ATLANTA —Worldwide, there were an estimated 10.3 million cases of measles in 2023, a 20% increase from 2022, according to new estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Inadequate immunization coverage globally is driving the surge in cases, according to the CDC.

Measles is preventable with two doses of the measles vaccine; yet more than 22 million children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023. Globally, an estimated 83% of children received their first dose of measles vaccine last year, while only 74% received the recommended second dose.

Coverage of 95% or greater of two doses of measles vaccine is needed in each country and community to prevent outbreaks and protect populations from one of the world's most contagious human viruses.

As of November 7, 2024, a total of 277 measles cases were reported by 32 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.

"Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live."

"The number of measles infections are rising around the globe, endangering lives and health," CDC Director Mandy Cohen said. "The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access."

As a result of global gaps in vaccination coverage, 57 countries experienced large or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2023, affecting all regions except the Americas, and representing a nearly 60% increase from 36 countries in the previous year. The WHO African, Eastern Mediterranean, European, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions experienced a substantial upsurge in cases. Nearly half of all large or disruptive outbreaks occurred in the African region.

An unacceptable death toll due to rising measles cases

The new data show that an estimated 107,500 people, mostly children younger than 5 years of age, died due to measles in 2023. Although this is an 8% decrease from the previous year, far too many children are still dying from this preventable disease. This slight reduction in deaths was mainly because the surge in cases occurred in countries and regions where children with measles are less likely to die, due to better nutritional status and access to health services.

Even when people survive measles, serious health effects can occur, some of which are lifelong. Infants and young children are at greatest risk of serious complications from the disease, which include blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis (an infection causing brain swelling and potentially brain damage).

As measles cases surge and outbreaks increase, the world's elimination goal, as laid out in Immunization Agenda 2030, is under threat. Worldwide, 82 countries had achieved or maintained measles elimination at the end of 2023. Just this week, Brazil was reverified as having eliminated measles, making the WHO Americas Region once again free of endemic measles. With the exception of the African Region, at least 1 country in all WHO regions has eliminated the disease.

Urgent and targeted efforts by countries and partners, particularly in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions, and in fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable settings, are needed to vaccinate all children fully with two doses of measles vaccine. This requires achieving and maintaining high-performing routine immunization programmes and delivering high-quality, high-coverage campaigns when those programmes are not yet sufficient to protect every child.

Countries and global immunization partners must also strengthen disease surveillance, including the Global Measles Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN). Strong disease surveillance is critical to optimizing immunization programmes and detecting and responding rapidly to measles outbreaks in order to mitigate their size and impact.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731697519867.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA —Worldwide, there were an estimated 10.3 million cases of measles in 2023, a 20% increase from 2022, according to new estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Inadequate immunization coverage globally is driving the surge in cases, according to the CDC.Measles is preventable with two doses of the measles vaccine; yet more than 22 million children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023. Globally, an estimated 83% of children received their first dose of measles vaccine last year, while only 74% received the recommended second dose.Coverage of 95% or greater of two doses of measles vaccine is needed in each country and community to prevent outbreaks and protect populations from one of the world's most contagious human viruses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731697414720.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As of November 7, 2024, a total of 277 measles cases were reported by 32 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731697454790.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live.""The number of measles infections are rising around the globe, endangering lives and health," CDC Director Mandy Cohen said. "The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access."As a result of global gaps in vaccination coverage, 57 countries experienced large or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2023, affecting all regions except the Americas, and representing a nearly 60% increase from 36 countries in the previous year. The WHO African, Eastern Mediterranean, European, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions experienced a substantial upsurge in cases. Nearly half of all large or disruptive outbreaks occurred in the African region.An unacceptable death toll due to rising measles casesThe new data show that an estimated 107,500 people, mostly children younger than 5 years of age, died due to measles in 2023. Although this is an 8% decrease from the previous year, far too many children are still dying from this preventable disease. This slight reduction in deaths was mainly because the surge in cases occurred in countries and regions where children with measles are less likely to die, due to better nutritional status and access to health services.Even when people survive measles, serious health effects can occur, some of which are lifelong. Infants and young children are at greatest risk of serious complications from the disease, which include blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis (an infection causing brain swelling and potentially brain damage).As measles cases surge and outbreaks increase, the world's elimination goal, as laid out in Immunization Agenda 2030, is under threat. Worldwide, 82 countries had achieved or maintained measles elimination at the end of 2023. Just this week, Brazil was reverified as having eliminated measles, making the WHO Americas Region once again free of endemic measles. With the exception of the African Region, at least 1 country in all WHO regions has eliminated the disease.Urgent and targeted efforts by countries and partners, particularly in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions, and in fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable settings, are needed to vaccinate all children fully with two doses of measles vaccine. This requires achieving and maintaining high-performing routine immunization programmes and delivering high-quality, high-coverage campaigns when those programmes are not yet sufficient to protect every child.Countries and global immunization partners must also strengthen disease surveillance, including the Global Measles Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN). Strong disease surveillance is critical to optimizing immunization programmes and detecting and responding rapidly to measles outbreaks in order to mitigate their size and impact.

