A Wichita woman has plead guilty for falsely accusing her ex-wife and NASA astronaut, for illegally accessing her bank account from the International Space Station (ISS).

Summer Worder (50) from Wichita, plead guilty on Thursday, November 13 after lying to the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/">Federal Trade Commission</a>&nbsp;(FTC) and <a href="https://oig.nasa.gov/">NASA Office of Inspector General</a>&nbsp;(NASA OIG), that her ex-wife, Anne McCain illegallt gained access to the account from space.

According to the <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/far-out-woman-guilty-false-reports-illegal-bank-account-access-international-space">US Attorney's Office&nbsp;from Texas</a>, Worden actually allowed McCain access to the account back in 2018, as it was shared. Worden then changed the credentials in January, 2019.

Afterwards, Worden then contacted the FTC where she accused McCain. She stated McCain 'changed the password' on the account to deny herself access to financial information.&nbsp;

Moreover, she contacted the NASA OIG that McCain 'illegally accessed' the account from the ISS.

The investigation revealed Worden had granted McCain access to her bank records from at least 2015, including her login credentials.&nbsp;

<a href="https://oig.nasa.gov/office-of-inspector-general-oig/pr-2020-f/">According to NASA OIG in 2020</a>,&nbsp;a Houston federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Worden for making false statements to the federal agencies.

The <a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/crime/article/nasa-astronaut-s-ex-wife-admits-lied-space-21182486.php">Houston Chronicle</a>&nbsp;stated Worden had a superseding indictment in 2022, where she faced 5 counts of wire fraud and 3 counts of unlawful transactions. Additionally, she bilked 8 other people and McCain of more than $200,000 in a land purchase back in 2017.

US District Judge of Texas, Alfred Bennett accepted the plea on November 13. 

He will impose a sentencing on February 12, 2026.&nbsp;

Worden could face five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.&nbsp;

She was permitted to remain on bond pending, until the time of the hearing date.

Kansas woman plead guilty for falsely accusing ex-wife & NASA astronaut of illegally accessing bank account from space

Kansas holiday gift boxes are now available to order for the 2025 holiday season from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fromthelandofkansas.com/">From the Land of Kansas</a>&nbsp;state trademark program at the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

The Kansas holiday gift boxes contain an assortment of products grown, raised or produced in Kansas, making gift-giving easy. Filled with a variety of Kansas-made products, you can have a box shipped directly to your recipient with a handwritten note.

- Mild and Sassy Dry Rub (from Spice It Up in Bonner Springs).

- Steak Cover Seasoning (from Yucca Flats Cattle Co. in Burdett).

- Medium Garden Salsa (from Holmes Made Salsa in Wichita).

- Pork Snack Stick in Maple Bacon Flavor (from The Gingham Pig in Neodesha).

- Winter Jam (from King Bee in Kansas City).

- Beer Bread Mix (from Bruce’s Bullseye Farms in Leon)

- Travis’s Steak Rub (from Smokehouse Seven in Solomon)

- Freeze-Dried Basil Salt (from Mammoth Mouth in LaCygne)

- Red Wine Chocolate Sauce (from Cocoavino in Kansas City)

- Caramel Popcorn (from Schlaegel’s Popcorn in Whiting)

- Kenzee’s Everything Sauce (from MKC Kitchen LLC in Bazine).

“These holiday gift boxes are a great gift for anyone who loves Kansas. It’s a way to give back to Kansas ag businesses while making gift-giving simple and personalized,” said Robin Dolby,&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;marketing coordinator. “We also appreciate our partnership with the Big Lakes Developmental Center in Manhattan whose clients pack each box with so much care.”

