KANSAS CITY —Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky, 60, of Lawrence, Kansas, the owner and president of KanRus Trading Company Inc., pleaded guilty Tuesday for his role in a years-long conspiracy to circumvent U.S. export laws by filing false export forms with the U.S. government and, after Russian’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, continuing to sell and export sophisticated and controlled avionics equipment to customers in Russia without the required licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Buyanovsky admitted to a long-running scheme to smuggle sophisticated U.S. avionics equipment to Russia, doubling down to hide his actions after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to cut off Moscow from means to fuel its military and hold those enabling it accountable in a court of law.”

“The rejection of tyranny and&nbsp;the&nbsp;protection of democracy are among the foundational principles of the United States of America. Our country continues to hold steadfastly to these ideals,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. government imposed export controls and sanctions to prevent the weaponization of U.S. manufactured technology against Ukraine in a conflict intended to usurp its right to sovereignty within its borders. As long as there are people who value greed and profit over freedom and justice, the U.S. Department of Justice will remain vigilant and investigate and prosecute these crimes.”

“Buyanovsky’s guilty plea serves as a reminder to those who defy U.S. law to support Russia’s aggression – know you will be held accountable for your actions,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “The FBI, along with our partners, works diligently to identify and prevent illegal transfers of sophisticated equipment to hostile nations and will pursue those who support such smuggling operations.”

“The diversion of controlled U.S.-origin goods and falsification of end user information for use by Russian end users will be vigorously investigated,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tambrini of Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement Chicago Field Office. “Individuals will be pursued and prosecuted wherever they are located.”

According to court documents, as part of his guilty plea, Buyanovsky admitted that between 2020 and when he was arrested in March, he conspired with others – including co-defendant and former KanRus vice president Douglas Edward Robertson, 56, of Olathe, Kansas – to smuggle U.S.-origin avionics equipment to end users in Russia, as well as Russian end users in other foreign countries, by, among other actions, knowingly filing false export forms and failing to file required export forms with the U.S. government. In these forms, Buyanovsky and his conspirators lied about the exports’ value, end users and end destinations.

Buyanovsky further admitted that on at least one occasion in 2021, he and Robertson smuggled a repaired Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) to the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) by removing the FSB sticker from the device before sending the device to a U.S. company to be repaired and then reattaching the sticker before shipping the TCAS back to the FSB in Russia.&nbsp;

Buyanovsky further admitted that after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and the U.S. government tightened export controls concerning Russia, he, co-defendant Robertson and other conspirators continued to purchase and export U.S.-origin avionics equipment to customers in Russia and took numerous steps to hide their illegal activity from law enforcement, including by lying to U.S. suppliers about the intended end users; shipping goods through intermediary companies in Armenia, the United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus; continuing to file false export forms with the U.S. government; and using foreign bank accounts in countries other than Russia, such as Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates, to funnel money from the Russian customers to KanRus in the United States.&nbsp;

In addition to pleading guilty, Buyanovsky consented to the forfeiture of over $450,000 worth of avionics equipment and accessories and a $50,000 personal forfeiture judgment. According to court documents, among the equipment that Buyanovsky forfeited was a pallet of avionics devices that was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection the day before Buyanovsky and Robertson were arrested.

On Dec. 7, as part of the U.S. government’s interagency efforts to dismantle Russian procurement networks designed to circumvent U.S. export controls and sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Department of Commerce added many of the entities and individuals involved in Buyanovsky’s illegal export scheme to the Commerce Department’s Entity List, which imposes specific license requirements on all listed individuals and entities.

As a result of today’s guilty plea, Buyanovsky faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison – five years for the conspiracy count and 20 years for the money laundering count. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 21, 2024.

KANSAS CITY —Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky, 60, of Lawrence, Kansas, the owner and president of KanRus Trading Company Inc., pleaded guilty Tuesday for his role in a years-long conspiracy to circumvent U.S. export laws by filing false export forms with the U.S. government and, after Russian’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, continuing to sell and export sophisticated and controlled avionics equipment to customers in Russia without the required licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.“Buyanovsky admitted to a long-running scheme to smuggle sophisticated U.S. avionics equipment to Russia, doubling down to hide his actions after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to cut off Moscow from means to fuel its military and hold those enabling it accountable in a court of law.”“The rejection of tyranny and&nbsp;the&nbsp;protection of democracy are among the foundational principles of the United States of America. Our country continues to hold steadfastly to these ideals,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. government imposed export controls and sanctions to prevent the weaponization of U.S. manufactured technology against Ukraine in a conflict intended to usurp its right to sovereignty within its borders. As long as there are people who value greed and profit over freedom and justice, the U.S. Department of Justice will remain vigilant and investigate and prosecute these crimes.”“Buyanovsky’s guilty plea serves as a reminder to those who defy U.S. law to support Russia’s aggression – know you will be held accountable for your actions,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “The FBI, along with our partners, works diligently to identify and prevent illegal transfers of sophisticated equipment to hostile nations and will pursue those who support such smuggling operations.”“The diversion of controlled U.S.-origin goods and falsification of end user information for use by Russian end users will be vigorously investigated,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tambrini of Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement Chicago Field Office. “Individuals will be pursued and prosecuted wherever they are located.”According to court documents, as part of his guilty plea, Buyanovsky admitted that between 2020 and when he was arrested in March, he conspired with others – including co-defendant and former KanRus vice president Douglas Edward Robertson, 56, of Olathe, Kansas – to smuggle U.S.-origin avionics equipment to end users in Russia, as well as Russian end users in other foreign countries, by, among other actions, knowingly filing false export forms and failing to file required export forms with the U.S. government. In these forms, Buyanovsky and his conspirators lied about the exports’ value, end users and end destinations.Buyanovsky further admitted that on at least one occasion in 2021, he and Robertson smuggled a repaired Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) to the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) by removing the FSB sticker from the device before sending the device to a U.S. company to be repaired and then reattaching the sticker before shipping the TCAS back to the FSB in Russia.&nbsp;Buyanovsky further admitted that after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and the U.S. government tightened export controls concerning Russia, he, co-defendant Robertson and other conspirators continued to purchase and export U.S.-origin avionics equipment to customers in Russia and took numerous steps to hide their illegal activity from law enforcement, including by lying to U.S. suppliers about the intended end users; shipping goods through intermediary companies in Armenia, the United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus; continuing to file false export forms with the U.S. government; and using foreign bank accounts in countries other than Russia, such as Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates, to funnel money from the Russian customers to KanRus in the United States.&nbsp;In addition to pleading guilty, Buyanovsky consented to the forfeiture of over $450,000 worth of avionics equipment and accessories and a $50,000 personal forfeiture judgment. According to court documents, among the equipment that Buyanovsky forfeited was a pallet of avionics devices that was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection the day before Buyanovsky and Robertson were arrested.On Dec. 7, as part of the U.S. government’s interagency efforts to dismantle Russian procurement networks designed to circumvent U.S. export controls and sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Department of Commerce added many of the entities and individuals involved in Buyanovsky’s illegal export scheme to the Commerce Department’s Entity List, which imposes specific license requirements on all listed individuals and entities.As a result of today’s guilty plea, Buyanovsky faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison – five years for the conspiracy count and 20 years for the money laundering count. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 21, 2024.

Kan. man admits scheme to illegally sell avionics equipment to Russia

DENVER (AP) — A divided Colorado Supreme Court on Tuesday declared former President Donald Trump ineligible for the White House under the U.S. Constitution’s insurrection clause and removed him from the state’s presidential primary ballot, setting up a likely showdown in the nation’s highest court to decide whether the front-runner for the GOP nomination can remain in the race.

The decision from a court whose justices were all appointed by Democratic governors marks the first time in history that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-14th-amendment-insurrection-2024-election-ballot-9c5f79203109ba221b35a48e708ad725">Section 3 of the 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;has been used to disqualify a presidential candidate.

“A majority of the court holds that Trump is disqualified from holding the office of president under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment,” the court wrote in its 4-3 decision.

Colorado’s highest court overturned a ruling from a district court judge who found that Trump incited an insurrection for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, but said he could not be barred from the ballot because it was unclear that the provision was intended to cover the presidency.

The court stayed its decision until Jan. 4, or until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the case.

“We do not reach these conclusions lightly,” wrote the court’s majority. “We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.”

Trump’s attorneys had promised to appeal any disqualification immediately to the nation's highest court, which has the final say about constitutional matters.

