SEDGWICK COUNTY– A Kansas teacher charged with sex crimes involving a student was back in court Friday for an arraignment hearing.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Nicole Morgan Baird Hernandez, 30, pleaded not guilty in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Earlier this month, the judge determined&nbsp; there was enough evidence against Hernandez to go to trial on charges of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the District Attorney's office.&nbsp; 

Hernandez&nbsp; was an art teacher at Wichita North High School, according to the school web site.&nbsp;The student involved was over the age of 16, according to the arrest report.

On May 22, police arrested her in the 300 Block of West Tyler in Wichita. She met the requirement for bond and was released from custody the following day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749221483052.png" alt="Hernandez photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hernandez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY– A Kansas teacher charged with sex crimes involving a student was back in court Friday for an arraignment hearing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nicole Morgan Baird Hernandez, 30, pleaded not guilty in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Earlier this month, the judge determined&nbsp; there was enough evidence against Hernandez to go to trial on charges of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Hernandez&nbsp; was an art teacher at Wichita North High School, according to the school web site.&nbsp;The student involved was over the age of 16, according to the arrest report.On May 22, police arrested her in the 300 Block of West Tyler in Wichita. She met the requirement for bond and was released from custody the following day.

Kan. art teacher accused of sex crime with student enters a plea

GREENE COUNTY, Mo. —The pilot of a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing Saturday in Missouri.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the aircraft made the "off-field landing just before 1 p.m. on U.S. 65 one and one half miles north of Interstate 44 near Springfield. "

 The pilot and one passenger were not injured.&nbsp; The mishap affected traffic&nbsp; for a short time until they plane was removed.&nbsp; The FAA and NTSB will investigate.&nbsp; The Patrol released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766357879881.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>GREENE COUNTY, Mo. —The pilot of a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing Saturday in Missouri.According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the aircraft made the "off-field landing just before 1 p.m. on U.S. 65 one and one half miles north of Interstate 44 near Springfield. " The pilot and one passenger were not injured.&nbsp; The mishap affected traffic&nbsp; for a short time until they plane was removed.&nbsp; The FAA and NTSB will investigate.&nbsp; The Patrol released no additional details..

Small plane forced to make emergency landing on highway

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has suspended men's basketball assistant coach Joe Dooley after he was arrested late Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence and failure to stop at an accident, the school said in a statement Sunday.

Jayhawks coach Bill Self said Dooley “exercised poor judgement and will be suspended for three weeks, effectively immediately.”

“Joe is remorseful, apologetic and accepts the consequences of his actions,” Self added.

Dooley was hired by Self in 2003 and worked with him for a decade before serving as the head coach at Florida Gulf Coast and East Carolina. He returned to the Jayhawks in 2022, first as the director of student-athlete development and now an assistant coach.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 17</a>&nbsp;Kansas plays Davidson on Monday night before opening Big 12 play against UCF on Jan. 3 in Orlando, Florida.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766354045813.png" alt="Coach Joe Dooley photo KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Coach Joe Dooley photo KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has suspended men's basketball assistant coach Joe Dooley after he was arrested late Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence and failure to stop at an accident, the school said in a statement Sunday.Jayhawks coach Bill Self said Dooley “exercised poor judgement and will be suspended for three weeks, effectively immediately.”“Joe is remorseful, apologetic and accepts the consequences of his actions,” Self added.Dooley was hired by Self in 2003 and worked with him for a decade before serving as the head coach at Florida Gulf Coast and East Carolina. He returned to the Jayhawks in 2022, first as the director of student-athlete development and now an assistant coach.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 17</a>&nbsp;Kansas plays Davidson on Monday night before opening Big 12 play against UCF on Jan. 3 in Orlando, Florida.

KU  suspends assistant basketball coach after DUI arrest

KINGMAN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting in Kingman County.

On Sunday, Deputies of the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office were called to report of a shooting at 339 South Somerset Street in Norwich, according to a media release.. 

 Upon arrival emergency crews located a  37-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. Norwich EMS transported him to a Wichita hospital for treatment of critical injuries.  A second subject, a 44-year-old man was found deceased at the scene. 

 The KBI is aiding in the investigation with the assistance of their crime scene unit.. The sheriff's office reported the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing danger to the community or public.

KINGMAN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting in Kingman County.On Sunday, Deputies of the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office were called to report of a shooting at 339 South Somerset Street in Norwich, according to a media release.. Upon arrival emergency crews located a 37-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. Norwich EMS transported him to a Wichita hospital for treatment of critical injuries. A second subject, a 44-year-old man was found deceased at the scene. The KBI is aiding in the investigation with the assistance of their crime scene unit.. The sheriff's office reported the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing danger to the community or public.

Sheriff: One dead, one critically injured in Kansas gunfight

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-boak">JOSH BOAK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/michelle-l-price">MICHELLE L. PRICE</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — The “Warrior Dividend” that President Donald Trump announced during his televised address to the nation Wednesday is not a Christmas bonus made possible by tariff revenues, as the president suggested.

Instead, the $1,776 payments to troops are coming from a congressionally-approved housing supplement — money they were already set to receive — that was a part of tax cut extensions and expansions bill signed into law in July. Trump’s administration identified the source of the “dividend” payments Thursday.

In his remarks, Trump alluded to his “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” playing a role, but suggested that tariffs were largely responsible for the payments already on the way to 1.45 million members of the military.

“We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs and the bill helped us along. Nobody deserves it more than our military,” he said in announcing what he described as a “dividend.”

Trump has teased the idea of using his sweeping tariffs on imports to give Americans dividends ever since he imposed them in April. But these new payments are being disbursed by the Pentagon from a $2.9 billion military housing supplement that was part of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to augment existing housing allowances, according to a senior administration official who requested anonymity to describe the payments.

The amount of the payments is a nod to next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In total, the measure is expected to cost $2.6 billion.

Trump’s announcement comes as he’s faced pressure to show he’s working to address rising costs for Americans, with prices remaining stubbornly high as the president has imposed double-digit tariffs on imports from almost every country. Trump has promised to lower prices, but he has struggled to do so. Inflation hit a four-decade high in June 2022 during Joe Biden’s presidency and then began to fall. But inflation has stayed elevated under Trump in part because of his tariffs.

Separately, members of the U.S. Coast Guard will be getting a similar one-time payment, the Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday. The “Devotion to Duty” payments, authorized by Secretary Kristi Noem a day earlier, will be $2,000 because, unlike the “Warrior Dividend,” they are subject to taxes. The amount Coast Guard members take home will be closer to $1,776.

The payments, according to the Coast Guard, will be classified as “special duty pay.” They will be paid for with money in a measure Trump signed in November, after a 43-day shutdown, that funds the government through January.

It’s not the first time Trump has brandished ‘dividends’

Sending money to voters is a timeworn tool for politicians and one that Trump has repeatedly tried to use, including this year.

Trump has for months suggested every American could receive a $2,000 dividend from the import taxes — an effort that seemed designed to try to shore up support for tariffs, which the president has said protect American industries and will lure manufacturing back from overseas.

But that particular pledge appeared to exceed the revenues being generated by his tariffs, according to a November analysis by the right-leaning Tax Foundation. The analysis estimated that the $2,000 payments being promised to taxpayers could add up to between $279.8 billion and $606.8 billion, depending on how they were structured.

The analysis estimated that Trump’s import taxes would produce $158.4 billion in total revenue during 2025 and another $207.5 billion in 2026. That’s not enough money to provide the payments as well as reduce the budget deficit, which Trump has also claimed his tariffs are doing.

Earlier this year, as his Department of Government Efficiency was slashing the U.S. government and its workforce, Trump had briefly proposed sending a DOGE “dividend” back to U.S. citizens.

Neither the tariff dividend or DOGE dividend has come to fruition, and members of Trump’s own party as well as officials in his administration have expressed some skepticism about the idea. There is also the risk that the payments being promised by Trump could push up inflation, as they would likely spur greater consumer spending. Republican lawmakers argued in 2021 that the pandemic relief package from then-President Biden — which included direct payments — helped trigger the run-up in inflation.