The mission of Big Lakes Developmental Center is to deliver quality services that promote choice, independence, and inclusion for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Gift boxes can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fshop.fromthelandofkansas.com%2Ffrom-the-land-of-kansas-gift-box%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019a79821ed5-831f7f4c-3067-4c12-b508-dde0caf0721f-000000/j6PcZRvwveNR3_cwKyKf4MUup28ZdPRUxR-N6SRO7vA=431">shop.FromtheLandofKansas.com/from-the-land-of-kansas-gift-box</a>&nbsp;and can be shipped anywhere in the United States. For orders larger than 10, call 785-564-6759 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:FromtheLandofKansas@ks.gov">FromtheLandofKansas@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;to ensure holiday delivery. December 4 is the last day to order for guaranteed delivery before Christmas.

The&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;trademark program at KDA is designed to promote and celebrate agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. For more information about the holiday gift boxes or about the trademark program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.fromthelandofkansas.com%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019a79821ed5-831f7f4c-3067-4c12-b508-dde0caf0721f-000000/Lno7lWZJORRDoHKspe4FS_4Z4TJaEyQw1Kk_iM1PuH4=431">FromtheLandofKansas.com</a>&nbsp;or contact the&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;marketing team at 785-564-6759.

Support local ag businesses by purchasing Kansas Holiday Gift Boxes

SALINE COUNTY - The&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory&nbsp;for the Sundowner West Mobile Home Park public water supply system located in Saline County.

According to the KDHE the advisory took effect on Sunday and will remain in effect, until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.

The advisory took place due to a waterline break, which resulted in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. 

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only the KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-479-6864, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.edgepilot.com/s/e233b978/M1XBfBinxEGYqwGJhATFow?u=https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%252F%252Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%252F468%252FDisruption-in-Water-Service%253Futm_medium=email%2526utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019a8dba0b4b-ec1b67c3-6ccd-4aae-af10-e2527d888d2d-000000/MF42DElqLIK7G1bWSCzLQ1XcDv8nVKenQYScE-Y8fEk=431">https://link.edgepilot.com/s/890e3ed2/EuG1GsMmrEGkvjr4gxDfuA?u=https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil water advisory issued at Sundowner West Mobile Home Park

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 17

The Salina Police Department (SPD) would like to remind everyone of safe holiday travel for this upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest traveling holidays, with that comes an increase in crashes. SPD wants to remind everyone to always buckle up.

SPD joins law enforcement across the state to provide education about the importance of seat belts. Drivers can expect to see increased law enforcement presence on local roads during the statewide Thanksgiving Safe Arrival campaign, which runs from Nov. 22-29.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. 

Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure in your vehicle.

- The shoulder belt should lay flat across the middle of the chest and away from the neck.

- The lap belt should fit across the hip, not stomach.

- Never put the seat belt behind the back or under the arm.

- Children should be properly restrained in car seats according to weight, age and height.

Salina Police Department giving friendly reminder to Buckle up during holiday travel

LINCOLN COUNTY - Visitors will be able to tour five homes during the Lincoln County Holiday Homes Tour on Sunday, December 7 from 1 – 5 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

These tours will be part of a fundraiser for the Lincoln County Tourism Coalition.

Properties on the tour will include the following from&nbsp;in Lincoln Center, Kansas.

- Ricardo and Mechele Castillo home at 603 N 4th&nbsp;Street

- Mike and Becky Cheney home at 205 N 2nd&nbsp;Street (formerly the Presbyterian Church)

- Eddie and Julie Flores home at 2137 E Hwy 18

- Cindy Entriken’s small, newly rehabbed Victorian cottage at 604 N 3rd

 Also available to tour will be the Rodney and Bev McCosh home at 2771 E Kiowa Drive, just outside Beverly, KS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tickets may be purchased in advance at the discount price of $18 at the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce or the Post Rock Scout Museum through December 5th.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tickets will be available for sale for $20 and refreshments served at the historic Marshall-Yohe House at 316 S 2nd on December 7th starting at 1 pm.

People will be able to vote on for their favorite room decorated by Lincoln County businesses.

