DOUGLAS COUNTY —Police investigating a deadly shooting in Lawrence have two suspects in custody.

Just after 2a.m. Saturday, police were called to a reported shooting at the Hawk, 1340 Ohio Street in Lawrence, according to an online report from Lawrence Police.

First responders found two victims with gunshot wounds and several potential witnesses who told officers the suspects took off. While officers on scene tended to the victims, others flooded the surrounding area.  Soon after, officers found a group of people matching the suspects’ descriptions walking just blocks away. 

They were taken to the Lawrence Police Department to be questioned by detectives. Through the course of the investigation, probable cause was developed to suggest requesting charges on one suspect for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated assault and requesting charges on a second suspect of felony murder and aggravated assault. 

Both were booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility.

An 18-year-old boy was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second victim, a 16-year-old boy, was taken to an area trauma center where he remains in critical condition.&nbsp;

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Police are investigating a deadly shooting in Lawrence. 

The shooting occurred at approximately 2a.m. Saturday at the Hawk, 1340 Ohio Street, according to a statement from Lawrence police.

 One person is confirmed deceased and another is in critical condition at an area trauma center. Police secured the scene and detectives were questioning those involved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768661951509.png" alt="google image" />
 <figcaption>google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Police investigating a deadly shooting in Lawrence have two suspects in custody.Just after 2a.m. Saturday, police were called to a reported shooting at the Hawk, 1340 Ohio Street in Lawrence, according to an online report from Lawrence Police.First responders found two victims with gunshot wounds and several potential witnesses who told officers the suspects took off. While officers on scene tended to the victims, others flooded the surrounding area. Soon after, officers found a group of people matching the suspects’ descriptions walking just blocks away. They were taken to the Lawrence Police Department to be questioned by detectives. Through the course of the investigation, probable cause was developed to suggest requesting charges on one suspect for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated assault and requesting charges on a second suspect of felony murder and aggravated assault. Both were booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility.An 18-year-old boy was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second victim, a 16-year-old boy, was taken to an area trauma center where he remains in critical condition.&nbsp;-------------DOUGLAS COUNTY —Police are investigating a deadly shooting in Lawrence. The shooting occurred at approximately 2a.m. Saturday at the Hawk, 1340 Ohio Street, according to a statement from Lawrence police. One person is confirmed deceased and another is in critical condition at an area trauma center. Police secured the scene and detectives were questioning those involved.Police released no additional details.

Arrest made in fatal shooting at popular bar near KU campus

The state health department update is ‘especially significant,’ advocates say, because Missouri has increased its patient count, reaching a two-year high in medical marijuana patient applications last month.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri cannabis regulators have changed their guidance on whether or not medical marijuana patients can purchase from licensed dispensaries as a regular consumer, following complaints over the last year that the state’s policy was an unconstitutional restriction.

But the update ended up causing more confusion about what patients can or can’t do, cannabis advocates say.&nbsp;

In the&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/faqs-patient.php" target="_blank">FAQ</a>&nbsp;section of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ website, it lists the question: As a qualifying patient over the age of 21, can I choose to purchase marijuana as a patient and also purchase marijuana as a consumer?

Previously, the answer was a straight “no.”&nbsp;

“…patient ID card holders are not allowed to purchase as a consumer in a licensed dispensary,” the department, which is Missouri’s cannabis regulatory agency, stated.&nbsp;

The rule, regulators said, was meant to&nbsp;ensure that patients and consumers stay within their allowed possession limits.

But on Dec. 8, the department changed the answer to say they don’t exactly know.

It now says: “State law does not explicitly address the question of whether an individual may choose to purchase marijuana as a consumer once they have been approved as a patient and assigned a purchase and possession limit according to that status.”

The Independent asked DHSS if medical patients need to show their patient ID card every time they buy marijuana from a dispensary — a question the cannabis advocacy group Missouri NORML has urged the department to clarify.

Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the department, said the law is “not clear” about it, “so DHSS is not instructing patients that they must do so,” in an email to The Independent.&nbsp;

Dan Viets, an attorney and board member for Missouri NORML,&nbsp;said he’s pleased the department has changed its position on that question — but less so on another issue.

Viets initially interpreted the department’s update to mean that the state now agreed with NORML that medical patients may purchase the same amount of cannabis as other adult consumers.

In general, medical patients are limited to a 6-ounce allotment of dried, unprocessed marijuana every 30 days. Recreational consumers are allowed to purchase up to 3 ounces every day — but they can’t possess more than 3 ounces at any one time.

Cox said it is not the department’s position that “patients and consumers have the same purchase limits. These limits are different in law, and patient limits are often specific to each individual.”