Associated Press writers Rebecca Santana, Konstantin Toropin and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-boak">JOSH BOAK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/michelle-l-price">MICHELLE L. PRICE</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — The “Warrior Dividend” that President Donald Trump announced during his televised address to the nation Wednesday is not a Christmas bonus made possible by tariff revenues, as the president suggested.Instead, the $1,776 payments to troops are coming from a congressionally-approved housing supplement — money they were already set to receive — that was a part of tax cut extensions and expansions bill signed into law in July. Trump’s administration identified the source of the “dividend” payments Thursday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;I am also proud to announce that more than 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special Warrior Dividend before Christmas...We are sending every soldier $1,776...and the checks are already on the way.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Sb2cVv8AK2">pic.twitter.com/Sb2cVv8AK2</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2001477122934673907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces &quot;WARRIOR DIVIDENDS&quot; — a $1,776 non-taxable lump sum payment for our great service members, already on its way. <a href="https://t.co/s9lVlknp6x">https://t.co/s9lVlknp6x</a> <a href="https://t.co/PsINTaUoVt">pic.twitter.com/PsINTaUoVt</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001476701436420554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In his remarks, Trump alluded to his “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” playing a role, but suggested that tariffs were largely responsible for the payments already on the way to 1.45 million members of the military.“We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs and the bill helped us along. Nobody deserves it more than our military,” he said in announcing what he described as a “dividend.”Trump has teased the idea of using his sweeping tariffs on imports to give Americans dividends ever since he imposed them in April. But these new payments are being disbursed by the Pentagon from a $2.9 billion military housing supplement that was part of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to augment existing housing allowances, according to a senior administration official who requested anonymity to describe the payments.The amount of the payments is a nod to next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In total, the measure is expected to cost $2.6 billion.Trump’s announcement comes as he’s faced pressure to show he’s working to address rising costs for Americans, with prices remaining stubbornly high as the president has imposed double-digit tariffs on imports from almost every country. Trump has promised to lower prices, but he has struggled to do so. Inflation hit a four-decade high in June 2022 during Joe Biden’s presidency and then began to fall. But inflation has stayed elevated under Trump in part because of his tariffs.Separately, members of the U.S. Coast Guard will be getting a similar one-time payment, the Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday. The “Devotion to Duty” payments, authorized by Secretary Kristi Noem a day earlier, will be $2,000 because, unlike the “Warrior Dividend,” they are subject to taxes. The amount Coast Guard members take home will be closer to $1,776.The payments, according to the Coast Guard, will be classified as “special duty pay.” They will be paid for with money in a measure Trump signed in November, after a 43-day shutdown, that funds the government through January.<h2>It’s not the first time Trump has brandished ‘dividends’</h2>Sending money to voters is a timeworn tool for politicians and one that Trump has repeatedly tried to use, including this year.Trump has for months suggested every American could receive a $2,000 dividend from the import taxes — an effort that seemed designed to try to shore up support for tariffs, which the president has said protect American industries and will lure manufacturing back from overseas.But that particular pledge appeared to exceed the revenues being generated by his tariffs, according to a November analysis by the right-leaning Tax Foundation. The analysis estimated that the $2,000 payments being promised to taxpayers could add up to between $279.8 billion and $606.8 billion, depending on how they were structured.The analysis estimated that Trump’s import taxes would produce $158.4 billion in total revenue during 2025 and another $207.5 billion in 2026. That’s not enough money to provide the payments as well as reduce the budget deficit, which Trump has also claimed his tariffs are doing.Earlier this year, as his Department of Government Efficiency was slashing the U.S. government and its workforce, Trump had briefly proposed sending a DOGE “dividend” back to U.S. citizens.Neither the tariff dividend or DOGE dividend has come to fruition, and members of Trump’s own party as well as officials in his administration have expressed some skepticism about the idea. There is also the risk that the payments being promised by Trump could push up inflation, as they would likely spur greater consumer spending. Republican lawmakers argued in 2021 that the pandemic relief package from then-President Biden — which included direct payments — helped trigger the run-up in inflation.___Associated Press writers Rebecca Santana, Konstantin Toropin and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.

How Trump is paying for the $1,776 ‘Warrior Dividend’ to troops 

CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Sunday in Crawford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Hyundai Elantra driven by Melinda Canet, 54, Pittsburg, was northbound on S 260th Street just north of E 510th Avenue.&nbsp; The car struck a pedestrian identified as Nicklas&nbsp;Thompson, 37, Pittsburg, who walking in the roadway.

Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Derfelt Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported Cannet to Mercy Hospital. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Sunday in Crawford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Hyundai Elantra driven by Melinda Canet, 54, Pittsburg, was northbound on S 260th Street just north of E 510th Avenue.&nbsp; The car struck a pedestrian identified as Nicklas&nbsp;Thompson, 37, Pittsburg, who walking in the roadway.Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Derfelt Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported Cannet to Mercy Hospital. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after struck by a car 

The Powerball® holiday jackpot streak continues! No ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night, sending the jackpot soaring to an estimated $1.60 billion for Monday night’s drawing, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $735.3 million.

Monday’s jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Powerball history and the fifth largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.

“Powerball is giving players a chance to dream bigger than ever this holiday season,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “Every ticket sold not only offers the chance at a life-changing prize but also supports important public programs and services in communities nationwide. We encourage everyone to enjoy the thrill responsibly.”

The jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 4, 5, 28, 52, 69 and red Powerball 20. The Power Play® multiplier was 3.

Although there was no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many tickets won cash prizes in last night’s drawing.

Nationwide, eight tickets matched all five white balls. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan (2), New Hampshire and Ohio. The Match 5 prize is a set cash prize of $1 million in all jurisdictions except California, where prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.

The drawing also produced 112 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 22 tickets that won $150,000 prizes.

In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in New Jersey won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. The Double Play drawing is live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;following the main Powerball drawing.

Monday’s Powerball drawing will be the 46th in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.

This marks only the second time in Powerball history that the game has produced back-to-back jackpots exceeding $1 billion. The only other occurrence was in 2023, when a $1.08 billion jackpot was won on July 19, followed by a $1.765 billion jackpot on Oct. 11. Both jackpots were won in California.

If a player wins Monday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.60 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $735.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

The Powerball® holiday jackpot streak continues! No ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night, sending the jackpot soaring to an estimated $1.60 billion for Monday night’s drawing, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $735.3 million.Monday’s jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Powerball history and the fifth largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.“Powerball is giving players a chance to dream bigger than ever this holiday season,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “Every ticket sold not only offers the chance at a life-changing prize but also supports important public programs and services in communities nationwide. We encourage everyone to enjoy the thrill responsibly.”The jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 4, 5, 28, 52, 69 and red Powerball 20. The Power Play® multiplier was 3.Although there was no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many tickets won cash prizes in last night’s drawing.Nationwide, eight tickets matched all five white balls. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan (2), New Hampshire and Ohio. The Match 5 prize is a set cash prize of $1 million in all jurisdictions except California, where prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.The drawing also produced 112 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 22 tickets that won $150,000 prizes.In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in New Jersey won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. The Double Play drawing is live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;following the main Powerball drawing.Monday’s Powerball drawing will be the 46th in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.This marks only the second time in Powerball history that the game has produced back-to-back jackpots exceeding $1 billion. The only other occurrence was in 2023, when a $1.08 billion jackpot was won on July 19, followed by a $1.765 billion jackpot on Oct. 11. Both jackpots were won in California.If a player wins Monday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.60 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $735.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.Record U.S. Lottery Jackpots<ol>
 <li>$2.04 Billion – Powerball – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.787 Billion – Powerball – Sept. 6, 2025 – MO, TX</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Powerball – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.602 Billion – Mega Millions – Aug. 8, 2023 – FL</li><li>$1.60 Billion est. – Powerball – Dec. 22, 2025</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Powerball – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.537 Billion – Mega Millions – Oct. 23, 2018 – SC</li><li>$1.348 Billion – Mega Millions – Jan. 13, 2023 – ME</li><li>$1.337 Billion – Mega Millions – July 29, 2022 – IL</li><li>$1.326 Billion – Powerball – April 6, 2024 – OR</li>
 </ol>

Powerball jackpot jumps up to 4th largest prize in game’s history

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert will step down from her position at the start of the new year and retire within weeks, she announced Friday.

Luckert, the second woman appointed to the state Supreme Court, suffered a stroke in October and temporarily withdrew from her public-facing duties. She said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NGjIp0AL_U" target="_blank">a video address</a>&nbsp;the decision to resign and retire was one of the hardest of her life.

