

President-elect Donald Trump had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-pressures-three-senators-vying-be-us-senate-gop-leader" target="_blank">made demands</a>&nbsp;of the next Senate Republican leader ahead of the election, writing on social media that whoever is chosen should recess the chamber early next year so he can appoint whoever he wants without having to go through the confirmation process.

Cornyn, Scott and Thune all quickly got in line with social media posts of their own about what are called recess appointments.

Thune wrote: “We must act quickly and decisively to get the president’s nominees in place as soon as possible, &amp; all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments. We cannot let Schumer and Senate Dems block the will of the American people.” Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, is the Senate majority leader.

Thune, 63, was elected to the Senate in 2004 after spending six years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

He currently holds the title of Republican whip, but has done stints as Republican Conference vice chair, Republican Policy Committee chair, Republican Conference chair and chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Thune has given dozens of floor speeches and press conferences during his time in the Senate, but highlighted his support for bipartisanship in April 2021, applauding Democrats, who were in the majority, &nbsp;for working with the GOP on legislation.

“The Senate was designed to promote moderation and consensus. It was intended to be a check on the more partisan — or as the founders would put it, factious — House of Representatives,” Thune said during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/117/crec/2021/04/22/167/70/CREC-2021-04-22-senate.pdf" target="_blank">a floor speech</a>. “The Senate fulfills its constitutional role best when it engages in serious, bipartisan consideration and negotiation and ensures that members of both parties are heard.”

He then pressed lawmakers from both parties to adopt that framework to negotiate infrastructure legislation in the months ahead.

Thune will have to break from those beliefs a bit during the next two years as Republicans use what is expected to be unified control of government to move through as much conservative legislation as they can via the complex budget reconciliation process.

That legislative pathway will allow Republicans to get around the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster, which typically forces bipartisanship on major legislation.

The GOP used the process to try to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, during the first Trump administration, but were unsuccessful. Republicans were able to use it to enact the 2017 tax law.

Democrats used budget reconciliation to approve a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package and their signature climate change, health care and tax package called the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, during the first two years of President Joe Biden’s term.

Thune expressed frustration during his April 2021 floor speech that Democrats had used the process to avoid negotiating with Republicans senators on those two laws.

“Our Founders established a democratic republic instead of a pure democracy because they wanted to balance majority rule with protection for minority rights. They knew that majorities could be tyrants, so they wove protection for minority rights into our system of government,” Thune said at the time. “The Senate was one of those protections. That is why we should be preserving rules like the filibuster, which ensures that the minority party and the many Americans it represents have a voice in legislation.”

U.S. House Republicans are expected to hold their leadership elections later Wednesday.

The House GOP was expected to nominate Louisiana’s Mike Johnson to return as speaker, though he’ll need to secure the votes needed on the floor in January to continue in that role.

Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota were both expected to stay in those roles next Congress.

