KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire at a business in Kansas City.

Just before 10a.m., crews responded to a fire in the 3100 block of Wheeling Avenue in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. 

Crews reported smoke showing from an occupied commercial structure that is used as an automotive repair shop. &nbsp;Searches of the structure came back all clear. Occupants of the structure were able to escape prior to the arrival of fire crews. The fire was placed under control at 10:11 a.m. No injuries were reported. The building suffered significant damage. Crews have not released a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735925572331.png" alt="Photos KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire at a business in Kansas City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735925622177.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10a.m., crews responded to a fire in the 3100 block of Wheeling Avenue in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. Crews reported smoke showing from an occupied commercial structure that is used as an automotive repair shop. &nbsp;Searches of the structure came back all clear. Occupants of the structure were able to escape prior to the arrival of fire crews. The fire was placed under control at 10:11 a.m. No injuries were reported. The building suffered significant damage. Crews have not released a damage estimate.

Significant damage after fire at KC auto repair business

WASHINGTON (AP) — New Kansas 2nd District Representative Derick Schmidt was sworn in on Friday.&nbsp;He previously served as the Kansas Attorney General from 2011 to 2023.

But while House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-johnson-speaker-vote-donald-trump-ccbe593940ef488019563e8e4b98061e">avoided the dayslong ordeal</a>&nbsp;that his predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">Kevin McCarthy</a>, endured to become speaker, his relatively swift victory was hardly a unifying moment. The tumult of the day laid bare that Johnson retains only tenuous support from hard-line conservatives who gave him their votes for now, but stand ready to dispatch him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">just as they did McCarthy</a>&nbsp;if their demands aren't met.

“Is he going to fight?” said Rep. Ralph Norman, a South Carolina Republican who initially opposed Johnson but ultimate changed his vote.

Republicans are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-republicans-congress-spending-immigration-e4aebdcc9955f5d663208aec08778442">relishing the moment</a>&nbsp;as they take unified control of Washington and rally around President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>. Yet the elements that made for a turbulent House the past two years remain stubbornly in place, except that the stakes are far higher now as Republicans try to deliver on Trump's agenda.

The scale of the conflict to come was apparent as Congress began its new session Friday. House Republicans took shots at each other on TV and argued on the House floor, the freshly elected speaker looked worried, and even after Johnson's victory, some GOP lawmakers openly discussed what might trigger his removal.

For a time, it seemed things might get even worse.

The House chamber seemed to snap back to a familiar scene from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">speakership vote two years ago</a>&nbsp;as archconservatives refused to back Johnson, gesticulating while they openly negotiated on the floor. But after an hour of uncertainty and tense negotiations — as well as Trump calling in from a golf course to make clear he supported Johnson — two of the three Republicans who at first denied Johnson the speakership changed their votes to give him the majority he needed.

Norman said it was not so much Trump who changed his mind, but the fact that Johnson, as he huddled with the holdouts in the back of the House chamber, vowed that he would indeed “fight for everything going forward.”

Johnson has the difficult task of leading a Republican majority that will be even slimmer than it was in the last Congress — potentially down to a single vote, once a handful of members join Trump's administration.

Last year, the thin majority, as well as near-constant defiance from his right flank, forced Johnson to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-campaign-house-republicans-majority-elections-ef7ef9a498e1c7a04971bf28b59c81f7">rely on Democratic support</a>&nbsp;to pass practically any significant legislation.

Johnson tried to turn the page in his first speech after winning the speaker's gavel, arguing that Republicans are now empowered by a “groundswell of Americans” who want an end to the status quo in Washington.

“Speaker Johnson contends that in a environment where we have the White House and the Republican Senate, that he’s going to be able to go get the job done,” said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who has been outspoken in his criticism of Johnson. “So we’ll give him a chance to see. But we need to deliver. There’s no room for any excuses now.”

Making matters more difficult, even if Johnson manages to unite his conference in the House, most legislation will still need at least some Democratic support in the Senate, where the chamber's filibuster rules prevent most bills from advancing unless they have support from at least 60 senators. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority in the Senate.

"He’s got a really, really tough job,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said in an interview with NBC's “Meet the Press.”

Republican leadership did ease one threat to Johnson by making it more difficult to oust the speaker through a so-called motion to vacate. Any motion will now need at least nine members from the majority party rather than being triggered by a single lawmaker. Democrats protested that Republicans are shielding the speaker from bipartisan accountability.

Still, within minutes of Johnson gaining the support he needed to take the speakership, the House Freedom Caucus released a letter signed by 11 members demanding that Johnson deliver ambitious policy goals, including enacting permanent border security changes, making aggressive federal spending cuts and banning members of Congress from stock trading.

Caucus members said Johnson now “must prove he will not fail to enact President Trump's bold agenda.”

At the same time, conservatives are also agitating for guarantees to reduce the federal deficit as well as move power from the speaker's office by allowing rank-and-file members greater control over what's included in legislation. While such promises could prove hard to keep, Johnson committed to working closely with Freedom Caucus members in crafting legislation.

“Speakers typically don’t last very long,” said Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a caucus member. “I would say this about Speaker Johnson: As long as this is a member-driven process, I think his speakership will be successful. If it’s not, that's going to be tough.”

Nine conservatives initially withheld support for Johnson during the speakership vote by either staying silent while their names were called or voting for someone else. It was taken by many as a not-so-subtle message that the motion to vacate is still at hand, even with the rules change.

The warning was even raised to Johnson during a huddle over the speaker vote, Norman said.

Norman said Johnson responded: “Look, if I don’t perform like I say I’m going to perform and push the things that you’re saying, put me out. I never thought I would have this job anyway.'”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735997578049.png" alt="Ceremonial swearing in for Kansas 2nd District Congressman Derick Schmidt-Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Ceremonial swearing in for Kansas 2nd District Congressman Derick Schmidt-Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — New Kansas 2nd District Representative Derick Schmidt was sworn in on Friday.&nbsp;He previously served as the Kansas Attorney General from 2011 to 2023.But while House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-johnson-speaker-vote-donald-trump-ccbe593940ef488019563e8e4b98061e">avoided the dayslong ordeal</a>&nbsp;that his predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">Kevin McCarthy</a>, endured to become speaker, his relatively swift victory was hardly a unifying moment. The tumult of the day laid bare that Johnson retains only tenuous support from hard-line conservatives who gave him their votes for now, but stand ready to dispatch him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">just as they did McCarthy</a>&nbsp;if their demands aren't met.“Is he going to fight?” said Rep. Ralph Norman, a South Carolina Republican who initially opposed Johnson but ultimate changed his vote.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It’s an incredible honor to continue serving our great country as Speaker of the House. Now, let’s get to work. <a href="https://t.co/22YITXHrvh">pic.twitter.com/22YITXHrvh</a>&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1875306002242994646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-republicans-congress-spending-immigration-e4aebdcc9955f5d663208aec08778442">relishing the moment</a>&nbsp;as they take unified control of Washington and rally around President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>. Yet the elements that made for a turbulent House the past two years remain stubbornly in place, except that the stakes are far higher now as Republicans try to deliver on Trump's agenda.The scale of the conflict to come was apparent as Congress began its new session Friday. House Republicans took shots at each other on TV and argued on the House floor, the freshly elected speaker looked worried, and even after Johnson's victory, some GOP lawmakers openly discussed what might trigger his removal.For a time, it seemed things might get even worse.The House chamber seemed to snap back to a familiar scene from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">speakership vote two years ago</a>&nbsp;as archconservatives refused to back Johnson, gesticulating while they openly negotiated on the floor. But after an hour of uncertainty and tense negotiations — as well as Trump calling in from a golf course to make clear he supported Johnson — two of the three Republicans who at first denied Johnson the speakership changed their votes to give him the majority he needed.Norman said it was not so much Trump who changed his mind, but the fact that Johnson, as he huddled with the holdouts in the back of the House chamber, vowed that he would indeed “fight for everything going forward.”Easier said than done.Johnson has the difficult task of leading a Republican majority that will be even slimmer than it was in the last Congress — potentially down to a single vote, once a handful of members join Trump's administration.Last year, the thin majority, as well as near-constant defiance from his right flank, forced Johnson to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-campaign-house-republicans-majority-elections-ef7ef9a498e1c7a04971bf28b59c81f7">rely on Democratic support</a>&nbsp;to pass practically any significant legislation.Johnson tried to turn the page in his first speech after winning the speaker's gavel, arguing that Republicans are now empowered by a “groundswell of Americans” who want an end to the status quo in Washington.“Speaker Johnson contends that in a environment where we have the White House and the Republican Senate, that he’s going to be able to go get the job done,” said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who has been outspoken in his criticism of Johnson. “So we’ll give him a chance to see. But we need to deliver. There’s no room for any excuses now.”Making matters more difficult, even if Johnson manages to unite his conference in the House, most legislation will still need at least some Democratic support in the Senate, where the chamber's filibuster rules prevent most bills from advancing unless they have support from at least 60 senators. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority in the Senate."He’s got a really, really tough job,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said in an interview with NBC's “Meet the Press.”Republican leadership did ease one threat to Johnson by making it more difficult to oust the speaker through a so-called motion to vacate. Any motion will now need at least nine members from the majority party rather than being triggered by a single lawmaker. Democrats protested that Republicans are shielding the speaker from bipartisan accountability.Still, within minutes of Johnson gaining the support he needed to take the speakership, the House Freedom Caucus released a letter signed by 11 members demanding that Johnson deliver ambitious policy goals, including enacting permanent border security changes, making aggressive federal spending cuts and banning members of Congress from stock trading.Caucus members said Johnson now “must prove he will not fail to enact President Trump's bold agenda.”At the same time, conservatives are also agitating for guarantees to reduce the federal deficit as well as move power from the speaker's office by allowing rank-and-file members greater control over what's included in legislation. While such promises could prove hard to keep, Johnson committed to working closely with Freedom Caucus members in crafting legislation.“Speakers typically don’t last very long,” said Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a caucus member. “I would say this about Speaker Johnson: As long as this is a member-driven process, I think his speakership will be successful. If it’s not, that's going to be tough.”Nine conservatives initially withheld support for Johnson during the speakership vote by either staying silent while their names were called or voting for someone else. It was taken by many as a not-so-subtle message that the motion to vacate is still at hand, even with the rules change.The warning was even raised to Johnson during a huddle over the speaker vote, Norman said.Norman said Johnson responded: “Look, if I don’t perform like I say I’m going to perform and push the things that you’re saying, put me out. I never thought I would have this job anyway.'”