“I am on a path to recovery,” she said in the video, “but I have had to face a difficult truth.”

She is unable to fully fulfill the demands of chief justice, she said. Luckert said she will resign from the office of chief justice Jan. 2 and retire weeks later, in late January or early February. As the most senior member on the court, Justice Eric Rosen, who has been serving as interim chief justice while Luckert was on medical leave, will step into the role Jan. 2.

Luckert’s retirement will give Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly a fifth installation on the court before her term is up at the end of 2026. Justices Dan Biles and Rosen will be required to retire after completing the term during which they turn 75 years old, per state law. Justice Evelyn Wilson retired in July, citing a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis, and her replacement,<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">&nbsp;Justice Larkin Walsh, took the bench</a>&nbsp;in November.&nbsp;Voters in August 2026 will decide if they want to change the way state Supreme Court justices are selected. They will have the choice of switching to a popular vote system or retaining the current nomination and gubernatorial appointment process.

Luckert, 70, also announced her resignation from three national committees.

Before the Supreme Court, she was a district judge in Shawnee County, becoming the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge.

“I wanted small town Kansas children, including girls, to see themselves reflected in positions of leadership and to know their voices, their intelligence and their perseverance matter,” she said.

Luckert was born in Goodland, and she obtained undergraduate and law degrees at Washburn University in Topeka. She worked in private practice before Gov. Joan Finney appointed her to the district court.

Gov. Bill Graves appointed Luckert to the Supreme Court in 2003, where she has sat for 22 years. She became chief justice in 2019 following the retirement of former Chief Justice Lawton Nuss.

“Serving as chief justice has given me a front row seat to the courage and compassion that define our judicial system,” Luckert said. “I have watched judges make difficult decisions with integrity. Courts staff treat people with dignity during their most vulnerable moments, and employees adapt to change with grace and resolve.”

Rosen said in a news release Luckert’s time on the bench has been “fraught with challenge.” He lauded her efforts to build relationships in state government and overcome major obstacles. She made the court system “stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future,” he said.

Luckert said Kansas’ three branches of government have come together during her tenure to create a “more accessible, more efficient and better equipped” judiciary that can “respond to complex issues such as mental illness and the needs of children in care.”

“That spirit of cooperation gives me great hope for the future,” Luckert said, “and confidence that the three branches can continue to build upon that foundation, and to continue to strengthen a dedicated court system designed to bring accessible justice to all.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766272088494.png" alt=" Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert greets lawmakers as she arrives Jan. 11, 2023, in the House chamber in Topeka. Behind her are Supreme Court Justices Eric Rosen, Dan Biles and Caleb Stegall. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert greets lawmakers as she arrives Jan. 11, 2023, in the House chamber in Topeka. Behind her are Supreme Court Justices Eric Rosen, Dan Biles and Caleb Stegall. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert will step down from her position at the start of the new year and retire within weeks, she announced Friday.Luckert, the second woman appointed to the state Supreme Court, suffered a stroke in October and temporarily withdrew from her public-facing duties. She said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NGjIp0AL_U" target="_blank">a video address</a>&nbsp;the decision to resign and retire was one of the hardest of her life.“I am on a path to recovery,” she said in the video, “but I have had to face a difficult truth.”She is unable to fully fulfill the demands of chief justice, she said. Luckert said she will resign from the office of chief justice Jan. 2 and retire weeks later, in late January or early February. As the most senior member on the court, Justice Eric Rosen, who has been serving as interim chief justice while Luckert was on medical leave, will step into the role Jan. 2.Luckert’s retirement will give Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly a fifth installation on the court before her term is up at the end of 2026. Justices Dan Biles and Rosen will be required to retire after completing the term during which they turn 75 years old, per state law. Justice Evelyn Wilson retired in July, citing a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis, and her replacement,<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">&nbsp;Justice Larkin Walsh, took the bench</a>&nbsp;in November.&nbsp;Voters in August 2026 will decide if they want to change the way state Supreme Court justices are selected. They will have the choice of switching to a popular vote system or retaining the current nomination and gubernatorial appointment process.Luckert, 70, also announced her resignation from three national committees.Before the Supreme Court, she was a district judge in Shawnee County, becoming the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge.“I wanted small town Kansas children, including girls, to see themselves reflected in positions of leadership and to know their voices, their intelligence and their perseverance matter,” she said.Luckert was born in Goodland, and she obtained undergraduate and law degrees at Washburn University in Topeka. She worked in private practice before Gov. Joan Finney appointed her to the district court.Gov. Bill Graves appointed Luckert to the Supreme Court in 2003, where she has sat for 22 years. She became chief justice in 2019 following the retirement of former Chief Justice Lawton Nuss.“Serving as chief justice has given me a front row seat to the courage and compassion that define our judicial system,” Luckert said. “I have watched judges make difficult decisions with integrity. Courts staff treat people with dignity during their most vulnerable moments, and employees adapt to change with grace and resolve.”Rosen said in a news release Luckert’s time on the bench has been “fraught with challenge.” He lauded her efforts to build relationships in state government and overcome major obstacles. She made the court system “stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future,” he said.Luckert said Kansas’ three branches of government have come together during her tenure to create a “more accessible, more efficient and better equipped” judiciary that can “respond to complex issues such as mental illness and the needs of children in care.”“That spirit of cooperation gives me great hope for the future,” Luckert said, “and confidence that the three branches can continue to build upon that foundation, and to continue to strengthen a dedicated court system designed to bring accessible justice to all.”

Kansas Supreme Court chief justice to retire by early February

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in Kansas City.

According to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a silver Chevrolet Malibu crossed the double yellow line and was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Independence Avenue. In the area of Independence Avenue and Jackson Street, the Chevrolet struck an eastbound Ford Taurus head-on.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver of the Chevrolet to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and they were pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

EMS transported the driver of the Ford and a front seat passenger of the Chevrolet to local hospitals. Both had life-threatening injuries and were listed in critical condition. This is fatality #65 compared to #89 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the driver who died or additional details.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in Kansas City.According to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a silver Chevrolet Malibu crossed the double yellow line and was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Independence Avenue. In the area of Independence Avenue and Jackson Street, the Chevrolet struck an eastbound Ford Taurus head-on.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver of the Chevrolet to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and they were pronounced deceased.&nbsp;EMS transported the driver of the Ford and a front seat passenger of the Chevrolet to local hospitals. Both had life-threatening injuries and were listed in critical condition. This is fatality #65 compared to #89 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the driver who died or additional details.

Driver dies, 2 critically injured after head-on crash in Kansas City

WASHINGTON (AP) —Four moderate House Republicans — from swing districts Democrats are already eyeing for next year’s midterms — have broken ranks with Speaker Mike Johnson, signing on to Democrats’ petition to force a vote on extending health care subsidies that expire at the end of this year.

From battleground districts in Pennsylvania and New York, the members on Wednesday sided against their party on the Democratic-led measure to force a vote on subsidy extensions related to Affordable Care Act — a move that came after House Republican leaders pushed ahead with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-house-health-care-plan-obamacare-subsidies-208b30670d0486c8d27ceb59c59003e0">GOP health care bill</a>&nbsp;that does not address impending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-tax-credits-affordable-care-act-2b5ae3651ff16783a00e00dc1ce264bf">soaring monthly premiums</a>.

Acknowledging “these are not normal times,” Johnson said his party’s razor-thin majority allows a small number of GOP members to have an outsize influence in some of the chamber’s mechanics.

Meet the four Republicans bucking their party’s leadership over health care:

Fitzpatrick, who has been part of several bipartisan pushes this year, represents a perennial swing district in the presidential battleground state. Amassing bipartisan signatures for his own discharge petition related to ACA subsidy extension, earlier this year he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-trading-ban-congress-7467604e26652de32687442bcb277774">part of a coalition</a>&nbsp;that spanned the political spectrum to rally support for a bill that would prohibit members of Congress and their families from owning and trading individual stocks.

“It’s not every day you see this cast of characters up here,” Fitzpatrick said. “You’re all smirking out there. That’s a good thing. It speaks to the power of this cause.”

Mackenzie drew an opponent barely 48 hours after voting for the House budget bill earlier this year.