- The Castillo home was built in 1952 by the Postmaster of Lincoln. The home has been restored to all its midcentury glory. The cabinets in the kitchen were stripped and repainted and adorned with atomic hardware. Mid-century inspired lighting throughout, bath gutted and restored with flair. Kitchen floor is marmoleum and the kitchen counters were hand made with pink boomerang laminate with metal edge.

- The Cheney home was originally built in 1913 as the Presbyterian Church. Infrastructure was destroyed by fire in 1928, and rebuilt and reopened in 1934. There has been extensive interior remodeling.

- The Flores home is the big green house east of town on Hwy 18. Their story of “winning” the home and moving it and remodeling it was featured on HBOMax and Discovery+ and also in Northwest Kansas Today, Winter 2023 issue. It was built in 1905, a Dutch Colonial home, by one of the first mayors of Lincoln on north second street. The whole house was gutted and put back together. All woodwork and hardwood floors are original. They will have photo albums displayed of their remodel journey.

- The Entriken home was stripped down to the studs inside and completely remodeled inside and out, new everything except for original framing and foundation. The traditional Christmas decorations include WWI embroidered Christmas cards.

- The Rodney and Beverly McCosh home was built in 1901 by Oscar and Bessie Anderson. It was originally built in limestone and added on a mountain side style. In 2022 they added on a kitchen, living room and basement. They will have 15 decorated trees with many collections including Precious Moments, Jim Shore, Snowpinions, Bearfoot Bears and Hallmark and teddybears.

For more information, call the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce at 785-524-4943 or Kathie Crispin at 785-531-1550.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Visit five historic Lincoln County homes for fundraiser this coming December

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

Recent obituaries and service times

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 17 - November 19

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Abuse order

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd; Unl interference w emerg medical serv; Obstruct

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 16

Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation

DICKINSON COUNTY - Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) is launching The Morning Drive, a county-wide, drop-in networking event held on the first Tuesday of every month from 8:00–9:00 a.m.

The series is designed to spark community connection over coffee—bringing together business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and anyone curious about what’s happening across Dickinson County.

DKEDC will bring the coffee and “yummy” breakfast pastries to a different host business each month, creating a casual space to share updates, swap ideas, and build relationships that move the county forward.

“The Morning Drive is simple on purpose—show up, grab a cup, make a connection,” said Natalie Muruato, CEO of DKEDC. “When people talk, collaborate, and encourage one another, good things follow for our businesses and our communities.”

· Tuesday, December 2, 2025 — Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad 200 SE 5th St, Abilene | 8:00–9:00 a.m.

· Tuesday, January 6, 2026 — Almost Home Realty 109 S Buckeye, Abilene | 8:00–9:00 a.m.

· Tuesday, February 3, 2026 — TCT Telecommunications 120 NE 14th Street, Abilene | 8:00–9:00 a.m.

Business owners and managers, non-profit leaders, entrepreneurs, remote workers, community champions, and anyone interested in learning more about local opportunities. No RSVP required—bring a colleague and a stack of business cards.

DKEDC is scheduling locations across Dickisnon County. Businesses interested in hosting can contact DKEDC to be added to the rotating lineup.

About Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) 

DKEDC connects people, ideas, and resources to Drive Dickinson County Forward—supporting business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, workforce solutions, and community vitality through county-wide collab

Dickinson Co. organization launching networking events for business owners, entrepreneurs and community leaders 

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Klinkerman, Shealynn Jane

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Abuse order; Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

NAME:&nbsp;Lawson,Eric Christopher

NAME:&nbsp;Marfise, Morgan Elizabeth

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator

Saline County jail bookings, November 15

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 14 - November 17

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 12 - November 14

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 10 - November 12

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 7 - November 10

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 5 - November 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 3 - November 5

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 31 - November 2

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 29 - October 31

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 27 - October 29

BUTLER COUNTY —A Kansas woman died and two children were injured in an accident that occurred Sunday evening in Butler County.