Report: Measles cases surge worldwide due to inadequate immunization

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal house fire in Topeka have made an arrest. On Thursday 31-year-old&nbsp;Terica M. Gardner, 31, of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 1st degree, Aggravated arson, Aggravated burglary and&nbsp;Arson, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

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

First responders found heavy smoke and flames coming from the two-story residence. Firefighters performed a search and found the body of 46-year-old David Blevens on the second floor of the residence who was later pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Crews extinguished the fire.&nbsp;

Investigators determined the cause of this fire was intentionally set, according to Nichols.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731635713438.png" alt="Gardner-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Gardner-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal house fire in Topeka have made an arrest. On Thursday 31-year-old&nbsp;Terica M. Gardner, 31, of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 1st degree, Aggravated arson, Aggravated burglary and&nbsp;Arson, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728296248154.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure> Just after 6p.m. Oct. 13, crews from the Topeka Fire Department&nbsp; responded to a reported house fire at 1640 SW Buchanan Street.First responders found heavy smoke and flames coming from the two-story residence. Firefighters performed a search and found the body of 46-year-old David Blevens on the second floor of the residence who was later pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Crews extinguished the fire.&nbsp;Investigators determined the cause of this fire was intentionally set, according to Nichols.

Woman accused of starting fire that killed Kansas man

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/tadeoruizsandoval/">TADEO RUIZ SANDOVAL</a>

Health care providers say they are seeing a drastic increase in the number of emergency contraceptive kit requests by Missourians since the election.

The Missouri Family Health Council helps fund the state’s reproductive health care through Title X, a federal grant. It has a program that allows Missourians to order emergency contraception kits via mail for free.

The kits include an emergency contraception pill, condoms and sexual health information. On a typical day, the council sees around 17 requests for emergency contraception kits. Since last Monday, that number has ballooned to over 90 requests a day.

While passing Amendment 3 safeguards abortion rights in Missouri for now, Michelle Trupiano, the council’s executive director, said people are still worried about access to reproductive health care under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

While Trump has said he would not “impose restrictions on birth control or other contraceptives,” his campaign has yet to formally announce a plan.

“What this shows us is people are scared,” Trupiano said. “They’re scared of what the future holds, they’re scared about access to contraception, and they’re doing what they can now in order to protect themselves.”

Missourians are not the only ones feeling this way. Nationally, states have reported higher numbers of kit requests, such as Oklahoma, Missouri’s western neighbor.

Laura Bellis is the executive director of Take Control Initiative, one of Oklahoma’s Title X grantees. The day after the election, they saw over 1,000 people requesting kits; the following day that number doubled.

Bellis said some parents would request kits for their children because they were not sure how accessible it would be in the future for them.

“This is the last line of defense if you’re trying to prevent a pregnancy,” Bellis said. “People are like, ‘I need to have every resource.’ So we’re seeing people panic buying like what you saw during the pandemic with masks or toilet paper.”

The confusion surrounding reproductive health care in Missouri could make it harder for people to access the care they need, said Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri.

“That fear is a barrier in and of itself,” Schwarz said. “One of the most important things that individuals and local organizations can do is to spread accurate information.”

Abortion Action Missouri is a reproductive health advocacy group that canvassed in support of Amendment 3. Amendment 3’s journey to reach the ballot was perilous. The measure narrowly passed a 4-3 ruling from the Missouri Supreme Court, which considered removing it from the ballot.

The group said the challenges Amendment 3 faced could show potential pushback from the state for reproductive health care.

“The pattern is the people speak and our government tries to over undermine the will of the people,” Schwarz said.