Part of a bipartisan group pressing for an eleventh-hour compromise over the ACA subsidies, Mackenzie&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-tax-credits-congress-trump-swing-districts-e030d7a0dd61ca8815fe4722ddbe94b7">told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;earlier this month that lawmakers needed to understand that, “even if you have a broken system, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t provide or offer relief to individuals who are dealing with those high costs right now.”

Bresnahan and Mackenzie, both freshmen, won in November by some of the smallest margins in all of Congress. Already a top target for Democrats in next year’s midterms, Bresnahan and his district have already had high-level political attention.

Last week, President Donald Trump was in his district for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-affordability-pennsylvania-speech-6a7884b814f448ab6b17b9d924a356ba">an official White House event</a>&nbsp;that seemed more like one of his signature campaign rallies that officials said he would hold regularly ahead of next year’s midterms.

Lawler’s district has been considered a crucial swing seat in recent elections, and Democrats are expected to again dedicate heavy resources to flip it next year. A moderate who last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-congress-long-island-election-2024-d9971985ba0440117d41b1fd0d921e56">won a second term</a>, he openly expressed interest in running for governor but backed off those plans, saying he wanted to defend his battleground district.

Earlier this year, while many House Republicans shunned holding town halls in their districts as the Trump administration’s aggressive actions roiled constituents, Lawler instead sought to put himself in front of voters, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-congress-lawler-trump-dc074f165919c3d5305b3fa0e382c2b0">peppered him with questions</a>&nbsp;and devolved into a chaotic chorus of boos.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Four moderate House Republicans — from swing districts Democrats are already eyeing for next year’s midterms — have broken ranks with Speaker Mike Johnson, signing on to Democrats’ petition to force a vote on extending health care subsidies that expire at the end of this year.From battleground districts in Pennsylvania and New York, the members on Wednesday sided against their party on the Democratic-led measure to force a vote on subsidy extensions related to Affordable Care Act — a move that came after House Republican leaders pushed ahead with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-house-health-care-plan-obamacare-subsidies-208b30670d0486c8d27ceb59c59003e0">GOP health care bill</a>&nbsp;that does not address impending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-tax-credits-affordable-care-act-2b5ae3651ff16783a00e00dc1ce264bf">soaring monthly premiums</a>.Acknowledging “these are not normal times,” Johnson said his party’s razor-thin majority allows a small number of GOP members to have an outsize influence in some of the chamber’s mechanics.Meet the four Republicans bucking their party’s leadership over health care:<h2>Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Pennsylvania</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fitzpatrick Statement on ACA Negotiations: <a href="https://t.co/UqgUz8COod">https://t.co/UqgUz8COod</a>&mdash; Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick 🇺🇸 (@RepBrianFitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepBrianFitz/status/2001451305970119089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Fitzpatrick, who has been part of several bipartisan pushes this year, represents a perennial swing district in the presidential battleground state. Amassing bipartisan signatures for his own discharge petition related to ACA subsidy extension, earlier this year he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-trading-ban-congress-7467604e26652de32687442bcb277774">part of a coalition</a>&nbsp;that spanned the political spectrum to rally support for a bill that would prohibit members of Congress and their families from owning and trading individual stocks.“It’s not every day you see this cast of characters up here,” Fitzpatrick said. “You’re all smirking out there. That’s a good thing. It speaks to the power of this cause.”<h2>Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, Pennsylvania</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Commonsense, bipartisan healthcare reform that brings down costs is possible, but it will require more members to put politics aside. It’s time for Congress to work together to pass legislation that delivers on the healthcare priorities of the American people. <a href="https://t.co/Y7hJNbUICp">pic.twitter.com/Y7hJNbUICp</a>&mdash; U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (@RepMackenzie) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMackenzie/status/2002134176443634061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This morning, I joined a discharge petition on a three-year extension of enhanced health insurance tax credits. My priority is to reduce costs for the people of the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, including for healthcare. Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/hJhfjR4fke">https://t.co/hJhfjR4fke</a> <a href="https://t.co/omSNeqZ5Y6">pic.twitter.com/omSNeqZ5Y6</a>&mdash; U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (@RepMackenzie) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMackenzie/status/2001392727531942120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Mackenzie drew an opponent barely 48 hours after voting for the House budget bill earlier this year.Part of a bipartisan group pressing for an eleventh-hour compromise over the ACA subsidies, Mackenzie&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-tax-credits-congress-trump-swing-districts-e030d7a0dd61ca8815fe4722ddbe94b7">told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;earlier this month that lawmakers needed to understand that, “even if you have a broken system, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t provide or offer relief to individuals who are dealing with those high costs right now.”<h2>Rep. Robert Bresnahan, Pennsylvania</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Despite our months-long call for action, leadership on both sides of the aisle failed to work together to advance any bipartisan compromise, leaving this as the only way to protect the 28,000 people in my district from higher costs. Families in NEPA cannot afford to have the…&mdash; Congressman Rob Bresnahan Jr. (@RepBresnahan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepBresnahan/status/2001313805771370643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Bresnahan and Mackenzie, both freshmen, won in November by some of the smallest margins in all of Congress. Already a top target for Democrats in next year’s midterms, Bresnahan and his district have already had high-level political attention.Last week, President Donald Trump was in his district for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-affordability-pennsylvania-speech-6a7884b814f448ab6b17b9d924a356ba">an official White House event</a>&nbsp;that seemed more like one of his signature campaign rallies that officials said he would hold regularly ahead of next year’s midterms.<h2>Rep. Mike Lawler, New York</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">If you want this vote to move forward, if you want to extend these subsidies, and if you want to ensure that the American people&#39;s health care premiums don&#39;t skyrocket, then go sign Discharge Petition 12 &amp; 13 now. <a href="https://t.co/U68dN8uYXO">pic.twitter.com/U68dN8uYXO</a>&mdash; Congressman Mike Lawler (@RepMikeLawler) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMikeLawler/status/2000976574502592744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Lawler’s district has been considered a crucial swing seat in recent elections, and Democrats are expected to again dedicate heavy resources to flip it next year. A moderate who last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-congress-long-island-election-2024-d9971985ba0440117d41b1fd0d921e56">won a second term</a>, he openly expressed interest in running for governor but backed off those plans, saying he wanted to defend his battleground district.Earlier this year, while many House Republicans shunned holding town halls in their districts as the Trump administration’s aggressive actions roiled constituents, Lawler instead sought to put himself in front of voters, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-congress-lawler-trump-dc074f165919c3d5305b3fa0e382c2b0">peppered him with questions</a>&nbsp;and devolved into a chaotic chorus of boos.

Meet the 4 Republicans who defied House Speaker on ACA subsidies

GRAHAM COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Saturday in Graham County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford Escape driven by Cody Harmon, 33, Phillipsburg, was westbound on J Road just east of 390th Avenue. The driver lost control of the SUV.&nbsp; The vehicle traveled into the south ditch, continued westbound in the&nbsp; ditch and struck a tree.

Harmon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Stinemetz Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

GRAHAM COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Saturday in Graham County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford Escape driven by Cody Harmon, 33, Phillipsburg, was westbound on J Road just east of 390th Avenue. The driver lost control of the SUV.&nbsp; The vehicle traveled into the south ditch, continued westbound in the&nbsp; ditch and struck a tree.Harmon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Stinemetz Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after SUV strikes a tree

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

ABILENE - Something global, exciting, and selfie-worthy is headed down Kansas I-70. 

The official FIFA World Cup Kansas City Countdown Clock will be on display outside the Abilene Visitors Center, 201 NW 2nd, at the historic Union Pacific Depot from December 22 through December 27, 2025.

Standing nearly 10 feet tall and weighing more than 450 pounds, the illuminated clock is traveling across Kansas as part of a statewide tour celebrating Kansas City’s role as a host location for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The clock counts down in real time to opening day and has already made appearances in Dodge City, Wichita, Colby and Hays as excitement builds across the state.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “The World Cup is one of the most-watched global events, and having the countdown clock in Abilene invites residents, visitors, and travelers along I-70 to join in the excitement.”

Kansas City will host six World Cup matches in June and July 2026, joining select cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico as part of the largest FIFA World Cup in history. With 48 teams and 104 matches, this tournament is expected to ignite record-setting tourism, international visibility, and celebration across North America.

The clock will be outside the Abilene Visitor Center and fully lit, making it ideal for daytime and nighttime photos. 