New Kan. 2nd District Congressman Derek Schmidt sworn in

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a homicide in Kansas City that left three dead have identified the victims as 39-year-old&nbsp;Zachary D. Hatcher; 7-year-old&nbsp;Charlotte Hatcher and 9-year-old&nbsp;Jeffery Hatcher, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just before 10p.m., police responded to the 1000 block of NW 91st Terrace in Kansas City on a reported check the welfare call for service.

When officers arrived they began checking the exterior of the residence. They smelled smoke and could see smoke inside the home. Officers made entry into the home but had to quickly back out due to a fire inside. 

The Kansas City Fire Department simultaneously responded and were able to extinguish the fire. Upon reentering the home, police found a girl, a boy and a man with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel declared the girl and the man deceased at the scene. 

EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he died a short time later, according DiMartino.

&nbsp; This is being investigated as a homicide and detectives are not looking for any suspects. Investigators and crime scene personnel are working to determine what led up to the incident.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735905558733.png" alt="Police at the scene of the homicide-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the homicide-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a homicide in Kansas City that left three dead have identified the victims as 39-year-old&nbsp;Zachary D. Hatcher; 7-year-old&nbsp;Charlotte Hatcher and 9-year-old&nbsp;Jeffery Hatcher, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Just before 10p.m., police responded to the 1000 block of NW 91st Terrace in Kansas City on a reported check the welfare call for service.When officers arrived they began checking the exterior of the residence. They smelled smoke and could see smoke inside the home. Officers made entry into the home but had to quickly back out due to a fire inside. The Kansas City Fire Department simultaneously responded and were able to extinguish the fire. Upon reentering the home, police found a girl, a boy and a man with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel declared the girl and the man deceased at the scene. EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he died a short time later, according DiMartino.&nbsp; This is being investigated as a homicide and detectives are not looking for any suspects. Investigators and crime scene personnel are working to determine what led up to the incident.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Police ID man, 2 children killed at home in Kansas City

The holidays came with a side of flu for many Americans, with 40 states reporting high or very high levels of illness last week, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2024-week-52.html" target="_blank">latest government health data</a>.

“A lot of flu out there,” said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Carrie Reed.

Of course, there are a number of bugs that cause fever, cough, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms. One is COVID-19. Another is RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, which is a common cause of cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous for infants and the elderly.

The most recent CDC hospitalization&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fsurveillance%2Fresp-net%2Fdashboard.html" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;and other indicators show that the flu virus is trending higher than the other germs, Reed said. Several seasonal flu strains are driving cases, with no dominant one, she added.

Pediatric hospitals have been busy since November with RSV, but “influenza has now joined the party,” said Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious diseases specialist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

“Now we’re really starting to roll,” he added. ”Our hospitals are busy.”

One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. That level last week was about equal to the peak of last winter’s respiratory virus season — which occurred at the same time of year. Reed noted that most people avoid medical appointments over the holidays if they can help it, so the data in late December might be skewed by people who came down with sudden illnesses.

Last week’s flu activity was particularly intense in the South, Southwest and western U.S. The states reporting lesser amounts of suffering were mostly in the northern Great Plains and in New England.

So far this season, the CDC estimates, there have been at least 5.3 million flu illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths — including at least 11 children.

It’s not clear if this winter respiratory virus season will be any worse than others. So far it seems relatively typical, at least for kids, Newland said.

How to protect yourself from seasonal illnesses

U.S. health officials recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-flu-rsv-vaccines-shots-ad33f4fe23f4c293ab87415b6449d9ad">annual flu vaccination</a>, and they say it’s not too late to get a shot.

You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs can spread that way,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/index.html" target="_blank">health officials say</a>. You should also wash your hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

The CDC also has been keeping its eye on a rise of illnesses from norovirus, a nasty stomach bug, with 91 outbreaks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norovirus-outbreak-stomach-virus-78e4a5f3c55d0af68f0c9e115c2369e5">reported</a>&nbsp;early in December.

Investigators also have been closely watching another kind of influenza virus, the Type A H5N1 version of bird flu. The CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html#cdc_situation_summary_current-current-situation" target="_blank">says</a>&nbsp;66 human U.S. cases of that were reported last year, but none of them in the last week.

The cases are “fairly sporadic” and the overall risk to the public remains low, Reed said. Almost all have been traced to direct contact with infected animals, with no proof of spread between people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735991580433.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;MIKE STOBBE Associated PressThe holidays came with a side of flu for many Americans, with 40 states reporting high or very high levels of illness last week, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2024-week-52.html" target="_blank">latest government health data</a>.“A lot of flu out there,” said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Carrie Reed.Of course, there are a number of bugs that cause fever, cough, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms. One is COVID-19. Another is RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, which is a common cause of cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous for infants and the elderly.The most recent CDC hospitalization&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fsurveillance%2Fresp-net%2Fdashboard.html" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;and other indicators show that the flu virus is trending higher than the other germs, Reed said. Several seasonal flu strains are driving cases, with no dominant one, she added.Pediatric hospitals have been busy since November with RSV, but “influenza has now joined the party,” said Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious diseases specialist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.“Now we’re really starting to roll,” he added. ”Our hospitals are busy.”<h2>Where flu illnesses are the highest</h2>One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. That level last week was about equal to the peak of last winter’s respiratory virus season — which occurred at the same time of year. Reed noted that most people avoid medical appointments over the holidays if they can help it, so the data in late December might be skewed by people who came down with sudden illnesses.Last week’s flu activity was particularly intense in the South, Southwest and western U.S. The states reporting lesser amounts of suffering were mostly in the northern Great Plains and in New England.So far this season, the CDC estimates, there have been at least 5.3 million flu illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths — including at least 11 children.It’s not clear if this winter respiratory virus season will be any worse than others. So far it seems relatively typical, at least for kids, Newland said.ADVERTISEMENT<h2>How to protect yourself from seasonal illnesses</h2>U.S. health officials recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-flu-rsv-vaccines-shots-ad33f4fe23f4c293ab87415b6449d9ad">annual flu vaccination</a>, and they say it’s not too late to get a shot.You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs can spread that way,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/index.html" target="_blank">health officials say</a>. You should also wash your hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid close contact with people who are sick.<h2>Other germs are being watched</h2>The CDC also has been keeping its eye on a rise of illnesses from norovirus, a nasty stomach bug, with 91 outbreaks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norovirus-outbreak-stomach-virus-78e4a5f3c55d0af68f0c9e115c2369e5">reported</a>&nbsp;early in December.Investigators also have been closely watching another kind of influenza virus, the Type A H5N1 version of bird flu. The CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html#cdc_situation_summary_current-current-situation" target="_blank">says</a>&nbsp;66 human U.S. cases of that were reported last year, but none of them in the last week.The cases are “fairly sporadic” and the overall risk to the public remains low, Reed said. Almost all have been traced to direct contact with infected animals, with no proof of spread between people.<h2>___</h2>

Sick season is in full force in Kan. What the latest CDC figures show

REPUBLIC COUNTY – A Kansas father accused in the death of his 3-month old daughter is now in a jail in Kansas. 