Shauneen Miranda contributed to this report.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republicans on Wednesday elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune as that chamber’s next majority leader during a closed-door, secret ballot election.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Newly elected <a href="https://twitter.com/SenateGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenateGOP</a> Leader <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenJohnThune</a>: &quot;We have the team assembled...I&#39;m excited to get to work with this team right away...I promise to be a leader who serves the entire Republican conference.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/H1Sf8vAIDI">pic.twitter.com/H1Sf8vAIDI</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1856770268821090648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>When Thune takes over in January, it will mark the first time since 2007 that Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell hasn’t held the top GOP slot after choosing to retire from leadership.Thune defeated Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Florida Sen. Rick Scott during the vote.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Honored to serve as the next U.S. Senate majority leader. <a href="https://t.co/zq9XLrPDUr">pic.twitter.com/zq9XLrPDUr</a>&mdash; Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnThune/status/1856748892550832530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I am extremely honored&nbsp;to have earned the support of my colleagues to lead the Senate in the 119th Congress, and I am beyond proud of the work we have done to secure our majority and the White House,”&nbsp;Thune said in a written statement. “This Republican team is united behind President Trump’s agenda, and our work starts today.”Wyoming’s Sen. John Barrasso, who ran unopposed, will become the majority whip next Congress, holding the No. 2 slot in the Senate.President-elect Donald Trump had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-pressures-three-senators-vying-be-us-senate-gop-leader" target="_blank">made demands</a>&nbsp;of the next Senate Republican leader ahead of the election, writing on social media that whoever is chosen should recess the chamber early next year so he can appoint whoever he wants without having to go through the confirmation process.Cornyn, Scott and Thune all quickly got in line with social media posts of their own about what are called recess appointments.Thune wrote: “We must act quickly and decisively to get the president’s nominees in place as soon as possible, &amp; all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments. We cannot let Schumer and Senate Dems block the will of the American people.” Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, is the Senate majority leader.<h2>South Dakota veteran lawmaker</h2>Thune, 63, was elected to the Senate in 2004 after spending six years in the U.S. House of Representatives.He currently holds the title of Republican whip, but has done stints as Republican Conference vice chair, Republican Policy Committee chair, Republican Conference chair and chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Thune has given dozens of floor speeches and press conferences during his time in the Senate, but highlighted his support for bipartisanship in April 2021, applauding Democrats, who were in the majority, &nbsp;for working with the GOP on legislation.“The Senate was designed to promote moderation and consensus. It was intended to be a check on the more partisan — or as the founders would put it, factious — House of Representatives,” Thune said during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/117/crec/2021/04/22/167/70/CREC-2021-04-22-senate.pdf" target="_blank">a floor speech</a>. “The Senate fulfills its constitutional role best when it engages in serious, bipartisan consideration and negotiation and ensures that members of both parties are heard.”He then pressed lawmakers from both parties to adopt that framework to negotiate infrastructure legislation in the months ahead.Thune will have to break from those beliefs a bit during the next two years as Republicans use what is expected to be unified control of government to move through as much conservative legislation as they can via the complex budget reconciliation process.That legislative pathway will allow Republicans to get around the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster, which typically forces bipartisanship on major legislation.The GOP used the process to try to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, during the first Trump administration, but were unsuccessful. Republicans were able to use it to enact the 2017 tax law.Democrats used budget reconciliation to approve a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package and their signature climate change, health care and tax package called the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, during the first two years of President Joe Biden’s term.Thune expressed frustration during his April 2021 floor speech that Democrats had used the process to avoid negotiating with Republicans senators on those two laws.“Our Founders established a democratic republic instead of a pure democracy because they wanted to balance majority rule with protection for minority rights. They knew that majorities could be tyrants, so they wove protection for minority rights into our system of government,” Thune said at the time. “The Senate was one of those protections. That is why we should be preserving rules like the filibuster, which ensures that the minority party and the many Americans it represents have a voice in legislation.”U.S. House Republicans are expected to hold their leadership elections later Wednesday.The House GOP was expected to nominate Louisiana’s Mike Johnson to return as speaker, though he’ll need to secure the votes needed on the floor in January to continue in that role.Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota were both expected to stay in those roles next Congress.Shauneen Miranda contributed to this report.

South Dakota U.S. Sen. Thune elected as next majority leader for Republicans

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Just a week after winning a full term as Missouri attorney general, Republican Andrew Bailey is reportedly in the running to become the next U.S. attorney general.

Numerous sources close to the attorney general, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KFaulders/status/1856670206124347696" target="_blank">multiple media reports</a>, confirm Bailey is among the finalists being considered for the appointment by President-elect Donald Trump.

A spokeswoman for Bailey could not be immediately reached for comment Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

Among the others&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/henryrodgersdc/status/1856504520072634731" target="_blank">who appear to be on the short list</a>&nbsp;for U.S. attorney general is Matt Whitaker, a former acting attorney general. Bailey’s predecessor, U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, was also under consideration but&nbsp;<a href="https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2024/11/11/trump-attorney-general-eric-schmitt" target="_blank">pulled his name out of the running on Tuesday</a>.&nbsp;

Bailey had never run for public office before Missouri Gov. Mike Parson tapped him to replace Schmitt as attorney general in 2022. At the time, he was serving as Parson’s general counsel. He previously worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Warren County and as an assistant attorney general.&nbsp;

He is an army veteran that was awarded two Army Achievement Medals, an Army Accommodation Medal, a Combat Action Badge and two Bronze Star Medals for his service.

His time as attorney general has been defined by confrontation — lawsuits against the federal government, investigations of health care providers and public fights with other statewide elected Republicans.

His most high-profile cases since becoming attorney general include twice suing to block federal student loan forgiveness and carrying forward a lawsuit alleging the Biden administration was colluding with social media companies to censor conservative speech.

