From all of us here at Eagle Media, we want to wish you a Happy New Year! We hope that 2026 is a great year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said Monday he did not think farmers would fare well through a prolonged trade war.

Moran spoke to the Hays Noon Rotary on Monday.

"The longer this trade battle goes, the more difficult it is for there to be a future for the farm."

Moran said he favors a free market.&nbsp;

Moran said his aim as a congressman is to make sure rural America has a future.

"I want my hometown to be around," said Moran, who is a native of Plainville and a 30-year resident of Hays. "I want your hometowns to be around."

He said as costs increase, it becomes more difficult for rural businesses to make it.

"I use LaCrosse as my example," he said. " How many more hammers can the hardware store in LaCrosse sell when the price of something goes up, tariffs, for example, but also taxes, insurance, workers' compensation premiums and health care.

He said he had represented the First Congressional District in Kansas for years, where there was no growth.

"How can the hardware store in LaCrosse sell when the price of a hammer goes up, and your population is declining?" Moran said.

Agriculture determines so much of success in Kansas communities, he said.

"Not everyone who lives in Hays is a farmer or rancher, but I don't think there is anyone in this room who is not impacted when agriculture is doing poorly," Moran said. ...

"Agriculture determines if our hometowns have a future," he said. ... "Right now, agriculture is in terrible condition. In my experience, this is as bad as it has been during my time in office."

Input prices are high and commodity prices are low.

He said President Trump wanted to lower cattle prices, but livestock is the only sector of agriculture that is doing well now.

Because of tariffs, China and other countries have left the U.S. markets and are buying from Brazil. He said he heard on the ag report Monday morning that the weather in Brazil will determine wheat prices.

"We are now dependent on the weather of other countries rather than the markets of our own," he said.

"I don't know how you ever fill the gap of China buying corn, soy beans and grain sorghum," Moran said.

He added, "A trade war reduces the stability and the certainty of those markets. ... "Once you lose a customer, how do you get them back?"

Moran said if President Trump could negotiate some easing of tariffs on U.S. goods imposed by other countries, that would be a good outcome.

However, he said a prolonged trade war will be very difficult for farmers.

Despite this hardship, Moran said most American farmers he spoke with said they still support Trump.

"Most of my farmers in Kansas give President Trump the benefit of the doubt on this and see that they are going to get something better at the end of the day, and they are willing to put up with the pain," Moran said.

"In the meantime, they want money to survive the pain."

President Trump announced in early December that the U.S. Department of Agriculture would make $12 billion in one-time bridge payments to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs.

Farmers who qualify for the&nbsp;Farmer Bridge Assistance Program can expect payments to be released by Feb. 28.

Moran said he sponsored a bill requiring Congressional approval to impose tariffs. President Trump has been operating under emergency executive power. The U.S. Supreme Court is still considering whether he can do so.

Sen. Moran serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ec8a94ca-e2a2-403e-aa5d-616658687575">Iranian President&nbsp;Masoud Pezeshkian&nbsp;said Saturday his country is in a full-scale war with the U.S., Israel and Europe.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9072827a-202e-4587-985b-a0747c4fbb20">SEE RELATED STORY: Trump issues new warning to Iran of future U.S. strikes</a>

Moran was asked about his level of concern over&nbsp;Pezeshkian's&nbsp;declaration.

"I think we need to be seriously concerned with Iran and its capabilities," he said. "We have demonstrated some of our own, as has Israel.

"Iran is unpredictable and dangerous. The question is, what can you do about it?"

"It's not just about armies and navies and air forces, it's the capability of an individual or people being able to kill other individuals or groups of people in terrorism," Moran said. "They have great capabilities to do us damage.

"Everything we can do to contain them is important for us to do."

He also said he thought Russia had been the aggressor in Ukraine and should be kept from that aggression.

