KANSAS CITY—A suspect is alive and facing multiple charges after an arrest last week in Clay County, Missouri.

Shortly before 6 p.m. Jan. 22, sheriff deputies spotted a stolen vehicle in the Liberty Triangle northeast of Kansas City, according to a media release from the Clay County Sheriff.

 Due to the time of day and traffic, deputies kept an eye on the vehicle but did not pursue it while other law enforcement moved into the area with Stop Sticks. 

The driver spotted the deputy and took off. Missouri State Highway Patrol began pursuit, and the vehicle crashed at 152 Highway and Shoal Creek Parkway. No other cars were involved. The driver then ran into the woods. 

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department's helicopter helped deputies locate and arrest the suspect. Once he was in a deputy's vehicle to be taken to jail, he began to slump over and said he thought he was overdosing. 

He was going in and out of consciousness. The deputy immediately pulled over and administered Narcan, the opioid antidote, and asked for an ambulance. 

The suspect regained consciousness on scene. The suspect was transported to the hospital to be checked out before being booked into the Clay County Detention Center. 

Jorge A. Fraire, Jr., has been charged with aggravated fleeing from a stop, tampering with a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident. He is being held on a $75,000 bond.&nbsp; "He lived to face these consequences." The sheriff's office stated.

KANSAS CITY—A suspect is alive and facing multiple charges after an arrest last week in Clay County, Missouri.Shortly before 6 p.m. Jan. 22, sheriff deputies spotted a stolen vehicle in the Liberty Triangle northeast of Kansas City, according to a media release from the Clay County Sheriff. Due to the time of day and traffic, deputies kept an eye on the vehicle but did not pursue it while other law enforcement moved into the area with Stop Sticks. The driver spotted the deputy and took off. Missouri State Highway Patrol began pursuit, and the vehicle crashed at 152 Highway and Shoal Creek Parkway. No other cars were involved. The driver then ran into the woods. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department's helicopter helped deputies locate and arrest the suspect. Once he was in a deputy's vehicle to be taken to jail, he began to slump over and said he thought he was overdosing. He was going in and out of consciousness. The deputy immediately pulled over and administered Narcan, the opioid antidote, and asked for an ambulance. The suspect regained consciousness on scene. The suspect was transported to the hospital to be checked out before being booked into the Clay County Detention Center. Jorge A. Fraire, Jr., has been charged with aggravated fleeing from a stop, tampering with a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident. He is being held on a $75,000 bond.&nbsp; "He lived to face these consequences." The sheriff's office stated.

Deputy saved stolen vehicle suspect's life after chase, crash

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22THOMAS%20BEAUMONT%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By THOMAS BEAUMONT Associated Press</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pete-hegseth">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;was sworn in Saturday as the nation's 29th secretary of defense, quickly joining President Trump's Cabinet after a dramatic late-night vote in the Senate installed him as the Pentagon's leader.

Hegseth took the oath from Vice President JD Vance in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building with Hegseth's wife, Jennifer Rauchet, at his side and Republican senators looking on. The ceremony came less than 12 hours after Vance broke a 50-50 tie in the Senate to narrowly seal Hegseth's confirmation.

In brief remarks, Hegseth outlined what he said were his guiding principles: “Restore the warrior ethos in everything that we do, rebuild our military and reestablish deterrence.”

“We don’t want to fight wars,” he added. "We want to deter them … and we want to end them responsibly. But if we need to fight them, we’re going to bring overwhelming and decisive force to close with and destroy the enemy and bring our boys home.”

Hegseth thanked Vance for his tiebreaking vote and joked that his children were happy their father “won in overtime.”

Below is the emailed message Hegseth sent to members of the military and released Saturday by the Department.

It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the warriors of the Department of Defense, under the leadership of our Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump. We will put America First, and we will never back down.The President gave us a clear mission: achieve Peace through Strength. We will do this in three ways — by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and reestablishing deterrence. &nbsp;

&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;We will revive the warrior ethos and restore trust in our military. We are American warriors. We will defend our country. Our standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear. The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose.

&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;We will rebuild our military by matching threats to capabilities. This means reviving our defense industrial base, reforming our acquisition process, passing a financial audit, and rapidly fielding emerging technologies. We will remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world.

&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;We will reestablish deterrence by defending our homeland — on the ground and in the sky. We will work with allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by Communist China, as well as supporting the President's priority to end wars responsibly and reorient to key threats. We will stand by our allies — and our enemies are on notice.All of this will be done with a focus on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards, and readiness.I have committed my life to warfighters and their families.&nbsp;

Just as my fellow soldiers had my back on the battlefield, know that I will always have your back. We serve together at a dangerous time.&nbsp;Our enemies will neither rest nor relent. And neither will we. We will stand shoulder to shoulder to meet the urgency of this moment. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Like each of you, I love my country and swore an oath to defend the Constitution. We will do that each and every day, as one team. Together we will accomplish the President's mission to deter war, and if necessary, defeat and destroy our enemies. Godspeed!

“It is the honor of a lifetime, sir, to serve under you," Hegseth said, in thanking Trump, who was in Las Vegas on Saturday.

The unusually narrow confirmation for a defense secretary came after questions from members in both parties over Hegseth's qualifications to lead the military, especially amid allegations of heavy alcohol use and aggressive behavior toward women.

For Hegseth, the challenges ahead are steep, as he takes charge of a sprawling bureaucracy at a time of severe challenges around the globe.

He enters office with far less experience than modern defense secretaries before him, acknowledging during his confirmation hearing that he’ll need to build an experienced team as he settles into the job. “I want smarter and more capable people around me than me, and you will get that at the department,” he said in his testimony.

Hegseth also lacks the broad bipartisan support that most have brought to the role. Every Senate Democrat voted against Hegseth’s confirmation, as did three Republicans deeply skeptical of his qualifications for the job.

Adding to the acrimony, Hegseth refused to meet with any Democrats before confirmation, breaking from tradition.

Rarely has a Cabinet nominee faced such wide-ranging concerns about his experience — having been a combat veteran, veterans advocate and Fox News host — as well as behavior as Hegseth, particularly for such a high-profile role atop the U.S. military.

But the Republican-led Senate was determined to confirm Hegseth and round out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump’s</a>&nbsp;top national security team.

Democrats, the minority in the Senate, had helped confirm Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe in bipartisan votes. But they fiercely opposed Hegseth, with even the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee refusing to support him.

Reacting to the vote, Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer of New York said Republicans have “entrusted the most powerful military in the world to someone with no experience, terrible judgment and serious flaws of character.”

“I hope for the sake of our troops and the good of our country that he can eventually grow into the job,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.

Three Republicans — Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — also voted against Hegseth, questioning his qualifications for the job.

Hegseth faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-sexual-assault-allegations-trump-defense-secretary-677b2df5859a338feac4714c60ef369d">allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman</a>&nbsp;at a Republican conference in California, though he has denied the claims and said the encounter was consensual. He later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-sex-assault-payment-trump-6674cc8cfee654c374725948e01ff666">paid $50,000 to the woman</a>.