"The Colorado Supreme Court issued a completely flawed decision tonight and we will swiftly file an appeal to the United States Supreme Court and a concurrent request for a stay of this deeply undemocratic decision,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement Tuesday night.

Trump lost Colorado by 13 percentage points in 2020 and doesn’t need the state to win next year’s presidential election. But the danger for the former president is that more courts and election officials will follow Colorado’s lead and exclude Trump from must-win states.

Colorado officials say the issue must be settled by Jan. 5, the deadline for the state to print its presidential primary ballots.

Dozens of lawsuits have been filed nationally to disqualify Trump under Section 3, which was designed to keep former Confederates from returning to government after the Civil War. It bars from office anyone who swore an oath to “support” the Constitution and then “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” against it, and has been used only a handful of times since the decade after the Civil War.

The Colorado case is the first where the plaintiffs succeeded. After a weeklong hearing in November, District Judge Sarah B. Wallace found that Trump indeed had “engaged in insurrection” by inciting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">Jan. 6 attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-amendment-2024-ballot-colorado-5b6e40f069abc1b8604ec37c46621055">her ruling that kept him on the ballot</a>&nbsp;was a fairly technical one.

Trump’s attorneys convinced Wallace that, because the language in Section 3 refers to “officers of the United States” who take an oath to “support” the Constitution, it must not apply to the president, who is not included as an “officer of the United States” elsewhere in the document and whose oath is to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution.

The provision also says offices covered include senator, representative, electors of the president and vice president, and all others “under the United States,” but doesn’t name the presidency.

The state’s highest court didn’t agree, siding with attorneys for six Colorado Republican and unaffiliated voters who argued that it was nonsensical to imagine the framers of the amendment, fearful of former Confederates returning to power, would bar them from low-level offices but not the highest one in the land.

“You’d be saying a rebel who took up arms against the government couldn’t be a county sheriff, but could be the president,” attorney Jason Murray said in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2024-ballot-14th-amendment-insurrection-f865cff9bdc5ac7ab61d63a3742a3630">arguments before the court</a>&nbsp;in early December.

Trump’s attorneys argued unsuccessfully that the writers of the amendment expected the Electoral College to prevent former insurrectionists from becoming president.

They also had urged the Colorado high court to reverse Wallace’s ruling that Trump incited the Jan. 6 attack. His lawyers argued the then-president had simply been using his free speech rights and hadn’t called for violence. Trump attorney Scott Gessler also argued the attack was more of a “riot” than an insurrection.

That met skepticism from several of the justices.

“Why isn’t it enough that a violent mob breached the Capitol when Congress was performing a core constitutional function?” Justice William W. Hood III said during the Dec. 6 arguments. “In some ways, that seems like a poster child for insurrection.”

In the ruling issued Tuesday, the court's majority dismissed the arguments that Trump wasn’t responsible for his supporters’ violent attack, which was intended to halt Congress' certification of the presidential vote: “President Trump then gave a speech in which he literally exhorted his supporters to fight at the Capitol,” they wrote.

Colorado Supreme Court Justices Richard L. Gabriel, Melissa Hart, William W. Hood III and Monica Márquez ruled for the petitioners. Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright dissented, arguing the constitutional questions were too complex to be solved in a state hearing. Justices Maria E. Berkenkotter and Carlos Samour also dissented.

“Our government cannot deprive someone of the right to hold public office without due process of law,” Samour wrote in his dissent. “Even if we are convinced that a candidate committed horrible acts in the past — dare I say, engaged in insurrection — there must be procedural due process before we can declare that individual disqualified from holding public office.”

The Colorado ruling stands in contrast with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-election-president-f6b72c94bb351c1b870d4884e54f6a75">Minnesota Supreme Court</a>, which last month decided that the state party can put anyone it wants on its primary ballot. It dismissed a Section 3 lawsuit but said the plaintiffs could try again during the general election.

In another 14th Amendment case,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-ballot-michigan-b2a870f98a60dffbe4c9566cfe97457c">a Michigan judge</a>&nbsp;ruled that Congress, not the judiciary, should decide whether Trump can stay on the ballot. That ruling is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-michigan-appeal-c6b66ef9ed85734305ff2dd27023447d">being appealed</a>.

The liberal group behind those cases, Free Speech For People, also filed another lawsuit in Oregon seeking to bounce Trump from the ballot there. The Colorado case was filed by another liberal group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Both groups are financed by liberal donors who also support President Joe Biden. Trump has blamed the president for the lawsuits against him, even though Biden has no role in them, saying his rival is “defacing the constitution” to try to end his campaign.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703030684419.png" alt="Trump during a campaign address in Iowa December 13-image CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Trump during a campaign address in Iowa December 13-image CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — A divided Colorado Supreme Court on Tuesday declared former President Donald Trump ineligible for the White House under the U.S. Constitution’s insurrection clause and removed him from the state’s presidential primary ballot, setting up a likely showdown in the nation’s highest court to decide whether the front-runner for the GOP nomination can remain in the race.The decision from a court whose justices were all appointed by Democratic governors marks the first time in history that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-14th-amendment-insurrection-2024-election-ballot-9c5f79203109ba221b35a48e708ad725">Section 3 of the 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;has been used to disqualify a presidential candidate.“A majority of the court holds that Trump is disqualified from holding the office of president under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment,” the court wrote in its 4-3 decision.Colorado’s highest court overturned a ruling from a district court judge who found that Trump incited an insurrection for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, but said he could not be barred from the ballot because it was unclear that the provision was intended to cover the presidency.The court stayed its decision until Jan. 4, or until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the case.“We do not reach these conclusions lightly,” wrote the court’s majority. “We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.”Trump’s attorneys had promised to appeal any disqualification immediately to the nation's highest court, which has the final say about constitutional matters."The Colorado Supreme Court issued a completely flawed decision tonight and we will swiftly file an appeal to the United States Supreme Court and a concurrent request for a stay of this deeply undemocratic decision,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement Tuesday night.Trump lost Colorado by 13 percentage points in 2020 and doesn’t need the state to win next year’s presidential election. But the danger for the former president is that more courts and election officials will follow Colorado’s lead and exclude Trump from must-win states.Colorado officials say the issue must be settled by Jan. 5, the deadline for the state to print its presidential primary ballots.Dozens of lawsuits have been filed nationally to disqualify Trump under Section 3, which was designed to keep former Confederates from returning to government after the Civil War. It bars from office anyone who swore an oath to “support” the Constitution and then “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” against it, and has been used only a handful of times since the decade after the Civil War.The Colorado case is the first where the plaintiffs succeeded. After a weeklong hearing in November, District Judge Sarah B. Wallace found that Trump indeed had “engaged in insurrection” by inciting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">Jan. 6 attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-amendment-2024-ballot-colorado-5b6e40f069abc1b8604ec37c46621055">her ruling that kept him on the ballot</a>&nbsp;was a fairly technical one.Trump’s attorneys convinced Wallace that, because the language in Section 3 refers to “officers of the United States” who take an oath to “support” the Constitution, it must not apply to the president, who is not included as an “officer of the United States” elsewhere in the document and whose oath is to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution.The provision also says offices covered include senator, representative, electors of the president and vice president, and all others “under the United States,” but doesn’t name the presidency.The state’s highest court didn’t agree, siding with attorneys for six Colorado Republican and unaffiliated voters who argued that it was nonsensical to imagine the framers of the amendment, fearful of former Confederates returning to power, would bar them from low-level offices but not the highest one in the land.“You’d be saying a rebel who took up arms against the government couldn’t be a county sheriff, but could be the president,” attorney Jason Murray said in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2024-ballot-14th-amendment-insurrection-f865cff9bdc5ac7ab61d63a3742a3630">arguments before the court</a>&nbsp;in early December.Trump’s attorneys argued unsuccessfully that the writers of the amendment expected the Electoral College to prevent former insurrectionists from becoming president.They also had urged the Colorado high court to reverse Wallace’s ruling that Trump incited the Jan. 6 attack. His lawyers argued the then-president had simply been using his free speech rights and hadn’t called for violence. Trump attorney Scott Gessler also argued the attack was more of a “riot” than an insurrection.That met skepticism from several of the justices.“Why isn’t it enough that a violent mob breached the Capitol when Congress was performing a core constitutional function?” Justice William W. Hood III said during the Dec. 6 arguments. “In some ways, that seems like a poster child for insurrection.”In the ruling issued Tuesday, the court's majority dismissed the arguments that Trump wasn’t responsible for his supporters’ violent attack, which was intended to halt Congress' certification of the presidential vote: “President Trump then gave a speech in which he literally exhorted his supporters to fight at the Capitol,” they wrote.Colorado Supreme Court Justices Richard L. Gabriel, Melissa Hart, William W. Hood III and Monica Márquez ruled for the petitioners. Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright dissented, arguing the constitutional questions were too complex to be solved in a state hearing. Justices Maria E. Berkenkotter and Carlos Samour also dissented.“Our government cannot deprive someone of the right to hold public office without due process of law,” Samour wrote in his dissent. “Even if we are convinced that a candidate committed horrible acts in the past — dare I say, engaged in insurrection — there must be procedural due process before we can declare that individual disqualified from holding public office.”The Colorado ruling stands in contrast with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-election-president-f6b72c94bb351c1b870d4884e54f6a75">Minnesota Supreme Court</a>, which last month decided that the state party can put anyone it wants on its primary ballot. It dismissed a Section 3 lawsuit but said the plaintiffs could try again during the general election.In another 14th Amendment case,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-ballot-michigan-b2a870f98a60dffbe4c9566cfe97457c">a Michigan judge</a>&nbsp;ruled that Congress, not the judiciary, should decide whether Trump can stay on the ballot. That ruling is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-michigan-appeal-c6b66ef9ed85734305ff2dd27023447d">being appealed</a>.The liberal group behind those cases, Free Speech For People, also filed another lawsuit in Oregon seeking to bounce Trump from the ballot there. The Colorado case was filed by another liberal group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.Both groups are financed by liberal donors who also support President Joe Biden. Trump has blamed the president for the lawsuits against him, even though Biden has no role in them, saying his rival is “defacing the constitution” to try to end his campaign.___<h2>Story Details</h2>