She said “the law is clear” that individuals may not exceed purchase limitations by combining patient and consumer purchases.&nbsp;

For recreational consumers, the state is prohibited by law from tracking their purchases without their permission.&nbsp;

However by law, dispensaries are required to track how much medical marijuana patients buy so they don’t exceed their limit. And dispensaries are required to report to the department if they observe an individual exceeding their purchase or possession limits, which can lead to fines or criminal charges, the department’s website states.&nbsp;

Cox said penalties for medical patients are uncommon, and the department has never had to revoke a patient card over possession limits.&nbsp;

While there are some extra steps involved, Viets said there are good reasons for people to maintain their patient status.

“Not only because you pay less sales tax,” Viets said, “but I think more importantly, because you enjoy the constitutional protection against employment discrimination.”

Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Marijuana Trade Association, sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25979259-letter-to-dhss-re-patient-rights-to-adult-use-cannabis-041425/" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;in April to leaders of the Division of Cannabis Regulation claiming the previous FAQ wording was unconstitutional.

“We believe that DCR’s interpretation that a Missourian must either be an adult-use consumer or a medical patient is neither good public policy nor a constitutionally sound interpretation,” he wrote.

After the FAQ was changed online, MoCann Trade celebrated the revision.

“We are thankful that despite some initial confusion, it now appears that DCR agrees that medical marijuana patients can also exercise their purchasing rights as an adult use customer, so long as they abide by the possession limit,” Mullins told The Independent.&nbsp;

He said it’s “especially significant” because Missouri has been increasing its patient count, reaching a two-year high in medical marijuana patient applications last month.&nbsp;

“This pro-patient policy clarification,” he said, “now complies with the Missouri Constitution and addresses the concerns we previously articulated on behalf of our medical cannabis customers.”

Cox said the department is prohibited from tracking consumer purchases, “so it is largely up to individuals and dispensaries to ensure they are in compliance with the portion of this rule related to purchases.”

If there is a need to verify an individual’s possession limits, such as with law enforcement, “it is important that patients know the possession limits applicable to them.”&nbsp;

The department, she added, will provide as much guidance as it can to patients and consumers on what is allowed so that they remain within their legal possession limits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768658674375.png" alt=" Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, speaks with industry members during the association’s annual lobby day on March 11 at the state Capitol (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, speaks with industry members during the association’s annual lobby day on March 11 at the state Capitol (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The state health department update is ‘especially significant,’ advocates say, because Missouri has increased its patient count, reaching a two-year high in medical marijuana patient applications last month.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri cannabis regulators have changed their guidance on whether or not medical marijuana patients can purchase from licensed dispensaries as a regular consumer, following complaints over the last year that the state’s policy was an unconstitutional restriction.But the update ended up causing more confusion about what patients can or can’t do, cannabis advocates say.&nbsp;In the&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/faqs-patient.php" target="_blank">FAQ</a>&nbsp;section of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ website, it lists the question: As a qualifying patient over the age of 21, can I choose to purchase marijuana as a patient and also purchase marijuana as a consumer?Previously, the answer was a straight “no.”&nbsp;“…patient ID card holders are not allowed to purchase as a consumer in a licensed dispensary,” the department, which is Missouri’s cannabis regulatory agency, stated.&nbsp;The rule, regulators said, was meant to&nbsp;ensure that patients and consumers stay within their allowed possession limits.But on Dec. 8, the department changed the answer to say they don’t exactly know.It now says: “State law does not explicitly address the question of whether an individual may choose to purchase marijuana as a consumer once they have been approved as a patient and assigned a purchase and possession limit according to that status.”The Independent asked DHSS if medical patients need to show their patient ID card every time they buy marijuana from a dispensary — a question the cannabis advocacy group Missouri NORML has urged the department to clarify.Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the department, said the law is “not clear” about it, “so DHSS is not instructing patients that they must do so,” in an email to The Independent.&nbsp;Dan Viets, an attorney and board member for Missouri NORML,&nbsp;said he’s pleased the department has changed its position on that question — but less so on another issue.Viets initially interpreted the department’s update to mean that the state now agreed with NORML that medical patients may purchase the same amount of cannabis as other adult consumers.In general, medical patients are limited to a 6-ounce allotment of dried, unprocessed marijuana every 30 days. Recreational consumers are allowed to purchase up to 3 ounces every day — but they can’t possess more than 3 ounces at any one time.Cox said it is not the department’s position that “patients and consumers have the same purchase limits. These limits are different in law, and patient limits are often specific to each individual.”She said “the law is clear” that individuals may not exceed purchase limitations by combining patient and consumer purchases.&nbsp;For recreational consumers, the state is prohibited by law from tracking their purchases without their permission.&nbsp;However by law, dispensaries are required to track how much medical marijuana patients buy so they don’t exceed their limit. And dispensaries are required to report to the department if they observe an individual exceeding their purchase or possession limits, which can lead to fines or criminal charges, the department’s website states.&nbsp;Cox said penalties for medical patients are uncommon, and the department has never had to revoke a patient card over possession limits.&nbsp;While there are some extra steps involved, Viets said there are good reasons for people to maintain their patient status.“Not only because you pay less sales tax,” Viets said, “but I think more importantly, because you enjoy the constitutional protection against employment discrimination.”Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Marijuana Trade Association, sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25979259-letter-to-dhss-re-patient-rights-to-adult-use-cannabis-041425/" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;in April to leaders of the Division of Cannabis Regulation claiming the previous FAQ wording was unconstitutional.“We believe that DCR’s interpretation that a Missourian must either be an adult-use consumer or a medical patient is neither good public policy nor a constitutionally sound interpretation,” he wrote.After the FAQ was changed online, MoCann Trade celebrated the revision.“We are thankful that despite some initial confusion, it now appears that DCR agrees that medical marijuana patients can also exercise their purchasing rights as an adult use customer, so long as they abide by the possession limit,” Mullins told The Independent.&nbsp;He said it’s “especially significant” because Missouri has been increasing its patient count, reaching a two-year high in medical marijuana patient applications last month.&nbsp;“This pro-patient policy clarification,” he said, “now complies with the Missouri Constitution and addresses the concerns we previously articulated on behalf of our medical cannabis customers.”Cox said the department is prohibited from tracking consumer purchases, “so it is largely up to individuals and dispensaries to ensure they are in compliance with the portion of this rule related to purchases.”If there is a need to verify an individual’s possession limits, such as with law enforcement, “it is important that patients know the possession limits applicable to them.”&nbsp;The department, she added, will provide as much guidance as it can to patients and consumers on what is allowed so that they remain within their legal possession limits.