Hegseth also had promised during his confirmation hearings that he would not drink while on the job, were he to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, his opposition to women in combat became an issue after Trump announced his choice in November. But, in the face of questions from Congress, Hegseth appeared to shifted.

Asked about the issue on the “Megyn Kelly Show” in early December, Hegseth said he cares only that military standards are maintained. Women serve in combat, he said, and, “if we have the right standard and women meet that standard, roger. Let’s go.”

Hegseth told senators that he supports women in the military but wants to review standards to make sure they are not lowered to accommodate women.

At the swearing-in ceremony, a question directed to Hegseth about why women in the armed services should trust him was answered by Vance.

“All people in our armed services should trust him because he looks out for them and he is going to fight for them," Vance said.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22THOMAS%20BEAUMONT%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By THOMAS BEAUMONT Associated Press</a><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pete-hegseth">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;was sworn in Saturday as the nation's 29th secretary of defense, quickly joining President Trump's Cabinet after a dramatic late-night vote in the Senate installed him as the Pentagon's leader.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President Vance swears in Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. <a href="https://t.co/IwNTin2Zuj">pic.twitter.com/IwNTin2Zuj</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1883187394700062747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hegseth took the oath from Vice President JD Vance in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building with Hegseth's wife, Jennifer Rauchet, at his side and Republican senators looking on. The ceremony came less than 12 hours after Vance broke a 50-50 tie in the Senate to narrowly seal Hegseth's confirmation.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The honor of a lifetime. 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/zEFnTxQ7iX">pic.twitter.com/zEFnTxQ7iX</a>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1883193626739740999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In brief remarks, Hegseth outlined what he said were his guiding principles: “Restore the warrior ethos in everything that we do, rebuild our military and reestablish deterrence.”“We don’t want to fight wars,” he added. "We want to deter them … and we want to end them responsibly. But if we need to fight them, we’re going to bring overwhelming and decisive force to close with and destroy the enemy and bring our boys home.”Hegseth thanked Vance for his tiebreaking vote and joked that his children were happy their father “won in overtime.”Below is the emailed message Hegseth sent to members of the military and released Saturday by the Department.It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the warriors of the Department of Defense, under the leadership of our Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump. We will put America First, and we will never back down.The President gave us a clear mission: achieve Peace through Strength. We will do this in three ways — by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and reestablishing deterrence. &nbsp;&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;We will revive the warrior ethos and restore trust in our military. We are American warriors. We will defend our country. Our standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear. The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose. &nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;We will rebuild our military by matching threats to capabilities. This means reviving our defense industrial base, reforming our acquisition process, passing a financial audit, and rapidly fielding emerging technologies. We will remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world.&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;We will reestablish deterrence by defending our homeland — on the ground and in the sky. We will work with allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by Communist China, as well as supporting the President's priority to end wars responsibly and reorient to key threats. We will stand by our allies — and our enemies are on notice.All of this will be done with a focus on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards, and readiness.I have committed my life to warfighters and their families.&nbsp;Just as my fellow soldiers had my back on the battlefield, know that I will always have your back. We serve together at a dangerous time.&nbsp;Our enemies will neither rest nor relent. And neither will we. We will stand shoulder to shoulder to meet the urgency of this moment. &nbsp; &nbsp;Like each of you, I love my country and swore an oath to defend the Constitution. We will do that each and every day, as one team. Together we will accomplish the President's mission to deter war, and if necessary, defeat and destroy our enemies. Godspeed!“It is the honor of a lifetime, sir, to serve under you," Hegseth said, in thanking Trump, who was in Las Vegas on Saturday.The unusually narrow confirmation for a defense secretary came after questions from members in both parties over Hegseth's qualifications to lead the military, especially amid allegations of heavy alcohol use and aggressive behavior toward women.For Hegseth, the challenges ahead are steep, as he takes charge of a sprawling bureaucracy at a time of severe challenges around the globe.He enters office with far less experience than modern defense secretaries before him, acknowledging during his confirmation hearing that he’ll need to build an experienced team as he settles into the job. “I want smarter and more capable people around me than me, and you will get that at the department,” he said in his testimony.Hegseth also lacks the broad bipartisan support that most have brought to the role. Every Senate Democrat voted against Hegseth’s confirmation, as did three Republicans deeply skeptical of his qualifications for the job.Adding to the acrimony, Hegseth refused to meet with any Democrats before confirmation, breaking from tradition.Rarely has a Cabinet nominee faced such wide-ranging concerns about his experience — having been a combat veteran, veterans advocate and Fox News host — as well as behavior as Hegseth, particularly for such a high-profile role atop the U.S. military.But the Republican-led Senate was determined to confirm Hegseth and round out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump’s</a>&nbsp;top national security team.Democrats, the minority in the Senate, had helped confirm Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe in bipartisan votes. But they fiercely opposed Hegseth, with even the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee refusing to support him.Reacting to the vote, Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer of New York said Republicans have “entrusted the most powerful military in the world to someone with no experience, terrible judgment and serious flaws of character.”“I hope for the sake of our troops and the good of our country that he can eventually grow into the job,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.Three Republicans — Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — also voted against Hegseth, questioning his qualifications for the job.Hegseth faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-sexual-assault-allegations-trump-defense-secretary-677b2df5859a338feac4714c60ef369d">allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman</a>&nbsp;at a Republican conference in California, though he has denied the claims and said the encounter was consensual. He later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-sex-assault-payment-trump-6674cc8cfee654c374725948e01ff666">paid $50,000 to the woman</a>.Hegseth also had promised during his confirmation hearings that he would not drink while on the job, were he to be confirmed.Meanwhile, his opposition to women in combat became an issue after Trump announced his choice in November. But, in the face of questions from Congress, Hegseth appeared to shifted.Asked about the issue on the “Megyn Kelly Show” in early December, Hegseth said he cares only that military standards are maintained. Women serve in combat, he said, and, “if we have the right standard and women meet that standard, roger. Let’s go.”Hegseth told senators that he supports women in the military but wants to review standards to make sure they are not lowered to accommodate women.At the swearing-in ceremony, a question directed to Hegseth about why women in the armed services should trust him was answered by Vance.“All people in our armed services should trust him because he looks out for them and he is going to fight for them," Vance said.___Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa.

Read first message to the military from man now in charge of the Pentagon 

KIOWA COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol investigating a fatal&nbsp; car crash during a weekend pursuit have identified the victim who died as Jerry Wayne Thompson.

Anderson and the car were being sought as part of a homicide investigation in Anderson County, according to a media release from the KHP.

Just after 9p.m. Saturday, troopers saw the car traveling eastbound on U.S. 54 west of Greensburg. A troopers began to conduct a traffic stop, the car pulled over to the shoulder and stopped. After the trooper made verbal contact with Thompson, he fled and a pursuit ensued.

The Kiowa County Sheriff's office successfully deployed stop sticks on the fleeing vehicle approximately one mile west of Greensburg. The car traveled off the road into the south ditch, struck a field entrance, went airborne and rolled. Thompson was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car.&nbsp; He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased.&nbsp; &nbsp;Investigators recovered a loaded firearm from the crash scene.