Just after 1a.m. on Monday, Butler County 911 received a report of a single vehicle, roll over crash close to the intersection of NW 30th and NW Tawakoni Road rural Benton, Kansas, according to Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff.

All occupants of the Chevrolet Impala were reported to have been ejected. The driver, 27-year-old Harley R. Wright of Wichita, was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported two children, ages 5 and 6, to a Wichita area hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Wright is reported to have left a family gathering around 7:30 pm to take the children to El Dorado but never arrived. Family members contacted the El Dorado police Department for a welfare check if they located her.&nbsp; Just after 1a.m. Monday, family members located the crash on NW 30th around NW Tawakoni Road. Wright and the children were located outside the vehicle, which appeared to have rolled several times.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office with assistance of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Fatal crash: Kan. woman, 2 children ejected in rollover crash

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Democratic leader favors candidate she labels ‘true middle-of-the-road’ politician

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly formally endorsed state Sen. Ethan Corson’s campaign for governor on Monday, favoring a “true middle-of-the-road” politician she believed capable of drawing enough votes from Kansas Republicans, Democrats and independents to prevail in 2026.

Kelly, a popular governor forbidden from seeking reelection to a third term, said the Democrat from Fairway was the candidate most capable of being a voice of reason in terms of the state budget, protecting K-12 public school funding, lowering taxes and delivering economic growth. These themes, and a relentless critique of former Gov. Sam Brownback, anchored Kelly’s gubernatorial victory over Republican nominee Kris Kobach in 2018 and narrow defeat of GOP candidate Derek Schmidt in 2022.

“Kansas is in good shape right now. And that is why I am enthusiastically endorsing Ethan&nbsp;Corson,” Kelly said in a statement. “Ethan will build on my work, but he will also bring visionary and bold new ideas to the job. His allegiance will be to Kansans, not party or politics. Ethan is a good man. He wants to be governor for the right reasons. He is a true public servant.”

Kelly’s endorsement of Corson wasn’t a surprise, given her statement in July that he would be a “very strong candidate” and pointing to Corson as “someone laser focused on the issues Kansans really care about.”

“Ethan is a true middle-of-the-road candidate who will attract that same broad base of support that is necessary to win but also to then govern effectively. He is the most qualified and most suited to be our next governor,” Kelly said.

In the Kansas Democratic Party’s primary set for August, Corson’s main rival would appear to be Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park. Democrat Marty Tuley of Lawrence also declared his candidacy.

Corson, an attorney and former director of the Kansas Democratic Party, was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2020 and reelected in 2024 to serve a northeast Johnson County district. In the Senate, Corson said, he joined bipartisan efforts to cut property and income taxes, eliminate a state sales tax on groceries and end the state tax on Social Security benefits. He also sought to target tax relief for the benefit of seniors, veterans and working Kansans.

“I’m honored to have Gov. Kelly’s endorsement and grateful for her confidence in my ability to keep Kansas moving forward,” Corson said.

Corson entered the race for governor in July. He reported Nov. 5 the campaign raised $500,000 from nearly 2,000 donors in the initial 100 days of the campaign. During an 8,000-mile, crisscross journey of Kansas, Corson emphasized lowering the cost of living for working-class families, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening investment in public schools. He said his goal was to bring “both parties to the table to deliver results for all Kansans.”

“Our campaign is about creating a Kansas where the next generation can build a life right here,”&nbsp;he said. “That means lower costs for families, the best public schools in America, safer communities and a growing economy in all 105 counties.”

Corson, 43, earned a law degree at Washington University in St. Louis and worked seven years for a firm in Washington, D.C. He was employed by the U.S. Department of Commerce before returning to Kansas in 2019 to be executive director of the state Democratic Party.

Kansas candidates for governor must maneuver through an electorate that delivered double-digit victories in 2016, 2020 and 2024 for President Donald Trump.

In addition, no political party in Kansas has retained the governorship for more than eight consecutive years since the 1950s.