Just before 7p.m. Thursday, 23-year-old William McLaughlin&nbsp; of Belleville was booked into the Republic County Jail, according to online jail records.

On Thursday morning McLaughlin was arrested in Nebraska on a KBI warrant for first-degree murder and felony abuse of a child. The charges are connected to the death of McLaughlin’s three-month-old daughter.

On Christmas Day, the infant was initially brought to the Republic County hospital. She had suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead in an Omaha hospital on Dec. 29.

Following&nbsp;the arrest, McLaughlin was booked into the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Jail in Nebraska. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest.&nbsp; Republic County authorities have not set the date for McLaughlin's first court appearance.

REPUBLIC COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a suspected&nbsp;child abuse case in Belleville. &nbsp;

On Thursday morning, the&nbsp;Belleville Police Department&nbsp;contacted the&nbsp;KBI to investigate after an unresponsive&nbsp;three-month-old&nbsp;infant was transported from the Republic County hospital to a hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

The child’s parents brought her to the Republic County hospital on Dec. 25, and hospital staff later contacted the Belleville Police Department.

A pediatrician at the Omaha hospital indicated the child has no brain activity due to severe injuries she had sustained. Late Thursday afternoon, KBI reported the infant remains on life support.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735921300083.png" alt="McLaughlin photo Republic County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>McLaughlin photo Republic County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>REPUBLIC COUNTY – A Kansas father accused in the death of his 3-month old daughter is now in a jail in Kansas. Just before 7p.m. Thursday, 23-year-old William McLaughlin&nbsp; of Belleville was booked into the Republic County Jail, according to online jail records.On Thursday morning McLaughlin was arrested in Nebraska on a KBI warrant for first-degree murder and felony abuse of a child. The charges are connected to the death of McLaughlin’s three-month-old daughter.On Christmas Day, the infant was initially brought to the Republic County hospital. She had suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead in an Omaha hospital on Dec. 29.Following&nbsp;the arrest, McLaughlin was booked into the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Jail in Nebraska. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest.&nbsp; Republic County authorities have not set the date for McLaughlin's first court appearance.-----------REPUBLIC COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a suspected&nbsp;child abuse case in Belleville. &nbsp;On Thursday morning, the&nbsp;Belleville Police Department&nbsp;contacted the&nbsp;KBI to investigate after an unresponsive&nbsp;three-month-old&nbsp;infant was transported from the Republic County hospital to a hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.The child’s parents brought her to the Republic County hospital on Dec. 25, and hospital staff later contacted the Belleville Police Department.A pediatrician at the Omaha hospital indicated the child has no brain activity due to severe injuries she had sustained. Late Thursday afternoon, KBI reported the infant remains on life support.

Father accused in 3-month-old's death moved to Kansas jail

FINNEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2p.m. Friday in Finney County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 FordF550 driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Cesar H. Pena, 23, Lakin, was southbound on U.S. 83 at Parallel Road.

The pickup rear-ended a 2014 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Elizabeth L.&nbsp;Gossman, 43, Garden City, that had slowed and stopped to turn left onto Parallel Road.

The impact pushed the Chevy into the northbound lane of travel.&nbsp; A northbound 2014 Ford F150 driven by Jon R.&nbsp;Ungles, 58, Satanta, struck the drivers side of the Chevy.

Gossman was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported&nbsp;Pena, Ungles, a 14-year-old passenger in the Chevy and a 52-year-old passenger in the F150 to&nbsp; St. Catherines Hospital.&nbsp;

FINNEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2p.m. Friday in Finney County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 FordF550 driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Cesar H. Pena, 23, Lakin, was southbound on U.S. 83 at Parallel Road.The pickup rear-ended a 2014 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Elizabeth L.&nbsp;Gossman, 43, Garden City, that had slowed and stopped to turn left onto Parallel Road.The impact pushed the Chevy into the northbound lane of travel.&nbsp; A northbound 2014 Ford F150 driven by Jon R.&nbsp;Ungles, 58, Satanta, struck the drivers side of the Chevy.Gossman was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported&nbsp;Pena, Ungles, a 14-year-old passenger in the Chevy and a 52-year-old passenger in the F150 to&nbsp; St. Catherines Hospital.&nbsp;

SW Kansas woman dies after 3-vehicle crash

COWLEY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office have new information about an Arkansas City man charged with multiple child sex crimes.

On Dec. 28 around noon, Brian W. Black, 40, was found dead outside of his residence in Arkansas City, according to a media release from the KBI.

Black died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies contacted the coroner who pronounced him deceased at the scene.

Black had been released on bond after he was charged with rape and other crimes committed against a 16-year old teen.

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

Just before 10:30a.m December 11, special agents with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrested Brian W. Black, 40, without incident at his residence in Arkansas City, according to a media release from the KBI.

Black was arrested on a warrant on requested charges that include three counts of rape, three counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of exploitation of a child, two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior, abuse of a child, and battery.

In September 2023, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance with a sexual assault investigation involving a 16-year-old girl who had reported that Black had raped her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734044955692.png" alt="Black photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Black photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office have new information about an Arkansas City man charged with multiple child sex crimes.On Dec. 28 around noon, Brian W. Black, 40, was found dead outside of his residence in Arkansas City, according to a media release from the KBI.Black died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies contacted the coroner who pronounced him deceased at the scene.Black had been released on bond after he was charged with rape and other crimes committed against a 16-year old teen.------------COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.Just before 10:30a.m December 11, special agents with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrested Brian W. Black, 40, without incident at his residence in Arkansas City, according to a media release from the KBI.Black was arrested on a warrant on requested charges that include three counts of rape, three counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of exploitation of a child, two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior, abuse of a child, and battery.In September 2023, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance with a sexual assault investigation involving a 16-year-old girl who had reported that Black had raped her.

KBI: Kansas man charged with sex crimes is dead

NEW YORK (AP) — In an extraordinary turn, a judge Friday set&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President-elect Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;sentencing in his hush money case for Jan. 10 — little over a week before he's due to return to the White House — but indicated he wouldn't be jailed.

The development nevertheless leaves Trump on course to be the first president to take office convicted of felony crimes.

Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over Trump’s trial, signaled in a written decision that he'd sentence the former and future president to what's known as an unconditional discharge, in which a case is closed without jail time, a fine or probation. Trump can appear virtually for sentencing, if he chooses.

Merchan wrote that he sought to balance competing interests: Trump’s ability to govern “unencumbered” by the case, the U.S. Supreme Court's July&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immunity-supreme-court-capitol-riot-trial-72ec35de776315183e1db561257cb108">ruling on presidential immunity</a>, the public’s expectation “that all are equal and no one is above the Iaw,” and the importance of respecting a jury verdict.

“This court is simply not persuaded that the first factor outweighs the others at this stage of the proceeding,” Merchan wrote in an 18-page decision.

He rejected Trump’s push to dismiss the verdict and throw out the case on presidential immunity grounds and because of his impending second term. The judge said that he found no legal impediment to sentencing Trump and indeed deemed it “incumbent” on the court to carry out the proceeding before Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.

“Only by bringing finality to this matter” will the interests of justice be served, Merchan wrote.

Trump communications director Steven Cheung reiterated that the case, which Trump has long described as illegitimate, should be dismissed outright.

“There should be no sentencing, and President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead,” Cheung said in a statement. He didn't elaborate on Trump's potential next legal moves.

Former Manhattan Judge Diane Kiesel said the ruling can't be appealed under New York law, but Trump nonetheless might try to appeal it. In any event, he can appeal his conviction, a step that can't be taken until he is sentenced.

“I’m a little curious as to why it took this long, but I don’t want to be critical of the judge over that because I have no idea what his other caseload looks like and I know this is something that he wanted to make sure he got right because the minute Mr. Trump is sentenced, everybody is going to be running up to the appellate division,” Kiesel said.