Landmark ruling: Trump removed from ballot in Colorado

FORD COUNTY —The search for a southwest Kansas teen reported missing last month is over.

On Tuesday, 17-year-old Cody Ceniceros was found deceased inside his vehicle, which had crashed in a remote area of Ford County off 117 Road and Lariat Way, according to Dodge City Police Chief Bill Francis.&nbsp; &nbsp;Ceniceros was reported missing November 25.

Preliminary investigation shows that the vehicle left the roadway, traveled through a farm field east of the intersection, went airborne, and rolled.

The crashed vehicle was reported Tuesday by the property owner who discovered it. The Ford County Sheriff’s Office and the Dodge City Police Department (DCPD) immediately responded to the scene. 

DCPD's lead detective, Sgt. James Nau, confirmed the vehicle belonged to Cody Ceniceros and identified his body at the scene. 

Preliminary assessments suggest Cody succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash most likely immediately.&nbsp; The Kansas Highway Patrol's fatality crash team is thoroughly investigating the scene, and an autopsy will be performed to conclusively determine the cause of death. 

This public release is issued due to the extensive community involvement in the search for Cody. I ask the public to please keep in mind that this is a preliminary release and our understanding of what happened could change as we move through this investigation. I extend my deepest sympathies to all impacted by this tragedy and thank everyone involved in the search efforts.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703027434862.png" alt="Ceniceros- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Ceniceros- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —The search for a southwest Kansas teen reported missing last month is over.On Tuesday, 17-year-old Cody Ceniceros was found deceased inside his vehicle, which had crashed in a remote area of Ford County off 117 Road and Lariat Way, according to Dodge City Police Chief Bill Francis.&nbsp; &nbsp;Ceniceros was reported missing November 25.Preliminary investigation shows that the vehicle left the roadway, traveled through a farm field east of the intersection, went airborne, and rolled.The crashed vehicle was reported Tuesday by the property owner who discovered it. The Ford County Sheriff’s Office and the Dodge City Police Department (DCPD) immediately responded to the scene. DCPD's lead detective, Sgt. James Nau, confirmed the vehicle belonged to Cody Ceniceros and identified his body at the scene. Preliminary assessments suggest Cody succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash most likely immediately.&nbsp; The Kansas Highway Patrol's fatality crash team is thoroughly investigating the scene, and an autopsy will be performed to conclusively determine the cause of death. This public release is issued due to the extensive community involvement in the search for Cody. I ask the public to please keep in mind that this is a preliminary release and our understanding of what happened could change as we move through this investigation. I extend my deepest sympathies to all impacted by this tragedy and thank everyone involved in the search efforts.&nbsp;

Police: Missing SW Kansas teen found dead in car crash

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sandra-day-oconnor">Justice Sandra Day O’Connor</a>, the Arizona rancher's daughter who became a voice of moderate conservatism as the first woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, was memorialized by President Joe Biden on Tuesday as a pioneer in the legal world who inspired generations of women.

Biden and Chief Justice John Roberts were among those who eulogized O'Connor at Washington National Cathedral. O’Connor retired from the high court in 2006 after more than two decades, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-oconnor-first-woman-justice-304f91633f069c46350bdfff540ff9fe">died Dec. 1</a>&nbsp;at age 93.

The president, a longtime senator who once chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, began his remarks by recalling her 1981 confirmation hearing — a day that Biden described as momentous because of the history that she would make on the nation's most powerful court.

He called her “a pioneer in her own right” who shattered barriers in both the political and legal worlds, along with the “nation’s consciousness.” He said that 'her principles were deeply held and of the highest order.”

“How she embodied such attributes under such pressure and scrutiny helped empower generations of women in every part of American life, including the court itself — helping to open doors, secure freedoms and prove that a woman can not only do anything a man can do, but many times do it a hell of a lot — a heck of a lot better," the president said.

Biden added: "Excuse my language, Father.”

Roberts, in his eulogy, also highlighted O'Connor's trailblazing career and said her leadership shaped the legal profession, making it clear that justices were both men and women. She had a distinct style during arguments, often jumping in with a question that cut to the heart of a case, he said. That put her most important issues on the table quickly, in line with one of her favorite sayings: “Get it done.”

“She was so successful that the barriers she broke down are almost unthinkable today,” Roberts said, calling her a “strong, influential and iconic jurist.”

Roberts had initially been tapped to replace O'Connor, although during his confirmation process, he was nominated to be chief justice. He recalled how O'Connor, in response to questions from reporters about him, said the only issue with the then-nominee was that he didn't wear a skirt.

“My initial reaction was, of course, everything's negotiable,” Roberts said.

O’Connor was nominated in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan. Largely unknown on the national scene until her appointment, she would come to be referred to by commentators as the nation’s most powerful woman.

O’Connor wielded considerable influence on the nine-member court, generally favoring states in disputes with the federal government and often siding with police when they faced claims of violating people’s rights. Her impact could perhaps best be seen, though, on the court’s rulings on abortion. She twice helped form the majority in decisions that upheld and reaffirmed Roe v. Wade, the decision that said women have a constitutional right to abortion.

Thirty years after that decision,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">a more conservative court</a>&nbsp;overturned Roe, and the opinion was written by the man who took her place, Justice Samuel Alito.

O’Connor was a top-ranked graduate of Stanford’s law school in 1952, but quickly discovered that most large law firms at the time did not hire women. She nevertheless built a career that included service as a member of the Arizona Legislature and state judge before her appointment to the Supreme Court at age 51.

When she first arrived, there wasn’t even a women’s bathroom anywhere near the courtroom. That was soon rectified, but she remained the court’s only woman until 1993, when Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined the court.

“She loved the law and the Supreme Court,” said Jay O’Connor, one of her three sons, during her memorial service. “She loved our country and our democracy. And most of all, she loved her family.”

She brought a formidable energy to her personal life as well, her son recalled, noting that her way of relaxing after a long day at work was “three rounds of tennis or 18 holes of golf.”

She was a voracious reader and, along with her husband John, a talented dancer — the couple took disco lessons in Arizona in the late 1970s. She also ran a bustling household as her three sons grew up, at times employing the same skills she used to question attorneys in the courtroom.

“She honed those skills grilling her sons about being out late on Saturday night,” he said.

The late justice’s final message to her three sons, Jay O’Connor said, included the guidance: “Our purpose in life is to help others along the way.”

“What a beautiful, powerful and totally Sandra Day O’Connor sentiment,” he said.

In a speech before her casket lay in repose Monday, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor remembered O'Connor as a trailblazer and a “living example that women could take on any challenge, could more than hold their own in any spaces dominated by men and could do so with grace.”