Candidates for the Republican Party’s nomination for governor include former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Senate President Ty Masterson, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, businessman Philip Sarnecki, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara and former Wichita school board member Joy Eakins.

Gov. Kelly offers formal endorsement of Democratic Sen. Ethan Corson for governor

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man is going to prison for a fatal crash that killed a passenger in his vehicle.

This week, Charles Smith, Jr., 31, was&nbsp;&nbsp;sentenced to to 128 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In September, Smith pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and aggravated battery. He was&nbsp;originally charged with driving under the influence.&nbsp;

Just after 2:30a.m. December 14, 2024, police were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash in the 1700 block of S. Mosley in Wichita, according to a media release.

First responders located a white 4-door sedan that had collided with multiple trees.&nbsp; Lanashia Clay, 22, from Wichita was seated in the front passenger seat and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A 25-year-old woman from Wichita was the rear seat passenger. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries.

The 30-year-old driver later identified as Smith was also transported to a local hospital for treatment. After being medically cleared, he was taken into custody on requested charges of&nbsp;Involuntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Battery-DUI, and Driving after suspended.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. man going to prison for crash that killed passenger

MITCHELL COUNTY —Investigators determined the cause of a home explosion in Mitchell County on Wednesday was an accidental gas leak inside the home, according to Mitchell County Sheriff Anthony Perez. An issue with a furnace may have contributed to the accident, according to the State Fire Marshal's office.

Just before 6:30pm, the Mitchell County Communication Center received calls of a house explosion had occurred at the corner of Elkhorn Street and Wisconsin Street in Simpson, Kansas.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and located two adult victims with severe injuries. Both victims were transported to the Mitchell County Health Hospital Systems ER initially. The victims were then flown to a Wichita hospital burn unit. Authorities have not released an update on the two who were injured.

Faulty furnace may have caused Kansas home explosion 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted to sex crimes involving a runaway teen learned his fate on Friday.

Judge Quentin Pittman sentenced 22-year-old Samuel Loredo to 174 months in prison with Lifetime Post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In October, Loredo pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sodomy and one count each of indecent liberties with a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and aggravated interference with parental custody, according to the District Attorney's office.

Just after noon November 18, 2024 law enforcement in Murray, Kentucky informed the Wichita Police Department that a 14-year-old runaway may be in Wichita based on their investigation, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

Wichita police responded to the area of 2300 N Woodlawn in Wichita where it was believed that the child may have been. Patrol and Investigations began working together to find additional information to locate the juvenile and determine the circumstances around their presence in Wichita.

Throughout the afternoon and the evening detectives with the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit worked to conduct additional interviews. Through those interviews, detectives determined that Loredo was communicating with the 14-year-old and arranged for the juvenile to travel to Wichita.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested&nbsp; Loredo, and booked him into Sedgwick County Jail.

Officers with the Wichita Police Department NET team located the juvenile wandering the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Years in prison for Kan. man in sex assault of runaway 14-year-old

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 8:30a.m. Sunday, Kansas City Police responded to report of an armed robbery at a gas station in the 8200 Block of North Church Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The suspect allegedly threatened a store clerk with a handgun. the suspect fled before officers arrived. Through an on scene investigation, a suspect description and suspect vehicle description were obtained. This information led officers to the 1200 Block of Northeast Parvin Road.

Just after 10a.m. Sunday, one officer arrived at that location and saw the suspect vehicle and the suspect involved in the armed robbery. The officer confronted the suspect outside of an apartment building. The suspect presented a handgun. The officer fired shots and struck the suspect.&nbsp;

EMS transported the suspect to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The officer was not injured. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. The investigation will forward the details to the the Clay County Prosecuting attorney's office.

Officer shot Kansas City armed robbery suspect 

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (AP) — President Donald Trump said Sunday that the U.S. “may be having some discussions” with Venezuelan President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a>, a potential diplomatic avenue as the U.S. further builds up its military presence near the South American country with the arrival of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-ford-aircraft-carrier-drugs-military-trump-a86ddc6f5f51e12c87cbd9c55978c911">most advanced aircraft carrier</a>.