Her team, alongside other providers, suggest users check the expiration date on pill packages and communicate with their doctor to learn what the best options are for each person. The contraception pills typically have a life span of four years, after which they become ineffective.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/elections/missouri-sees-an-uptick-in-emergency-contraception-requests-following-election-day/article_3a04499a-a204-11ef-aa38-6fed65cc03a0.html#tncms-source=Top%20Story" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685626036011.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/tadeoruizsandoval/">TADEO RUIZ SANDOVAL</a>Health care providers say they are seeing a drastic increase in the number of emergency contraceptive kit requests by Missourians since the election.The Missouri Family Health Council helps fund the state’s reproductive health care through Title X, a federal grant. It has a program that allows Missourians to order emergency contraception kits via mail for free.The kits include an emergency contraception pill, condoms and sexual health information. On a typical day, the council sees around 17 requests for emergency contraception kits. Since last Monday, that number has ballooned to over 90 requests a day.While passing Amendment 3 safeguards abortion rights in Missouri for now, Michelle Trupiano, the council’s executive director, said people are still worried about access to reproductive health care under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.While Trump has said he would not “impose restrictions on birth control or other contraceptives,” his campaign has yet to formally announce a plan.“What this shows us is people are scared,” Trupiano said. “They’re scared of what the future holds, they’re scared about access to contraception, and they’re doing what they can now in order to protect themselves.”Missourians are not the only ones feeling this way. Nationally, states have reported higher numbers of kit requests, such as Oklahoma, Missouri’s western neighbor.Laura Bellis is the executive director of Take Control Initiative, one of Oklahoma’s Title X grantees. The day after the election, they saw over 1,000 people requesting kits; the following day that number doubled.Bellis said some parents would request kits for their children because they were not sure how accessible it would be in the future for them.“This is the last line of defense if you’re trying to prevent a pregnancy,” Bellis said. “People are like, ‘I need to have every resource.’ So we’re seeing people panic buying like what you saw during the pandemic with masks or toilet paper.”The confusion surrounding reproductive health care in Missouri could make it harder for people to access the care they need, said Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri.“That fear is a barrier in and of itself,” Schwarz said. “One of the most important things that individuals and local organizations can do is to spread accurate information.”Abortion Action Missouri is a reproductive health advocacy group that canvassed in support of Amendment 3. Amendment 3’s journey to reach the ballot was perilous. The measure narrowly passed a 4-3 ruling from the Missouri Supreme Court, which considered removing it from the ballot.The group said the challenges Amendment 3 faced could show potential pushback from the state for reproductive health care.“The pattern is the people speak and our government tries to over undermine the will of the people,” Schwarz said.Her team, alongside other providers, suggest users check the expiration date on pill packages and communicate with their doctor to learn what the best options are for each person. The contraception pills typically have a life span of four years, after which they become ineffective.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/elections/missouri-sees-an-uptick-in-emergency-contraception-requests-following-election-day/article_3a04499a-a204-11ef-aa38-6fed65cc03a0.html#tncms-source=Top%20Story" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Missouri sees an uptick in emergency contraception requests after Election Day

SALINE COUNTY —No foot pursuits today—just a “hoof pursuit” in western Saline County, according to a social media report from Trooper Ben Gardner.

"Some cows broke through a fence and were heading toward the interstate, but we’re mooooving right along with them to keep everyone safe."

"It’s illegal to walk along the interstate as a pedestrian—and that rule applies to cows too. You never know what you’ll run into on Kansas roads—sometimes it’s not fast drivers, but fast cows."

SALINE COUNTY —No foot pursuits today—just a “hoof pursuit” in western Saline County, according to a social media report from Trooper Ben Gardner.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">No foot pursuits today—just a “hoof pursuit” in western Saline County! Some cows broke through a fence and were heading toward the interstate, but we’re mooooving right along with them to keep everyone safe. It’s illegal to walk along the interstate as a pedestrian—and that rule… <a href="https://t.co/eBXKOHjBV4">pic.twitter.com/eBXKOHjBV4</a>&mdash; Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperBenKHP/status/1857418046282854653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Some cows broke through a fence and were heading toward the interstate, but we’re mooooving right along with them to keep everyone safe." "It’s illegal to walk along the interstate as a pedestrian—and that rule applies to cows too. You never know what you’ll run into on Kansas roads—sometimes it’s not fast drivers, but fast cows."

KHP: 'Hoof pursuit'  along Interstate 70

President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is filling key posts in his second administration, and it's shaping up much differently than his first. He's prioritizing loyalists for top jobs.

Trump was bruised and hampered by internal squabbles during his initial term in office. Now he appears focused on remaking the federal government in his own image. Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation battles even with Republicans in control of the U.S. Senate.

Here's a look at whom he has selected so far.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-marco-rubio-secretary-of-state-25664371f80dcf3332838352165e4d48">named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;to be secretary of state, making the critic-turned-ally his choice for top diplomat.

Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement.

The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator once called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.

Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations.

Trump said Wednesday he will nominate Florida Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/matt-gaetz">Matt Gaetz</a>&nbsp;to serve as his attorney general, naming a loyalist in the role of the nation's top prosecutor.

In selecting Gaetz, 42, Trump passed over some of the more established lawyers whose names had been mentioned as being contenders for the job.

“Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and Restore Americans' badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department,” Trump said in a statement.

Gaetz resigned from Congress Wednesday night. The House Ethics Committee has been investigating an allegation that Gaetz paid for sex with a 17-year-old, though that probe effectively ended when he resigned. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.

DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Tulsi Gabbard

Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gabbard-director-national-intelligence-466dfdfe2f949ea20bc2f4ef13e21438">has been tapped by Trump</a>&nbsp;to be director of national intelligence, another example of Trump prizing loyalty over experience.

Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall, and she's been accused of echoing Russian propaganda.

“I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement.

Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions.

Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox &amp; Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014. He developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show.

Hegseth served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011. He has two Bronze Stars. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-defense-secretary-pentagon-2d8030921ecef933778cf92afd40ec72">Hegseth lacks</a>&nbsp;senior military and national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea.

Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year.

Noem is a well-known conservative used her two terms leading South Dakota to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic.

More recently, Noem faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting and killing her dog.

She is set to lead a department crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda as well as other missions. Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports.

Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump’s first term, leading the U.S. government’s spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation’s highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-trump-speech-arizona-a2638f89ddcb5de03edbe4574ca17d45">then endorsed Trump</a>. He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign.