O’Connor retired at age 75, citing her husband’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She later expressed regret that a woman had not been chosen to replace her, but would live to see a record four women serving on the high court.

President Barack Obama awarded O’Connor the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

She died in Phoenix of complications related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness. Her survivors include a brother, three sons and grandchildren. The family plans to return her remains to her childhood home, the Lazy B Ranch in Arizona.

The family has asked that donations be made to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.icivics.org/">iCivics</a>, the group she founded to promote civics education.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sandra-day-oconnor">Justice Sandra Day O’Connor</a>, the Arizona rancher's daughter who became a voice of moderate conservatism as the first woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, was memorialized by President Joe Biden on Tuesday as a pioneer in the legal world who inspired generations of women.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F401888025517184%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=281" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Biden and Chief Justice John Roberts were among those who eulogized O'Connor at Washington National Cathedral. O’Connor retired from the high court in 2006 after more than two decades, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-oconnor-first-woman-justice-304f91633f069c46350bdfff540ff9fe">died Dec. 1</a>&nbsp;at age 93.The president, a longtime senator who once chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, began his remarks by recalling her 1981 confirmation hearing — a day that Biden described as momentous because of the history that she would make on the nation's most powerful court.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703014716387.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>He called her “a pioneer in her own right” who shattered barriers in both the political and legal worlds, along with the “nation’s consciousness.” He said that 'her principles were deeply held and of the highest order.”“How she embodied such attributes under such pressure and scrutiny helped empower generations of women in every part of American life, including the court itself — helping to open doors, secure freedoms and prove that a woman can not only do anything a man can do, but many times do it a hell of a lot — a heck of a lot better," the president said.Biden added: "Excuse my language, Father.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Chief Justice John Roberts begins his tribute to Justice O&#39;Connor: &quot;It has been said that the Supreme Court is like a family, a family composed entirely of in-laws.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOTUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOTUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/q4E01hJjdI">pic.twitter.com/q4E01hJjdI</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1737162787032343024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Roberts, in his eulogy, also highlighted O'Connor's trailblazing career and said her leadership shaped the legal profession, making it clear that justices were both men and women. She had a distinct style during arguments, often jumping in with a question that cut to the heart of a case, he said. That put her most important issues on the table quickly, in line with one of her favorite sayings: “Get it done.”“She was so successful that the barriers she broke down are almost unthinkable today,” Roberts said, calling her a “strong, influential and iconic jurist.”Roberts had initially been tapped to replace O'Connor, although during his confirmation process, he was nominated to be chief justice. He recalled how O'Connor, in response to questions from reporters about him, said the only issue with the then-nominee was that he didn't wear a skirt.“My initial reaction was, of course, everything's negotiable,” Roberts said.O’Connor was nominated in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan. Largely unknown on the national scene until her appointment, she would come to be referred to by commentators as the nation’s most powerful woman.O’Connor wielded considerable influence on the nine-member court, generally favoring states in disputes with the federal government and often siding with police when they faced claims of violating people’s rights. Her impact could perhaps best be seen, though, on the court’s rulings on abortion. She twice helped form the majority in decisions that upheld and reaffirmed Roe v. Wade, the decision that said women have a constitutional right to abortion.Thirty years after that decision,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">a more conservative court</a>&nbsp;overturned Roe, and the opinion was written by the man who took her place, Justice Samuel Alito.O’Connor was a top-ranked graduate of Stanford’s law school in 1952, but quickly discovered that most large law firms at the time did not hire women. She nevertheless built a career that included service as a member of the Arizona Legislature and state judge before her appointment to the Supreme Court at age 51.When she first arrived, there wasn’t even a women’s bathroom anywhere near the courtroom. That was soon rectified, but she remained the court’s only woman until 1993, when Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined the court.“She loved the law and the Supreme Court,” said Jay O’Connor, one of her three sons, during her memorial service. “She loved our country and our democracy. And most of all, she loved her family.”She brought a formidable energy to her personal life as well, her son recalled, noting that her way of relaxing after a long day at work was “three rounds of tennis or 18 holes of golf.”She was a voracious reader and, along with her husband John, a talented dancer — the couple took disco lessons in Arizona in the late 1970s. She also ran a bustling household as her three sons grew up, at times employing the same skills she used to question attorneys in the courtroom.“She honed those skills grilling her sons about being out late on Saturday night,” he said.The late justice’s final message to her three sons, Jay O’Connor said, included the guidance: “Our purpose in life is to help others along the way.”“What a beautiful, powerful and totally Sandra Day O’Connor sentiment,” he said.In a speech before her casket lay in repose Monday, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor remembered O'Connor as a trailblazer and a “living example that women could take on any challenge, could more than hold their own in any spaces dominated by men and could do so with grace.”O’Connor retired at age 75, citing her husband’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She later expressed regret that a woman had not been chosen to replace her, but would live to see a record four women serving on the high court.President Barack Obama awarded O’Connor the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.She died in Phoenix of complications related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness. Her survivors include a brother, three sons and grandchildren. The family plans to return her remains to her childhood home, the Lazy B Ranch in Arizona.The family has asked that donations be made to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.icivics.org/">iCivics</a>, the group she founded to promote civics education.___

🎥Sandra Day O'Connor honored as an "American pioneer" at funeral

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a retail crime and have made and arrest and recovered hundreds of dollars in merchandise.

The holiday hustle was in full swing Monday afternoon during the Wichita Police Department Mounted Unit's routine Holiday Patrol at the local businesses on N. Greenwich Road, according to a social media report.

A retailer waved officers down about a shoplifting incident involving items taken from Cabelas.

Officers took charge, gathering information and quickly locating the suspect and their vehicle in the vicinity. They recovered all the stolen merchandise, totaling close to $1600.

Sumner County Sheriff Deputy Wylie and Sgt Thomas of Caldwell Police assisted the Wichita Mounted Police to apprehend the shop lifter.

Police booked the suspect on requested charges that include two misdemeanor theft cases.&nbsp;

"This swift action not only protects the community but also supports the local businesses during this busy holiday period." 

"Kudos to the Wichita Police Deparatment Mounted Unit for their efficiency and dedication to ensuring a safer holiday shopping experience for everyone."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703007164553.png" alt="Photos Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a retail crime and have made and arrest and recovered hundreds of dollars in merchandise.The holiday hustle was in full swing Monday afternoon during the Wichita Police Department Mounted Unit's routine Holiday Patrol at the local businesses on N. Greenwich Road, according to a social media report.A retailer waved officers down about a shoplifting incident involving items taken from Cabelas.Officers took charge, gathering information and quickly locating the suspect and their vehicle in the vicinity. They recovered all the stolen merchandise, totaling close to $1600.Sumner County Sheriff Deputy Wylie and Sgt Thomas of Caldwell Police assisted the Wichita Mounted Police to apprehend the shop lifter.Police booked the suspect on requested charges that include two misdemeanor theft cases.&nbsp;"This swift action not only protects the community but also supports the local businesses during this busy holiday period." "Kudos to the Wichita Police Deparatment Mounted Unit for their efficiency and dedication to ensuring a safer holiday shopping experience for everyone."

Kan. police mounted patrol finds shoplifter with $1,600 in merchandise

By COLE REIFGreat Bend Post

Last May, more than 13,000 citizens visited The Wall That Heals during a three-day stay at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend. Larry Parsons helped organize the Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica to make a stop in Great Bend, and said there is magic that comes from the wall.

Vietnam veterans that haven’t been able to visit the memorial in Washington D.C. would open up to him and start talking about their experience during the Vietnam war.

"I lost a friend in Vietnam," said Parsons. "I asked myself when we were done in May if we have done enough? No. We haven't done enough. We went out to the Barton County Historical Society to ask if they could do an exhibit. They had nothing. They didn't have one article. They have about 75 to 100 articles now. We did that, and I asked myself again, 'Is that enough?' No. We can do better."

The Great Bend City Council Monday night approved the placement of a permanent 50' long memorial to be installed at Veterans Park. The memorial is symbolic of The Wall That Heals with a 3D stainless-steel Huey UH-1 helicopter hovering over the wall. The feature will have the U.S. Military branch logos, the Vietnam Service Medal and the iconic elephant grass.

City Administration Brandon Anderson said B&amp;B Metal Arts, out of Hoisington, will construct the memorial that will be located to the west of the main entrance to the park on McKinley Street.