He said the outcome of the war should discourage others from thinking they could invade another country, or that Russia could invade an additional country.&nbsp;

Moran: Prolonged trade war would be difficult on farmers

Kansans are invited to start the New Year outdoors as Kansas State Parks participate in the nationwide First Day Hikes program on New Year’s Day.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative sponsored by America’s State Parks, designed to encourage individuals and families to welcome the New Year with a healthy, outdoor activity. The program offers guided and self-guided hikes in state parks across the country, giving participants an opportunity to exercise, enjoy nature, and connect with friends and family.

Kansas State Parks will host multiple First Day Hike events at parks throughout the state. Park staff encourage participants to come prepared for winter conditions. Recommended items include water, snacks, weather-appropriate clothing such as hats, gloves and heavy coats, sturdy hiking shoes, binoculars, a hiking stick, and a camera.

For Milford State Park, the following information has been posted.&nbsp;

The Hike starts at 1:00 pm on Thursday (New Year's Day). The hike will be approximately 2.5 miles long. We will start near the Sunset Ridge Cabin area (7296 S State Park Rd Milford, Ks 66514). 

Leashed pets are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to our local food bank. A valid state park vehicle permit is required.

For Tuttle Creek State Park, the following information has been posted.&nbsp;

The hike starts at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday (New Year's Day), and will start at the Park Office. Leashed pets are welcome. The Hike will be 2.5–4 miles long.&nbsp;

Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to our local food bank.&nbsp;A valid state park vehicle permit is required.

To learn more about the First Day Hikes, visit<a href="https://ksoutdoors.gov/"> ksoutdoors.gov</a> or call 785-539-7941.

First Day Hikes scheduled for New Year's Day at Milford and Tuttle Creek State Parks

Junction City Main Street announced that they have a volunteer board position opening. The position available is to serve as Treasurer for the Junction City Main Street Board of Directors and the Executive Board.&nbsp;

"Do Love the transformation happening in Downtown? Junction City Main Street is seeking a passionate, community-minded individual with a strong understanding of Quickbooks to serve as Treasurer on our Board of Directors and Executive Board. This position is available immediately."

• Executive Board meets monthly on the Monday prior, 8:00–10:00 AM

• Board of Directors meets monthly on the 2nd Thursday at 5:15 PM

In 2025, we brought on a professional firm to manage our financial operations (Quickbooks). They handle all behind-the-scenes work and provide clear financial reports ahead of each meeting. The Treasurer’s role is to review and interpret those reports, translating the information into clear, actionable insights so the full Board can easily understand the organization’s financial position.

Full board application: <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:2d30ad82-c8cc-405a-b4d4-b1a525352795?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUlWR2E3b3d4cjIwV1l2TnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6I4UwYpmvHSmYdxpwSm8PNYug1h7q-ceTCFpNk8Oxza6rEZKfacLVqXgRjnw_aem_ht3WI3aQsHyyz6EmndyMRw" target="_blank">https://acrobat.adobe.com/.../urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:2d30ad82...</a>

<a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:2d30ad82-c8cc-405a-b4d4-b1a525352795?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUlWR2E3b3d4cjIwV1l2TnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6I4UwYpmvHSmYdxpwSm8PNYug1h7q-ceTCFpNk8Oxza6rEZKfacLVqXgRjnw_aem_ht3WI3aQsHyyz6EmndyMRw" target="_blank"></a>Executive Board application: <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:88811dfb-a16b-4e45-830c-255275b129c4?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUlWR2E3b3d4cjIwV1l2TnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR73dbGoxEM5maPf5TjWSep51hHfaJPJtWJGQZbmTXALh4l5NpKZve2ENtggNg_aem_KbAzCbzqGMYMj5UFhekJLA" target="_blank">https://acrobat.adobe.com/.../urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:88811dfb...</a>Learn more about our Organization pillar:<a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/programs/organization/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUlWR2E3b3d4cjIwV1l2TnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4GlMhGGrCUNKe1rpKtrS_Rr2j4gn8D3Aecabr3GxAbKLrO1Q0zmVb3zNXAJw_aem_-rIeviaQm1kCA6Tm-aVtMg" target="_blank">https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/programs/organization/</a>

<a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/programs/organization/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUlWR2E3b3d4cjIwV1l2TnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4GlMhGGrCUNKe1rpKtrS_Rr2j4gn8D3Aecabr3GxAbKLrO1Q0zmVb3zNXAJw_aem_-rIeviaQm1kCA6Tm-aVtMg" target="_blank"></a>Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Send completed applications and any questions about the position to director@junctioncitymainstreet.org.