Trump was convicted in May of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-arraignment-hush-money-81225510ef7638494852816878f612f0">34 counts of falsifying business records</a>. They involved an alleged scheme to hide a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-hush-money-opening-stormy-daniels-6beee9b99114898ee0dd60185d43bac5">hush money payment</a>&nbsp;to porn actor Stormy Daniels in the last weeks of Trump’s first campaign in 2016. The payout was made to keep her from publicizing claims she’d had sex with the married Trump years earlier. He says that her story is false and that he did nothing wrong.

After Trump’s Nov. 5 election, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case.

Trump’s lawyers urged Merchan to toss it. They said it would otherwise&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-manhattan-da-hush-money-stormy-daniels-4ca273191cb1ea226c8938ef14f0b259">pose unconstitutional “disruptions”</a>&nbsp;to the incoming president’s ability to run the country.

Prosecutors acknowledged there should be some accommodation for his upcoming presidency, but they insisted the conviction should stand.

They&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-manhattan-da-hush-money-stormy-daniels-f4405fbd1b0c769a7f98c40aa892d94c">suggested various options</a>, such as freezing the case during his term or guaranteeing him a no-jail sentence. They also proposed closing the case while formally noting both his conviction and his undecided appeal — a novel idea drawn from what some state courts do when criminal defendants die while appealing their cases.

Merchan ruled that Trump’s current status as president-elect does not afford him the same immunity as a sitting president. Setting the verdict aside and dismissing the case would be a “drastic” step and would “undermine the Rule of Law in immeasurable ways,” Merchan wrote. He opined that it wouldn’t address the Supreme Court’s concerns about presidential immunity, either.

Trump takes office Jan. 20 as the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.

His conviction left the 78-year-old facing the possibility of punishment ranging from a fine or probation to up to four years in prison.

The case centered on how Trump accounted for reimbursing his personal attorney for the Daniels payment.

The lawyer, Michael Cohen, fronted the money. He later recouped it through a series of payments that Trump’s company logged as legal expenses. Trump, by then in the White House, signed most of the checks himself.

Prosecutors said the designation was meant to cloak the true purpose of the payments and help cover up a broader effort to keep voters from hearing unflattering claims about the Republican during his first campaign.

Trump said that Cohen was legitimately paid for legal services, and that Daniels’ story was suppressed to avoid embarrassing Trump’s family, not to influence the electorate.

Trump was a private citizen — campaigning for president, but neither elected nor sworn in — when Cohen paid Daniels in October 2016. He was president when Cohen was reimbursed, and Cohen testified that they discussed the repayment arrangement in the Oval Office.

Trump, a Republican, has decried the verdict as the “rigged, disgraceful” result of a “witch hunt” pursued by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat.

Before Trump’s November election, his lawyers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immunity-hush-money-merchan-stormy-daniels-02e54baf65b233ad7f6875536fb998ea">sought to reverse</a>&nbsp;his conviction for a different reason: the Supreme Court's immunity decision, which gave presidents broad protection from criminal prosecution.

The Trump hush money attorneys contended that the jury got some evidence that should have been shielded by presidential immunity. Merchan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-conviction-stormy-daniels-908465ed0b7f2005c72226b5b2546260">later rejected</a>&nbsp;that argument, but in the meantime, the election raised new issues.

While urging Merchan to nix the conviction, Trump also sought to move the case to federal court, where he could also assert immunity. A federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-sentencing-new-york-immunity-a905207c7db9fc48d022d68ac6cc12e1">repeatedly said no</a>, but Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-appeal-immunity-sentencing-c143a098e633bbe8f624966806996fc2">appealed</a>.

The hush money case was the only one of Trump’s four criminal indictments to go to trial.

Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-justice-department-jack-smith-d6172cf98d8e03e099571c908267456c">ended his two federal cases</a>. One pertained to Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss; the other alleged he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

A separate, state-level&nbsp;<a href="https://state%20election%20interference%20case%20i/">election interference case in Georgia</a>&nbsp;is in limbo after an appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fani-willis-georgia-election-indictment-removed-0aa6db3b7abed22eb08ed9323f687972">removed prosecutor Fani Willis from the case</a>.

Trump's lawyers argued that Smith’s decision to dismiss the federal indictments against Trump should propel a dismissal of the New York hush money case, as well. But Merchan said he found that argument unpersuasive, noting that the hush money case was in a “vastly” different stage.

Trump's sentencing initially was set for last July 11, then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-sentencing-bragg-4d5f8ce399656abff72d7c114a04060d">postponed</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-sentencing-delay-postponed-election-be5a6fd3481055187543236c8dd3b045">twice</a>&nbsp;at the defense's request.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713921168558.png" alt="File photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — In an extraordinary turn, a judge Friday set&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President-elect Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;sentencing in his hush money case for Jan. 10 — little over a week before he's due to return to the White House — but indicated he wouldn't be jailed.The development nevertheless leaves Trump on course to be the first president to take office convicted of felony crimes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735943641048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over Trump’s trial, signaled in a written decision that he'd sentence the former and future president to what's known as an unconditional discharge, in which a case is closed without jail time, a fine or probation. Trump can appear virtually for sentencing, if he chooses.Merchan wrote that he sought to balance competing interests: Trump’s ability to govern “unencumbered” by the case, the U.S. Supreme Court's July&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immunity-supreme-court-capitol-riot-trial-72ec35de776315183e1db561257cb108">ruling on presidential immunity</a>, the public’s expectation “that all are equal and no one is above the Iaw,” and the importance of respecting a jury verdict.“This court is simply not persuaded that the first factor outweighs the others at this stage of the proceeding,” Merchan wrote in an 18-page decision.He rejected Trump’s push to dismiss the verdict and throw out the case on presidential immunity grounds and because of his impending second term. The judge said that he found no legal impediment to sentencing Trump and indeed deemed it “incumbent” on the court to carry out the proceeding before Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.“Only by bringing finality to this matter” will the interests of justice be served, Merchan wrote.Trump communications director Steven Cheung reiterated that the case, which Trump has long described as illegitimate, should be dismissed outright.“There should be no sentencing, and President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead,” Cheung said in a statement. He didn't elaborate on Trump's potential next legal moves.Former Manhattan Judge Diane Kiesel said the ruling can't be appealed under New York law, but Trump nonetheless might try to appeal it. In any event, he can appeal his conviction, a step that can't be taken until he is sentenced.“I’m a little curious as to why it took this long, but I don’t want to be critical of the judge over that because I have no idea what his other caseload looks like and I know this is something that he wanted to make sure he got right because the minute Mr. Trump is sentenced, everybody is going to be running up to the appellate division,” Kiesel said.Trump was convicted in May of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-arraignment-hush-money-81225510ef7638494852816878f612f0">34 counts of falsifying business records</a>. They involved an alleged scheme to hide a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-hush-money-opening-stormy-daniels-6beee9b99114898ee0dd60185d43bac5">hush money payment</a>&nbsp;to porn actor Stormy Daniels in the last weeks of Trump’s first campaign in 2016. The payout was made to keep her from publicizing claims she’d had sex with the married Trump years earlier. He says that her story is false and that he did nothing wrong.After Trump’s Nov. 5 election, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case.Trump’s lawyers urged Merchan to toss it. They said it would otherwise&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-manhattan-da-hush-money-stormy-daniels-4ca273191cb1ea226c8938ef14f0b259">pose unconstitutional “disruptions”</a>&nbsp;to the incoming president’s ability to run the country.Prosecutors acknowledged there should be some accommodation for his upcoming presidency, but they insisted the conviction should stand.They&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-manhattan-da-hush-money-stormy-daniels-f4405fbd1b0c769a7f98c40aa892d94c">suggested various options</a>, such as freezing the case during his term or guaranteeing him a no-jail sentence. They also proposed closing the case while formally noting both his conviction and his undecided appeal — a novel idea drawn from what some state courts do when criminal defendants die while appealing their cases.Merchan ruled that Trump’s current status as president-elect does not afford him the same immunity as a sitting president. Setting the verdict aside and dismissing the case would be a “drastic” step and would “undermine the Rule of Law in immeasurable ways,” Merchan wrote. He opined that it wouldn’t address the Supreme Court’s concerns about presidential immunity, either.Trump takes office Jan. 20 as the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.His conviction left the 78-year-old facing the possibility of punishment ranging from a fine or probation to up to four years in prison.The case centered on how Trump accounted for reimbursing his personal attorney for the Daniels payment.The lawyer, Michael Cohen, fronted the money. He later recouped it through a series of payments that Trump’s company logged as legal expenses. Trump, by then in the White House, signed most of the checks himself.Prosecutors said the designation was meant to cloak the true purpose of the payments and help cover up a broader effort to keep voters from hearing unflattering claims about the Republican during his first campaign.Trump said that Cohen was legitimately paid for legal services, and that Daniels’ story was suppressed to avoid embarrassing Trump’s family, not to influence the electorate.Trump was a private citizen — campaigning for president, but neither elected nor sworn in — when Cohen paid Daniels in October 2016. He was president when Cohen was reimbursed, and Cohen testified that they discussed the repayment arrangement in the Oval Office.Trump, a Republican, has decried the verdict as the “rigged, disgraceful” result of a “witch hunt” pursued by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat.Before Trump’s November election, his lawyers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immunity-hush-money-merchan-stormy-daniels-02e54baf65b233ad7f6875536fb998ea">sought to reverse</a>&nbsp;his conviction for a different reason: the Supreme Court's immunity decision, which gave presidents broad protection from criminal prosecution.The Trump hush money attorneys contended that the jury got some evidence that should have been shielded by presidential immunity. Merchan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-conviction-stormy-daniels-908465ed0b7f2005c72226b5b2546260">later rejected</a>&nbsp;that argument, but in the meantime, the election raised new issues.While urging Merchan to nix the conviction, Trump also sought to move the case to federal court, where he could also assert immunity. A federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-sentencing-new-york-immunity-a905207c7db9fc48d022d68ac6cc12e1">repeatedly said no</a>, but Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-appeal-immunity-sentencing-c143a098e633bbe8f624966806996fc2">appealed</a>.The hush money case was the only one of Trump’s four criminal indictments to go to trial.Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-justice-department-jack-smith-d6172cf98d8e03e099571c908267456c">ended his two federal cases</a>. One pertained to Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss; the other alleged he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.A separate, state-level&nbsp;<a href="https://state%20election%20interference%20case%20i/">election interference case in Georgia</a>&nbsp;is in limbo after an appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fani-willis-georgia-election-indictment-removed-0aa6db3b7abed22eb08ed9323f687972">removed prosecutor Fani Willis from the case</a>.Trump's lawyers argued that Smith’s decision to dismiss the federal indictments against Trump should propel a dismissal of the New York hush money case, as well. But Merchan said he found that argument unpersuasive, noting that the hush money case was in a “vastly” different stage.Trump's sentencing initially was set for last July 11, then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-sentencing-bragg-4d5f8ce399656abff72d7c114a04060d">postponed</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-sentencing-delay-postponed-election-be5a6fd3481055187543236c8dd3b045">twice</a>&nbsp;at the defense's request.