"We're talking about making all of that a big, green avenue of monument area," said Anderson. "The row of flags, the tank and the gun. The bigger picture is this is Veterans Park. If we can make a bigger part of our park be a memorial to our veterans is kind of the way we've wrapped out heads around this particular option."

The memorial itself will cost just over $92,000, and the total project with concrete services will be up to $120,000. A five-person committee, consisting of veterans, has secured $74,000 for the project. The committee will continue fundraising but they will gauge the city’s and Barton County’s interest in contributing to the project.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The City of Great Bend would be responsible for powering the lights to the memorial and taking care of the irrigation system. The memorial group plans to pour concrete in the summer of 2024 and have a dedication of the finished product on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702952276059.png" alt="Vietnam memorial vets park rendering" />
 <figcaption>Vietnam memorial vets park rendering</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIFGreat Bend PostLast May, more than 13,000 citizens visited The Wall That Heals during a three-day stay at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend. Larry Parsons helped organize the Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica to make a stop in Great Bend, and said there is magic that comes from the wall.Vietnam veterans that haven’t been able to visit the memorial in Washington D.C. would open up to him and start talking about their experience during the Vietnam war."I lost a friend in Vietnam," said Parsons. "I asked myself when we were done in May if we have done enough? No. We haven't done enough. We went out to the Barton County Historical Society to ask if they could do an exhibit. They had nothing. They didn't have one article. They have about 75 to 100 articles now. We did that, and I asked myself again, 'Is that enough?' No. We can do better."The Great Bend City Council Monday night approved the placement of a permanent 50' long memorial to be installed at Veterans Park. The memorial is symbolic of The Wall That Heals with a 3D stainless-steel Huey UH-1 helicopter hovering over the wall. The feature will have the U.S. Military branch logos, the Vietnam Service Medal and the iconic elephant grass.City Administration Brandon Anderson said B&amp;B Metal Arts, out of Hoisington, will construct the memorial that will be located to the west of the main entrance to the park on McKinley Street."We're talking about making all of that a big, green avenue of monument area," said Anderson. "The row of flags, the tank and the gun. The bigger picture is this is Veterans Park. If we can make a bigger part of our park be a memorial to our veterans is kind of the way we've wrapped out heads around this particular option."The memorial itself will cost just over $92,000, and the total project with concrete services will be up to $120,000. A five-person committee, consisting of veterans, has secured $74,000 for the project. The committee will continue fundraising but they will gauge the city’s and Barton County’s interest in contributing to the project.&nbsp; &nbsp;The City of Great Bend would be responsible for powering the lights to the memorial and taking care of the irrigation system. The memorial group plans to pour concrete in the summer of 2024 and have a dedication of the finished product on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024.

Council approves spot for Vietnam memorial at Great Bend park

HUTCHINSON — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is demanding that President Biden's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms drop a proposed rule that he says violates the Second Amendment.

"This letter is a comment to a proposed regulation," Kobach said. "We were joined by 25 other state attorneys general from across the country. This is not just me speaking. This is a concern voiced by a majority of states in our nation. What this rule would do is basically redefine who is a firearms dealer. The old definition, which is the one you and I would think is a reasonable one is if you repetitively sell firearms for a livelihood. This new definition that they are proposing would basically indicate that if you just sell one firearm, there's no minimum, sell one firearm for a profit, there's no clear definition of what a profit is, you might be a dealer and it would be illegal for you to sell that firearm unless you have a federal firearms license."

Kobach notes that this would chill a lot of gun sales in this country.

"Americans have been selling firearms between friends and family for as long as there have been firearms, for as long as this has been a country," Kobach said. "This is an effort by the ATF to quietly broaden the definition, so that it's almost impossible for us to do that."

If it becomes necessary to fight the regulation in court, Kobach is prepared for that.

"Hey, this violates the 2nd Amendment, don't do this," Kobach said. "If you do this, we don't say it directly in the letter, but the implication is, we may take the federal government to court."

In addition to the Arizona State Legislature and Attorney General Kobach, the attorneys general of the following states also signed the letter: Iowa, Montana, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654635365476.png" alt="Photo Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL&nbsp;Hutch PostHUTCHINSON — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is demanding that President Biden's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms drop a proposed rule that he says violates the Second Amendment."This letter is a comment to a proposed regulation," Kobach said. "We were joined by 25 other state attorneys general from across the country. This is not just me speaking. This is a concern voiced by a majority of states in our nation. What this rule would do is basically redefine who is a firearms dealer. The old definition, which is the one you and I would think is a reasonable one is if you repetitively sell firearms for a livelihood. This new definition that they are proposing would basically indicate that if you just sell one firearm, there's no minimum, sell one firearm for a profit, there's no clear definition of what a profit is, you might be a dealer and it would be illegal for you to sell that firearm unless you have a federal firearms license."Kobach notes that this would chill a lot of gun sales in this country."Americans have been selling firearms between friends and family for as long as there have been firearms, for as long as this has been a country," Kobach said. "This is an effort by the ATF to quietly broaden the definition, so that it's almost impossible for us to do that."If it becomes necessary to fight the regulation in court, Kobach is prepared for that."Hey, this violates the 2nd Amendment, don't do this," Kobach said. "If you do this, we don't say it directly in the letter, but the implication is, we may take the federal government to court."In addition to the Arizona State Legislature and Attorney General Kobach, the attorneys general of the following states also signed the letter: Iowa, Montana, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Kansas AG: Proposed ATF rule is unconstitutional

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran accused a federal agency of attempting to thwart congressional intent through implementation of a reform law addressing bias, mismanagement and monopoly control of the national organ procurement and transplant network.

Moran, a Kansas Republican, began calling in 2018 for changes to the nonprofit United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) of Richmond, Virginia. For decades, UNOS has held the government contract to operate a network to match donor organs with patients on waiting lists. It manages retrieval and delivery as well as sets policy for prioritizing distribution of kidneys, livers and other organs in the United States.

President Joe Biden signed in September a law requiring the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to break the monopoly contract held by UNOS.

“We thought with passage of this legislation … that we were finally giving those waiting for a transplant something called hope,” Moran said in a speech on the U.S. Senate floor. “Our goals were good: To increase the competition for this contract, to eliminate that good-old-boy network.”

Moran said HRSA wasn’t adhering to congressional intent of the bipartisan law. He objected to the agency’s intention to restrict competition for new contracts to nonprofit organizations, such as UNOS, to the exclusion of for-profit businesses. HRSA announced a plan to issue initial transition contracts lasting up to five years, which raised concern change sought by Congress and patient groups could be slowed.

HRSA also showed willingness to allow UNOS’ board to retain oversight of the network rather pivot to an independent board, Moran said.

“This isn’t just some bureaucracy that’s doing something that doesn’t make sense to us,” Moran said. “This is an agency, a bureaucracy, a system that is damaging the capability of Kansans and Americans to get lifesaving treatment with the transplant of an organ.”

UNOS chief executive officer Maureen McBride said the organization would pursue revised organ transplant network contracts and welcomed competition from applicants, the Richmond Times-Dispatch said. UNOS’ management contract expired in September, but it was awarded a six-month extension.

UNOS was accused in congressional testimony or by critics of targeting whistleblowers, losing and damaging donated organs in transit, relying on an antiquated information technology system and directing organs from rural, high-donation states to urban, low-donor regions.

U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, said there was no reason to limit competition in selection of contractors to manage the organ donation network. HRSA is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“The organ transplant business and network has been in shambles for decades, and people have needlessly died because of it,” Grassley said. “Patient advocacy organizations are rightfully concerned that HHS is caving to bad actors who’ve been running our nation’s organ donation system since 1986.”