Visitors are invited to stop by anytime during the six-day display and share photos using the hashtags: #KCCountdown

“We’re excited to welcome this special attraction and encourage everyone to stop by, take a photo, and be part of World Cup history,” Roller Weeks added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765994507003.png" alt="2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock to arrive in Abilene, KS Dec. 22 - 27" />
 <figcaption>2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock to arrive in Abilene, KS Dec. 22 - 27</figcaption>
 </figure>Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors BureauABILENE - Something global, exciting, and selfie-worthy is headed down Kansas I-70. The official FIFA World Cup Kansas City Countdown Clock will be on display outside the Abilene Visitors Center, 201 NW 2nd, at the historic Union Pacific Depot from December 22 through December 27, 2025.Standing nearly 10 feet tall and weighing more than 450 pounds, the illuminated clock is traveling across Kansas as part of a statewide tour celebrating Kansas City’s role as a host location for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The clock counts down in real time to opening day and has already made appearances in Dodge City, Wichita, Colby and Hays as excitement builds across the state.“This is an incredible opportunity for our community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “The World Cup is one of the most-watched global events, and having the countdown clock in Abilene invites residents, visitors, and travelers along I-70 to join in the excitement.”Kansas City will host six World Cup matches in June and July 2026, joining select cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico as part of the largest FIFA World Cup in history. With 48 teams and 104 matches, this tournament is expected to ignite record-setting tourism, international visibility, and celebration across North America.The clock will be outside the Abilene Visitor Center and fully lit, making it ideal for daytime and nighttime photos. Visitors are invited to stop by anytime during the six-day display and share photos using the hashtags: #KCCountdown“We’re excited to welcome this special attraction and encourage everyone to stop by, take a photo, and be part of World Cup history,” Roller Weeks added.

Abilene to host official FIFA World Cup countdown clock December 22–27

INDIANAPOLIS — Austin Ryan Lauless, 31, of Colorado, has been sentenced to 84 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. In September 2025, Lauless pleaded guilty to 13 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, five counts of sex trafficking of a minor, two counts of advertising child sexual abuse material, and possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the United State's Attorney.

As of Dec. 17, 84 victims have been identified from nearly every state in the United States and at least five foreign countries. Investigators believe additional victims may still be unidentified. If you or someone you know has been a victim of Lauless, also known online as Cason Fredrickson or APOPHIS, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.

According to court documents, between late 2019 and May 19, 2023, Lauless used social media applications such as Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, Yubo, Purp, and others to coerce, exploit, and threaten at least 84 minor victims into producing thousands of sexually explicit images and videos. The victims ranged in age from 13 to 17 at the time of the offenses.

Using these social media platforms, Lauless misrepresented his identity, posing as “Cason Fredrickson,” a teenager from New York or other cities. In reality, Lauless was in his late 20s, unemployed, and living in hotels and motels in Texas and Colorado. To conceal his identity, he accessed the public Instagram page of Individual A and, without their knowledge or consent, saved images and videos to impersonate Individual A while posing as “Cason Fredrickson.”

Lauless’ criminal methods included misrepresenting his age, identity, background, and likeness to groom minors and create a false sense of safety in online communications. He also used voice modulators and third-party image and video applications to edit content, making it appear as though it was recorded live through social media platforms such as Snapchat.

He feigned romantic interest in victims, told them they were attractive, and pretended to be in online relationships. He purchased items for many victims through Amazon — including fishnet stockings, sexual devices, and customized t-shirts — which he instructed them to wear while producing sexually explicit material. These items were shipped either directly to victims or to designated Amazon lockers for pickup.

To prolong his exploitation and avoid detection, Lauless threatened victims with dissemination of their images and videos if they failed to comply with his demands or sought help from parents or law enforcement. At least one victim reported to Lauless that she was contemplating suicide.

Lauless also sex trafficked at least five minor victims by forcing them to engage in oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse with adult males, producing numerous videos of these commercial sex acts. Some victims were forced to endure sadomasochistic abuse at his direction.

Once he obtained images and videos, Lauless advertised and sold the sexually explicit material on platforms such as Discord, Instagram, Telegram, and MEGA. He engaged in at least 141 transactions, receiving payment through Venmo, PayPal, Bitcoin, and CashApp. He admitted that his collection of child sexual abuse material included thousands of images and videos depicting prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, as well as children subjected to bestiality and sadomasochistic abuse.

“The sheer scale of this investigation and prosecution underscores the relentless commitment of federal law enforcement to dismantle networks of exploitation that prey on our children,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Childress &nbsp;for the Southern District of Indiana. “Austin Lauless orchestrated a campaign of abuse that spanned nearly every state and multiple countries, leaving behind profound harm. While no punishment can erase the trauma these young survivors endured, today’s sentence sends a clear message: we will pursue predators across every platform, every jurisdiction, and every border until justice is served.”

“This case represents one of the most egregious forms of exploitation the FBI investigates,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley of FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “This was not an isolated crime - it was a nationwide and international campaign of exploitation that victimized at least 84 people, including children, and involved the trafficking of human beings. The FBI is committed to identifying offenders who use technology to abuse, manipulate, and control others, and to ensuring they are held fully accountable. Today’s sentence delivers justice for the victims and reinforces that these crimes will not go unanswered.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Preston and Carolyn Haney for the Southern District of Indiana prosecuted this case with invaluable assistance from Victim Witness Coordinators Stephanie Lloyd and Johnna Preidt.

The FBI conducted the investigation, with additional support from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker for the Southern District of Indiana.

Additionally, 13 U.S. Attorney’s Offices provided cooperation during the investigation. Without their assistance, bringing Lauless to justice and legally resolving the harm he imposed on the victims would have been delayed. They include: Southern District of Iowa, Eastern District of Missouri, Northern District of Florida, Northern District of Texas, Western District of Kentucky, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of New York, District of South Carolina, Southern District of Texas, District of Colorado, Central District of California, District of Arizona, and Eastern District of Tennessee.

This case was brought as part of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-sdin%2Fproject-safe-childhood%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b3255de7f-81fd8676-bf36-42a7-83e8-c9dd44707b6f-000000/WGKNo-oy2wVyroINc20x1rCDx4ka1avklk2VRvhddBw=436">Project Safe Childhood</a>, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state,&nbsp;and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