Judge will sentence Trump 10-days before inauguration

HARVEY COUNTY—On Friday, Edward L. Altum, age 71 of Newton, was found guilty of 2nd Degree Intentional Homicide and Aggravated Battery in the killing of his wife Peggy S. Altum in December of 2023.

The judge made the ruling following Altum's plea of no contest to the charges. 

In December of 2023, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 2000 block of Terrace Drive in Newton, according to a media release from from police.

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

EMS transported the victim to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita where she later died. Police arrested&nbsp; Altum and recovered a gun at the scene, according to police.

&nbsp;This case is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Llamas on March 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702667856753.png" alt="Altum-photo Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>Altum-photo Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—On Friday, Edward L. Altum, age 71 of Newton, was found guilty of 2nd Degree Intentional Homicide and Aggravated Battery in the killing of his wife Peggy S. Altum in December of 2023.The judge made the ruling following Altum's plea of no contest to the charges. In December of 2023, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 2000 block of Terrace Drive in Newton, according to a media release from from police.A man at the house identified as Edward Altum reported his 74-year-old wife had been shot and refused to answer any further questions.EMS transported the victim to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita where she later died. Police arrested&nbsp; Altum and recovered a gun at the scene, according to police.&nbsp;This case is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Llamas on March 17.

Judge: Kansas man guilty of wife's murder

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Mike Johnson won reelection to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/mike-johnson-speaker-congress-updates">the House speakership</a>&nbsp;on a first ballot Friday, pushing past GOP hard-right holdouts and buoyed with a nod of support from President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>.

A collection of hardline Republicans convened in the back of the House chamber during a tense roll call on the first day of the new Congress, one by one declining to vote or choosing another lawmaker. The standoff sparked fresh turmoil signaling trouble ahead under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-republicans-congress-spending-immigration-e4aebdcc9955f5d663208aec08778442">unified GOP control of Washington</a>.

In the end, however, Johnson was able to flip two remaining holdouts who switched to support him, drawing applause from Republicans.&nbsp; &nbsp;Members of the Kansas GOP delegation cast votes for Johnson. Kansas Democrat House member Sharice Davids voted for Hakeem Jeffries.&nbsp; Mike Johnson received 218 votes to Jeffries 215.&nbsp; Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky voted for&nbsp;Tom Emmer of Minnesota.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">As the most recent speaker, Johnson’s</a>&nbsp;weak grip on the gavel threatens not only his own survival but President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump’s</a>&nbsp;ambitious agenda of tax cuts and mass deportations as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-republicans-congress-spending-immigration-e4aebdcc9955f5d663208aec08778442">Republicans sweep to power</a>.

Newly-elected House lawmakers started casting votes as Johnson's name was put forward for nomination by the GOP Conference Chair Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich.

“No speaker's perfect,” she said. But the goal is to make progress toward shared priorities for the country, she said. “None of us will get exactly what we want.”

Democrats put forward their own leader, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, as the only one with a track record of compromise and achievement in the face of “chaos and dysfunction” under the GOP majority.

“House Democrats are united behind the most powerful legislative leader in this chamber,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., of Jeffries, recounting the many times their votes bailed out Johnson to ensure passage of important legislation.

With opposition from his own GOP colleagues, Johnson arrived with outward confidence after working into the night to sway hardline&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-elon-budget-house-republican-05481374b154949c3fe1270141a02918">holdouts</a>. A flop by Johnson could throw Monday's congressional certification of Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">2024 election</a>&nbsp;victory into turmoil without a House speaker. Even backing from Trump himself, usually a sure bet for Republicans, was no guarantee Johnson will stay in power.

"We don’t have time for drama,” Johnson said as he walked into the Capitol.

The Louisiana Republican received a renewed nod of support from Trump. “A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party,” Trump posted on social media.

What was once a ceremonial day with newly elected lawmakers arriving to be sworn into office, often with family, friends and children in tow, has evolved into a high-stakes vote for the office of House speaker, among the most powerful elected positions in Washington. Vice President Kamala Harris was swearing in the senators.

While the Senate is able to convene on its own and has already elected party leaders — Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2024/john-thune-is-striving-to-be-the-next-republican-senate-leader-but-can-he-rise-in-trumps-gop/">John Thune</a>&nbsp;as the Republican majority leader and Sen. Chuck Schumer for the Democratic minority — the House must first elect its speaker, a role required by the Constitution, second in the line of succession to the president.

Congress has been here before, when it took Republicans nearly a week and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">15 rounds of voting</a>&nbsp;to elect Kevin McCarthy as speaker in 2023, a spectacle unseen in modern times. McCarthy was then dumped by his party, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">historic first</a>, but he was also part of a long list of GOP speakers chased to early exits.

The stakes are higher this year as Trump prepares to return to the White House with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republicans-house-elections-e3754a684a7b96b129841d4b207c15e9">House</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-elections-house-senate-harris-trump-94b49277db2a5c21f23236794a36afa6">Senate</a>&nbsp;in GOP control and promising to deliver big on a 100-day agenda.

Johnson has been working diligently to prevent defeat, spending New Year's Day at Mar-a-Lago as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">positions himself alongside Trump</a>. The speaker often portrays himself as the “quarterback” who will be executing the political plays called by the “coach,” the president-elect.

But Johnson also warned that without a House speaker there would be a "constitutional crisis" heading into Jan. 6, when Congress by law is required to count the electoral votes for president, weeks before Trump is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20.

“We don't have any time to waste, and I think that everybody recognizes that,” he said.

Johnson commands one of the slimmest majorities in modern times, having lost seats in the November election. With the sudden resignation of Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., the tally dropped to 219-215. That leaves Johnson relying on almost every Republican for support in the face of Democratic opposition, though the typical 218 majority of 435 members needed could shift with absences and others voting only "present."

Heading into Friday he did not have the full support needed.

Texas GOP Rep. Chip Roy was among the most notable holdouts, an unflinching member of the Freedom Caucus who lashed into Republican leadership’s handling of the year-end spending bill for failing to cut spending and adhere to House rules.