Junction City Main Street announces opening for a Board Position 

-- Officers filed a report of vehicle theft at approximately 2:04 p.m. on Dec. 30 in the 1100 block of Garden Way. A 20-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were listed as the victims when it was reported a gray 2007 Chevy Impala had been stolen by an unknown suspect. The total estimated loss associated with this case is $2,000. 

-- Officers filed a report of vehicle theft at approximately 5:24 p.m. on Dec. 30 in 1300 block of Westloop Place. A 40-year-old man was listed as the victim when it was reported his gray 2017 Chevy Cruze was stolen from the Westloop parking lot by an unknown suspect. The total estimated loss associated with this case is $9,000. 

Anyone with information, contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.

RCPD: Two vehicle thefts reported on Tuesday in Manhattan

As we welcome in the New Year, we want to remind everyone that it is illegal to discharge fireworks within Junction City city limits.

Fireworks can cause injuries, fires, property damage, and unnecessary stress for pets, veterans, and others in our community. Please help keep Junction City safe by celebrating responsibly.

If you need to report fireworks being discharged illegally, please contact dispatch at the non-emergency number (785) 762-5912.

Thank you for helping us keep our community safe as we ring in the New Year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

JCPD issues Reminder - No Fireworks allowed in City Limits - No Fireworks to Celebrate New Year's

Geary County Public Works Holiday Schedule Notice:

In observance of the New Year’s Holiday, the Geary County Public Works Department, HHW/Recycling Area, Geary County Landfill, and Geary County Transfer Station will all be closed Thursday, January 1, 2026. We will resume normal business hours on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Geary County Public Works and Offices Closed on New Year's Day

The Geary County Sheriff's Office reports that at 8:02 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30,&nbsp;Deputies responded to Interstate 70 Mile Marker 307 for a single vehicle non injury accident. 

Joanne Mcclelland of Hudson, Colorado was driving her 2024 Nissan Versa and suddenly lost control of her vehicle striking a guardrail. The vehicle was towed away from the scene by Homestead Wrecker.

Deputies responded to non-injury accident Tuesday night in Geary County

MANHATTAN, KAN. – The Riley County Police Department arrested three individuals on drug-related charges following the execution of two search warrants on Tuesday, stemming from an ongoing investigation.

Scott Marchand, 48, of Manhattan, was arrested at approximately 12:34 p.m. in the 3200 block of Fort Riley Blvd. Marchand is in the Riley County jail on a&nbsp; $156,000 bond on requested charges that include four counts of distributing or possessing with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl within 1000 feet of a school, two counts of distribution of opiate/narcotic/certain stimulant/heroin within 1000 feet of a school, two counts of use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, one count of criminal use of weapons, one count possession of an opiate/opium/narcotic or certain stimulant and one count of manufacture/plant/cultivate a controlled substance. Marchand was issued a total bond of $156,000 and remains confined in the Riley County Jail.

Angeli Moragne, 39, of Ogden, was arrested at approximately 1:40 p.m. in the 2400 block of Walden Lane. Moragne is being held on a $25,000 bond on requested charges of distribution or possession with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl within 1000 feet of a school and use/possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia.s

David Labombarbe, 39, of Manhattan, was arrested at approximately 9:48 p.m. in the 1600 block of Woodcrest Drive. Labombarbe is being held on a&nbsp; $150,000 bond on requested charges of possession opiate/opium/narcotic or certain stimulant, two counts of distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl within 1000 feet of a school, one count distribution of opiate/narcotic/certain stimulant/heroin within 1000 feet of a school, one of count of distribution of certain depressant withing 1000 feet of a school, one count of possession of substance in KSA 65-4105(h) [opiates], one count of use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, one count of manufacture/plant/cultivate a controlled substance and one count of criminal use of weapons.&nbsp;

RCPD: 3 jailed in Manhattan for allegedly selling fentanyl

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Nicholas Mahan, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 12/30

David Burke, Violation of restrictions; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 12/30

Geary County Booking Photos Dec. 31

In an effort to further strengthen interagency cohesiveness and expand resources for residents of Junction City and Geary County, Geary County Sheriff Nate Boeckman swore in members of the Junction City Police Department Investigations Division as Special Deputies today (Tuesday) at 1:00 p.m.