The KHP Critical Accident Response Team responded to the scene and is investigating.&nbsp; The homicide is under investigation in Anderson County.

KIOWA COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal rollover crash that occurred&nbsp; during a police pursuit just after 9p.m. Saturday in Kowa County.

&nbsp;The patrol reported law enforcement was in pursuit of a vehicle eastbound on U.S. 54 one mile west of Greensburg.

The vehicle traveled into south ditch, struck a field entrance, went airborne and rolled multiple times coming to rest the field facing northeast. The KHP released no additional details early Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Check the Post for more information as it is released.

KIOWA COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol investigating a fatal&nbsp; car crash during a weekend pursuit have identified the victim who died as Jerry Wayne Thompson.Anderson and the car were being sought as part of a homicide investigation in Anderson County, according to a media release from the KHP.Just after 9p.m. Saturday, troopers saw the car traveling eastbound on U.S. 54 west of Greensburg. A troopers began to conduct a traffic stop, the car pulled over to the shoulder and stopped. After the trooper made verbal contact with Thompson, he fled and a pursuit ensued.The Kiowa County Sheriff's office successfully deployed stop sticks on the fleeing vehicle approximately one mile west of Greensburg. The car traveled off the road into the south ditch, struck a field entrance, went airborne and rolled. Thompson was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car.&nbsp; He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased.&nbsp; &nbsp;Investigators recovered a loaded firearm from the crash scene.The KHP Critical Accident Response Team responded to the scene and is investigating.&nbsp; The homicide is under investigation in Anderson County.---------KIOWA COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal rollover crash that occurred&nbsp; during a police pursuit just after 9p.m. Saturday in Kowa County.&nbsp;The patrol reported law enforcement was in pursuit of a vehicle eastbound on U.S. 54 one mile west of Greensburg.The vehicle traveled into south ditch, struck a field entrance, went airborne and rolled multiple times coming to rest the field facing northeast. The KHP released no additional details early Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Check the Post for more information as it is released.

KHP investigating fatal rollover crash during police chase

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is facing charges in connection to a damaged gravesite headstone belonging to an unsolved homicide victim.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2487/REDACTED-COMPLAINT--LEE">JoSean Lee, 20, faces</a>&nbsp;charges of Harassment in the First Degree, Knowingly Disturbing a Burial Site, and Property Damage in the First Degree, all Class E felonies, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Deliberately destroying a burial site is not only a criminal offense but also inflicts lasting trauma on a family already grieving for their loved one. Regardless of age, if you choose to engage in this type of destructive and disrespectful behavior, you will face serious consequences. My office will continue to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent possible,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2487/REDACTED-COMPLAINT--LEE">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 5900 block of Bannister Road on a property damage report on January 13. They found the top portion of a headstone belonging to a victim of an unsolved homicide knocked over and damaged.&nbsp;

A detective viewed a video on Instagram showing two men, one identified as Lee, standing by the headstone and yelling at the grave. The defendant is seen pouring an unknown liquid on it. In the video, Lee is seen armed with a rifle. The video also shows Lee trying to light the liquid he poured on the headstone on fire with a lighter.&nbsp;

The funeral home that operates the graveyard advised the headstone will need to be replaced and estimated the cost for replacement and labor to reinstall would be about $7,500-7,800.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737643642843.png" alt="Cemetery is located in the 5900 block of Bannister Road-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Cemetery is located in the 5900 block of Bannister Road-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is facing charges in connection to a damaged gravesite headstone belonging to an unsolved homicide victim.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2487/REDACTED-COMPLAINT--LEE">JoSean Lee, 20, faces</a>&nbsp;charges of Harassment in the First Degree, Knowingly Disturbing a Burial Site, and Property Damage in the First Degree, all Class E felonies, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737841892184.png" alt="Lee photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Lee photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>“Deliberately destroying a burial site is not only a criminal offense but also inflicts lasting trauma on a family already grieving for their loved one. Regardless of age, if you choose to engage in this type of destructive and disrespectful behavior, you will face serious consequences. My office will continue to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent possible,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2487/REDACTED-COMPLAINT--LEE">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 5900 block of Bannister Road on a property damage report on January 13. They found the top portion of a headstone belonging to a victim of an unsolved homicide knocked over and damaged.&nbsp;A detective viewed a video on Instagram showing two men, one identified as Lee, standing by the headstone and yelling at the grave. The defendant is seen pouring an unknown liquid on it. In the video, Lee is seen armed with a rifle. The video also shows Lee trying to light the liquid he poured on the headstone on fire with a lighter.&nbsp;The funeral home that operates the graveyard advised the headstone will need to be replaced and estimated the cost for replacement and labor to reinstall would be about $7,500-7,800.&nbsp;

Man charged for alleged damage to grave of KC homicide victim

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect caught driving a stolen SUV.

Just after 11:30p.m. January 21, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a reported stolen 2020 Chevy Trax near SE 21st Street and SE Hudson Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The driver, later identified as 20-year-old Braeden J.S. Hill of Topeka refused to stop and initiated a pursuit.&nbsp; A K9 Unit performed a&nbsp; controlled vehicle intervention maneuver, which safely ended the pursuit in the 6300 Block of Se 69th Street.&nbsp; Deputies arrested Hill on requested charges of Flee or Attempt to elude law enforcement, possession of stolen property, reckless driving and other traffic violations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737659507177.png" alt="Hill photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Hill photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect caught driving a stolen SUV.Just after 11:30p.m. January 21, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a reported stolen 2020 Chevy Trax near SE 21st Street and SE Hudson Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The driver, later identified as 20-year-old Braeden J.S. Hill of Topeka refused to stop and initiated a pursuit.&nbsp; A K9 Unit performed a&nbsp; controlled vehicle intervention maneuver, which safely ended the pursuit in the 6300 Block of Se 69th Street.&nbsp; Deputies arrested Hill on requested charges of Flee or Attempt to elude law enforcement, possession of stolen property, reckless driving and other traffic violations.

Kansas stolen SUV suspect jailed after police chase

WASINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has fired about 17 independent inspectors general at government agencies, a sweeping action to remove oversight of his new administration that some members of Congress are suggesting violated federal oversight laws.

The dismissals began Friday night and were effective immediately, according to two people familiar with the actions. They spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details that have not been made public. Neither confirmed the exact number of firings, but an email sent by one of the fired inspectors general said “roughly 17” inspectors general had been removed.

Congress was not given 30-day notices about the removals –- something that even a top Republican is decrying.

“There may be good reason the IGs were fired. We need to know that if so,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement. “I’d like further explanation from President Trump. Regardless, the 30 day detailed notice of removal that the law demands was not provided to Congress,” said Grassley, R-Iowa.