Grassley said he sought to reform the “corrupt and broken” donation and transplant system since 2005. He asserted more than 200,000 Americans “needlessly died on the transplant waiting list,” with the toll disproportionately detrimental to people of color of those residing in rural areas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703012393344.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, says an agency of the Biden administration has been working to undercut intent of federal contracting reform designed to improve management of the national organ donor and transplant network. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, says an agency of the Biden administration has been working to undercut intent of federal contracting reform designed to improve management of the national organ donor and transplant network. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran accused a federal agency of attempting to thwart congressional intent through implementation of a reform law addressing bias, mismanagement and monopoly control of the national organ procurement and transplant network.Moran, a Kansas Republican, began calling in 2018 for changes to the nonprofit United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) of Richmond, Virginia. For decades, UNOS has held the government contract to operate a network to match donor organs with patients on waiting lists. It manages retrieval and delivery as well as sets policy for prioritizing distribution of kidneys, livers and other organs in the United States.President Joe Biden signed in September a law requiring the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to break the monopoly contract held by UNOS.“We thought with passage of this legislation … that we were finally giving those waiting for a transplant something called hope,” Moran said in a speech on the U.S. Senate floor. “Our goals were good: To increase the competition for this contract, to eliminate that good-old-boy network.”Moran said HRSA wasn’t adhering to congressional intent of the bipartisan law. He objected to the agency’s intention to restrict competition for new contracts to nonprofit organizations, such as UNOS, to the exclusion of for-profit businesses. HRSA announced a plan to issue initial transition contracts lasting up to five years, which raised concern change sought by Congress and patient groups could be slowed.HRSA also showed willingness to allow UNOS’ board to retain oversight of the network rather pivot to an independent board, Moran said.“This isn’t just some bureaucracy that’s doing something that doesn’t make sense to us,” Moran said. “This is an agency, a bureaucracy, a system that is damaging the capability of Kansans and Americans to get lifesaving treatment with the transplant of an organ.”UNOS chief executive officer Maureen McBride said the organization would pursue revised organ transplant network contracts and welcomed competition from applicants, the Richmond Times-Dispatch said. UNOS’ management contract expired in September, but it was awarded a six-month extension.UNOS was accused in congressional testimony or by critics of targeting whistleblowers, losing and damaging donated organs in transit, relying on an antiquated information technology system and directing organs from rural, high-donation states to urban, low-donor regions.U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, said there was no reason to limit competition in selection of contractors to manage the organ donation network. HRSA is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).“The organ transplant business and network has been in shambles for decades, and people have needlessly died because of it,” Grassley said. “Patient advocacy organizations are rightfully concerned that HHS is caving to bad actors who’ve been running our nation’s organ donation system since 1986.”Grassley said he sought to reform the “corrupt and broken” donation and transplant system since 2005. He asserted more than 200,000 Americans “needlessly died on the transplant waiting list,” with the toll disproportionately detrimental to people of color of those residing in rural areas.

Moran asserts implementation of U.S. organ donor reform cuts against congressional intent

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.

Just after 2p.m. December 15, sheriff's deputies and investigators executed a narcotic search warrant in the 700 block of Market Street in Osage City, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

A resident of the address, Jacky L. Wolf Jr., 37, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana and No drug tax stamp

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Osage City Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702822474825.png" alt="Wolf-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Wolf-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.Just after 2p.m. December 15, sheriff's deputies and investigators executed a narcotic search warrant in the 700 block of Market Street in Osage City, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.A resident of the address, Jacky L. Wolf Jr., 37, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana and No drug tax stampThe Osage County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Osage City Police Department.

Sheriff: Man was selling meth from his Kansas home

By BECKY GOFF&nbsp;Little Apple Post

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a high school wrestling coach on multiple allegations.

On Monday, the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office was contacted about multiple allegations of offenses against minors and were requested to come to the USD 329 Wabaunsee County Schools District Offices in Alma, according to a media release.

Deputies found 30-year-old, Tyler Douglass of Alma waiting for them.

Evidence obtained by Deputies at the District Office led to the arrest of Douglass, who was taken into custody on requested charges of Contributing to a Child's Misconduct and Furnishing Alcohol to Minors. Douglass was transported to the Wabaunsee County Jail and later bonded out.

&nbsp;"In light of the ongoing investigation, Mr. Douglass has been placed on administrative leave, prioritizing the safety of our students.&nbsp; We are fully cooperating with law enforcement, according to USD 329 Superintendent Troy Pitsch.

"Regarding the district's handling of this situation, decisions will be made in the best interest of our students, and any necessary updates will be communicated accordingly."

Douglass has been the Wabaunsee High School wrestling coach since December 2021. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office.

By BECKY GOFF&nbsp;Little Apple PostWABAUNSEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a high school wrestling coach on multiple allegations.On Monday, the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office was contacted about multiple allegations of offenses against minors and were requested to come to the USD 329 Wabaunsee County Schools District Offices in Alma, according to a media release.Deputies found 30-year-old, Tyler Douglass of Alma waiting for them.Evidence obtained by Deputies at the District Office led to the arrest of Douglass, who was taken into custody on requested charges of Contributing to a Child's Misconduct and Furnishing Alcohol to Minors. Douglass was transported to the Wabaunsee County Jail and later bonded out.&nbsp;"In light of the ongoing investigation, Mr. Douglass has been placed on administrative leave, prioritizing the safety of our students.&nbsp; We are fully cooperating with law enforcement, according to USD 329 Superintendent Troy Pitsch."Regarding the district's handling of this situation, decisions will be made in the best interest of our students, and any necessary updates will be communicated accordingly."Douglass has been the Wabaunsee High School wrestling coach since December 2021. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office.

Kan. high school wrestling coach accused of crimes involving children

HARVEY COUNTY —A Kansas man jailed after allegedly shooting his wife is facing updated requested charges.

On Tuesday, the city of Newton reported 74-year-old Peggy Altum died over the weekend.

Just before 2a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 2000 block of Terrace Drive in Newton, according to a media release from from police.

A man at the house identified as 70-year-old Edward Altum reported his 74-year-old wife had been shot and refused to answer any further questions.

EMS transported the victim to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Police arrested Edward Altum, the victim's husband. He remains jailed on an updated requested charge of first-degree-murder.

Police also recovered a gun at the scene, according to the release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702667856753.png" alt="Altum-photo Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Altum-photo Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —A Kansas man jailed after allegedly shooting his wife is facing updated requested charges.On Tuesday, the city of Newton reported 74-year-old Peggy Altum died over the weekend.Just before 2a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 2000 block of Terrace Drive in Newton, according to a media release from from police.A man at the house identified as 70-year-old Edward Altum reported his 74-year-old wife had been shot and refused to answer any further questions.EMS transported the victim to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Police arrested Edward Altum, the victim's husband. He remains jailed on an updated requested charge of first-degree-murder.Police also recovered a gun at the scene, according to the release.

Kan. man accused of shooting his wife now faces murder charge

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines will pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement to resolve a federal investigation into a debacle in December 2022 when the airline canceled thousands of flights and stranded more than 2 million travelers over the holidays.

Most of the settlement will go toward compensating future passengers, which the U.S. Department of Transportation considers an incentive for Southwest to avoid repeating last winter’s mess.

The government said the assessment was the largest it has ever imposed on an airline for violating consumer protection laws.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the settlement demonstrates his agency’s resolve to make airlines take care of their passengers.

Southwest said it was “grateful to have reached a consumer-friendly settlement” that gives the airline credit for compensation it already provided to customers. The airline said it has “learned from the event, and now can shift its entire focus to the future.”

The assessment stems from nearly 17,000 canceled flights a year ago, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-plants-dallas-district-of-columbia-business-d2034f41df7a4f78de02db8aa4ba11df" target="_blank">started as</a>&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-forecast-updates-d0808da42ce16e8a0ca4541b747572cb" target="_blank">winter storm</a>&nbsp;paralyzed Southwest operations in Denver and Chicago and then snowballed when a crew-rescheduling system couldn’t keep up with the chaos.

Even before the settlement, the nation’s fourth-biggest airline by revenue said the meltdown cost it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-c679b26a8efe039f1881a2edb6535d01" target="_blank">more than $1.1 billion</a>&nbsp;in refunds and reimbursements, extra costs and lost ticket sales over several months.

The government said in a consent decree dated Friday that Southwest “violated the law on numerous occasions,” including by failing to help customers who were stranded in airports and hotels, leaving many of them to scramble for other flights.

Many who called the airline’s overwhelmed customer service center got a busy signal or were stuck on hold for hours.

Southwest also did not keep customers updated about canceled and delayed flights, failing to fulfill a requirement that airlines notify the public within 30 minutes of a change. Some said they never got an email or text notice and couldn’t access Southwest’s website.

The government also charged Southwest did not provide refunds quickly enough. People who made a mistake entering details in refund requests to a special Southwest website were not told to fix the error; they simply didn’t get the money. Others didn’t receive immediate refunds for things like pet fees and boarding upgrades that went unused because of canceled flights, according to the department.

In the consent order, Dallas-based Southwest disputed many of the Transportation Department’s findings.