This collaboration enhances cooperative law enforcement efforts and reinforces our shared commitment to public safety across the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Sheriff Nate Boeckman swears in members of JCPD as Special Deputies

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust this week.

On December 29, officers with the Hutchinson Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Hutchinson suspected of distributing illegal narcotics, according to a media release.

 During the search, an illegal clandestine lab manufacturing operation was discovered. The Kansas Bureau of Investigations Drug Task Force was requested to assist with the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, Curtis K. Chappel, 42, from Hutchinson, was arrested on requested charges including unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance, distribution of a hallucinogenic, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of psilocybin, possession of a hallucinogenic, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and distribution of drug paraphernalia. Chappel is currently being held at the Reno County Correctional Facility without bond. 

Additionally, Jeremy W. Fundenberger, 47, Hutchinson, was arrested on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of a depressant, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jeff A. Kennedy, 46, Hutchinson, was arrested for possession of a stolen firearm.

During the execution of the search warrant, numerous supplies and equipment used in the manufacturing of illegal narcotics were seized, including over 50 pounds of suspected Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 25 grams of methamphetamine, 50 grams of marijuana, as well as cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms.

Police: 3 jailed after Kansas drug lab bust

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation issued a statewide silver alert for a missing Kansas woman.

The whereabouts of 86-year-old Linda Holle of Wichita are unknown, and public assistance is requested to help locate her, according to a media release from the KBI.

Holle is likely driving a blue 2007 Ford Expedition bearing Kansas tag 1054ADS.&nbsp; She was last believed to be in St. Joseph, Missouri on Dec. 31, at approximately 11:20 p.m.

Holle is a white female who is around 5-foot-3 inches tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds. She has blonde and gray hair, brown eyes and wears glasses.

If you see Holle, or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the Wichita Police Department at (316) 268-4111.

KBI: Silver Alert for missing Kansas woman

The nation’s capital&nbsp; is celebrating the transition to a new year in a historic way.

For the first time ever, the Washington Monument was&nbsp; illuminated on all four sides with a large-scale projection light show that began New Year’s Eve. The display kicked off celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.

🎥 DC light show kicked off America's 250th birthday 

SEDGWICK COUNTY. -&nbsp;Wichita police, with help from the Kansas Highway Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested a man wanted on federal and state warrants after a pursuit Tuesday.

Just after 2p.m., officers spotted the man identified on county booking records as 37-year-old Erik Harper, driving a stolen 2004 GMC Sierra near East Central Avenue and North Oliver Avenue in Wichita, according to a media release from police.

 Harper was wanted on a federal warrant and a felony state warrant for aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault. Officers followed the truck and requested assistance from the KHP Air Support Unit.

A Kansas Highway Patrol unit equipped with a grappler attempted a traffic stop near East Central Avenue and North Edgemoor Street. The grappler was deployed to prevent the suspect vehicle from fleeing, but the suspect escaped. Shortly afterward, the suspect’s vehicle collided with a 2024 Subaru Impreza in the westbound lanes near the 6800 block of East Central Avenue.

Officers took Harper into custody at 4:53 p.m.

The Subaru’s occupants, a 72-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman, were taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Harper was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for charging.

Kan. man wanted on federal warrant captured after pursuit, crash

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/charlotte-kramon">CHARLOTTE KRAMON</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/sarah-brumfield">SARAH BRUMFIELD</a>

The Trump administration has said it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-child-care-funds-fraud-b511941de10f02fbb7349eff6738f748">freezing child care funds</a>&nbsp;to all states until they provide more verification about the programs in a move fueled by a series of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-fraud-immigration-enforcement-somali-76e246b70d582f1dd42f1242cf7d7a66">fraud schemes</a>&nbsp;at Minnesota day care centers run by Somali residents.