The role of the modern-day inspector general dates to post-Watergate Washington, when Congress installed offices inside agencies as an independent check against mismanagement and abuse of power. Though inspectors general are presidential appointees, some serve presidents of both parties. All are expected to be nonpartisan.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., acknowledged that the firings violated statutes but shrugged it off: “Just tell them you need to follow the law next time,” he said.

Democrats and watchdog groups, however, used the dismissals to raise alarm that Trump was making it easier to take advantage of the government.

“Inspectors General are the cops on the beat preventing bad things from happening,” Max Stier, president and CEO of the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service, said in a statement. “Their work saves the taxpayer tens of billions of dollars every year.”

The White House did not comment Saturday. President Donald Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-las-vegas-taxes-tips-hospitality-workers-92da0193df89d1773b8f7dcc84ea7e3d">in Las Vegas for a speech</a>&nbsp;focused on his campaign promise to end federal taxation on tips.

But the moves were consistent with the president's first week back in the White House, which has featured a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-orders-power-border-tiktok-history-e77458bc0312c60f3f2b0eeb131d0056">series of steps</a>&nbsp;to remake the federal government. Trump has done everything from using executive orders to impose hiring freezes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-education-diversity-equity-inclusion-20cf8a2941f4f35e0b5b0e07c6347ebb">crack down on</a>&nbsp;diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, to suggesting that he wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-first-trip-california-north-carolina-nevada-b906880254ce7bf249c3dcefa45bf846">shutter</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-to-know-about-fema-disasters-trump-fda31e500f0e5beec585483c6b08e79c">Federal Emergency Management Agency</a>&nbsp;and leave disaster recovery up to individual states affected by major emergencies.

“Yesterday, in the dark of night, President Trump fired at least 12 independent inspector generals at important federal agencies across the administration,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Saturday on the chamber's floor. “This is a chilling purge and it's a preview of the lawless approach Donald Trump and his administration are taking far too often as he's becoming president.”

Schumer said the dismissals are “possibly in violation of federal law” and help demonstrate that the move “is a glaring sign that it's a golden age for abuse in government and even corruption.”

The Washington Post, which first reported the firings, said that many were appointees from Trump’s first term. Among those inspectors general reportedly removed included those for the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense and Education.

Spared in this round of dismissals, however, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-horowitz/">Michael Horowitz</a>, the longtime Justice Department inspector general who has issued reports on assorted politically explosive criminal investigations over the past decade.

In December 2019, for instance, Horowitz released a report faulting the FBI for surveillance warrant applications in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/trump-russia-probe">the investigation into ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign</a>. But the report also found that that investigation had been opened for a legitimate purpose and did not find evidence that partisan bias had guided investigative decisions.

Horowitz's status aside, the move against the watchdogs drew criticism from congressional Democrats.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar. D-Minn., noted that inspectors general are “critical to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the federal government." The mass firings were "alarming,” she said.

Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia, a Democrat who is ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, called it a “coup to overthrow legally protected independent inspectors general.”

He also suggested that the move — coming on just the fourth full day of Trump's second term — could potentially free up a series of positions that can subsequently be filled with loyalists who are strongly sympathetic to the Trump administration.

“Replacing independent inspectors general with political hacks will harm every American who relies on social security, veterans benefits, and a fair hearing at IRS on refunds and audits,” Connolly said.

Still, Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-donald-trump-business-impeachments-congress-4440aa5a4c2216feb45ad06fb60e9ae1">aggressively challenged</a>&nbsp;the authority of independent agency watchdog groups in the past.

In 2020, he replaced multiple key inspectors general, including those leading the Defense Department and intelligence community, as well as the inspector general tapped to chair a special oversight board for the $2.2 trillion economic relief package on the coronavirus.

Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts called Trump’s actions “a purge of independent watchdogs in the middle of the night.”

“Inspectors general are charged with rooting out government waste, fraud, abuse, and preventing misconduct,” Warren posted on X. “President Trump is dismantling checks on his power and paving the way for widespread corruption.”

Weissert reported from Las Vegas. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Stephen Groves contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737831939995.png" alt="President Trump spoke to reporters late Friday before flying from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump spoke to reporters late Friday before flying from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has fired about 17 independent inspectors general at government agencies, a sweeping action to remove oversight of his new administration that some members of Congress are suggesting violated federal oversight laws.The dismissals began Friday night and were effective immediately, according to two people familiar with the actions. They spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details that have not been made public. Neither confirmed the exact number of firings, but an email sent by one of the fired inspectors general said “roughly 17” inspectors general had been removed.Congress was not given 30-day notices about the removals –- something that even a top Republican is decrying.“There may be good reason the IGs were fired. We need to know that if so,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement. “I’d like further explanation from President Trump. Regardless, the 30 day detailed notice of removal that the law demands was not provided to Congress,” said Grassley, R-Iowa.The role of the modern-day inspector general dates to post-Watergate Washington, when Congress installed offices inside agencies as an independent check against mismanagement and abuse of power. Though inspectors general are presidential appointees, some serve presidents of both parties. All are expected to be nonpartisan.Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., acknowledged that the firings violated statutes but shrugged it off: “Just tell them you need to follow the law next time,” he said.Democrats and watchdog groups, however, used the dismissals to raise alarm that Trump was making it easier to take advantage of the government.“Inspectors General are the cops on the beat preventing bad things from happening,” Max Stier, president and CEO of the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service, said in a statement. “Their work saves the taxpayer tens of billions of dollars every year.”The White House did not comment Saturday. President Donald Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-las-vegas-taxes-tips-hospitality-workers-92da0193df89d1773b8f7dcc84ea7e3d">in Las Vegas for a speech</a>&nbsp;focused on his campaign promise to end federal taxation on tips.But the moves were consistent with the president's first week back in the White House, which has featured a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-orders-power-border-tiktok-history-e77458bc0312c60f3f2b0eeb131d0056">series of steps</a>&nbsp;to remake the federal government. Trump has done everything from using executive orders to impose hiring freezes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-education-diversity-equity-inclusion-20cf8a2941f4f35e0b5b0e07c6347ebb">crack down on</a>&nbsp;diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, to suggesting that he wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-first-trip-california-north-carolina-nevada-b906880254ce7bf249c3dcefa45bf846">shutter</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-to-know-about-fema-disasters-trump-fda31e500f0e5beec585483c6b08e79c">Federal Emergency Management Agency</a>&nbsp;and leave disaster recovery up to individual states affected by major emergencies.“Yesterday, in the dark of night, President Trump fired at least 12 independent inspector generals at important federal agencies across the administration,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Saturday on the chamber's floor. “This is a chilling purge and it's a preview of the lawless approach Donald Trump and his administration are taking far too often as he's becoming president.”Schumer said the dismissals are “possibly in violation of federal law” and help demonstrate that the move “is a glaring sign that it's a golden age for abuse in government and even corruption.”The Washington Post, which first reported the firings, said that many were appointees from Trump’s first term. Among those inspectors general reportedly removed included those for the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense and Education.Spared in this round of dismissals, however, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-horowitz/">Michael Horowitz</a>, the longtime Justice Department inspector general who has issued reports on assorted politically explosive criminal investigations over the past decade.In December 2019, for instance, Horowitz released a report faulting the FBI for surveillance warrant applications in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/trump-russia-probe">the investigation into ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign</a>. But the report also found that that investigation had been opened for a legitimate purpose and did not find evidence that partisan bias had guided investigative decisions.Horowitz's status aside, the move against the watchdogs drew criticism from congressional Democrats.Sen. Amy Klobuchar. D-Minn., noted that inspectors general are “critical to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the federal government." The mass firings were "alarming,” she said.Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia, a Democrat who is ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, called it a “coup to overthrow legally protected independent inspectors general.”He also suggested that the move — coming on just the fourth full day of Trump's second term — could potentially free up a series of positions that can subsequently be filled with loyalists who are strongly sympathetic to the Trump administration.“Replacing independent inspectors general with political hacks will harm every American who relies on social security, veterans benefits, and a fair hearing at IRS on refunds and audits,” Connolly said.Still, Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-donald-trump-business-impeachments-congress-4440aa5a4c2216feb45ad06fb60e9ae1">aggressively challenged</a>&nbsp;the authority of independent agency watchdog groups in the past.In 2020, he replaced multiple key inspectors general, including those leading the Defense Department and intelligence community, as well as the inspector general tapped to chair a special oversight board for the $2.2 trillion economic relief package on the coronavirus.Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts called Trump’s actions “a purge of independent watchdogs in the middle of the night.”“Inspectors general are charged with rooting out government waste, fraud, abuse, and preventing misconduct,” Warren posted on X. “President Trump is dismantling checks on his power and paving the way for widespread corruption.”—-Weissert reported from Las Vegas. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Stephen Groves contributed to this report.