INDIANAPOLIS — Austin Ryan Lauless, 31, of Colorado, has been sentenced to 84 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. In September 2025, Lauless pleaded guilty to 13 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, five counts of sex trafficking of a minor, two counts of advertising child sexual abuse material, and possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the United State's Attorney.As of Dec. 17, 84 victims have been identified from nearly every state in the United States and at least five foreign countries. Investigators believe additional victims may still be unidentified. If you or someone you know has been a victim of Lauless, also known online as Cason Fredrickson or APOPHIS, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.According to court documents, between late 2019 and May 19, 2023, Lauless used social media applications such as Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, Yubo, Purp, and others to coerce, exploit, and threaten at least 84 minor victims into producing thousands of sexually explicit images and videos. The victims ranged in age from 13 to 17 at the time of the offenses.Using these social media platforms, Lauless misrepresented his identity, posing as “Cason Fredrickson,” a teenager from New York or other cities. In reality, Lauless was in his late 20s, unemployed, and living in hotels and motels in Texas and Colorado. To conceal his identity, he accessed the public Instagram page of Individual A and, without their knowledge or consent, saved images and videos to impersonate Individual A while posing as “Cason Fredrickson.”Lauless’ criminal methods included misrepresenting his age, identity, background, and likeness to groom minors and create a false sense of safety in online communications. He also used voice modulators and third-party image and video applications to edit content, making it appear as though it was recorded live through social media platforms such as Snapchat.He feigned romantic interest in victims, told them they were attractive, and pretended to be in online relationships. He purchased items for many victims through Amazon — including fishnet stockings, sexual devices, and customized t-shirts — which he instructed them to wear while producing sexually explicit material. These items were shipped either directly to victims or to designated Amazon lockers for pickup.To prolong his exploitation and avoid detection, Lauless threatened victims with dissemination of their images and videos if they failed to comply with his demands or sought help from parents or law enforcement. At least one victim reported to Lauless that she was contemplating suicide.Lauless also sex trafficked at least five minor victims by forcing them to engage in oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse with adult males, producing numerous videos of these commercial sex acts. Some victims were forced to endure sadomasochistic abuse at his direction.Once he obtained images and videos, Lauless advertised and sold the sexually explicit material on platforms such as Discord, Instagram, Telegram, and MEGA. He engaged in at least 141 transactions, receiving payment through Venmo, PayPal, Bitcoin, and CashApp. He admitted that his collection of child sexual abuse material included thousands of images and videos depicting prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, as well as children subjected to bestiality and sadomasochistic abuse.“The sheer scale of this investigation and prosecution underscores the relentless commitment of federal law enforcement to dismantle networks of exploitation that prey on our children,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Childress &nbsp;for the Southern District of Indiana. “Austin Lauless orchestrated a campaign of abuse that spanned nearly every state and multiple countries, leaving behind profound harm. While no punishment can erase the trauma these young survivors endured, today’s sentence sends a clear message: we will pursue predators across every platform, every jurisdiction, and every border until justice is served.”“This case represents one of the most egregious forms of exploitation the FBI investigates,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley of FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “This was not an isolated crime - it was a nationwide and international campaign of exploitation that victimized at least 84 people, including children, and involved the trafficking of human beings. The FBI is committed to identifying offenders who use technology to abuse, manipulate, and control others, and to ensuring they are held fully accountable. Today’s sentence delivers justice for the victims and reinforces that these crimes will not go unanswered.”Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Preston and Carolyn Haney for the Southern District of Indiana prosecuted this case with invaluable assistance from Victim Witness Coordinators Stephanie Lloyd and Johnna Preidt.The FBI conducted the investigation, with additional support from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker for the Southern District of Indiana.Additionally, 13 U.S. Attorney’s Offices provided cooperation during the investigation. Without their assistance, bringing Lauless to justice and legally resolving the harm he imposed on the victims would have been delayed. They include: Southern District of Iowa, Eastern District of Missouri, Northern District of Florida, Northern District of Texas, Western District of Kentucky, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of New York, District of South Carolina, Southern District of Texas, District of Colorado, Central District of California, District of Arizona, and Eastern District of Tennessee.This case was brought as part of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-sdin%2Fproject-safe-childhood%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b3255de7f-81fd8676-bf36-42a7-83e8-c9dd44707b6f-000000/WGKNo-oy2wVyroINc20x1rCDx4ka1avklk2VRvhddBw=436">Project Safe Childhood</a>, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state,&nbsp;and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

Predator coerced 84 minors to send him explicit videos, sold them online

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen who admitted her role in an acid attack on another girl is going to prison.

On Friday Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced Tayronnia West, who was 18 at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post release supervision,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The judge followed the state’s recommendations and denied a motion for a departure to probation.

In September, West pled guilty to Reckless Aggravated Battery, severity level 5, person felony, according to the District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. A&nbsp;jury found Hollins guilty of aggravated battery. She is being held in the Topeka Correctional facility and has been disciplined five times since June, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

In May of 2024, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a fight.&nbsp;

In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Immediately following the acid attack incident, investigators with the Wichita Police Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for the suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested Hollins and accomplice Tayronnia Jontashia West. In March of 2025, police also arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766269444506.png" alt="West photo Sedgwick Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>West photo Sedgwick Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen who admitted her role in an acid attack on another girl is going to prison.On Friday Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced Tayronnia West, who was 18 at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post release supervision,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;The judge followed the state’s recommendations and denied a motion for a departure to probation.In September, West pled guilty to Reckless Aggravated Battery, severity level 5, person felony, according to the District Attorney's office.&nbsp;In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. A&nbsp;jury found Hollins guilty of aggravated battery. She is being held in the Topeka Correctional facility and has been disciplined five times since June, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.In May of 2024, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a fight.&nbsp;In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Immediately following the acid attack incident, investigators with the Wichita Police Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for the suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested Hollins and accomplice Tayronnia Jontashia West. In March of 2025, police also arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the case.

Prison for throwing acid on Kansas teen's face during a fight

SEWARD COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Saturday in Seward County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Ford F350 driven by Stanley Wayne&nbsp; De Weerd, 73, Rock Valley, Iowa, was westbound on U.S. 54 just east of U.S. 83.&nbsp; The pickup struck the drivers side of a 2022 Kenworth semi driven by Emmanuel Terrell Lee&nbsp;Jimmerson, 41, North Las Vegas, Nevada, who was exiting from the Love's Travel Stop Western entrance, initiating a left turn to travel east on U.S 54.&nbsp;

A passenger in the pickup identified as Arlis Kay&nbsp;De Weerd, 72, Rock Valley, Iowa was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Hornung Mortuary. EMS transported&nbsp;Stanley De Weerd to Wesley Medical Center and&nbsp;Jimmerson to Southwest Medical Center. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the K HP.

SEWARD COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Saturday in Seward County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Ford F350 driven by Stanley Wayne&nbsp; De Weerd, 73, Rock Valley, Iowa, was westbound on U.S. 54 just east of U.S. 83.&nbsp; The pickup struck the drivers side of a 2022 Kenworth semi driven by Emmanuel Terrell Lee&nbsp;Jimmerson, 41, North Las Vegas, Nevada, who was exiting from the Love's Travel Stop Western entrance, initiating a left turn to travel east on U.S 54.&nbsp;A passenger in the pickup identified as Arlis Kay&nbsp;De Weerd, 72, Rock Valley, Iowa was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Hornung Mortuary. EMS transported&nbsp;Stanley De Weerd to Wesley Medical Center and&nbsp;Jimmerson to Southwest Medical Center. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the K HP.

Woman killed in pickup, semi crash on Kansas highway

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ali-swenson">ALI SWENSON</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">published thousands of files</a>&nbsp;related to Jeffrey Epstein, a release long anticipated for its potential to reveal new details about the late sex offender and his connections to powerful people.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the files and do a search

But it was clear soon after the release that it would fall far short of those expectations. The partial release angered Democrats who accused the Trump administration of trying to hide information. The Justice Department said it would continue releasing documents in the weeks ahead.

The file dump — dominated by photographs, but also including call logs, court records and other documents, many with redactions — comes after politicians and the public waged a massive campaign for transparency about the government’s investigations into the wealthy financier.

President Donald Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though he hasn’t been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and the public should focus on other issues.

On Nov. 19, relenting to political pressure from his fellow Republicans,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-4872c23a3ed03bf3d4c526581d3aed59">he signed a bill</a>&nbsp;mandating the release of most of the Justice Department’s files on Epstein within 30 days. The White House said Friday’s release of the files shows how the administration is the “most transparent in history.”

Here are some takeaways about the Justice Department’s initial Epstein file release:

It includes thousands of photos, but far fewer files than expected

The law signed by Trump last month set Friday as the deadline for the Justice Department to release most of its files about Epstein.

Ahead of the release, Deputy Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-transcripts-1d38a010e72b5b58cca944cb3bbb0e6a">Todd Blanche</a>&nbsp;told Fox News he expected several hundred thousand files to be released Friday, along with several hundred thousand more to come later.

But the number of files that actually landed on the Justice Department’s website seemed to be a thin slice of the total number expected. Blanche acknowledged in a letter to Congress that the production of files was incomplete. The department said it expected to complete its production of Epstein documents by the end of the year.

Among the documents made public are around 4,000 files — mostly photographs — under a subset the Justice Department described as “DOJ Disclosures.” The vast majority of the photographs were taken by the FBI during searches of Epstein’s homes in New York City and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Also included were images of envelopes, folders and boxes containing investigative materials from various probes related to Epstein. Many records are redacted and anything containing a victim’s personally identifiable information, including materials depicting sexual and physical abuse, isn’t authorized for release.

Various other files released by the Justice Department on Friday include court records, public records and disclosures to House committees. At least some of that material has already circulated in the public domain after years of court action and investigations.

Multiple photographs show former President Bill Clinton

Many of the most discussed photos from the files&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-clinton-justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-4a55e83b62b5a037c431e36cfa87f0dc">show the former Democratic president</a>. Clinton has acknowledged that he traveled on Epstein’s private jet but said through a spokesperson that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clinton-congress-comer-epstein-a33b35e4882a471b4fc29c51f806c8d2">he had no knowledge</a>&nbsp;of the late financier’s crimes.

Some of the photos show Clinton on a private plane, including one with a woman seated next to him with her arm around him. Her face is redacted from the photo.