Southwest said that only a small percentage of refunds were issued late and that it never gave false promises about long wait times for reaching customer service during weather-related disruptions. Still, the company said it entered the agreement just to settle the matter.

Southwest said the 2022 storm that produced record cold temperatures, blizzards and power outages a few days before Christmas created “unanticipated operational challenges.” The airline said it quickly began reimbursing travelers for meals, hotels and alternative transportation and also distributed frequent flyer points.

Southwest has added trucks and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-cancellations-technology-weather-314069ab4bb9de5eb804c566927606ec" target="_blank">de-icing equipment</a>&nbsp;and will increase staff during extreme cold temperatures at key airports such as Denver, CEO Robert Jordan said.

Southwest had previously agreed to make more than $600 million in refunds and reimbursements. Still, the carrier disclosed in October that federal officials found its efforts fell short and the carrier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-december-cancellations-04b7dcd50716b5ce0cccfc32457160e0" target="_blank">could face a civil penalty</a>&nbsp;over its service to customers.

The settlement provides that in addition to the $35 million fine, Southwest will get $33 million in credit for compensation already handed out, mostly for giving 25,000 frequent flyer points each, worth about $300, to affected customers. The company promised to give out $90 million in vouchers to future travelers.

Starting next spring and running until April 2027, Southwest will provide a voucher of at least $75 to travelers who request them if they reach their destination at least three hours late because of a delay or flight cancellation caused by the airline.

The government values vouchers at 80% of their face value, so Southwest received credit for $72 million for the future vouchers, not the full $90 million to be distributed over three years. If Southwest pays out less than $30 million in any of those years, it will owe the government a penalty of 80% of any shortfall.

In exchange for Southwest agreeing to the fine and other measures, the government stopped short of deciding whether the airline advertised a flight schedule that it knew could not be kept. Buttigieg had raised that charge publicly.

The Transportation Department said it reviewed thousands of consumer complaints, visited Southwest facilities and met with senior company officials during the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672191058148.png" alt="Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights last December in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S- photo courtesy KMGH" />
 <figcaption>Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights last December in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S- photo courtesy KMGH</figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines will pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement to resolve a federal investigation into a debacle in December 2022 when the airline canceled thousands of flights and stranded more than 2 million travelers over the holidays.Most of the settlement will go toward compensating future passengers, which the U.S. Department of Transportation considers an incentive for Southwest to avoid repeating last winter’s mess.The government said the assessment was the largest it has ever imposed on an airline for violating consumer protection laws.Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the settlement demonstrates his agency’s resolve to make airlines take care of their passengers.Southwest said it was “grateful to have reached a consumer-friendly settlement” that gives the airline credit for compensation it already provided to customers. The airline said it has “learned from the event, and now can shift its entire focus to the future.”The assessment stems from nearly 17,000 canceled flights a year ago, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-plants-dallas-district-of-columbia-business-d2034f41df7a4f78de02db8aa4ba11df" target="_blank">started as</a>&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-forecast-updates-d0808da42ce16e8a0ca4541b747572cb" target="_blank">winter storm</a>&nbsp;paralyzed Southwest operations in Denver and Chicago and then snowballed when a crew-rescheduling system couldn’t keep up with the chaos.Even before the settlement, the nation’s fourth-biggest airline by revenue said the meltdown cost it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-c679b26a8efe039f1881a2edb6535d01" target="_blank">more than $1.1 billion</a>&nbsp;in refunds and reimbursements, extra costs and lost ticket sales over several months.The government said in a consent decree dated Friday that Southwest “violated the law on numerous occasions,” including by failing to help customers who were stranded in airports and hotels, leaving many of them to scramble for other flights.Many who called the airline’s overwhelmed customer service center got a busy signal or were stuck on hold for hours.Southwest also did not keep customers updated about canceled and delayed flights, failing to fulfill a requirement that airlines notify the public within 30 minutes of a change. Some said they never got an email or text notice and couldn’t access Southwest’s website.The government also charged Southwest did not provide refunds quickly enough. People who made a mistake entering details in refund requests to a special Southwest website were not told to fix the error; they simply didn’t get the money. Others didn’t receive immediate refunds for things like pet fees and boarding upgrades that went unused because of canceled flights, according to the department.In the consent order, Dallas-based Southwest disputed many of the Transportation Department’s findings.Southwest said that only a small percentage of refunds were issued late and that it never gave false promises about long wait times for reaching customer service during weather-related disruptions. Still, the company said it entered the agreement just to settle the matter.Southwest said the 2022 storm that produced record cold temperatures, blizzards and power outages a few days before Christmas created “unanticipated operational challenges.” The airline said it quickly began reimbursing travelers for meals, hotels and alternative transportation and also distributed frequent flyer points.Southwest has added trucks and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-cancellations-technology-weather-314069ab4bb9de5eb804c566927606ec" target="_blank">de-icing equipment</a>&nbsp;and will increase staff during extreme cold temperatures at key airports such as Denver, CEO Robert Jordan said.Southwest had previously agreed to make more than $600 million in refunds and reimbursements. Still, the carrier disclosed in October that federal officials found its efforts fell short and the carrier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-december-cancellations-04b7dcd50716b5ce0cccfc32457160e0" target="_blank">could face a civil penalty</a>&nbsp;over its service to customers.The settlement provides that in addition to the $35 million fine, Southwest will get $33 million in credit for compensation already handed out, mostly for giving 25,000 frequent flyer points each, worth about $300, to affected customers. The company promised to give out $90 million in vouchers to future travelers.Starting next spring and running until April 2027, Southwest will provide a voucher of at least $75 to travelers who request them if they reach their destination at least three hours late because of a delay or flight cancellation caused by the airline.The government values vouchers at 80% of their face value, so Southwest received credit for $72 million for the future vouchers, not the full $90 million to be distributed over three years. If Southwest pays out less than $30 million in any of those years, it will owe the government a penalty of 80% of any shortfall.In exchange for Southwest agreeing to the fine and other measures, the government stopped short of deciding whether the airline advertised a flight schedule that it knew could not be kept. Buttigieg had raised that charge publicly.The Transportation Department said it reviewed thousands of consumer complaints, visited Southwest facilities and met with senior company officials during the investigation.

$90M in vouchers for future travelers after holiday travel nightmare

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and arrested a 15-year-old boy.

Just after 9 p.m. Sunday, officers were dispatched to a shooting call to the 3000 block of South Everett in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. 

First responders located a 15-year-old victim with two gunshot wounds to his abdominal area. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital with critical injuries. The victim underwent surgery and was reported in stable condition Monday.

Preliminary investigation revealed that during the commission of a crime, a 15-year-old suspect shot the victim. Detectives are still working to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.&nbsp;

Police have not released all the requested charges the teen suspect faces.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and arrested a 15-year-old boy.Just after 9 p.m. Sunday, officers were dispatched to a shooting call to the 3000 block of South Everett in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. First responders located a 15-year-old victim with two gunshot wounds to his abdominal area. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital with critical injuries. The victim underwent surgery and was reported in stable condition Monday.Preliminary investigation revealed that during the commission of a crime, a 15-year-old suspect shot the victim. Detectives are still working to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.&nbsp;Police have not released all the requested charges the teen suspect faces.

Police: 15-year-old accused of shooting Kan. teen victim 

RENO COUNTY — The Hutchinson Fire Department responded Monday afternoon to Cargill Salt for a report of two workers stuck on a hydraulic man lift, according to a media release.

Firefighters found the lift about 70 feet above ground. It was having mechanical problems and could not lower the men to the ground. Hutch Fire used a 100-foot aerial ladder to maneuver into position and transfer the workers from the man lift to the aerial platform.

Using the aerial ladder, workers were safely returned to the ground and assessed for injuries within about 15 minutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702945936553.jpeg" alt="Photos Hutchinson Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photos Hutchinson Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — The Hutchinson Fire Department responded Monday afternoon to Cargill Salt for a report of two workers stuck on a hydraulic man lift, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702945783935.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Firefighters found the lift about 70 feet above ground. It was having mechanical problems and could not lower the men to the ground. Hutch Fire used a 100-foot aerial ladder to maneuver into position and transfer the workers from the man lift to the aerial platform.Using the aerial ladder, workers were safely returned to the ground and assessed for injuries within about 15 minutes.

Fire Department rescues two Cargill workers from 70 feet in the air

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal southwest Kansas shooting.