Missouri cannabis advocates celebrate clarification on medical patients’ rights

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A bipartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/07/kansas-lawmakers-want-statewide-k-12-cell-phone-ban-by-next-school-year/">Kansas bill</a>&nbsp;that aims to implement a bell-to-bell cellphone ban beginning next school year would override local rules and establish one of the nation’s most restrictive policies.&nbsp;

The bill already has garnered a two-thirds supermajority of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/07/kansas-lawmakers-want-statewide-k-12-cell-phone-ban-by-next-school-year/">support</a>&nbsp;from the Kansas Senate, as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/13/full-transcript-of-kansas-gov-laura-kellys-2026-state-of-the-state-speech/">support</a>&nbsp;of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.&nbsp;

Supporters of the bill say students would be mentally and physically safer, while opponents argue it’s an overreach of power that asks too much of students and schools.&nbsp;

More than 20 people testified on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb302/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 302</a>&nbsp;on Thursday before the Senate Education Committee, including Timothy Graham from the Kansas National Education Association, which represents 22,000 educators.&nbsp;

“Our members are all over the place on this issue,” Graham said. “Understandably so.”

Ngoc Vuong, a school board member for Wichita Public Schools and a community psychology PhD candidate, told the committee he researches the academic effects of cellphones in schools.

“While multiple factors are responsible for causing and exacerbating the ongoing youth mental health, literacy, and numeracy crises, the evidence increasingly points to the advent and proliferation of a screen-based childhood, the immense power and influence of Big Tech companies over our society, culture, and education system, and the unhealthy relationships many children and adolescents have with smartphones and social media as central drivers of these problematic outcomes,” Vuong said.&nbsp;

In his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_s_ed_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_s_ed_1_20260115_13_testimony.html" target="_blank">written</a>&nbsp;testimony, Vuong linked cellphone use to poor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1524645/full" target="_blank">academic performance</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2024/5592994" target="_blank">attention</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763424000411?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">executive functioning</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032724014265?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">sleep</a>, and physical and mental health.&nbsp;

Gretchen Shanahan, a parent from Overland Park, referenced a National Association of School Resource Officers statement supporting a bell-to-bell cellphone ban.&nbsp;

“Access to phones during the school day reduces student safety in normal and especially emergency situations,” Shanahan said. “During an emergency such as a school shooting, students must be completely focused on lifesaving instructions. Phones can easily distract students from hearing, understanding and reacting appropriately — even when students use the phones to communicate with their parents.”