His office is involved in four different lawsuits regarding medical records of transgender children — part of his effort to end gender-affirming care in Missouri. And Bailey has claimed credit for the closure of Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Bailey has also been unflinchingly loyal to Trump, including&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/16/republican-missouri-attorney-general-candidates-proclaim-2020-election-was-stolen/">publicly endorsing the lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article290766434.html" target="_blank">unsuccessfully attempting to intervene in the criminal case</a>&nbsp;against him in New York that resulted in 34 felony convictions.&nbsp;

According to Reuters, loyalty to the president-elect — and a willingness to wholeheartedly advance Trump’s agenda of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-seeks-loyal-attorney-general-back-mass-deportations-pardons-2024-11-13/" target="_blank">mass deportations and retribution against his political enemies</a>&nbsp;— is the determining factor in who will become the next attorney general.

Bailey’s tenure as Missouri attorney general has been marked by accusations of corruption, incompetence and grandstanding, with his critics alleging he’s more interested in scoring appearances on Fox News than effectively running the sprawling office or winning in the courtroom.

The state Supreme Court earlier this year ruled that lawmakers could not end Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood through the state budget. In its ruling, the court found Bailey’s office failed to appeal the claim that the budget decision infringed on equal protection rights,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ky3.com/2024/02/14/missouri-supreme-court-rules-law-blocking-funding-healthcare-providers-offering-abortions/" target="_blank">the Associated Press reported.</a>

Among the many lawsuits Bailey inherited from his predecessor was a case against&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/14/time-runs-out-for-missouri-ag-to-appeal-ruling-in-school-mask-mandate-lawsuit/">Missouri school districts that implemented mask mandates&nbsp;</a>during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a judge ruled in support of the school boards, Bailey’s office missed its deadline to appeal.

This summer, he&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-before-missouri-attorney-general-could-be-questioned-under-oath/">narrowly avoided being questioned under oath</a>&nbsp;about his contact with a defendant in his own case against Jackson County. One of Bailey’s deputies lost his license because of the meetings, according to a filing from the county’s attorneys.

Bailey was also the focus of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/education/hazelwood-schools-files-ethics-complaint-against-ag-bailey-over-dei-investigation/article_518f7ca0-07d2-11ef-a43d-9f3e0e63bf97.html" target="_blank">formal complaint about the behavior of his office</a>&nbsp;after he falsely blamed the Hazelwood School District’s diversity, equity and inclusion program for the off-campus assault of a student.

But the most pointed criticism he’s faced involve campaign donations.

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/01/missouri-ag-faces-criticism-for-dropping-out-of-gambling-lawsuit-against-highway-patrol/">Bailey recused himself from a gambling lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed against the Missouri State Highway Patrol after PACs connected to the lobbyist of the companies suing the state wrote checks to the committee supporting his campaign.

He raised eyebrows after accepting $50,000 in campaign donations from Doe Run, a St. Louis-based company<a href="https://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1661031_1661028_1661020,00.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;being sued by thousands of Peruvians</a>&nbsp;over allegations of lead smelter poisoning in their mining town in the Andes. A few months before the donation, Bailey filed a brief asking the federal court to move the lawsuit out of Missouri.&nbsp;

Bailey shrugs off the criticism, telling The Independent earlier this year that “political donations don’t influence the decisions I make in my official capacity.”