Early December 17, 2023 the Seward County Sheriff's Office responded to report of a gunshot victim at a property in rural Seward County, according to Sheriff Gene Ward.

First responders located 39-year-old Jose Luis Rios-Favela with&nbsp; gunshot wounds.  Seward County EMS transported him to Southwest Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased. 

 A second victim was located at the scene with minor injuries. The Seward County Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance.

  KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to assist in the investigation. The sheriff's office indicated the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no cause for alarm in the area.&nbsp;

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal southwest Kansas shooting.Early December 17, 2023 the Seward County Sheriff's Office responded to report of a gunshot victim at a property in rural Seward County, according to Sheriff Gene Ward.First responders located 39-year-old Jose Luis Rios-Favela with&nbsp; gunshot wounds. Seward County EMS transported him to Southwest Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased. A second victim was located at the scene with minor injuries. The Seward County Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to assist in the investigation. The sheriff's office indicated the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no cause for alarm in the area.&nbsp;

KBI investigating deadly southwest Kansas gunfight 

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/Legal%20experts%20have%20called%20the%20measure%20a%20flagrant%20violation%20of%20the%20U.S.%20government's%20purview%20over%20immigration%20enforcement.">Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott</a>&nbsp;on Monday approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-immigration-migrants-arrest-explainer-306f644e8bb95333b078ed3923adacf0">sweeping new powers</a>&nbsp;that allow police to arrest migrants who illegally cross the U.S. border and give local judges authority to order them to leave the country, testing the limits of how far a state can go to enforce immigration laws.

Opponents have called the measure the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law — denounced by critics as the “Show Me Your Papers” bill — that was largely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/57fd255191214d54b420a39a96b82451">struck down</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Supreme Court. Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and Texas’ law is also likely to face swift legal challenges.

The law, which takes effect in March, allows any Texas law enforcement officer to arrest people who are suspected of entering the country illegally. Once in custody, they could either agree to a Texas judge’s order to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. Migrants who don’t leave could face arrest again under more serious felony charges.

Abbott, who signed the law in front of a section of border fence in Brownsville, predicted the number of people crossing illegally into Texas would drop by “well over 50%, maybe 75%." He did not offer evidence for that estimate.

“The consequences of it are so extreme that the people being smuggled by the cartels, they will not want to be coming into the state of Texas," he said.

The law adds another tension point over immigration amid a struggle between the White House and Senate negotiators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-security-ukraine-congress-senate-biden-cb8d4e3ad8271323cfd9294b527d6615">to reach a deal on border security</a>. Republicans in Congress are demanding changes to the immigration system in exchange for any help for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs.

Texas Republicans have increasingly challenged the U.S. government’s authority over immigration, saying President Joe Biden's administration isn’t doing enough to control the 1,950-mile (3,149-kilometer) southern border. Texas has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migrants-los-angeles-california-texas-immigration-abbott-3fdb47985b34cd8301b61251b590778c">bused more than 65,000 migrants</a>&nbsp;to cities across America since August 2022 and recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-immigration-border-wire-522e993680a4d729e538a53a788ec185">installed razor wire</a>&nbsp;along the banks of the Rio Grande, which has snagged and injured some asylum-seekers.

The U.S. government on Monday temporarily shut down two railroad border crossings in Texas, a move that rail operators said would hamper trade ahead of Christmas. Troy Miller, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s acting commissioner, said the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso were a response to more migrants traveling on freight trains, particularly over the last week.

Miller said authorities are seeing “unprecedented” arrivals at the border, topping 10,000 crossings on some days this month.

Shortly after Abbott signed the new law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said it would challenge the measure in court. More than 20 congressional Democrats also signed a letter urging the U.S. Justice Department to sue to stop the law, known as Senate Bill 4.

“SB 4 is dangerous for the people of Texas and interferes with the federal government’s exclusive authority over immigration and foreign affairs," the letter read.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702952665492.png" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott signed three bills into law at a border wall construction site in Brownsville, Texas on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, that will broaden his border security plans and add funding for more infrastructure to deter illegal immigration. (AP Photo/Valerie Gonzalez)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Greg Abbott signed three bills into law at a border wall construction site in Brownsville, Texas on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, that will broaden his border security plans and add funding for more infrastructure to deter illegal immigration. (AP Photo/Valerie Gonzalez)</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/Legal%20experts%20have%20called%20the%20measure%20a%20flagrant%20violation%20of%20the%20U.S.%20government's%20purview%20over%20immigration%20enforcement.">Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott</a>&nbsp;on Monday approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-immigration-migrants-arrest-explainer-306f644e8bb95333b078ed3923adacf0">sweeping new powers</a>&nbsp;that allow police to arrest migrants who illegally cross the U.S. border and give local judges authority to order them to leave the country, testing the limits of how far a state can go to enforce immigration laws.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTexasGovernor%2Fvideos%2F1979749065731909%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=40" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Opponents have called the measure the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law — denounced by critics as the “Show Me Your Papers” bill — that was largely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/57fd255191214d54b420a39a96b82451">struck down</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Supreme Court. Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and Texas’ law is also likely to face swift legal challenges.The law, which takes effect in March, allows any Texas law enforcement officer to arrest people who are suspected of entering the country illegally. Once in custody, they could either agree to a Texas judge’s order to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. Migrants who don’t leave could face arrest again under more serious felony charges.Abbott, who signed the law in front of a section of border fence in Brownsville, predicted the number of people crossing illegally into Texas would drop by “well over 50%, maybe 75%." He did not offer evidence for that estimate.“The consequences of it are so extreme that the people being smuggled by the cartels, they will not want to be coming into the state of Texas," he said.The law adds another tension point over immigration amid a struggle between the White House and Senate negotiators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-security-ukraine-congress-senate-biden-cb8d4e3ad8271323cfd9294b527d6615">to reach a deal on border security</a>. Republicans in Congress are demanding changes to the immigration system in exchange for any help for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs.Texas Republicans have increasingly challenged the U.S. government’s authority over immigration, saying President Joe Biden's administration isn’t doing enough to control the 1,950-mile (3,149-kilometer) southern border. Texas has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migrants-los-angeles-california-texas-immigration-abbott-3fdb47985b34cd8301b61251b590778c">bused more than 65,000 migrants</a>&nbsp;to cities across America since August 2022 and recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-immigration-border-wire-522e993680a4d729e538a53a788ec185">installed razor wire</a>&nbsp;along the banks of the Rio Grande, which has snagged and injured some asylum-seekers.The U.S. government on Monday temporarily shut down two railroad border crossings in Texas, a move that rail operators said would hamper trade ahead of Christmas. Troy Miller, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s acting commissioner, said the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso were a response to more migrants traveling on freight trains, particularly over the last week.Miller said authorities are seeing “unprecedented” arrivals at the border, topping 10,000 crossings on some days this month.Shortly after Abbott signed the new law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said it would challenge the measure in court. More than 20 congressional Democrats also signed a letter urging the U.S. Justice Department to sue to stop the law, known as Senate Bill 4.“SB 4 is dangerous for the people of Texas and interferes with the federal government’s exclusive authority over immigration and foreign affairs," the letter read.Mexico’s government also has rebuked the measure. Under bilateral and international agreements, Mexico is required to accept deportations of its own citizens, but not those of other countries. Under the Texas law, migrants ordered to leave would be sent to ports of entry along the border with Mexico, even if they are not Mexican citizens. In September and October,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-arrests-venezuela-mexico-a89f66759ac97c7ec62e4559af4e48a3">Venezuelans were the largest nationality</a>&nbsp;arrested for illegally crossing the U.S. border.During debate in the Texas House in November, GOP state Rep. David Spiller pushed back against concerns that the law would be used as a dragnet to arrest immigrants statewide. He said enforcement would mostly take place in border counties. But he also rebuffed several efforts by Democrats to narrow the law, including a proposed carve-out for police on college campuses.Because the illegal entry charge is a misdemeanor, which has a statue of limitation of two years, Spiller has said the law will not be used to target immigrants who have long been settled in the U.S.“This is not, ‘Round up everyone who is here illegally and ship them back to Mexico,’” he said during debate over the bill.Opponents have accused Texas Republicans of using the law as a vehicle to force the Supreme Court’s new conservative majority to revisit its landmark 2012 Arizona decision. At the time, Justice Anthony Kennedy said Arizona may have “understandable frustrations” with immigrants who are in the country illegally but that it can’t pursue policies that “undermine federal law.”___