“Something MUST change,” Roy posted on social media. He eventually voted for Johnson.

One hard no was Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who voted for a different GOP Leader, as did other far-right Republicans, including some who helped topple McCarthy.

What's unclear is what other concessions Johnson can make to win support. Two years ago, McCarthy handed out prime favors that appeared to only weaken his hold on power.

Already, Johnson has clawed back one of those changes, with a new House rule pushed by centrist conservatives that would require at least nine members of the majority party on any resolution to oust the speaker — raising the threshold McCarthy had lowered to just one.

“I think the holdouts are going to have to realize that, listen, Trump is right all the time," said Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, exiting the speaker's office late Thursday. “Just know that Trump is right all the time, it’ll help you make a decision real simple.”

In many ways, Johnson has no choice but to endure political hazing by his colleagues, as they remind him who has leverage in their lopsided relationship. He was a last-ditch choice for the office, rising from the back bench once other leaders failed in the aftermath of McCarthy's ouster.

Democrats under Jeffries are not expected not help save Johnson, as they have in the past with their votes when he faced a threat of removal.

The speaker's election is set to dominate the opening of the new Congress, which also brings a roster of history-making members, as the Senate expects to quickly begin hearings on Trump's nominees for top Cabinet and administrative positions.

In the Senate, two Black women — Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland — were being sworn in, both wearing suits in white of the suffragettes, the first time in the nation's history two Black women senators will serve at the same time.

Sen.-elect Andy Kim of New Jersey also is making history as the first Korean American to join the chamber.

In the House, Sarah McBride is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sarah-mcbride-congress-transgender-lgbtq-delaware-9cce7f778e6b57dfdb08986d7410404e">the first openly transgender person</a>&nbsp;in the Congress.

And Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who recently suffered a fall overseas and underwent hip replacement surgery, will make her own return to Washington, a reminder of the power she wielded when Democrats last held the majority.

Associated Press writer Adriana Gomez Licon and Matt Brown contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735934939377.png" alt="Speaker Mike Johnson with the gavel after the vote-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Speaker Mike Johnson with the gavel after the vote-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Mike Johnson won reelection to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/mike-johnson-speaker-congress-updates">the House speakership</a>&nbsp;on a first ballot Friday, pushing past GOP hard-right holdouts and buoyed with a nod of support from President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>.A collection of hardline Republicans convened in the back of the House chamber during a tense roll call on the first day of the new Congress, one by one declining to vote or choosing another lawmaker. The standoff sparked fresh turmoil signaling trouble ahead under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-republicans-congress-spending-immigration-e4aebdcc9955f5d663208aec08778442">unified GOP control of Washington</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735933273794.png" alt="Rep. Mike Johnson celebrates his re-election Friday afternoon -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Mike Johnson celebrates his re-election Friday afternoon -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>In the end, however, Johnson was able to flip two remaining holdouts who switched to support him, drawing applause from Republicans.&nbsp; &nbsp;Members of the Kansas GOP delegation cast votes for Johnson. Kansas Democrat House member Sharice Davids voted for Hakeem Jeffries.&nbsp; Mike Johnson received 218 votes to Jeffries 215.&nbsp; Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky voted for&nbsp;Tom Emmer of Minnesota.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735930475874.png" alt="Rep. Mike Johnson during the tense moments of the Speaker vote-image courtesy" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Mike Johnson during the tense moments of the Speaker vote-image courtesy</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations to my friend, <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a>, on being re-elected Speaker of the House! I look forward to the great work we will do for America. 🇺🇸&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1875267029193970111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">As the most recent speaker, Johnson’s</a>&nbsp;weak grip on the gavel threatens not only his own survival but President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump’s</a>&nbsp;ambitious agenda of tax cuts and mass deportations as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-republicans-congress-spending-immigration-e4aebdcc9955f5d663208aec08778442">Republicans sweep to power</a>.Newly-elected House lawmakers started casting votes as Johnson's name was put forward for nomination by the GOP Conference Chair Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735924221635.png" alt="Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann in the House Chamber ahead of the vote on Friday- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann in the House Chamber ahead of the vote on Friday- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>“No speaker's perfect,” she said. But the goal is to make progress toward shared priorities for the country, she said. “None of us will get exactly what we want.”Democrats put forward their own leader, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, as the only one with a track record of compromise and achievement in the face of “chaos and dysfunction” under the GOP majority.“House Democrats are united behind the most powerful legislative leader in this chamber,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., of Jeffries, recounting the many times their votes bailed out Johnson to ensure passage of important legislation.With opposition from his own GOP colleagues, Johnson arrived with outward confidence after working into the night to sway hardline&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-elon-budget-house-republican-05481374b154949c3fe1270141a02918">holdouts</a>. A flop by Johnson could throw Monday's congressional certification of Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">2024 election</a>&nbsp;victory into turmoil without a House speaker. Even backing from Trump himself, usually a sure bet for Republicans, was no guarantee Johnson will stay in power."We don’t have time for drama,” Johnson said as he walked into the Capitol.The Louisiana Republican received a renewed nod of support from Trump. “A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party,” Trump posted on social media.What was once a ceremonial day with newly elected lawmakers arriving to be sworn into office, often with family, friends and children in tow, has evolved into a high-stakes vote for the office of House speaker, among the most powerful elected positions in Washington. Vice President Kamala Harris was swearing in the senators.While the Senate is able to convene on its own and has already elected party leaders — Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2024/john-thune-is-striving-to-be-the-next-republican-senate-leader-but-can-he-rise-in-trumps-gop/">John Thune</a>&nbsp;as the Republican majority leader and Sen. Chuck Schumer for the Democratic minority — the House must first elect its speaker, a role required by the Constitution, second in the line of succession to the president.Congress has been here before, when it took Republicans nearly a week and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">15 rounds of voting</a>&nbsp;to elect Kevin McCarthy as speaker in 2023, a spectacle unseen in modern times. McCarthy was then dumped by his party, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">historic first</a>, but he was also part of a long list of GOP speakers chased to early exits.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, President Trump! Today is a new day in America. Congressional Republicans must stay united to quickly deliver President Trump’s America First agenda. Let’s get it done. <a href="https://t.co/I0tjr7nMhE">pic.twitter.com/I0tjr7nMhE</a>&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1875175393176735768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The stakes are higher this year as Trump prepares to return to the White House with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republicans-house-elections-e3754a684a7b96b129841d4b207c15e9">House</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-elections-house-senate-harris-trump-94b49277db2a5c21f23236794a36afa6">Senate</a>&nbsp;in GOP control and promising to deliver big on a 100-day agenda.Johnson has been working diligently to prevent defeat, spending New Year's Day at Mar-a-Lago as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">positions himself alongside Trump</a>. The speaker often portrays himself as the “quarterback” who will be executing the political plays called by the “coach,” the president-elect.But Johnson also warned that without a House speaker there would be a "constitutional crisis" heading into Jan. 6, when Congress by law is required to count the electoral votes for president, weeks before Trump is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20.“We don't have any time to waste, and I think that everybody recognizes that,” he said.Johnson commands one of the slimmest majorities in modern times, having lost seats in the November election. With the sudden resignation of Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., the tally dropped to 219-215. That leaves Johnson relying on almost every Republican for support in the face of Democratic opposition, though the typical 218 majority of 435 members needed could shift with absences and others voting only "present."Heading into Friday he did not have the full support needed.Texas GOP Rep. Chip Roy was among the most notable holdouts, an unflinching member of the Freedom Caucus who lashed into Republican leadership’s handling of the year-end spending bill for failing to cut spending and adhere to House rules.“Something MUST change,” Roy posted on social media. He eventually voted for Johnson.One hard no was Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who voted for a different GOP Leader, as did other far-right Republicans, including some who helped topple McCarthy.What's unclear is what other concessions Johnson can make to win support. Two years ago, McCarthy handed out prime favors that appeared to only weaken his hold on power.Already, Johnson has clawed back one of those changes, with a new House rule pushed by centrist conservatives that would require at least nine members of the majority party on any resolution to oust the speaker — raising the threshold McCarthy had lowered to just one.“I think the holdouts are going to have to realize that, listen, Trump is right all the time," said Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, exiting the speaker's office late Thursday. “Just know that Trump is right all the time, it’ll help you make a decision real simple.”In many ways, Johnson has no choice but to endure political hazing by his colleagues, as they remind him who has leverage in their lopsided relationship. He was a last-ditch choice for the office, rising from the back bench once other leaders failed in the aftermath of McCarthy's ouster.Democrats under Jeffries are not expected not help save Johnson, as they have in the past with their votes when he faced a threat of removal.The speaker's election is set to dominate the opening of the new Congress, which also brings a roster of history-making members, as the Senate expects to quickly begin hearings on Trump's nominees for top Cabinet and administrative positions.In the Senate, two Black women — Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland — were being sworn in, both wearing suits in white of the suffragettes, the first time in the nation's history two Black women senators will serve at the same time.Sen.-elect Andy Kim of New Jersey also is making history as the first Korean American to join the chamber.In the House, Sarah McBride is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sarah-mcbride-congress-transgender-lgbtq-delaware-9cce7f778e6b57dfdb08986d7410404e">the first openly transgender person</a>&nbsp;in the Congress.And Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who recently suffered a fall overseas and underwent hip replacement surgery, will make her own return to Washington, a reminder of the power she wielded when Democrats last held the majority.___Associated Press writer Adriana Gomez Licon and Matt Brown contributed to this report.