If Bailey is tapped to lead Trump’s Justice Department, Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe would choose his successor — the third time since 2018 that a governor has had to replace Missouri’s attorney general.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696940237972.png" alt="&nbsp;Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey speaks Jan. 20, 2023, to the Missouri chapter of the Federalist Society on the Missouri House of Representatives dais (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey speaks Jan. 20, 2023, to the Missouri chapter of the Federalist Society on the Missouri House of Representatives dais (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Just a week after winning a full term as Missouri attorney general, Republican Andrew Bailey is reportedly in the running to become the next U.S. attorney general.Numerous sources close to the attorney general, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KFaulders/status/1856670206124347696" target="_blank">multiple media reports</a>, confirm Bailey is among the finalists being considered for the appointment by President-elect Donald Trump.A spokeswoman for Bailey could not be immediately reached for comment Wednesday morning.&nbsp;Among the others&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/henryrodgersdc/status/1856504520072634731" target="_blank">who appear to be on the short list</a>&nbsp;for U.S. attorney general is Matt Whitaker, a former acting attorney general. Bailey’s predecessor, U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, was also under consideration but&nbsp;<a href="https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2024/11/11/trump-attorney-general-eric-schmitt" target="_blank">pulled his name out of the running on Tuesday</a>.&nbsp;Bailey had never run for public office before Missouri Gov. Mike Parson tapped him to replace Schmitt as attorney general in 2022. At the time, he was serving as Parson’s general counsel. He previously worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Warren County and as an assistant attorney general.&nbsp;He is an army veteran that was awarded two Army Achievement Medals, an Army Accommodation Medal, a Combat Action Badge and two Bronze Star Medals for his service.His time as attorney general has been defined by confrontation — lawsuits against the federal government, investigations of health care providers and public fights with other statewide elected Republicans.His most high-profile cases since becoming attorney general include twice suing to block federal student loan forgiveness and carrying forward a lawsuit alleging the Biden administration was colluding with social media companies to censor conservative speech.His office is involved in four different lawsuits regarding medical records of transgender children — part of his effort to end gender-affirming care in Missouri. And Bailey has claimed credit for the closure of Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.Bailey has also been unflinchingly loyal to Trump, including&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/16/republican-missouri-attorney-general-candidates-proclaim-2020-election-was-stolen/">publicly endorsing the lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article290766434.html" target="_blank">unsuccessfully attempting to intervene in the criminal case</a>&nbsp;against him in New York that resulted in 34 felony convictions.&nbsp;According to Reuters, loyalty to the president-elect — and a willingness to wholeheartedly advance Trump’s agenda of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-seeks-loyal-attorney-general-back-mass-deportations-pardons-2024-11-13/" target="_blank">mass deportations and retribution against his political enemies</a>&nbsp;— is the determining factor in who will become the next attorney general.Bailey’s tenure as Missouri attorney general has been marked by accusations of corruption, incompetence and grandstanding, with his critics alleging he’s more interested in scoring appearances on Fox News than effectively running the sprawling office or winning in the courtroom.The state Supreme Court earlier this year ruled that lawmakers could not end Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood through the state budget. In its ruling, the court found Bailey’s office failed to appeal the claim that the budget decision infringed on equal protection rights,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ky3.com/2024/02/14/missouri-supreme-court-rules-law-blocking-funding-healthcare-providers-offering-abortions/" target="_blank">the Associated Press reported.</a>Among the many lawsuits Bailey inherited from his predecessor was a case against&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/14/time-runs-out-for-missouri-ag-to-appeal-ruling-in-school-mask-mandate-lawsuit/">Missouri school districts that implemented mask mandates&nbsp;</a>during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a judge ruled in support of the school boards, Bailey’s office missed its deadline to appeal.This summer, he&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-before-missouri-attorney-general-could-be-questioned-under-oath/">narrowly avoided being questioned under oath</a>&nbsp;about his contact with a defendant in his own case against Jackson County. One of Bailey’s deputies lost his license because of the meetings, according to a filing from the county’s attorneys.Bailey was also the focus of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/education/hazelwood-schools-files-ethics-complaint-against-ag-bailey-over-dei-investigation/article_518f7ca0-07d2-11ef-a43d-9f3e0e63bf97.html" target="_blank">formal complaint about the behavior of his office</a>&nbsp;after he falsely blamed the Hazelwood School District’s diversity, equity and inclusion program for the off-campus assault of a student.But the most pointed criticism he’s faced involve campaign donations.<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/01/missouri-ag-faces-criticism-for-dropping-out-of-gambling-lawsuit-against-highway-patrol/">Bailey recused himself from a gambling lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed against the Missouri State Highway Patrol after PACs connected to the lobbyist of the companies suing the state wrote checks to the committee supporting his campaign.He raised eyebrows after accepting $50,000 in campaign donations from Doe Run, a St. Louis-based company<a href="https://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1661031_1661028_1661020,00.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;being sued by thousands of Peruvians</a>&nbsp;over allegations of lead smelter poisoning in their mining town in the Andes. A few months before the donation, Bailey filed a brief asking the federal court to move the lawsuit out of Missouri.&nbsp;Bailey shrugs off the criticism, telling The Independent earlier this year that “political donations don’t influence the decisions I make in my official capacity.”If Bailey is tapped to lead Trump’s Justice Department, Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe would choose his successor — the third time since 2018 that a governor has had to replace Missouri’s attorney general.&nbsp;

Missouri’s Andrew Bailey reportedly a finalist to be Trump’s U.S. attorney general

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal house fire in Topeka have identified the victim&nbsp;as 46-year-old David S. Blevens of Topeka.