Kevin Cronister, a retired detective with the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, said that based on his experience, a cellphone ban would mitigate the risk of predators contacting students. Cronister said predators often target students during the school day, when they are away from their parents, and may ask students to introduce them to classmates.&nbsp;

Several proponents criticized the Kansas State Board of Education’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/13/kansas-board-of-education-accepts-policy-report-recommending-phone-bans-sends-to-local-districts/">directive</a>&nbsp;allowing each school district to craft its own policies around cellphone use, urging lawmakers to instead adopt a statewide ban.

Cathy Hopkins and Beryl New, legislative liaisons for the Kansas State Board of Education, testified neutrally on the bill. They pointed to the Blue Ribbon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Portals/0/Commissioner/Blue-Ribbon-Task-Force-on-Student-Screen-Time-Report.pdf?ver=2024-12-12-131410-427" target="_blank">Task Force</a>&nbsp;on Screen Time in 2024 that led to the state board’s directive, and said districts that developed policies in collaboration with their community have seen the strongest results.&nbsp;

Topeka Democrat Ann Mah, a former state representative, served on the board of education when it sent out the directive allowing for local control.&nbsp;

“It should be clear that these discussions belong at (the district) level,” Mah said. “It should also be clear the Legislature has no role here. When you have school districts that range from fewer than one hundred students to more than 45,000 students, there is no way the Legislature can create a one-size-fits-all solution.&nbsp;

“Besides that, I’m fairly certain that the 2,000 or so locally elected school board members are in a better position than you to make that call. What message are you sending your local board members? They likely already have a policy, but you think you know better? Seriously?”&nbsp;

Kailey Howell, a senior at Spring Hill High School, said her cellphone has never distracted her from schoolwork.&nbsp;

“While I understand that this is not the case for all students, I am confused as to why I am now having to bear the weight of consequences that were never meant for me,” Howell said. “Education has always been what students choose to make of it. Students with positive attitudes and a desire to learn will do so. Students who purposely avoid learning at every cost will not learn. Removing phones doesn’t change a student’s attitude. It only gives them another avenue to find another distraction.”

In his neutral testimony, Graham from the Kansas National Education Association — who also mentioned that teachers are divided on this bill — brought up the lack of funding.&nbsp;

Multiple proponents acknowledged that schools would need dedicated storage for cellphones. Along with the storage, Graham said, districts would need to train staff, enforce compliance, and report to the state — all without additional funding.&nbsp;

Eighteen&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/states-banning-cellphones-schools/story?id=125515186" target="_blank">states</a>&nbsp;— including Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands — have banned cellphones and other wireless communication devices for the entire instructional day, the bell-to-bell policy.&nbsp;

Neighboring&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/gov-pillen-ne-lawmakers-take-aim-at-social-media-and-school-time-cell-phone-use-by-youths/" target="_blank">Nebraska</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-lawmakers-pass-ban-on-cell-phones-in-public-school-classrooms/" target="_blank">Missouri</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/2025/05/06/oklahoma-governor-signs-mandatory-one-year-school-cellphone-ban-into-law/" target="_blank">Oklahoma</a>&nbsp;are part of that mix, and pushed similar bills forward last year.&nbsp;

Preliminary data shows that strict school cellphone bans, like what’s being proposed in Kansas, have led to more more focused students, according to a University of Pennsylvania&nbsp;<a href="https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/angela-duckworth-over-20000-educators-share-insights-school-cell-phone-policies" target="_blank">survey</a>&nbsp;of 20,000 teachers.&nbsp;