Despite drama House Speaker re-elected: Kan. GOP lawmakers fall in line

TOPEKA –&nbsp;While the risk to the general public still remains very low, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reminding Kansans to practice caution around wild birds and backyard poultry amid increasing reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) virus both nationally and within Kansas, according to a media release from the KDHE.

HPAI is primarily an infection of wild birds; however, in the ongoing outbreak beginning in early 2022, numerous animal species have been infected including domestic poultry, dairy cattle, wild carnivores like skunks and raccoons, and domestic cats. The virus is spread by migratory waterfowl, primarily ducks and geese.

“The public health risk of HPAI remains low,”&nbsp;KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dereck Totten said.&nbsp;“While there has been no person-to-person spread, KDHE is monitoring the situation carefully. We are working with people who have had flocks test positive and encourage the public to avoid contact with sick birds.”

Fall migration of wild birds increased in November and December, resulting in additional exposure to HPAI and thus an increase in cases in domestic poultry in Kansas. Since Dec. 3, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has identified HPAI in six non-commercial backyard flocks and two commercial flocks.

Since this virus can infect humans who come in close contact with sick or dead birds and other infected animals, KDHE, in coordination with local health departments, monitors all exposed individuals for symptoms of influenza-like illness. While no human cases have been identified in Kansas, 66 cases of HPAI have been confirmed in humans in the United States in 2024. Those cases are nearly all from exposure to infected poultry or dairy cows, and no known human-to-human spread has occurred.

Current information regarding HPAI in animals in Kansas can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fdivisions-programs%2Fdivision-of-animal-health%2Fanimal-diseases%2Favian-influenza%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000194289b8d79-e2c66b76-5578-4b16-b3b6-659353cfa2eb-000000/rbBbKc5llUjH7ejZ5EP-IiRJqLmpOzxIlbxU01sNepQ=386">KDA Avian Influenza</a>.

Most of the infections in humans the U.S. have been mild and primarily present as red, itchy eyes, but there is the potential for more severe illness, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. For more information on keeping yourself healthy while handling poultry, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fbird-flu%2Fcaring%2Findex.html%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000194289b8d79-e2c66b76-5578-4b16-b3b6-659353cfa2eb-000000/uSHLlzNvVMYTbP494gP4rUiGSh_0CP1x9Z3mc4uMhF0=386">CDC Avian Influenza</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747978622.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;While the risk to the general public still remains very low, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reminding Kansans to practice caution around wild birds and backyard poultry amid increasing reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) virus both nationally and within Kansas, according to a media release from the KDHE.HPAI is primarily an infection of wild birds; however, in the ongoing outbreak beginning in early 2022, numerous animal species have been infected including domestic poultry, dairy cattle, wild carnivores like skunks and raccoons, and domestic cats. The virus is spread by migratory waterfowl, primarily ducks and geese.“The public health risk of HPAI remains low,”&nbsp;KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dereck Totten said.&nbsp;“While there has been no person-to-person spread, KDHE is monitoring the situation carefully. We are working with people who have had flocks test positive and encourage the public to avoid contact with sick birds.”Fall migration of wild birds increased in November and December, resulting in additional exposure to HPAI and thus an increase in cases in domestic poultry in Kansas. Since Dec. 3, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has identified HPAI in six non-commercial backyard flocks and two commercial flocks.Since this virus can infect humans who come in close contact with sick or dead birds and other infected animals, KDHE, in coordination with local health departments, monitors all exposed individuals for symptoms of influenza-like illness. While no human cases have been identified in Kansas, 66 cases of HPAI have been confirmed in humans in the United States in 2024. Those cases are nearly all from exposure to infected poultry or dairy cows, and no known human-to-human spread has occurred.Current information regarding HPAI in animals in Kansas can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fdivisions-programs%2Fdivision-of-animal-health%2Fanimal-diseases%2Favian-influenza%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000194289b8d79-e2c66b76-5578-4b16-b3b6-659353cfa2eb-000000/rbBbKc5llUjH7ejZ5EP-IiRJqLmpOzxIlbxU01sNepQ=386">KDA Avian Influenza</a>.Most of the infections in humans the U.S. have been mild and primarily present as red, itchy eyes, but there is the potential for more severe illness, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. For more information on keeping yourself healthy while handling poultry, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fbird-flu%2Fcaring%2Findex.html%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000194289b8d79-e2c66b76-5578-4b16-b3b6-659353cfa2eb-000000/uSHLlzNvVMYTbP494gP4rUiGSh_0CP1x9Z3mc4uMhF0=386">CDC Avian Influenza</a>.

KDHE provides update on bird flu risk in Kansas

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a double-fatal shooting in Kansas City.

Just after 7:30p.m. Thursday patrol officers were dispatched to the 8700 block of Blue Ridge in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD&nbsp; Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; 

The call indicated two individuals were possibly shot in a parking lot. Upon arrival the officers located two adult male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. 

Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced both victims deceased. This is being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary investigation revealed there was an interaction in the parking lot that led to the victims being shot. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735915570511.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a double-fatal shooting in Kansas City.Just after 7:30p.m. Thursday patrol officers were dispatched to the 8700 block of Blue Ridge in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD&nbsp; Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; The call indicated two individuals were possibly shot in a parking lot. Upon arrival the officers located two adult male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced both victims deceased. This is being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary investigation revealed there was an interaction in the parking lot that led to the victims being shot.

KCPD: Two found dead in parking lot

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oprah-winfrey-us-news-ap-top-news-entertainment-steven-spielberg-165d8109c0c0444192c49f9880ceca5d">Apple TV+</a>&nbsp;is hoping people will make a dent in the Strategic Popcorn Reserve by bingeing its streaming TV and movies for free this weekend in what experts are calling a canny promotion.

The two-day offer this Saturday and Sunday is intended to give viewers a taste of what’s behind the Apple paywall and get them hooked, ready to fork over $9.99 a month in the U.S.

Michael D. Smith, a professor of information technology and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University, said the two-day window is not too short to ignore and not too long to satisfy all demand.

“This is not ‘I’m going to let you binge-watch this over the course of three or four days or a week or a couple weeks and then maybe you won’t subscribe next month,’” he said. “This is, ‘I’m giving you two days to explore my catalog. And I’m hoping that you’re going to find something in there that maybe you’ll binge. Maybe you’ll have time to binge the first six episodes, but it’s so cool you’ve got to come back and you’re going to be willing to subscribe to come back.’”

While entertainment companies often use promotions and discounts to lure new customers, Apple TV+’s pitch has no catches, like entering personal info or credit card numbers. All you need is an Apple ID, which is free and which many people already have from the days of 99-cent song downloads.

What can you see behind the paywall? The Emmy-winning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ted-lasso-finale-tv-jason-sudeikis-ae1d331d9dfcae84c6d9e441e5f58d6f">“Ted Lasso”</a>&nbsp;and “The Morning Show” and other buzzy series like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/silo-apple-tv-rebecca-ferguson-hugh-howey-2b184bd68f23a8724f1ae4d010ca2602">“Silo,”</a>&nbsp;“Shrinking,” “Severance,” “Bad Sisters,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gary-oldman-slow-horses-interview-d26e32fc44d58c5241a94749d016efc1">“Slow Horses,”</a>&nbsp;“Disclaimer” and “Presumed Innocent.”