Trump didn't offer details about the possible discussions with Maduro, but he said “Venezuela would like to talk."

The development comes as the Trump administration has carried out a series of military strikes against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">vessels suspected of transporting drugs</a>. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-hegseth-drugs-boat-strikes-6c3316b2852723e26c39dc701bba9d52">arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford</a>&nbsp;and other warships, announced by the Navy in a statement, marks a major moment in what the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-boat-strikes-drugs-cocaine-trafficking-95b54a3a5efec74f12f82396a79617ea">insists is a counterdrug operation</a>&nbsp;but has been seen as an escalating pressure tactic against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Maduro</a>.

When asked Sunday what he meant when he said Maduro wants to talk, Trump simply said: “What does it mean? You tell me, I don’t know.”

“I’ll talk to anybody," he added a few moments later. "We’ll see what happens.”

Venezuela’s government didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.

The Ford rounds off the largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c">buildup of U.S. firepower</a>&nbsp;in the region in generations. With its arrival, the “Operation Southern Spear" mission includes nearly a dozen Navy ships and about 12,000 sailors and Marines.

The carrier’s arrival came as the military announced its latest deadly strike on a small boat it claims was engaged in ferrying illegal drugs. The military’s Southern Command posted a video on X on Sunday showing the boat being blown up, an attack it said took place Saturday in international waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean and killed three men. The military did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

Since early September, such strikes by the U.S. in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strike-drugs-venezuela-military-trump-3a13baec2e07a75af9cd9eafb3cc99e7">killed at least 83 people in 21 attacks</a>.

The carrier strike group, which includes squadrons of fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers, transited the Anegada Passage near the British Virgin Islands on Sunday morning, the Navy said.

Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, who commands the strike group, said it will bolster an already large force of American warships to "protect our nation’s security and prosperity against narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.”

Adm. Alvin Holsey, the commander who oversees the Caribbean and Latin America, said in a statement that the American forces “stand ready to combat the transnational threats that seek to destabilize our region.”

Holsey,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alvin-holsey-southern-command-boat-strikes-venezuela-7cf34c822b56945129baf7f0d2635f95">who will retire next month</a>&nbsp;after just a year on the job, said the strike group's deployment is "a critical step in reinforcing our resolve to protect the security of the Western Hemisphere and the safety of the American Homeland.”

In Trinidad and Tobago, which is only 7 miles from Venezuela at its closest point, government officials said troops have begun “training exercises” with the U.S. military that will run through much of the week.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sean Sobers described the joint exercises as the second in less than a month and said they are aimed at tackling violent crime on the island nation, which has become a stopover point for drug shipments headed to Europe and North America. The prime minister has been a vocal supporter of the U.S. military strikes.

The exercises will include Marines from the 22nd Expeditionary Unit who have been stationed aboard the Navy ships that have been looming off Venezuela's coast for months.

Venezuela’s government has described the training exercises as an act of aggression. It had no immediate comment Sunday on the arrival of the aircraft carrier.

Meanwhile, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said Sunday that U.S. troops have been training in Panama, underscoring the administration’s increasing focus on Latin America.

“We’re reactivating our jungle school in Panama. We would be ready to act on whatever” Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth needed, he told CBS’ “Face the Nation."

The administration has insisted that the buildup of American forces in the region is focused on stopping the flow of drugs into the U.S., but it has released no evidence to support its assertions that those killed in the boats were “narcoterrorists.” Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carriers-trump-venezuela-middle-east-a458b9c4f1a5690e19d7c532dd6b7fd7">indicated military action would expand beyond strikes by sea</a>, saying the U.S. would "stop the drugs coming in by land.”