Trump fires independent inspectors general in surprise move

Atchison, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred after a hostage incident Friday night and Saturday morning in Atchison, Kansas.

At around 5:45 p.m., the Atchison Police Department responded to a call about a person with a gun and a second call of a subject breaking into an apartment. As officers arrived at 508 N 9th&nbsp;St. in Atchison, an officer exited his vehicle and shots were fired at him, striking his police vehicle multiple times. The officer was not struck. The man,&nbsp;identified as Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Mo., then fled back into a&nbsp;residence. Additional officers from the Atchison PD were called to the scene.

Officers learned that a woman known to McCray was being held inside of the residence. Atchison PD requested Kansas Highway Patrol’s (KHP) Special Response Team’s assistance. They also requested assistance from the&nbsp;KBI High Risk Warrant Team. Law enforcement attempted to peacefully negotiate throughout the night with McCray insisting he release the woman inside the residence. The subject did not cooperate with the negotiations and fired multiple shots at law enforcement officials throughout the incident.&nbsp;

Preliminary information indicates&nbsp;that at around 2:30 a.m., an attempt was made to rescue the female hostage. During the rescue attempt, McCray and the hostage were separated momentarily, and a KHP trooper fired at McCray striking him. At that time, the hostage was safely rescued. Life-saving measures were made on McCray at the scene and at an area hospital. McCray was subsequently transported to a Kansas City hospital and remains in critical condition. No law enforcement officers were injured during the rescue attempt or during the interactions with McCray.

KBI Agent Investigators and the KBI Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate the incident.

The KBI will be offering victim support services to the rescued hostage.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Atchison County Attorney.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating after a standoff and gunfight in Atchison that sent a suspect to the hospital.

Just before 6 p.m. on Friday police responded to 508 North 9th Street in Atchison at what was first reported as a person with a gun and a second call reporting a person breaking into an apartment, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The first police officer arrived on the scene and as he exited his patrol vehicle, shots were fired at him, striking his vehicle multiple times. The officer was not struck. The person who fired those shots immediately went into an apartment at that location.

Additional officers arrived and secured a perimeter. As officers gathered information, it was determined that another person, known to the suspect, was being held hostage inside the residence where the suspect had fled.

Special Response Teams from Atchison Police, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene.

Efforts continued throughout the evening to communicate with the suspect inside the apartment as the female hostage remained inside the residence with the suspect.

At 2:30a.m. the standoff came to an end when officers were able to get the female hostage safely out of the residence. The 36-year-old suspect, who was shot during the confrontation with officers, was taken to Amberwell Hospital and later transported to a Kansas City hospital. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666119705831.png" alt="McCray photo from an earlier arrest in Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption>McCray photo from an earlier arrest in Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>Atchison, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred after a hostage incident Friday night and Saturday morning in Atchison, Kansas.At around 5:45 p.m., the Atchison Police Department responded to a call about a person with a gun and a second call of a subject breaking into an apartment. As officers arrived at 508 N 9th&nbsp;St. in Atchison, an officer exited his vehicle and shots were fired at him, striking his police vehicle multiple times. The officer was not struck. The man,&nbsp;identified as Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Mo., then fled back into a&nbsp;residence. Additional officers from the Atchison PD were called to the scene.Officers learned that a woman known to McCray was being held inside of the residence. Atchison PD requested Kansas Highway Patrol’s (KHP) Special Response Team’s assistance. They also requested assistance from the&nbsp;KBI High Risk Warrant Team. Law enforcement attempted to peacefully negotiate throughout the night with McCray insisting he release the woman inside the residence. The subject did not cooperate with the negotiations and fired multiple shots at law enforcement officials throughout the incident.&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates&nbsp;that at around 2:30 a.m., an attempt was made to rescue the female hostage. During the rescue attempt, McCray and the hostage were separated momentarily, and a KHP trooper fired at McCray striking him. At that time, the hostage was safely rescued. Life-saving measures were made on McCray at the scene and at an area hospital. McCray was subsequently transported to a Kansas City hospital and remains in critical condition. No law enforcement officers were injured during the rescue attempt or during the interactions with McCray.KBI Agent Investigators and the KBI Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate the incident.The KBI will be offering victim support services to the rescued hostage.This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Atchison County Attorney.--------------ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating after a standoff and gunfight in Atchison that sent a suspect to the hospital.Just before 6 p.m. on Friday police responded to 508 North 9th Street in Atchison at what was first reported as a person with a gun and a second call reporting a person breaking into an apartment, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The first police officer arrived on the scene and as he exited his patrol vehicle, shots were fired at him, striking his vehicle multiple times. The officer was not struck. The person who fired those shots immediately went into an apartment at that location.Additional officers arrived and secured a perimeter. As officers gathered information, it was determined that another person, known to the suspect, was being held hostage inside the residence where the suspect had fled.Special Response Teams from Atchison Police, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene.Efforts continued throughout the evening to communicate with the suspect inside the apartment as the female hostage remained inside the residence with the suspect.At 2:30a.m. the standoff came to an end when officers were able to get the female hostage safely out of the residence. The 36-year-old suspect, who was shot during the confrontation with officers, was taken to Amberwell Hospital and later transported to a Kansas City hospital. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation.

Police ID suspect injured in gunfight, standoff with Kansas officers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;as homeland security secretary on Saturday, putting the South Dakota governor in charge of a sprawling agency that is essential to national security and President Donald Trump's plans to clamp down on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-trump-border-migrants-immigration-enforcement-a24389b7fd7875ef98b4ab45c14e8418">illegal immigration</a>.