Another photo shows him in a pool with British socialite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ghislaine-maxwell">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>, who has been convicted of luring young girls to Epstein so he could molest them, and with another person whose face is redacted. One shows him with the late pop star Michael Jackson, singer Diana Ross and a woman whose face is redacted.

And another shows Clinton in a hot tub with a woman whose face is redacted. The Justice Department did not explain how those photos were related to the criminal investigation.

Nevertheless, senior White House aides quickly called attention to them on X.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, wrote “Oh my!” and added a shocked face emoji in response to the photo of Clinton in the hot tub.

Angel Ureña, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, said in an X post that “this isn’t about Bill Clinton” and accused the White House of trying to protect others.

“There are two types of people here,” he wrote. “The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light. The second group continued relationships with him after. We’re in the first.”

Clinton has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/at-trumps-urging-bondi-says-us-will-investigate-epsteins-ties-to-clinton-and-other-political-foes-e7cafcf6e6c44656a0d0b38637042d5f">never been accused of wrongdoing</a>&nbsp;in connection with Epstein, and the mere inclusion of someone’s name or images in files from the investigation does not imply otherwise.

To some exploring the records released Friday, the most interesting parts were which high-profile figures appeared scarcely — or not at all.

For example, Trump is minimally referenced in the files, and the small number of photos that do show him appear to have been in the public domain for decades.

The release does include at least one photo of the former Prince Andrew, who appears in a tuxedo lying on the laps of what appear to be several women who are seated, dressed in formalwear. One of Epstein’s accusers, Virginia Giuffre, accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters with men, including the prince.

Marina Lacerda, one of the women who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-survivors-react-a7cceac935feda8d94b8fa59e13b01fa">says she survived sexual assault</a>&nbsp;by Epstein, beginning when she was 14 years old, said Friday she wanted to see greater transparency from the Justice Department and expressed frustration over redactions and the incomplete release.

“Just put out the files,” she said. “And stop redacting names that don’t need to be redacted.”

Several lawmakers blasted the Trump administration for failing to produce all the documents required under the law.

Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., had introduced what is known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-house-sex-trafficking-investigation-c46716743f6f65f2f3b74906365da58b">a discharge petition,</a>&nbsp;which eventually led to the congressional vote that forced the release of the Epstein files. On Friday, both took to social media to criticize the partial release.

Massie wrote that it “grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law.” Khanna called the release so far “disappointing.”

“We’re going to push for the actual documents,” he said.

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said that by disregarding the deadline, the administration was denying justice to Epstein’s victims. He added he was “exploring all avenues and legal tools to get justice for the victims and transparency for the American people.”

If Democratic lawmakers so choose, they could go to court to force the Justice Department to comply with the law, but that would almost certainly be a lengthy process that plays out while the department releases more files.

Separately, the House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena for the Epstein files. That could give Congress another avenue to force the release of more information to the committee, but it would require Republicans to join them in contempt-of-Congress proceedings against a Republican administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766200587832.png" alt=" Bill Clinton, in a hot tub, with a redacted figure-&nbsp;Per the Epstein Files Transparency Act, DOJ was specifically instructed only to redact the faces of victims and/or minors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Image released by the Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption> Bill Clinton, in a hot tub, with a redacted figure-&nbsp;Per the Epstein Files Transparency Act, DOJ was specifically instructed only to redact the faces of victims and/or minors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Image released by the Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ali-swenson">ALI SWENSON</a>NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">published thousands of files</a>&nbsp;related to Jeffrey Epstein, a release long anticipated for its potential to reveal new details about the late sex offender and his connections to powerful people.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the files and do a searchBut it was clear soon after the release that it would fall far short of those expectations. The partial release angered Democrats who accused the Trump administration of trying to hide information. The Justice Department said it would continue releasing documents in the weeks ahead.The file dump — dominated by photographs, but also including call logs, court records and other documents, many with redactions — comes after politicians and the public waged a massive campaign for transparency about the government’s investigations into the wealthy financier.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766198100737.png" alt="Image released by the Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Image released by the Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>President Donald Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though he hasn’t been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and the public should focus on other issues.On Nov. 19, relenting to political pressure from his fellow Republicans,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-4872c23a3ed03bf3d4c526581d3aed59">he signed a bill</a>&nbsp;mandating the release of most of the Justice Department’s files on Epstein within 30 days. The White House said Friday’s release of the files shows how the administration is the “most transparent in history.”Here are some takeaways about the Justice Department’s initial Epstein file release:<h2>It includes thousands of photos, but far fewer files than expected</h2>The law signed by Trump last month set Friday as the deadline for the Justice Department to release most of its files about Epstein.Ahead of the release, Deputy Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-transcripts-1d38a010e72b5b58cca944cb3bbb0e6a">Todd Blanche</a>&nbsp;told Fox News he expected several hundred thousand files to be released Friday, along with several hundred thousand more to come later.But the number of files that actually landed on the Justice Department’s website seemed to be a thin slice of the total number expected. Blanche acknowledged in a letter to Congress that the production of files was incomplete. The department said it expected to complete its production of Epstein documents by the end of the year.Among the documents made public are around 4,000 files — mostly photographs — under a subset the Justice Department described as “DOJ Disclosures.” The vast majority of the photographs were taken by the FBI during searches of Epstein’s homes in New York City and the U.S. Virgin Islands.Also included were images of envelopes, folders and boxes containing investigative materials from various probes related to Epstein. Many records are redacted and anything containing a victim’s personally identifiable information, including materials depicting sexual and physical abuse, isn’t authorized for release.Various other files released by the Justice Department on Friday include court records, public records and disclosures to House committees. At least some of that material has already circulated in the public domain after years of court action and investigations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766198004020.png" alt="Image released by the Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Image released by the Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Multiple photographs show former President Bill Clinton</h2>Many of the most discussed photos from the files&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-clinton-justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-4a55e83b62b5a037c431e36cfa87f0dc">show the former Democratic president</a>. Clinton has acknowledged that he traveled on Epstein’s private jet but said through a spokesperson that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clinton-congress-comer-epstein-a33b35e4882a471b4fc29c51f806c8d2">he had no knowledge</a>&nbsp;of the late financier’s crimes.Some of the photos show Clinton on a private plane, including one with a woman seated next to him with her arm around him. Her face is redacted from the photo.Another photo shows him in a pool with British socialite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ghislaine-maxwell">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>, who has been convicted of luring young girls to Epstein so he could molest them, and with another person whose face is redacted. One shows him with the late pop star Michael Jackson, singer Diana Ross and a woman whose face is redacted.And another shows Clinton in a hot tub with a woman whose face is redacted. The Justice Department did not explain how those photos were related to the criminal investigation.Nevertheless, senior White House aides quickly called attention to them on X.Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, wrote “Oh my!” and added a shocked face emoji in response to the photo of Clinton in the hot tub.Angel Ureña, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, said in an X post that “this isn’t about Bill Clinton” and accused the White House of trying to protect others.“There are two types of people here,” he wrote. “The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light. The second group continued relationships with him after. We’re in the first.”Clinton has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/at-trumps-urging-bondi-says-us-will-investigate-epsteins-ties-to-clinton-and-other-political-foes-e7cafcf6e6c44656a0d0b38637042d5f">never been accused of wrongdoing</a>&nbsp;in connection with Epstein, and the mere inclusion of someone’s name or images in files from the investigation does not imply otherwise.<h2>No new revelations about Trump or others</h2>To some exploring the records released Friday, the most interesting parts were which high-profile figures appeared scarcely — or not at all.For example, Trump is minimally referenced in the files, and the small number of photos that do show him appear to have been in the public domain for decades.The release does include at least one photo of the former Prince Andrew, who appears in a tuxedo lying on the laps of what appear to be several women who are seated, dressed in formalwear. One of Epstein’s accusers, Virginia Giuffre, accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters with men, including the prince.Marina Lacerda, one of the women who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-survivors-react-a7cceac935feda8d94b8fa59e13b01fa">says she survived sexual assault</a>&nbsp;by Epstein, beginning when she was 14 years old, said Friday she wanted to see greater transparency from the Justice Department and expressed frustration over redactions and the incomplete release.“Just put out the files,” she said. “And stop redacting names that don’t need to be redacted.”<h2>Partial release upsets some lawmakers</h2>Several lawmakers blasted the Trump administration for failing to produce all the documents required under the law.Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., had introduced what is known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-house-sex-trafficking-investigation-c46716743f6f65f2f3b74906365da58b">a discharge petition,</a>&nbsp;which eventually led to the congressional vote that forced the release of the Epstein files. On Friday, both took to social media to criticize the partial release.Massie wrote that it “grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law.” Khanna called the release so far “disappointing.”“We’re going to push for the actual documents,” he said.Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said that by disregarding the deadline, the administration was denying justice to Epstein’s victims. He added he was “exploring all avenues and legal tools to get justice for the victims and transparency for the American people.”If Democratic lawmakers so choose, they could go to court to force the Justice Department to comply with the law, but that would almost certainly be a lengthy process that plays out while the department releases more files.Separately, the House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena for the Epstein files. That could give Congress another avenue to force the release of more information to the committee, but it would require Republicans to join them in contempt-of-Congress proceedings against a Republican administration.