The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-vaccines-trump-rfkjr-7f8dcb25de76a5a70710d22bbc63f6fa">his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines</a>. For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism.

Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate.

Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command.

"We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race.

Burgum was a serious contender to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vice-president-rubio-vance-burgum-scott-8b6a3a22eecdfff668a5002ddfd3af18">be Trump’s vice presidential choice</a>&nbsp;this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs.

Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day.

In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation.

“There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ADMINISTRATOR: Lee Zeldin

Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LeeMZeldin/status/1856068555865026956">X</a>, “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.”

“We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added.

During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration’s promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referred to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign that his administration would “drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration.

In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.”

Wiles, 67,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-susie-wiles-32df8958bedde5f3f2d55fd071979692">was a senior adviser</a>&nbsp;to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager.

She has a background in Florida politics, helping Ron DeSantis win his first race for Florida governor. Six years later, she was key to Trump’s defeat of him in the 2024 Republican primary.

Wiles’ hire was Trump’s first major decision as president-elect and one that could be a defining test of his incoming administration considering her close relationship with him. Wiles is said to have earned Trump’s trust in part by guiding what was the most disciplined of Trump’s three presidential campaigns.

Wiles was able to help keep Trump on track as few others have, not by criticizing his impulses, but by winning his respect by demonstrating his success after taking her advice.

Waltz is a three-term Republican congressman from east-central Florida.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">A former Army Green Beret</a>, he served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs.

He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population.

Homan, 62,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-homan-ice-border-czar-7dea915b5ea43896390b8020d254f887">has been tasked</a>&nbsp;with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history.

He served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and he was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border once Trump won the election. Homan said at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to “run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.”

Democrats have criticized Homan for defending Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border.

DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR POLICY: Stephen Miller

Miller, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stephen-miller-policy-immigration-9cc6ad3118779b23bff88022ca5e2260">immigration hardliner</a>, was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump’s priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump’s first administration.

Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump’s policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation’s economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally.

Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security.

Scavino was an adviser to all three of the president-elect's campaigns, and the transition team referred to him as one of “Trump’s longest serving and most trusted aides." He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president.

He previously ran Trump’s social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Blair was political director for Trump’s 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president.

Blair was key to Trump’s economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate’s “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago.

Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump’s 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president.

Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his first presidency.

McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign.

In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.”

SPECIAL ENVOY TO THE MIDDLE EAST: Steven Witkoff

The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination.

Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud."

Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee.

Huckabee is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-huckabee-ambassador-israel-ace1894ce731c36622d5f09982a0a9b2">staunch defender of Israel</a>&nbsp;and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah.

“He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.”

Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland.

Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Huckabee has rejected a Palestinian homeland in territory occupied by Israel, calling for a so-called “one-state solution.”

AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS: Elise Stefanik

Stefanik is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-united-nations-elise-stefanik-ambassador-2b482fb39a8d6f03d389d27cc8820056">representative from New York</a>&nbsp;and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment.

Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership.

Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile.

If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine that began in 2022.