All 50 states will be impacted by the review, but the Republican administration is focusing most of its ire on the blue state of Minnesota and is calling for an audit of some of its centers.

Minnesota Democratic Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a statement Wednesday that he was “exploring all our legal options to ensure that critical childcare services do not get abruptly slashed based on pretext and grandstanding.”

It is unclear how much more robust the verification process for states will be than it already has been.

Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill called the decision a response to “blatant fraud that appears to be rampant in Minnesota and across the country” in a social media post announcing the change on Tuesday.

Here are some things to know about these moves:

More verification needed for all states to get child care funds

All 50 states will have to provide additional levels of verification and administrative data before they receive more funding from the Child Care and Development Fund, according to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson. However, Minnesota will have to provide even more verification for child care centers that are suspected of fraud, such as attendance and licensing records, past enforcement actions and inspection reports.

In his social media post on Tuesday, O’Neill said all Administration for Children and Families payments nationwide would require “justification and a receipt or photo evidence” before money is sent, but the HHS spokesperson said Wednesday that the additional verifications only apply to CCDF payments.

Walz says Trump is politicizing the issue

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, said in a social media post that fraudsters are a serious issue that the state has spent years cracking down on but that this is a political move that is part of “Trump’s long game.”

State Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy condemned the move in a statement Wednesday.

“Republicans are playing sick games and winning devastating prizes,” Murphy said. “And now, tens of thousands of Minnesota families will pay the price as Donald’s Trump’s agents strip away crucial funding.”

Fraud investigations could stretch to other programs, states

The administration launched efforts in recent weeks to track down fraud in other programs in Minnesota and is looking at fraud in blue states such as California and New York, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an interview with “Fox &amp; Friends” on Wednesday.

The administration will continue to send officers to investigate “potential fraud sites” in Minnesota and deport undocumented immigrants, Leavitt said, adding that the Department of Homeland Security is considering plans to denaturalize citizens.

The Department of Labor is also investigating the state’s unemployment insurance program, Leavitt said. The administration this month threatened to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-aid-snap-rollins-blue-states-edf7a10ab409fe471ae81a13823484ab">withhold SNAP food</a>&nbsp;aid funding from Democratic-controlled states, including Minnesota, unless they provide information about people receiving assistance.

The announcement came a day after U.S. Homeland Security officials conducted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-minnesota-ice-immigration-noem-fraud-investigation-5f97cefc9adf9c0d14a90762dca3cfc8">fraud investigation</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis, questioning workers at unidentified businesses. Trump has criticized Walz’s administration over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-fraud-charges-fbad68312012dc02a4060852474f72ee">cases</a>, capitalizing on them to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalia-trump-immigration-explainer-f5155ea29c22441b6507e999b574e136">target the Somali diaspora</a>&nbsp;in the state, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalis-minnesota-trump-immigration-5b772dfcf1b342693f12083779247359">the largest Somali population</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.

In his post Tuesday, O’Neill, who is serving as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, referenced a right-wing influencer who posted a video last week claiming he found that day care centers operated by Somali residents in Minneapolis had committed up to $100 million in fraud.

Meanwhile, there are concerns about harassment that home-based day care providers and members of the Somali community nationwide might face amid the vitriol, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-garbage-somalia-minneapolis-immigrant-omar-03e31bba53519d8a39b419679a3b75d9">Trump’s comments earlier this month referring to Somali immigrants as “garbage.”</a>&nbsp;Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown released a statement saying, “Showing up on someone’s porch, threatening, or harassing them isn’t an investigation. Neither is filming minors who may be in the home.”

Maria Snider, director of the Rainbow Child Development Center and vice president of advocacy group Minnesota Child Care Association, said fear is rising among both families — many of which are living paycheck to paycheck — and child care centers that rely on the federal funding. Without child care system tuition, centers may have to lay off teachers and shut down classrooms, she said.