Republicans kept the Senate working Saturday to install the latest member of Trump's national security team on a 59-34 vote. Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran was among seven&nbsp; Senators who missed the vote including Wyden and Merkley of Oregon, Warnock of Georgia, Smith of Minnesota, Schatz of Hawaii and King of Maine, according to the online report from the U.S. Senate.

Defense Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cia-director-ratcliffe-trump-cabinet-national-intelligence-a73ceaef42086d46a728979189a9826b">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;was also confirmed in a dramatic tie-breaking vote Friday night, joining Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;and CIA Director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cia-director-ratcliffe-trump-cabinet-national-intelligence-a73ceaef42086d46a728979189a9826b">John Ratcliffe</a>. The Senate will next vote Monday evening on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-election-scott-bessent-trump-e4df1ef61309ee78f2affc2d9eabeff1">Scott Bessent's</a>&nbsp;confirmation as treasury secretary.

Noem, a Trump ally who is in her second term as governor, received 7 votes from Democrats. Republicans, who already held the votes necessary to confirm her, have expressed confidence in her determination to lead border security and immigration enforcement.

On social media, Noem thanked Trump for “the confidence in me to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security.”

She added, “I will work to make America SAFE again!”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Friday, “Fixing this crisis and restoring respect for the rule of law is one of President Trump and Republicans’ top priorities. And it’s going to require a decisive and committed leader at the Department of Homeland Security."

Democrats are split on how to handle border enforcement and immigration under Trump, with some warming to his hard-line stand.

Still, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York, as well as most other Democrats, voted against Noem. He pointed to “bipartisan solutions to fix the mess at our border," adding that Noem “seems headed in the wrong direction.”

The homeland security secretary oversees U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Citizenship and Immigration Services. Beyond those agencies, the department is also responsible for securing airline transportation, protecting dignitaries, responding to natural disasters and more.

Trump is planning major changes to how the department functions, including involving the military in immigration enforcement and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-fema-project-2025-56ff64f264403b8934ecbf1f91928d73">reshaping the Federal Emergency Management Agency</a>. Those plans will immediately put Noem in the spotlight after the new president visited recent disaster sites in North Carolina and California on Friday.

During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/noem-homeland-security-cabinet-trump-border-immigration-36ea11f8432078e08e71dce23c56d68c">her Senate hearing</a>, Noem was repeatedly asked by Democratic senators whether she would administer disaster aid to states even if Trump asked her not to.

Noem avoided saying she would defy the president, but told lawmakers, “I will deliver the programs according to the law and that it will be done with no political bias.”

Six people cycled through as homeland security secretary during Trump's first four years in office.

Noem, who held her state's lone U.S. House seat for eight years before becoming governor in 2019, has risen in the GOP by tacking closely with Trump. At one point, she was even under consideration to be his running mate.

Her political stock took a momentary dip, however, when she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-book-dog-killing-081bd1d6e73fba046ea7fb534da1c79e">released a book</a>&nbsp;last year containing an account of her killing her hunting dog, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-book-north-korea-90e61965e9ac486e52cec5b35da41f47">a false claim</a>&nbsp;that she once met with North Korean leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-iran-diplomacy-military-cooperation-russia-f82461908cb59a15a634747e9ab48f6c">Kim Jong Un</a>.

Noem will be tasked with delivering on Trump's favorite issue, border security. The president's goals of deporting millions of people who entered the country illegally could put Noem, with her experience governing a rural state and growing up on a farm,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-dhs-immigration-crackdown-trump-south-dakota-52bf133437d20f4dd6f5284bb751e264">in a difficult position</a>. In South Dakota, many migrants, some in the country without permanent legal status, power the labor-heavy jobs that produce food and housing.

She has so far pledged to faithfully execute the president's orders and copied his talk of an “invasion” at the U.S. border with Mexico.

Noem joined other Republican governors who sent National Guard troops to Texas to assist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-arrests-immigration-greg-abbott-civil-rights-violations-bcbfef0901b375c9301ade01a59eb1c9">Operation Lone Star</a>, which sought to discourage migrants. Her decision was especially criticized because she accepted a $1 million donation from a Tennessee billionaire to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-south-dakota-philanthropy-immigration-government-and-politics-ea0586be65e874578ca27ffcc690dba1">cover some of the deployment cost</a>.

Noem said she opted to send National Guard troops “because of this invasion," adding that “it is a war zone down there.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737817653128.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall with Noem January 11-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall with Noem January 11-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;as homeland security secretary on Saturday, putting the South Dakota governor in charge of a sprawling agency that is essential to national security and President Donald Trump's plans to clamp down on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-trump-border-migrants-immigration-enforcement-a24389b7fd7875ef98b4ab45c14e8418">illegal immigration</a>.Republicans kept the Senate working Saturday to install the latest member of Trump's national security team on a 59-34 vote. Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran was among seven&nbsp; Senators who missed the vote including Wyden and Merkley of Oregon, Warnock of Georgia, Smith of Minnesota, Schatz of Hawaii and King of Maine, according to the online report from the U.S. Senate.Defense Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cia-director-ratcliffe-trump-cabinet-national-intelligence-a73ceaef42086d46a728979189a9826b">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;was also confirmed in a dramatic tie-breaking vote Friday night, joining Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;and CIA Director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cia-director-ratcliffe-trump-cabinet-national-intelligence-a73ceaef42086d46a728979189a9826b">John Ratcliffe</a>. The Senate will next vote Monday evening on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-election-scott-bessent-trump-e4df1ef61309ee78f2affc2d9eabeff1">Scott Bessent's</a>&nbsp;confirmation as treasury secretary.Noem, a Trump ally who is in her second term as governor, received 7 votes from Democrats. Republicans, who already held the votes necessary to confirm her, have expressed confidence in her determination to lead border security and immigration enforcement.On social media, Noem thanked Trump for “the confidence in me to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security.”She added, “I will work to make America SAFE again!”Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Friday, “Fixing this crisis and restoring respect for the rule of law is one of President Trump and Republicans’ top priorities. And it’s going to require a decisive and committed leader at the Department of Homeland Security."Democrats are split on how to handle border enforcement and immigration under Trump, with some warming to his hard-line stand.Still, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York, as well as most other Democrats, voted against Noem. He pointed to “bipartisan solutions to fix the mess at our border," adding that Noem “seems headed in the wrong direction.”The homeland security secretary oversees U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Citizenship and Immigration Services. Beyond those agencies, the department is also responsible for securing airline transportation, protecting dignitaries, responding to natural disasters and more.Trump is planning major changes to how the department functions, including involving the military in immigration enforcement and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-fema-project-2025-56ff64f264403b8934ecbf1f91928d73">reshaping the Federal Emergency Management Agency</a>. Those plans will immediately put Noem in the spotlight after the new president visited recent disaster sites in North Carolina and California on Friday.During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/noem-homeland-security-cabinet-trump-border-immigration-36ea11f8432078e08e71dce23c56d68c">her Senate hearing</a>, Noem was repeatedly asked by Democratic senators whether she would administer disaster aid to states even if Trump asked her not to.Noem avoided saying she would defy the president, but told lawmakers, “I will deliver the programs according to the law and that it will be done with no political bias.”Six people cycled through as homeland security secretary during Trump's first four years in office.Noem, who held her state's lone U.S. House seat for eight years before becoming governor in 2019, has risen in the GOP by tacking closely with Trump. At one point, she was even under consideration to be his running mate.Her political stock took a momentary dip, however, when she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-book-dog-killing-081bd1d6e73fba046ea7fb534da1c79e">released a book</a>&nbsp;last year containing an account of her killing her hunting dog, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-book-north-korea-90e61965e9ac486e52cec5b35da41f47">a false claim</a>&nbsp;that she once met with North Korean leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-iran-diplomacy-military-cooperation-russia-f82461908cb59a15a634747e9ab48f6c">Kim Jong Un</a>.Noem will be tasked with delivering on Trump's favorite issue, border security. The president's goals of deporting millions of people who entered the country illegally could put Noem, with her experience governing a rural state and growing up on a farm,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-dhs-immigration-crackdown-trump-south-dakota-52bf133437d20f4dd6f5284bb751e264">in a difficult position</a>. In South Dakota, many migrants, some in the country without permanent legal status, power the labor-heavy jobs that produce food and housing.She has so far pledged to faithfully execute the president's orders and copied his talk of an “invasion” at the U.S. border with Mexico.Noem joined other Republican governors who sent National Guard troops to Texas to assist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-arrests-immigration-greg-abbott-civil-rights-violations-bcbfef0901b375c9301ade01a59eb1c9">Operation Lone Star</a>, which sought to discourage migrants. Her decision was especially criticized because she accepted a $1 million donation from a Tennessee billionaire to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-south-dakota-philanthropy-immigration-government-and-politics-ea0586be65e874578ca27ffcc690dba1">cover some of the deployment cost</a>.Noem said she opted to send National Guard troops “because of this invasion," adding that “it is a war zone down there.”___