President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is filling key posts in his second administration, and it's shaping up much differently than his first. He's prioritizing loyalists for top jobs.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President-elect Trump announces North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum will be him nominee for Secretary of the Interior. <a href="https://t.co/OxoZwXeTb0">pic.twitter.com/OxoZwXeTb0</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1857244871486013639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump was bruised and hampered by internal squabbles during his initial term in office. Now he appears focused on remaking the federal government in his own image. Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation battles even with Republicans in control of the U.S. Senate.Here's a look at whom he has selected so far.<h2>Cabinet nominees</h2><h2>SECRETARY OF STATE: Marco Rubio</h2>Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-marco-rubio-secretary-of-state-25664371f80dcf3332838352165e4d48">named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;to be secretary of state, making the critic-turned-ally his choice for top diplomat.Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.“He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement.The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator once called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations.<h2>ATTORNEY GENERAL: Matt Gaetz</h2>Trump said Wednesday he will nominate Florida Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/matt-gaetz">Matt Gaetz</a>&nbsp;to serve as his attorney general, naming a loyalist in the role of the nation's top prosecutor.In selecting Gaetz, 42, Trump passed over some of the more established lawyers whose names had been mentioned as being contenders for the job.“Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and Restore Americans' badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department,” Trump said in a statement.Gaetz resigned from Congress Wednesday night. The House Ethics Committee has been investigating an allegation that Gaetz paid for sex with a 17-year-old, though that probe effectively ended when he resigned. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.<h2>DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Tulsi Gabbard</h2>Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gabbard-director-national-intelligence-466dfdfe2f949ea20bc2f4ef13e21438">has been tapped by Trump</a>&nbsp;to be director of national intelligence, another example of Trump prizing loyalty over experience.Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall, and she's been accused of echoing Russian propaganda.“I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement.Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions.<h2>DEFENSE SECRETARY: Pete Hegseth</h2>Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox &amp; Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014. He developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show.Hegseth served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011. He has two Bronze Stars. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-defense-secretary-pentagon-2d8030921ecef933778cf92afd40ec72">Hegseth lacks</a>&nbsp;senior military and national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea.Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year.<h2>HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: Kristi Noem</h2>Noem is a well-known conservative used her two terms leading South Dakota to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic.More recently, Noem faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting and killing her dog.She is set to lead a department crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda as well as other missions. Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports.<h2>CIA DIRECTOR: John Ratcliffe</h2>Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump’s first term, leading the U.S. government’s spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic.“I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation’s highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”<h2>HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</h2>Kennedy ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-trump-speech-arizona-a2638f89ddcb5de03edbe4574ca17d45">then endorsed Trump</a>. He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign.The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-vaccines-trump-rfkjr-7f8dcb25de76a5a70710d22bbc63f6fa">his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines</a>. For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism.<h2>VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY: Doug Collins</h2>Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate.Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command."We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.<h2>INTERIOR SECRETARY: Doug Burgum</h2>The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race.Burgum was a serious contender to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vice-president-rubio-vance-burgum-scott-8b6a3a22eecdfff668a5002ddfd3af18">be Trump’s vice presidential choice</a>&nbsp;this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs.Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day.In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation.“There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said.<h2>ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ADMINISTRATOR: Lee Zeldin</h2>Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LeeMZeldin/status/1856068555865026956">X</a>, “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.”“We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added.During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration’s promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referred to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign that his administration would “drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration.In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.”<h2>White House staff</h2><h2>CHIEF OF STAFF: Susie Wiles</h2>Wiles, 67,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-susie-wiles-32df8958bedde5f3f2d55fd071979692">was a senior adviser</a>&nbsp;to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager.She has a background in Florida politics, helping Ron DeSantis win his first race for Florida governor. Six years later, she was key to Trump’s defeat of him in the 2024 Republican primary.Wiles’ hire was Trump’s first major decision as president-elect and one that could be a defining test of his incoming administration considering her close relationship with him. Wiles is said to have earned Trump’s trust in part by guiding what was the most disciplined of Trump’s three presidential campaigns.Wiles was able to help keep Trump on track as few others have, not by criticizing his impulses, but by winning his respect by demonstrating his success after taking her advice.<h2>NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Mike Waltz</h2>Waltz is a three-term Republican congressman from east-central Florida.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">A former Army Green Beret</a>, he served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs.He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population.<h2>BORDER CZAR: Tom Homan</h2>Homan, 62,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-homan-ice-border-czar-7dea915b5ea43896390b8020d254f887">has been tasked</a>&nbsp;with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history.He served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and he was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border once Trump won the election. Homan said at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to “run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.”Democrats have criticized Homan for defending Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border.<h2>DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR POLICY: Stephen Miller</h2>Miller, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stephen-miller-policy-immigration-9cc6ad3118779b23bff88022ca5e2260">immigration hardliner</a>, was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump’s priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump’s first administration.Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump’s policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation’s economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally.Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security.<h2>DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF: Dan Scavino</h2>Scavino was an adviser to all three of the president-elect's campaigns, and the transition team referred to him as one of “Trump’s longest serving and most trusted aides." He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president.He previously ran Trump’s social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.<h2>DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF: James Blair</h2>Blair was political director for Trump’s 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president.Blair was key to Trump’s economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate’s “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago.<h2>DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF: Taylor Budowich</h2>Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump’s 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president.Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his first presidency.<h2>WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL: William McGinley</h2>McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign.In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.”<h2>Ambassadors and envoys</h2><h2>SPECIAL ENVOY TO THE MIDDLE EAST: Steven Witkoff</h2>The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination.Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud."Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee.<h2>AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL: Mike Huckabee</h2>Huckabee is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-huckabee-ambassador-israel-ace1894ce731c36622d5f09982a0a9b2">staunch defender of Israel</a>&nbsp;and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah.“He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.”Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland.Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.Huckabee has rejected a Palestinian homeland in territory occupied by Israel, calling for a so-called “one-state solution.”<h2>AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS: Elise Stefanik</h2>Stefanik is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-united-nations-elise-stefanik-ambassador-2b482fb39a8d6f03d389d27cc8820056">representative from New York</a>&nbsp;and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment.Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership.Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile.If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine that began in 2022.___

🎥Here are the people Trump has picked for key positions so far

FRANKLIN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Franklin County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Milda M.&nbsp; Caleb, 83, Ottawa, was eastbound on Kansas 68 four miles west of Ottawa.&nbsp; The driver began to turn northbound on Indiana Road and failed to yield.

A westbound 2021 Hyundai Accent driven by Thomas R.&nbsp;Harmon, 38, Pomona, Kansas, struck the Mercury.