In Minnesota, the application process for the funding is complex and multilayered, Snider said. Her own child care center has been subjected to random audits, she said, and all centers are required to submit to licensing visits by officials.

“I don’t know what else I would provide,” she said.

Ahmed Hasan, director of the ABC Learning Center that was one of those featured in the video by the right-wing influencer, said on Wednesday that there were 56 children enrolled at the center. Since the video was posted, Hasan, who is Somali, said his center has received harassing phone calls making staff members and parents feel unsafe.

He said the center is routinely subject to checks by state regulators to ensure they remain in compliance with their license.

“There’s no fraud happening here,” Hasan told The Associated Press. “We are open every day, and we have our records to show that this place is open.”

Kramon reported from Atlanta and Brumfield reported from Cockeysville, Maryland. AP Writers Mark Vancleave contributed from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Margery Beck contributed from Omaha, Nebraska.

HHS to freeze future child care funding for Kansas and beyond

On Dec. 30, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted kinetic strikes against three narco-trafficking vessels traveling as a convoy.

These vessels were operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and had transferred narcotics between the three vessels prior to the strikes. Three narco-terrorists aboard the first vessel were killed in the first engagement. The remaining narco-terrorists abandoned the other two vessels, jumping overboard and distancing themselves before follow-on engagements sank their respective vessels. Following the engagements, the U.S. Southern Command immediately notified the Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system.

On Dec. 31, at the direction of&nbsp; Secretary Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.

Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and engaged in narco-trafficking. A total of five narco-terrorists were killed during these actions - three in the first vessel and two in the second

🎥US military strikes more drug boats killing 8 'narco-terrorists'

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in connection with a violent attack on Christmas Eve remains jailed after a court appearance on Tuesday

A judge charged 43-year-old Jason Eastburn of Wichita with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, criminal damage to property, aggravated battery, aggravated endangering a child and criminal threat, according to online jail records.

Eastburn is accused of hitting a woman with a hammer at a home at&nbsp;7237 E 24th Street in Wichita, according to police. He remains jailed on a $2 million bond

Kansas man accused of Christmas Eve hammer attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he’s dropping — for now — his push to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, a move that comes after legal roadblocks hung up the effort.

Trump said in a social media post Wednesday that he’s removing the Guard troops for now. “We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again - Only a question of time!” he wrote.

Troops had already left Los Angeles after the president deployed them earlier this year as part of a broader crackdown on crime and immigration. They had been sent to Chicago and Portland but were never on the streets as legal challenges played out.

The president has made a crackdown on crime in cities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-cities-central-park-five-88b8ee178bf22e91ba205b32c458d060">a centerpiece of his second term</a>&nbsp;— and has toyed with the idea of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-hes-open-to-invoking-the-insurrection-act-if-necessary-d374093d6436410f993c2f10b140277a">invoking the Insurrection Act</a>&nbsp;to stop his opponents from using the courts to block his plans.

He has said he sees his tough-on-crime approach as a winning political issue ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

In November, U.S. Northern Command had said it was ”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-portland-chicago-los-angeles-cd6e585615422461d7088b8ed04bb974">shifting and/or rightsizing</a>&nbsp;″ operations in Portland, Chicago and Los Angeles, but there would be a “constant, enduring and long-term presence in each city.”

Trump’s push to deploy the troops in Democrat-led cities has been met with legal challenges at nearly every turn.

The Supreme Court in December refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area as part of its crackdown on immigration. The order was not a final ruling but was a significant and rare setback by the high court for the president’s efforts.

In the nation’s capital, District of Columbia Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-dc-trump-federal-takeover-national-guard-lawsuit-f2f76ef685676ee0d3bbd81496c74f2e">Brian Schwalb</a>&nbsp;sued to halt the deployments of more than 2,000 guardsmen.

Hundreds of troops from California and Oregon were deployed to Portland, but a federal judge barred them from going on the streets. A judge permanently blocked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-portland-oregon-national-guard-governor-416b40b480f51baa68a587a0c1fdb54c">the deployment of National Guard troops there</a>&nbsp;in November after a three-day trial.