Moran missed vote as Senate confirms Noem for homeland security secretary

NEW YORK (AP) — Automaker Kia America is recalling more than 80,000 vehicles due to floor wiring beneath the front passenger seat that can become damaged and prevent airbags and seat belts from deploying properly.

Damaged wiring can also cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall covers 80,255&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V024-8197.PDF">2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles</a>.

To remedy the situation, dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, for free. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers. Owners will be notified by letters mailed in March.

The recall follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hyundai-kia-electric-vehicle-recalls-loss-drive-power-383e78a62418ea355f00823d01350654">one in November</a>, when Hyundai and Kia recalled over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a transistor in a charging control unit that could be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. That in turn could cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737830750397.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Automaker Kia America is recalling more than 80,000 vehicles due to floor wiring beneath the front passenger seat that can become damaged and prevent airbags and seat belts from deploying properly.Damaged wiring can also cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.The recall covers 80,255&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V024-8197.PDF">2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles</a>.To remedy the situation, dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, for free. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers. Owners will be notified by letters mailed in March.The recall follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hyundai-kia-electric-vehicle-recalls-loss-drive-power-383e78a62418ea355f00823d01350654">one in November</a>, when Hyundai and Kia recalled over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a transistor in a charging control unit that could be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. That in turn could cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Kia recalls 80,000 U.S. autos due to improper air bag deployment and improper wiring

The Kansas Highway Patrol had the privilege of sending 25 troopers to be part of the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies in Washington D.C., along with local, state, and federal agencies to provide security.&nbsp; On Friday, the patrol shared a photo of the Troopers who went to Washington.


Prior to the events in Washington, the troopers were briefed and sworn in by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Marshal Service.



The 2025 Kansas Highway Patrol Presidential Inauguration Detail endured cold and blustery conditions to provide security. 

"We appreciate your dedication to <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/servicecourtesyprotection?src=hashtag_click">#servicecourtesyprotection</a> during this detail." the patrol wrote on their social media page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737813688554.png" alt="courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Highway Patrol had the privilege of sending 25 troopers to be part of the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies in Washington D.C., along with local, state, and federal agencies to provide security.&nbsp; On Friday, the patrol shared a photo of the Troopers who went to Washington.
Prior to the events in Washington, the troopers were briefed and sworn in by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Marshal Service.

The 2025 Kansas Highway Patrol Presidential Inauguration Detail endured cold and blustery conditions to provide security. "We appreciate your dedication to <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/servicecourtesyprotection?src=hashtag_click">#servicecourtesyprotection</a> during this detail." the patrol wrote on their social media page.

Kansas Troopers served in Washington during the Inaugural ceremonies

President Donald Trump started his second administration with a blitz of policy actions to reorient the U.S. government.

His executive orders cover issues that range from trade, immigration and U.S. foreign aid to demographic diversity, civil rights and the hiring of federal workers. Some have an immediate policy impact. Others are more symbolic. And some already are being challenged by federal lawsuits.

In total, the Republican president's sweeping actions reflect many of his campaign promises and determination to concentrate executive branch power in the West Wing, while moving the country sharply rightward.

Here is a comprehensive look at Trump's directives so far in his first three days:

• Designate an "invasion across the southern border of the United States," a move that triggers certain executive branch powers so, Trump says, his Cabinet "shall take appropriate action to repel, repatriate or remove any alien engaged in the invasion."

• Allow U.S. military service members to act as immigration and border enforcement officers as part of Trump's promised mass deportation program. Trump's order covers the Ready Reserve and National Guard, military property that could be used as detention space, ground and air transport vehicles and "other logistics services in support of civilian-controlled law enforcement operations." The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 has historically limited use of military personnel in domestic law enforcement actions. Trump's orders frame migrant flow as a national security threat, which he reasons justifies his military orders as commander in chief.

• Stop refugee arrivals and suspend the U.S. Refugee Admission Program effective Jan. 27, 2025, pending a 90-day review and recommendations from Homeland Security, the State Department and others.

• Redefine birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. A Trump order asserts that a child born in the U.S. is not a citizen if 1) the mother does not have legal immigration status or is in the country legally but only temporarily and 2) the father is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The order forbids U.S. agencies from issuing any document recognizing such a child as a citizen or accept any state document recognizing citizenship. This order is already being challenged in federal court.

• Prioritize continued construction of a wall and "other barriers" along the U.S.-Mexico border.

• Direct the attorney general and Homeland Security secretary to create Homeland Security Task Forces in all 50 states, comprising of state and local law enforcement charged with "ending the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations."

• Give the Homeland Security secretary wide latitude to establish agreements with individual state and local law enforcement agencies, "to the maximum extent permitted by law," that empower those non-federal officials to act as federal immigration officers.

• Require collection of DNA samples and fingerprints from immigration detainees under a 2005 federal law.