Harmon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Frontier Forensics in Kansas City.&nbsp; EMS transported Caleb to KU Medical Center and a passenger Lester J&nbsp;Caleb, 53, Ottawa, to Advent Health. Harmon was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

FRANKLIN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Franklin County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Milda M.&nbsp; Caleb, 83, Ottawa, was eastbound on Kansas 68 four miles west of Ottawa.&nbsp; The driver began to turn northbound on Indiana Road and failed to yield.A westbound 2021 Hyundai Accent driven by Thomas R.&nbsp;Harmon, 38, Pomona, Kansas, struck the Mercury.Harmon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Frontier Forensics in Kansas City.&nbsp; EMS transported Caleb to KU Medical Center and a passenger Lester J&nbsp;Caleb, 53, Ottawa, to Advent Health. Harmon was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead, 2 injured after 2-car crash

ALLEN COUNTY —Law enforcement continue working with the owners of Lucille, a friendly British White bred heifer that was killed during the full moon (supermoon) cycle in October, to identify possible suspects. 

 The crime occurred approximately 6 miles southeast of La Harpe in Allen County and the death was not due to another animal or from natural causes.

The owners are offering a $5000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of those involved.  Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact us.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566324124966&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXvDzmV476uSxXTeKBXEPQv79i7ALFOAPeE9JvGIOC0o2HdDb30hmugymrL2gmhrHfn-Ahe3w18kQnFwionAraHtBjRLpCh20e17AlXRg8jMPGYR0YSA7i91MNtvJw77K53b6Jc3MN4-Nyn-OVgpgxnYXnjyCuoNw6M2myqqekgsEauCbjVSPd0DXJ_VbJowFM&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Allen County Kansas Crime Stoppers</a> has offered to take tips so that persons can remain anonymous if they so desire.

Anyone with any information regarding this case, whether they want to be eligible for a cash reward or not, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a mobile tip using the Crime Stoppers P3 app

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731336777204.png" alt="Photo Allen County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Allen County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ALLEN COUNTY —Law enforcement continue working with the owners of Lucille, a friendly British White bred heifer that was killed during the full moon (supermoon) cycle in October, to identify possible suspects. The crime occurred approximately 6 miles southeast of La Harpe in Allen County and the death was not due to another animal or from natural causes.The owners are offering a $5000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of those involved. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact us.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566324124966&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXvDzmV476uSxXTeKBXEPQv79i7ALFOAPeE9JvGIOC0o2HdDb30hmugymrL2gmhrHfn-Ahe3w18kQnFwionAraHtBjRLpCh20e17AlXRg8jMPGYR0YSA7i91MNtvJw77K53b6Jc3MN4-Nyn-OVgpgxnYXnjyCuoNw6M2myqqekgsEauCbjVSPd0DXJ_VbJowFM&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Allen County Kansas Crime Stoppers</a> has offered to take tips so that persons can remain anonymous if they so desire. Anyone with any information regarding this case, whether they want to be eligible for a cash reward or not, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a mobile tip using the Crime Stoppers P3 app

$5,000 Reward: Search continues for killer of friendly heifer in Kansas

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The Biden administration is determined in its final months to help ensure that Ukraine can keep fighting off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's full-scale invasion</a>&nbsp;next year, sending it as much aid as possible so that it might hold Russian forces at bay and possess a strong hand in any potential peace negotiations, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.

“President Biden has committed to making sure that every dollar we have at our disposal will be pushed out the door between now and Jan. 20,” when President-elect Donald Trump is due to be sworn in, Blinken said.

NATO countries must focus their efforts on “ensuring that Ukraine has the money, munitions and mobilized forces to fight effectively in 2025, or to be able to negotiate a peace from a position of strength,” Blinken said during a visit to Brussels.

The U.S. will “adapt and adjust” with the latest equipment it is sending, Blinken said, without providing details.

The almost three-year war has shown no signs of winding down.

Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv with a sophisticated combination of missiles and drones for the first time in 73 days on Wednesday. That came a day after the State Department said most of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-north-korea-war-735ab717dcf92a718adcb68bfbddc653">North Korean troops</a>&nbsp;sent to help&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Moscow's war effort</a>&nbsp;are fighting to drive Ukraine's army off Russian soil in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-kursk-incursion-ca6d18d06606794580bdc779d2c98134">the Kursk border region</a>.

Ukraine is also straining to hold back a monthslong&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kurakhove-donbas-drones-evacuation-offensive-afb121bfbb276f8bb3789960f7076331">Russian onslaught in the eastern Donetsk region</a>.

Political uncertainty over how a U.S. administration under Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-elon-musk-zelenskyy-starlink-f6ab0c5e1c5de1262ae2a1747247819c">will change Washington’s policy on the war</a>&nbsp;is a key new factor in the conflict. U.S. military aid is vital for Ukraine, but Trump has signaled that he doesn’t want to keep giving tens of billions of dollars to Kyiv.

Air raid warnings blared for hours as Russia targeted eight regions of Ukraine on Wednesday, firing six ballistic and cruise missiles and 90 drones, the Ukrainian air force said.

Air defenses downed four missiles and 37 drones, and another 47 drones were stopped by electronic jamming, the statement said. The damage was being assessed.