California National Guard troops were removed from the streets of Los Angeles by Dec. 15 after a court ruling. But an appeals court had paused a separate part of the order that required control of the Guard to return to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

In a Tuesday court filing, the Trump administration said it was no longer seeking a pause in that part of the order. That paves the way for the California National Guard troops to fully return to state control after Trump federalized the Guard in June.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the development a “major litigation victory” in a press release Wednesday.

“For six months, California National Guard troops have been used as political pawns by a President desperate to be king,” Bonta said. “There is a reason our founders decided military and civilian affairs must be kept separate; a reason that our military is, by design, apolitical.”

Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-memphis-national-guard-deployment-crime-washington-f678a17a66d3e49b2f67930a6ea70e6b">ordered the deployment</a>&nbsp;of the Tennessee National Guard to Memphis in September to combat crime, a move supported by the state’s Republican Gov. Bill Lee and senators. A Tennessee judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/memphis-national-guard-trump-88524219125b811fe6f558cdbc870dee">blocked</a>&nbsp;the use of the Guard, siding with Democratic state and local officials who sued.

Associated Press writer Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Trump ends National Guard deployment in 3 cities after Supreme Court loss

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/john-seewer">JOHN SEEWER</a> Associated Press

Why let New York City have all the fun with its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/times-square-new-years-eve-ball-test-ffc39fae74a728a384fdafc4cb3bf0db">Times Square ball drop</a>&nbsp;on New Year’s Eve?

Dozens of places across the U.S. will ring in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/the-2-0-2-6-numerals-arrive-in-times-square-ahead-of-the-new-years-eve-ball-drop-181fd52d0bb84098bda2b73673bb6921">2026</a>&nbsp;by dropping a quirky assortment of fruits, vegetables, sea creatures and balls of all shapes and sizes.

There’s the giant cheese wedge in Plymouth, Wisconsin, a chile pepper in Las Cruces, New Mexico, a pinecone in Flagstaff, Arizona, and a conch shell in Key West, Florida.

Pennsylvania is home to a bonanza of bizarre New Year’s Eve events — the bologna drop in Lebanon, the pickle drop in Dillsburg and the potato chip drop in Lewistown.

It’s a New Year’s tradition that goes back to 1907 when a 700-pound (318-kilogram) ball measuring five feet (1.5 meters) in diameter debuted in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-years-eve-confetti-times-square-6357d75281232756e5a9016ac2cdeb3c">Times Square</a>. Copycat celebrations have surged coast to coast over the past few decades and around the beginning of the new millennium.

Here’s a look at some of those events around the nation:

It’s said in some cultures that eating fruit on New Year’s Eve brings luck and wealth. Perhaps that’s why many cities mix fruit into their celebrations. Miami has its “Big Orange” drop, while Sarasota, Florida, features a pineapple. There are cherry drops in Milwaukie, Oregon, and Traverse City, Michigan. Brightly lit grapes plunge from above in Temecula, California. Atlanta this year is replacing its peach drop with a “digital drone peach in the sky.”

It’s tough to beat ringing in the year while watching a pair of sparkly flip-flops diving into Folly Beach, South Carolina. In Panama City Beach, Florida, there’s an evening-long bash where 15,000 beach balls are dropped above revelers just hours before a giant beach ball descends a tower at midnight.

What could be better than seeing a 600-pound (272 kilograms) MoonPie make a 60-second descent in Mobile, Alabama? How about getting a slice of MoonPie cake at the city’s biggest event of the year? Not sweet enough? Check out the 400-pound (181 kilograms)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/peeps-easter-candy-marshmallow-love-hate-5712b5cad525a0da50622ff8f8c86b73">yellow Peep chick</a>&nbsp;that drops into Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Waterfront cities celebrate the sea on New Year’s Eve. Brunswick, Georgia, has the shrimp drop, while Easton, Maryland, serves up its annual crab drop. The oyster drop is the main event in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The biggest catch might be in Port Clinton, Ohio, along Lake Erie, home to a 600-pound (272-kilogram) walleye named Wylie. The original papier-mache version debuted 30 years ago and has given way to a menacing fiberglass fish.