• Forbid so-called "catch-and-release" – which allows some migrants to remain in the U.S. while awaiting their immigration court proceedings – in favor of detention and deportation of anyone in the U.S. illegally.

• Direct Homeland Security to immediately devote resources and secure contractors "to construct, operate, control, or use facilities to detain removable aliens."

• End so-called "parole programs" (often referred to as "family reunification") that allow family members of certain citizens and permanent-resident immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to come to the U.S. while their visa applications are still pending.

• Require a review of all cases for all immigrants now in the U.S. under "Temporary Protected Status," with the stated intent of "ensuring ... that such designations are appropriately limited in scope" and last the minimum amount of time "necessary to fulfill the textual requirement" of federal law.

• Revert to vetting and screening standards used during Trump's first term for any person seeking a visa or "immigration benefit of any kind" and apply the standard visa vetting procedures to "any refugee or stateless individual" seeking admission.

• Repeal a Biden order requiring planning for the effects of climate change on world migration patterns.

• Direct the secretary of state and U.S. diplomats effectively to threaten sanctions against any nation seen as reluctant to accept and facilitate the return of its citizens the U.S. deports.

• Direct the State Department, Homeland Security and others to review and recommend changes to vetting for visas and produce a report to the president within 60 days. The order calls for identifying countries "for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension" of admission to the U.S. for their citizens.

• Direct the attorney general and others to deny federal money to "so-called 'sanctuary'" cities the administration sees as interfering with federal immigration enforcement, with the caveat that the Trump administration pursues action "to the maximum extent possible under the law."

• Pause distribution of federal money to non-governmental organizations "supporting or providing services, either directly or indirectly, to removable or illegal aliens" pending reviews and audits to identify any operations that may "promote or facilitate violations of our immigration laws."

• Designate international cartels as "Foreign Terrorist Organizations" or "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" under existing federal law. The order triggers the Alien Enemies Act to combat cartels and their members.

• Require, within 30 days, the attorney general, secretary of state and others to "evaluate the adequacy of programs designed to ensure the proper assimilation of lawful immigrants into the United States, and recommend any additional measures ... that promote a unified American identity."

International trade, business and the economy

• Broadly direct all executive agencies to tailor their policies to reduce consumer prices. Trump wants a progress report from a top White House economic adviser every 30 days.

• Direct the treasury and commerce secretaries, U.S trade representative and others to examine causes of U.S. trade deficits, identify unfair trade practices and make recommendations, potentially including "a global supplemental tariff."

• Begin review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, Trump's first-administration rewrite of NAFTA, with an eye to a renegotiation in 2026 or sooner. Trump said he plans 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods as of Feb. 1, but he has not signed such executive actions so far.

• Begin establishment of an "External Revenue Service to collect tariffs, duties and other foreign trade-related revenues."

• Begin review of U.S. trade dealings with China to consider new or increased tariffs. As a candidate, Trump threatened Chinese tariffs as high as 60%.

• Order review of fentanyl flows into the U.S., specifically from Canada, Mexico and China, and make recommendations, including potential tariffs and sanctions.

• Direct the commerce and trade secretaries and the U.S. trade representative to consolidate multiple reviews and assessments. Trump ordered consolidated reports by April 1.

• Suspend U.S. participation in the Global Tax Deal, an international agreement intended to set a minimum corporate tax globally to prevent multinational corporations from avoiding taxation altogether.

• Pause the U.S. ban on TikTok for 75 days, specifically barring the attorney general from enforcing the law Congress passed in 2024 to allow the new administration to assess national security concerns and seek a potential American buyer for the popular digital platform.

• Bar U.S. government officials from pushing social media companies to combat misinformation and disinformation. Trump's order states that such previous efforts "infringed on the constitutionally protected speech rights of American citizens" and "advanced the Government's preferred narrative about significant matters of public debate."

• Withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, which committed nations to pursue policies limiting carbon emissions that cause climate change. The order blocks transfer of U.S. funds previously obligated to the International Climate Finance Plan.

• Declare a "national energy emergency." This is both a symbolic measure reflecting Trump's promise of energy expansion but also specifically urges federal use of eminent domain and the Defense Production Act, measures that allow the government to commandeer private land and resources to produce goods deemed to be a national necessity.

• Compel the Army Corps of Engineers to use "to the fullest extent possible" its emergency permitting provisions to speed energy projects and urge all agencies to use similar emergency procedures that expedite or bypass permitting processes under the Endangered Species Act or other federal laws that protect wildlife.

• Eliminate Biden policies intended to encourage electrical vehicle development and purchases — part of Trump's effort to limit non-fossil fuel energy sectors.

• Require all agencies within 30 days to submit to the White House Office of Management and Budget their plans to eliminate regulations and rules deemed "burdensome" to domestic energy production and consumption, "with particular attention to oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, biofuels, critical mineral, and nuclear energy."

• Repeal multiple Biden orders and memoranda regarding climate change, including guidelines for implementing climate-related provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; an effort to assess financial risks of not combating climate change; and establishment of a President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

• Streamline other fossil fuel extraction in Alaska with a command to "rescind, revoke, revise, amend, defer or grant exemptions from any and all" regulatory actions relevant in the state. Specifically, Trump is restoring any suspended fossil fuel leases within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

• Deny a pending U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service request to create an indigenous sacred site within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

• Restore first Trump administration rules on hunting and trapping in national preserves in Alaska. Order the Interior Department to align federal rules on hunting and fishing in Alaska with rules for state-government lands.

• Roll back other Biden era limits or regulations on fossil fuel extraction on federal lands.

• Make the Outer Continental Shelf ineligible for wind energy leases — another limitation on non-fossil fuel development.

• Reengage a legal and regulatory battle with California state government over water routes from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Trump wants to override fish and wildlife protection efforts to route more of the water to the Central Valley and Southern California.

Diversity, transgender rights and civil rights

• Give executive branch departments and agencies 60 days to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including all "chief diversity officer" jobs, "equity action plans" and "environmental justice" positions. Require departments and agencies to give the White House Office of Management and Budget an accounting of previous DEI efforts, including names of relevant DEI contractors and DEI grant recipients. Terminate a 60-year-old executive order setting anti-discrimination requirements for government agencies and contractors.

• A separate OMB memo effectively put all federal DEI officers on immediate leave pending their elimination.

• Repeal several Biden-era directives on racial and ethnic equity and LGBTQ rights. They included orders intending to ensure equitable distribution of federal money based on the 2020 census; preventing government discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation and specifically encouraging inclusion in school settings; White House educational initiatives for Native Americans, Hispanics and Black Americans; and an order expressly allowing transgender persons to serve in the military.

• Require that the U.S. government recognize two genders only – male and female – on passports, visas, Global Entry cards and all other forms and documents, and in all programs and communications.

• Mandate that all federal civil rights law and labor law be interpreted and enforced with the understanding that "'sex' is not a synonym for and does not include the concept of 'gender identity.'"

• Dissolve the White House Gender Policy Council and repeal Department of Education guidelines on Title IX concerning transgender rights and various documents advising schools on how to support and protect LGBTQ persons.