Meanwhile, most of the more than 10,000 North Korean troops sent by Pyongyang to help Moscow in the war are engaged in combat in Russia's Kursk border region, State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters Tuesday. A Ukrainian army incursion into Kursk three months ago has succeeded in holding a broad area of land and has embarrassed the Kremlin.

Russia’s military has trained the North Korean soldiers in artillery, drone skills and basic infantry operations, including trench clearing, Patel said. The cooperation faces challenges, including how to achieve military interoperability and overcoming the language barrier, he said.

Kyiv officials say that Russia has deployed around 50,000 troops to Kursk in a bid to dislodge the Ukrainians.

Russia has in recent months been assembling forces for a counteroffensive in Kursk, according to the Institute for the Study of War think tank, though the timescale of the operation isn't known.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717851301558.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The Biden administration is determined in its final months to help ensure that Ukraine can keep fighting off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's full-scale invasion</a>&nbsp;next year, sending it as much aid as possible so that it might hold Russian forces at bay and possess a strong hand in any potential peace negotiations, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.“President Biden has committed to making sure that every dollar we have at our disposal will be pushed out the door between now and Jan. 20,” when President-elect Donald Trump is due to be sworn in, Blinken said.NATO countries must focus their efforts on “ensuring that Ukraine has the money, munitions and mobilized forces to fight effectively in 2025, or to be able to negotiate a peace from a position of strength,” Blinken said during a visit to Brussels.The U.S. will “adapt and adjust” with the latest equipment it is sending, Blinken said, without providing details.The almost three-year war has shown no signs of winding down.Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv with a sophisticated combination of missiles and drones for the first time in 73 days on Wednesday. That came a day after the State Department said most of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-north-korea-war-735ab717dcf92a718adcb68bfbddc653">North Korean troops</a>&nbsp;sent to help&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Moscow's war effort</a>&nbsp;are fighting to drive Ukraine's army off Russian soil in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-kursk-incursion-ca6d18d06606794580bdc779d2c98134">the Kursk border region</a>.Ukraine is also straining to hold back a monthslong&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kurakhove-donbas-drones-evacuation-offensive-afb121bfbb276f8bb3789960f7076331">Russian onslaught in the eastern Donetsk region</a>.Political uncertainty over how a U.S. administration under Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-elon-musk-zelenskyy-starlink-f6ab0c5e1c5de1262ae2a1747247819c">will change Washington’s policy on the war</a>&nbsp;is a key new factor in the conflict. U.S. military aid is vital for Ukraine, but Trump has signaled that he doesn’t want to keep giving tens of billions of dollars to Kyiv.Air raid warnings blared for hours as Russia targeted eight regions of Ukraine on Wednesday, firing six ballistic and cruise missiles and 90 drones, the Ukrainian air force said.Air defenses downed four missiles and 37 drones, and another 47 drones were stopped by electronic jamming, the statement said. The damage was being assessed.Meanwhile, most of the more than 10,000 North Korean troops sent by Pyongyang to help Moscow in the war are engaged in combat in Russia's Kursk border region, State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters Tuesday. A Ukrainian army incursion into Kursk three months ago has succeeded in holding a broad area of land and has embarrassed the Kremlin.Russia’s military has trained the North Korean soldiers in artillery, drone skills and basic infantry operations, including trench clearing, Patel said. The cooperation faces challenges, including how to achieve military interoperability and overcoming the language barrier, he said.Kyiv officials say that Russia has deployed around 50,000 troops to Kursk in a bid to dislodge the Ukrainians.Russia has in recent months been assembling forces for a counteroffensive in Kursk, according to the Institute for the Study of War think tank, though the timescale of the operation isn't known.___

Biden rushing billions in aid to Ukraine as Trump win fuels uncertainty

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

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

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

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

Man dies after car fire at home in Kansas City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas City woman sent child porn to incarcerated husband

MCPHERSON, Kan. —A firefighter is recovering from injuries while fighting a fire on Thursday.

Shortly before 4 p.m., McPherson Fire Department was dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at a commercial building in the 1000 block of West Kansas Avenue in McPherson, according to a media release.

First responding crews found smoke coming from building. Fire crews made entry and found the engine compartment on a forklift on fire.

The sprinkler system in the building had activated and the fire was contained to the forklift. While searching for the fire within the building, two firefighters fell into a partially uncovered pit used for automotive repairs. 

One of the firefighters was assisted from the building and was transported by McPherson EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of a lower leg injury. The firefighter was treated and released but will need follow-up care for the injury.

After extinguishing the fire, the smoke was cleared from the building. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to assist with the fire investigation.

MCPHERSON, Kan. —A firefighter is recovering from injuries while fighting a fire on Thursday.Shortly before 4 p.m., McPherson Fire Department was dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at a commercial building in the 1000 block of West Kansas Avenue in McPherson, according to a media release.First responding crews found smoke coming from building. Fire crews made entry and found the engine compartment on a forklift on fire.The sprinkler system in the building had activated and the fire was contained to the forklift. While searching for the fire within the building, two firefighters fell into a partially uncovered pit used for automotive repairs. One of the firefighters was assisted from the building and was transported by McPherson EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of a lower leg injury. The firefighter was treated and released but will need follow-up care for the injury.After extinguishing the fire, the smoke was cleared from the building. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to assist with the fire investigation.