There’s definitely a food theme to these New Year’s drops. Just outside Chicago, watch out for a 10-foot (3 meters) pierogi in Whiting, Indiana. The Idaho Potato Drop in Boise has been going for more than a decade, and Mt. Olive, North Carolina, celebrates its hometown pickle brand by dropping a glittery green pickle that’s close to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long.

All of these events are meant to be fun, boost civic pride and attract tourists. But one created such a stir that it ended up in court. Residents in western North Carolina no longer lower a live possum inside a glass box at midnight, calling off the event in 2019 after years of protests and legal challenges. There is still a possum drop in Tallapoosa, Georgia, which was long ago known as Possum Snout. That one, though, stars a stuffed possum named Spencer.

Where are the wackiest New Year’s Eve drops in the US?

ST. LOUIS COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday in St. Louis County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Explorer driven by a 39-year-old St. Louis woman who was westbound on Interstate 70 at MO 115.

The SUV s truck a pedestrian identified as a 40-year-old Topeka, Kansas, man. Fire personnel pronounced the him deceased just before 11p.m. The SUV driver was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Kansas man dies after struck by SUV on I-70

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday that he plans to return next season, batting away any thought of an impending retirement by making a tongue-in-cheek joke about his status with a franchise he has led to three Super Bowl titles.

“I mean, I think I’m coming back, right?” Reid told local Kansas City reporters on a Zoom call. “If they’ll have me back, I’ll come back. You never know in this business. That’s a tough one. But I plan on it, yeah.”

The 67-year-old Reid is accustomed to answering questions about his future in February, after the Chiefs have played in the Super Bowl, which they had done each of the past three years. But he’s less familiar with facing those questions in the final days of December, when the Chiefs have long since been eliminated from postseason contention.

Kansas City is 6-10 as it prepares for its season finale this weekend in Las Vegas.

Reid, who signed a five-year, $100 million extension with the Chiefs in April 2024, spent his first 14 seasons as an NFL head coach in Philadelphia, where he led the Eagles to 130 regular-season wins and 10 more in the playoffs. That included four seasons that ended in the NFC title game and another that ended with a loss in the Super Bowl.

Reid’s past 13 years have come in Kansas City, where he has won at an even greater clip.

With Alex Smith at quarterback the first five years and Patrick Mahomes under center since, the Chiefs have piled up 149 regular-season wins and gone 18-8 in the playoffs. This season will end streaks of 10 consecutive playoff trips, nine straight AFC West titles, seven consecutive AFC title game appearances and the past three years in the Super Bowl.

In five trips to the big game, Reid and Co. have brought three Lombardi Trophies back to Kansas City. Bill Belichick is the only coach with more Super Bowl rings, capturing six of them with Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Reid has 307 wins overall. He needs 18 to pass George Halas for third on the NFL’s career list behind Belichick and Don Shula.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Andy Reid plans to return as Chiefs coach next season

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — PJ Haggerty scored 23 of his 24 points in the second half as Kansas State held on to defeat Louisiana-Monroe, 94-85 on Sunday.

Haggerty, who was third in the nation in scoring (22.8 points per game) entering the game, was 0-for-6 from the field in the first half. He went 7-for-10 (9-for-9 on free throws) the rest of the way to earn his ninth 20-point game of the year. He also grabbed eight rebounds to pace K-State.

Nate Johnson added 14 points and Abdi Bashir Jr. scored 11 for the Wildcats (9-4) as they finished their non-conference slate on a four-game winning streak.

ULM led for much of the first half until the Wildcats took the lead for good on David Castillo's three-pointer that started an 8-0 run. K-State led 46-36 at the half, and stretched their lead to as many as 20 points in the second frame.

The Warhawks (3-11) were led by Krystian Lewis (25 points) and Lavell Brodnex (21 points, eight rebounds), and MJ Russell chipped in with 17 points.

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