On Friday, Trump was asked by reporters if he had made up his mind on what he intended to do about Venezuela. He did not offer details but said, “I sort of have made up my mind."

The U.S. has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carriers-trump-venezuela-middle-east-a458b9c4f1a5690e19d7c532dd6b7fd7">long used aircraft carriers</a>&nbsp;to pressure and deter aggression by other nations because their warplanes can strike targets deep inside another country. Some experts say the Ford is ill-suited to fighting cartels, but it could be an effective&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-ford-aircraft-carrier-drugs-military-trump-a86ddc6f5f51e12c87cbd9c55978c911">instrument of intimidation</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Maduro</a>&nbsp;in a push to get him to step down.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the United States does not recognize Maduro, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-election-tally-sheets-actas-oas-carter-center-41d1000926d0ab99e522e53bf6c2b916">widely accused of stealing last year’s election</a>, as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. Rubio has called Venezuela's government a “transshipment organization” that openly cooperates with those trafficking drugs.

Rubio said in a statement released Sunday evening that the State Department intends to designate Cartel de los Soles, or Cartel of the Suns, a foreign terrorist organization. Rubio said the cartel is headed by Maduro and other high-ranking members of his government and is among those “responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe.” When the designation takes effect on Nov. 24, it will be a crime to provide “material support” to the cartel or its members.

Maduro, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S., has said the U.S. government is “fabricating” a war against him. On his Facebook page, Maduro wrote on Sunday that the “Venezuelan people are ready to defend their homeland against any criminal aggression.”

Venezuela’s government recently touted a “massive” mobilization of troops and civilians to defend against possible U.S. attacks. Maduro and other officials in Venezuela’s socialist party also have been attending rallies this weekend to back the creation of neighborhood committees that will be in charge of increasing membership in Venezuela’s socialist party, and promoting the party’s policies.

Trump has justified the attacks on drug boats by saying the U.S. is in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>&nbsp;while claiming the boats are operated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-foreign-terrorist-organizations-eb35567b69fc66f13f7f79fb90906a50">foreign terrorist organizations</a>.

He has faced pushback from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colombia-trump-drug-strikes-intelligence-2424e84a97f3a584a491143627dfdaa7">leaders in the region</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-us-military-strikes-south-america-ed0ce092af5ad2c64b34ed51f8ab59cc">U.N. human rights chief</a>&nbsp;and U.S. lawmakers, including Republicans, who have pressed for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-boat-strikes-trump-cartels-democrats-briefing-40cd5b30897ba97de824af7b76f22b46">more information on who is being targeted</a>&nbsp;and the legal justification for the boat strikes.

Senate Republicans, however, recently voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-strikes-congress-6c0061bf5a9c417e66f76fcc6ee57405">reject legislation that would have put a check</a>&nbsp;on Trump’s ability to launch an attack against Venezuela without congressional authorization.

Experts disagree on whether or not American warplanes may be used to strike land targets inside Venezuela. Either way, the 100,000-ton warship is sending a message.

“This is the anchor of what it means to have U.S. military power once again in Latin America,” said Elizabeth Dickinson, the International Crisis Group’s senior analyst for the Andes region. “And it has raised a lot of anxieties in Venezuela but also throughout the region. I think everyone is watching this with sort of bated breath to see just how willing the U.S. is to really use military force.”

Finley reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Anselm Gibbs in Port of Spain, Trinidad,, Gabriela Molina in Caracas, Venezuela, and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.

US show of force: Venezuelan President may want to talk with Trump

NEMAHA COUNTY —The Nemaha County Sheriff on Sunday released the name of a Kansas teen who died in an accident over the weekend in Nemaha County.

Just after 7a.m. Sunday Nemaha County Communications received a call to respond to the scene of a one vehicle crash, according to a media release.

A 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by Kenton L. Farwell, 17, Sabetha was westbound on 192nd Road just east of V Road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck a culvert and overturned into a ditch.  The exact time of the crash has not been determined.&nbsp;

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