Movies include “Fly Me to the Moon,” “The Instigators,” “Spirited,” “Ghosted,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/argylle-movie-review-henry-cavill-matthew-vaughn-bd2560df6ce2a655022f9dd8d9eed2c8">“Argylle,”</a>&nbsp;Palmer,” “Napoleon” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/movie-review-killers-flower-moon-scorsese-d5e7e7eaee09973fcd62023ee3812c1f">“Killers of the Flower Moon.”</a>

Smith suspects that by the end of the weekend, Apple will have lots of data to sharpen its approach to new customers and returning ones, like himself. Apple will learn, for example, what genres are hot, which shows attract viewers and how long people spend watching.

Smith will be logging in to watch “Ted Lasso” with his son but also wants to check out “Severance” with his daughter. Two days likely won't be enough to watch both to the end.

“It’s kind of like a mall, right? I’ve got an anchor tenant. For me, it’s ‘Ted Lasso.’ That gets me to the mall. And once I’m at the mall, I’m going to wander around and discover some other stuff there. And they’re hoping that the two days isn’t long enough for me to shop,” he said. “My guess it's going to pay off.”

There is some evidence that long bingeing widows don’t help streamers build customers.&nbsp;<a href="https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/isre.2020.0948">A 2020 study</a>&nbsp;by Miguel Godinho de Matos and Pedro Ferreira for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cmu.edu/entertainment-analytics/">Initiative for Digital Entertainment Analytics</a>&nbsp;at Carnegie Mellon found that binge-watching over several weeks reduces the post-trial likelihood of paid subscriptions.

Apple's weekend deal is clearly an attempt to shake up its numbers. As of October 2024, it had an estimated 25 million subscribers, making it the eighth most popular streaming service by subscribers. Netflix, in No. 1, has 282.7 million.

“Apple TV+ never really truly took off, even though they do have a series of really high-quality TV shows,” says Bo “Bobby” Zhou, a business professor at the University of Maryland. “They are trying to offer a promotional period to let a wider viewer base sample their content in the hope that some of them will be converted.”

Other streamers are also offering deals, like Hulu's free 30-day trial, Starz's $2-a-month plan or Peacock's three-month trial for Samsung Galaxy owners. If viewers miss the Apple TV+ weekend offer, the streamer already has a free 7-day trial promotion going. It has lots of other offers though Target, Best Buy, Samsung and for buyers of Apple devices, too.

<a href="https://jarednewman.com/blog">Jared Newman</a>, a technology journalist who publishes the newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://cordcutterweekly.com/">Cord Cutter Weekly,</a>&nbsp;said the promotion seems to be part of a big push by Apple to up its subscribers. The streamer recently agreed to be distributed through Amazon and there are signals it may want to experiment with an ad-supported tier.

“They really need to get their numbers up and need to get more people on board whatever way possible,” he said. “It may be just another way to test the waters of who would access their service if they didn’t have to pay for it.”

Zhou has seen the industry change from single paid downloads to unlimited access to subscribers and anticipates a future with different tiers of subscribers — say, one free episode for non-subscribers and a full season for diehard fans. Anything to get some buzz.

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oprah-winfrey-us-news-ap-top-news-entertainment-steven-spielberg-165d8109c0c0444192c49f9880ceca5d">Apple TV+</a>&nbsp;is hoping people will make a dent in the Strategic Popcorn Reserve by bingeing its streaming TV and movies for free this weekend in what experts are calling a canny promotion.The two-day offer this Saturday and Sunday is intended to give viewers a taste of what’s behind the Apple paywall and get them hooked, ready to fork over $9.99 a month in the U.S.Michael D. Smith, a professor of information technology and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University, said the two-day window is not too short to ignore and not too long to satisfy all demand.“This is not ‘I’m going to let you binge-watch this over the course of three or four days or a week or a couple weeks and then maybe you won’t subscribe next month,’” he said. “This is, ‘I’m giving you two days to explore my catalog. And I’m hoping that you’re going to find something in there that maybe you’ll binge. Maybe you’ll have time to binge the first six episodes, but it’s so cool you’ve got to come back and you’re going to be willing to subscribe to come back.’”While entertainment companies often use promotions and discounts to lure new customers, Apple TV+’s pitch has no catches, like entering personal info or credit card numbers. All you need is an Apple ID, which is free and which many people already have from the days of 99-cent song downloads.What can you see behind the paywall? The Emmy-winning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ted-lasso-finale-tv-jason-sudeikis-ae1d331d9dfcae84c6d9e441e5f58d6f">“Ted Lasso”</a>&nbsp;and “The Morning Show” and other buzzy series like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/silo-apple-tv-rebecca-ferguson-hugh-howey-2b184bd68f23a8724f1ae4d010ca2602">“Silo,”</a>&nbsp;“Shrinking,” “Severance,” “Bad Sisters,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gary-oldman-slow-horses-interview-d26e32fc44d58c5241a94749d016efc1">“Slow Horses,”</a>&nbsp;“Disclaimer” and “Presumed Innocent.”Movies include “Fly Me to the Moon,” “The Instigators,” “Spirited,” “Ghosted,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/argylle-movie-review-henry-cavill-matthew-vaughn-bd2560df6ce2a655022f9dd8d9eed2c8">“Argylle,”</a>&nbsp;Palmer,” “Napoleon” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/movie-review-killers-flower-moon-scorsese-d5e7e7eaee09973fcd62023ee3812c1f">“Killers of the Flower Moon.”</a>Smith suspects that by the end of the weekend, Apple will have lots of data to sharpen its approach to new customers and returning ones, like himself. Apple will learn, for example, what genres are hot, which shows attract viewers and how long people spend watching.Smith will be logging in to watch “Ted Lasso” with his son but also wants to check out “Severance” with his daughter. Two days likely won't be enough to watch both to the end.“It’s kind of like a mall, right? I’ve got an anchor tenant. For me, it’s ‘Ted Lasso.’ That gets me to the mall. And once I’m at the mall, I’m going to wander around and discover some other stuff there. And they’re hoping that the two days isn’t long enough for me to shop,” he said. “My guess it's going to pay off.”There is some evidence that long bingeing widows don’t help streamers build customers.&nbsp;<a href="https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/isre.2020.0948">A 2020 study</a>&nbsp;by Miguel Godinho de Matos and Pedro Ferreira for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cmu.edu/entertainment-analytics/">Initiative for Digital Entertainment Analytics</a>&nbsp;at Carnegie Mellon found that binge-watching over several weeks reduces the post-trial likelihood of paid subscriptions.Apple's weekend deal is clearly an attempt to shake up its numbers. As of October 2024, it had an estimated 25 million subscribers, making it the eighth most popular streaming service by subscribers. Netflix, in No. 1, has 282.7 million.“Apple TV+ never really truly took off, even though they do have a series of really high-quality TV shows,” says Bo “Bobby” Zhou, a business professor at the University of Maryland. “They are trying to offer a promotional period to let a wider viewer base sample their content in the hope that some of them will be converted.”Other streamers are also offering deals, like Hulu's free 30-day trial, Starz's $2-a-month plan or Peacock's three-month trial for Samsung Galaxy owners. If viewers miss the Apple TV+ weekend offer, the streamer already has a free 7-day trial promotion going. It has lots of other offers though Target, Best Buy, Samsung and for buyers of Apple devices, too.<a href="https://jarednewman.com/blog">Jared Newman</a>, a technology journalist who publishes the newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://cordcutterweekly.com/">Cord Cutter Weekly,</a>&nbsp;said the promotion seems to be part of a big push by Apple to up its subscribers. The streamer recently agreed to be distributed through Amazon and there are signals it may want to experiment with an ad-supported tier.“They really need to get their numbers up and need to get more people on board whatever way possible,” he said. “It may be just another way to test the waters of who would access their service if they didn’t have to pay for it.”Zhou has seen the industry change from single paid downloads to unlimited access to subscribers and anticipates a future with different tiers of subscribers — say, one free episode for non-subscribers and a full season for diehard fans. Anything to get some buzz.

Why Apple TV+ is offering a free weekend of binge-watching

THOMAS COUNTY —Weather is already becoming a factor in portions of northwest Kansas.

According to a social media report, KHP Trooper Emerson sent Trooper Todd a photo just before 10a.m. Friday showing freezing fog out west in Colby. Visibility is low and some roads are a little slick.

"Be careful out there everyone and traveling over the weekend looks like it would be dangerous, so make plans now."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735920048227.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>THOMAS COUNTY —Weather is already becoming a factor in portions of northwest Kansas.According to a social media report, KHP Trooper Emerson sent Trooper Todd a photo just before 10a.m. Friday showing freezing fog out west in Colby. Visibility is low and some roads are a little slick."Be careful out there everyone and traveling over the weekend looks like it would be dangerous, so make plans now."