Kansas firefighter hospitalized after fall into uncovered pit

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

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

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

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

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

Police make arrest in fatal weekend shooting at Kansas home

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating the death of a woman at a home in Clearwater.

Just before 10:30a.m. Thursday,&nbsp;the Clearwater Police Department and Sedgwick County EMS responded to a call reporting a possible death inside a residence in the 300 block of S. Tracy in Clearwater, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt.

First responders found 45-year-old Melina Hinkle of Clearwater deceased within the home. Another individual, acquainted with Ms. Hinkle, was present in the residence at the time and placed the 911 call for assistance.

The Clearwater Police Department has requested that the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division assume control of the case. The Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office is currently working to determine the cause and manner of death, with an autopsy scheduled for Friday, according to Stitt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731621446580.jpeg" alt="First responders at the scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating the death of a woman at a home in Clearwater.Just before 10:30a.m. Thursday,&nbsp;the Clearwater Police Department and Sedgwick County EMS responded to a call reporting a possible death inside a residence in the 300 block of S. Tracy in Clearwater, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt.First responders found 45-year-old Melina Hinkle of Clearwater deceased within the home. Another individual, acquainted with Ms. Hinkle, was present in the residence at the time and placed the 911 call for assistance.The Clearwater Police Department has requested that the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division assume control of the case. The Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office is currently working to determine the cause and manner of death, with an autopsy scheduled for Friday, according to Stitt.

Sheriff investigating death of 45-year-old Kansas woman

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

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

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

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

Police ID victim, charge suspect in deadly Kansas shooting

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;says he will nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, putting him in charge of a massive agency that oversees everything from drug, vaccine and food safety to medical research and the social safety net programs Medicare and Medicaid.

“For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social site announcing the appointment. Kennedy, he said, would “Make America Great and Healthy Again!”

Kennedy, a former Democrat who ran as an independent in this year’s presidential race, abandoned his bid after striking a deal to give Trump his endorsement with a promise to have a role in health policy in the administration.

He and Trump have since become good friends, with Kennedy frequently receiving loud applause at Trump's rallies.

The expected appointment was first reported by Politico Thursday.

A longtime vaccine skeptic, Kennedy is an attorney who has built a loyal following over several decades of people who admire his lawsuits against major pesticide and pharmaceutical companies. He has pushed for tighter regulations around the ingredients in foods.

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;says he will nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, putting him in charge of a massive agency that oversees everything from drug, vaccine and food safety to medical research and the social safety net programs Medicare and Medicaid.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it…&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1857170020427595797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social site announcing the appointment. Kennedy, he said, would “Make America Great and Healthy Again!”Kennedy, a former Democrat who ran as an independent in this year’s presidential race, abandoned his bid after striking a deal to give Trump his endorsement with a promise to have a role in health policy in the administration.He and Trump have since become good friends, with Kennedy frequently receiving loud applause at Trump's rallies.The expected appointment was first reported by Politico Thursday.A longtime vaccine skeptic, Kennedy is an attorney who has built a loyal following over several decades of people who admire his lawsuits against major pesticide and pharmaceutical companies. He has pushed for tighter regulations around the ingredients in foods.With the Trump campaign, he worked to shore up support among young mothers in particular, with his message of making food healthier in the U.S., promising to model regulations imposed in Europe. In a nod to Trump’s original campaign slogan, he named the effort “Make America Healthy Again.”It remains unclear how that will square with Trump’s history of deregulation of big industries, including food. Trump pushed for fewer inspections of the meat industry, for example.Kennedy’s stance on vaccines has also made him a controversial figure among Democrats and some Republicans, raising question about his ability to get confirmed, even in a GOP-controlled Senate. Kennedy has espoused misinformation around the safety of vaccines, including pushing a totally discredited theory that childhood vaccines cause autism.He also has said he would recommend removing fluoride from drinking water. The addition of the material has been cited as leading to improved dental health.HHS has more than 80,000 employees across the country. It houses the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Medicare and Medicaid programs and the National Institutes of Health.Kennedy’s anti-vaccine nonprofit group, Children’s Health Defense, currently has a lawsuit pending against a number of news organizations, among them The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by taking action to identify misinformation, including about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Kennedy took leave from the group when he announced his run for president but is listed as one of its attorneys in the lawsuit.__ Seitz reported from Washington.---------WASHINGTON (AP) —President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr to serve as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, according to two people familiar with the discussions who spoke on condition of anonymity.HHS is a massive Cabinet agency that oversees everything from drug, vaccine and food safety to medical research and the social safety net programs Medicare and Medicaid.Kennedy, a former Democrat who ran as an independent in this year’s presidential race, abandoned his bid after striking a deal to give Trump his endorsement with a promise to have a role in health policy in the administration.He and Trump have since become good friends, with Kennedy frequently receiving loud applause at Trump’s rallies.