Takeaways from the DOJ's initial release of Epstein files, mandated by Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. forces on Saturday stopped an oil tanker off the coast of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela</a>&nbsp;for the second time in less than two weeks as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;continues to ramp up pressure on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.</a>

The pre-dawn operation comes days after Trump announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-maduro-sanctioned-oil-blockade-fd8fd9aa3da41f826fbabd8752dc9a17">“blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers</a>&nbsp;coming in and out of the South American country and follows the Dec. 10&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tanker-seized-venezuela-maduro-0a148ba01684fc6ce1a228dd276732c0">seizure by American forces</a>&nbsp;of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard with help from the Defense Department stopped the oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela. She also posted on social media an unclassified video of a U.S helicopter landing personnel on a vessel called Centuries.

A crude oil tanker flying under the flag of Panama operates under the name and was recently spotted near the Venezuelan coast, according to MarineTraffic, a project that tracks the movement of vessels around the globe using publicly available data. It was not immediately clear if the vessel was under U.S. sanctions.

“The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco terrorism in the region,” Noem wrote on X. “We will find you, and we will stop you.”

The action was a “consented boarding,” with the tanker stopping voluntarily and allowing U.S. forces to board it, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Pentagon and White House officials did not immediately respond to a requests for comment.

Trump following the first tanker seizure, of a vessel named the Skipper, this month vowed that the U.S. would carry out a blockade of Venezuela. It all comes as Trump has ratcheted up his rhetoric toward Maduro and warned that the longtime Venezuelan leader’s days in power are numbered.

And the president this week demanded that Venezuela return assets that it seized from U.S. oil companies years ago, justifying anew his announcement of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-maduro-oil-tankers-625a7c9a3106e316c97ceb68a42a1cb5">“blockade” against oil tankers traveling</a>&nbsp;to or from the South American country that face American sanctions.

Trump cited the lost U.S. investments in Venezuela when asked about his newest tactic in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">pressure campaign</a>&nbsp;against Maduro, suggesting the Republican administration’s moves are at least somewhat motivated by disputes over oil investments, along with accusations of drug trafficking. Some sanctioned tankers already are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-tankers-maduro-trump-blockade-2460e98e4c504cd2a1c86b951e825013">diverting away from Venezuela</a>.

"We’re not going to be letting anybody going through who shouldn’t be going through,” Trump told reporters earlier this week. “You remember they took all of our energy rights. They took all of our oil not that long ago. And we want it back. They took it — they illegally took it.”

U.S. oil companies dominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-oil-trump-blockade-food-shortages-de504343d2118840f41bcc0cf6788ef4">Venezuela’s petroleum industry</a>&nbsp;until the country’s leaders moved to nationalize the sector, first in the 1970s and again in the 21st century under Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. Compensation offered by Venezuela was deemed insufficient, and in 2014 an international arbitration panel ordered the country’s socialist government to pay $1.6 billion to ExxonMobil.

The targeting of tankers comes as Trump has ordered the Defense Department to carry out a series of attacks on vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean that his administration alleges are smuggling fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the United States and beyond.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. forces on Saturday stopped an oil tanker off the coast of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela</a>&nbsp;for the second time in less than two weeks as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;continues to ramp up pressure on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.</a><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">In a pre-dawn action early this morning on Dec. 20, the US Coast Guard with the support of the Department of War apprehended an oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela. The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund… <a href="https://t.co/nSZ4mi6axc">pic.twitter.com/nSZ4mi6axc</a>&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/2002481990755627050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The pre-dawn operation comes days after Trump announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-maduro-sanctioned-oil-blockade-fd8fd9aa3da41f826fbabd8752dc9a17">“blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers</a>&nbsp;coming in and out of the South American country and follows the Dec. 10&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tanker-seized-venezuela-maduro-0a148ba01684fc6ce1a228dd276732c0">seizure by American forces</a>&nbsp;of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast.Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard with help from the Defense Department stopped the oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela. She also posted on social media an unclassified video of a U.S helicopter landing personnel on a vessel called Centuries.A crude oil tanker flying under the flag of Panama operates under the name and was recently spotted near the Venezuelan coast, according to MarineTraffic, a project that tracks the movement of vessels around the globe using publicly available data. It was not immediately clear if the vessel was under U.S. sanctions.“The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco terrorism in the region,” Noem wrote on X. “We will find you, and we will stop you.”The action was a “consented boarding,” with the tanker stopping voluntarily and allowing U.S. forces to board it, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.Pentagon and White House officials did not immediately respond to a requests for comment.Trump following the first tanker seizure, of a vessel named the Skipper, this month vowed that the U.S. would carry out a blockade of Venezuela. It all comes as Trump has ratcheted up his rhetoric toward Maduro and warned that the longtime Venezuelan leader’s days in power are numbered.And the president this week demanded that Venezuela return assets that it seized from U.S. oil companies years ago, justifying anew his announcement of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-maduro-oil-tankers-625a7c9a3106e316c97ceb68a42a1cb5">“blockade” against oil tankers traveling</a>&nbsp;to or from the South American country that face American sanctions.Trump cited the lost U.S. investments in Venezuela when asked about his newest tactic in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">pressure campaign</a>&nbsp;against Maduro, suggesting the Republican administration’s moves are at least somewhat motivated by disputes over oil investments, along with accusations of drug trafficking. Some sanctioned tankers already are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-tankers-maduro-trump-blockade-2460e98e4c504cd2a1c86b951e825013">diverting away from Venezuela</a>."We’re not going to be letting anybody going through who shouldn’t be going through,” Trump told reporters earlier this week. “You remember they took all of our energy rights. They took all of our oil not that long ago. And we want it back. They took it — they illegally took it.”U.S. oil companies dominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-oil-trump-blockade-food-shortages-de504343d2118840f41bcc0cf6788ef4">Venezuela’s petroleum industry</a>&nbsp;until the country’s leaders moved to nationalize the sector, first in the 1970s and again in the 21st century under Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. Compensation offered by Venezuela was deemed insufficient, and in 2014 an international arbitration panel ordered the country’s socialist government to pay $1.6 billion to ExxonMobil.The targeting of tankers comes as Trump has ordered the Defense Department to carry out a series of attacks on vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean that his administration alleges are smuggling fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the United States and beyond.At least 104 people have been killed in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-petro-colombia-drugs-us-aid-c3955b2ce351737119920741178e0567">28 known strikes</a>&nbsp;since early September.The strikes have faced scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and human rights activists, who say the administration has offered scant evidence that its targets are indeed drug smugglers and that the fatal strikes amount to extrajudicial killings.The Coast Guard, sometimes with help from the Navy, had typically interdicted boats suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea, searched for illicit cargo, and arrested the people aboard for prosecution.The administration has justified the strikes as necessary, asserting it is in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>&nbsp;aimed at halting the flow of narcotics into the United States. Maduro faces federal charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S.The U.S. in recent months has sent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c">a fleet of warships</a>&nbsp;to the region, the largest buildup of forces in generations, and Trump has stated repeatedly that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-cartel-soles-us-drugs-terrorist-f778922c04b4f514092bd29b91e77358">land attacks are coming soon</a>.Maduro has insisted the real purpose of the U.S. military operations is to force him from power.White House chief of staff Susie Wiles said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/susie-wiles-interview-donald-trump-a9b42bf0580f9ebdf93a45e7d19382f5">in an interview with Vanity Fair</a>&nbsp;published this week that Trump “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle.”___Madhani reported from West Palm Beach, Florida.