Investigators determined the cause of this fire was intentionally set,&nbsp;according to Topeka Fire Department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.&nbsp; The incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Just after 6p.m. Oct. 13, crews from the Topeka Fire Department&nbsp; responded to a reported house fire at 1640 SW Buchanan Street.

Firs responders found heavy smoke and flames coming from the two-story residence. Firefighters performed a search and found Blevens on the second floor of the residence who was later pronounced deceased. 

Crews extinguished the fire. Investigators have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728296520340.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal house fire in Topeka have identified the victim&nbsp;as 46-year-old David S. Blevens of Topeka.Investigators determined the cause of this fire was intentionally set,&nbsp;according to Topeka Fire Department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.&nbsp; The incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp;&nbsp; Just after 6p.m. Oct. 13, crews from the Topeka Fire Department&nbsp; responded to a reported house fire at 1640 SW Buchanan Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728296248154.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Firs responders found heavy smoke and flames coming from the two-story residence. Firefighters performed a search and found Blevens on the second floor of the residence who was later pronounced deceased. Crews extinguished the fire. Investigators have not reported an arrest.

Police ID victim in arson fire at Kansas home

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Lawrence that sent a man to the hospital and continue to search for a teen suspect.

Just before 8p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;were called to 3323 Iowa Street around&nbsp; where they located a 26-year-old victim with multiple gunshot wounds to the leg, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe. Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical transported the man an area trauma center.

Initial reports indicate a drug deal was taking place and allegedly turned into a robbery. Investigators worked through the night to identify witnesses and leads, which led them a nearby residence where the suspects were believed to have run to following the shooting. Investigators applied for and received a search warrant to enter the residence.

The Lawrence Police tactical team was activated, surrounded the residence, and were able to convince one of the suspects to come out shortly after 3:00 a.m. Cameron Cooper, of Lawrence, the suspected shooter, was safely taken into custody. Cooper was taken to the Douglas County Correctional Facility where he is jailed on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and aggravated robbery.

A 17-year-old suspect was not located at the residence and has not been found. Police believe he may have left the area, but investigators continue to follow up on leads.

If you have any information about the events, please contact dispatch at 785-843-0250 or Crimestoppers at 785-843 (TIPS) 8477. You can remain anonymous.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Lawrence that sent a man to the hospital and continue to search for a teen suspect.Just before 8p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;were called to 3323 Iowa Street around&nbsp; where they located a 26-year-old victim with multiple gunshot wounds to the leg, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe. Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical transported the man an area trauma center.Initial reports indicate a drug deal was taking place and allegedly turned into a robbery. Investigators worked through the night to identify witnesses and leads, which led them a nearby residence where the suspects were believed to have run to following the shooting. Investigators applied for and received a search warrant to enter the residence.The Lawrence Police tactical team was activated, surrounded the residence, and were able to convince one of the suspects to come out shortly after 3:00 a.m. Cameron Cooper, of Lawrence, the suspected shooter, was safely taken into custody. Cooper was taken to the Douglas County Correctional Facility where he is jailed on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and aggravated robbery.A 17-year-old suspect was not located at the residence and has not been found. Police believe he may have left the area, but investigators continue to follow up on leads.If you have any information about the events, please contact dispatch at 785-843-0250 or Crimestoppers at 785-843 (TIPS) 8477. You can remain anonymous.

Police continue search for teen in Kansas drug deal shooting

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire in an apartment building in Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731417378164.png" alt="Photos KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire in an apartment building in Kansas City.Just before 6a.m., crews,&nbsp;responded to a reported apartment fire in the 1000 block of E. 9th Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731417363617.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found smoke and fire showing from the second floor of a two-story apartment building. The initial calls for trapped occupants were unfounded, according to Hopkins. Searches, both primary and secondary came back all clear.&nbsp; No injuries were reported. Fire officials orders a warming bus from ATA has been ordered for a warming location and the Red Cross will assist approximately 16 residents.