Florida was the first state to entirely ban cellphones in schools in 2023. A National Bureau of Economic Research&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w34388" target="_blank">paper</a>&nbsp;found there was an adjustment period in 2024, the first year the ban took effect, with an increase in suspensions in the short-term — especially among Black students. By the second year, suspensions had dissipated, test scores increased, and there were fewer unexcused absences.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768608886311.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has already signaled her support of a tough new cellphone ban for K-12 schools. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has already signaled her support of a tough new cellphone ban for K-12 schools. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A bipartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/07/kansas-lawmakers-want-statewide-k-12-cell-phone-ban-by-next-school-year/">Kansas bill</a>&nbsp;that aims to implement a bell-to-bell cellphone ban beginning next school year would override local rules and establish one of the nation’s most restrictive policies.&nbsp;The bill already has garnered a two-thirds supermajority of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/07/kansas-lawmakers-want-statewide-k-12-cell-phone-ban-by-next-school-year/">support</a>&nbsp;from the Kansas Senate, as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/13/full-transcript-of-kansas-gov-laura-kellys-2026-state-of-the-state-speech/">support</a>&nbsp;of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.&nbsp;Supporters of the bill say students would be mentally and physically safer, while opponents argue it’s an overreach of power that asks too much of students and schools.&nbsp;More than 20 people testified on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb302/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 302</a>&nbsp;on Thursday before the Senate Education Committee, including Timothy Graham from the Kansas National Education Association, which represents 22,000 educators.&nbsp;“Our members are all over the place on this issue,” Graham said. “Understandably so.”<h2>‘Problematic outcomes’</h2>Ngoc Vuong, a school board member for Wichita Public Schools and a community psychology PhD candidate, told the committee he researches the academic effects of cellphones in schools.“While multiple factors are responsible for causing and exacerbating the ongoing youth mental health, literacy, and numeracy crises, the evidence increasingly points to the advent and proliferation of a screen-based childhood, the immense power and influence of Big Tech companies over our society, culture, and education system, and the unhealthy relationships many children and adolescents have with smartphones and social media as central drivers of these problematic outcomes,” Vuong said.&nbsp;In his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_s_ed_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_s_ed_1_20260115_13_testimony.html" target="_blank">written</a>&nbsp;testimony, Vuong linked cellphone use to poor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1524645/full" target="_blank">academic performance</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2024/5592994" target="_blank">attention</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763424000411?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">executive functioning</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032724014265?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">sleep</a>, and physical and mental health.&nbsp;Gretchen Shanahan, a parent from Overland Park, referenced a National Association of School Resource Officers statement supporting a bell-to-bell cellphone ban.&nbsp;“Access to phones during the school day reduces student safety in normal and especially emergency situations,” Shanahan said. “During an emergency such as a school shooting, students must be completely focused on lifesaving instructions. Phones can easily distract students from hearing, understanding and reacting appropriately — even when students use the phones to communicate with their parents.”Kevin Cronister, a retired detective with the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, said that based on his experience, a cellphone ban would mitigate the risk of predators contacting students. Cronister said predators often target students during the school day, when they are away from their parents, and may ask students to introduce them to classmates.&nbsp;Several proponents criticized the Kansas State Board of Education’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/13/kansas-board-of-education-accepts-policy-report-recommending-phone-bans-sends-to-local-districts/">directive</a>&nbsp;allowing each school district to craft its own policies around cellphone use, urging lawmakers to instead adopt a statewide ban.<h2>District level decision</h2>Cathy Hopkins and Beryl New, legislative liaisons for the Kansas State Board of Education, testified neutrally on the bill. They pointed to the Blue Ribbon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Portals/0/Commissioner/Blue-Ribbon-Task-Force-on-Student-Screen-Time-Report.pdf?ver=2024-12-12-131410-427" target="_blank">Task Force</a>&nbsp;on Screen Time in 2024 that led to the state board’s directive, and said districts that developed policies in collaboration with their community have seen the strongest results.&nbsp;Topeka Democrat Ann Mah, a former state representative, served on the board of education when it sent out the directive allowing for local control.&nbsp;“It should be clear that these discussions belong at (the district) level,” Mah said. “It should also be clear the Legislature has no role here. When you have school districts that range from fewer than one hundred students to more than 45,000 students, there is no way the Legislature can create a one-size-fits-all solution.&nbsp;“Besides that, I’m fairly certain that the 2,000 or so locally elected school board members are in a better position than you to make that call. What message are you sending your local board members? They likely already have a policy, but you think you know better? Seriously?”&nbsp;Kailey Howell, a senior at Spring Hill High School, said her cellphone has never distracted her from schoolwork.&nbsp;“While I understand that this is not the case for all students, I am confused as to why I am now having to bear the weight of consequences that were never meant for me,” Howell said. “Education has always been what students choose to make of it. Students with positive attitudes and a desire to learn will do so. Students who purposely avoid learning at every cost will not learn. Removing phones doesn’t change a student’s attitude. It only gives them another avenue to find another distraction.”In his neutral testimony, Graham from the Kansas National Education Association — who also mentioned that teachers are divided on this bill — brought up the lack of funding.&nbsp;Multiple proponents acknowledged that schools would need dedicated storage for cellphones. Along with the storage, Graham said, districts would need to train staff, enforce compliance, and report to the state — all without additional funding.&nbsp;<h2>The big picture&nbsp;</h2>Eighteen&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/states-banning-cellphones-schools/story?id=125515186" target="_blank">states</a>&nbsp;— including Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands — have banned cellphones and other wireless communication devices for the entire instructional day, the bell-to-bell policy.&nbsp;Neighboring&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/gov-pillen-ne-lawmakers-take-aim-at-social-media-and-school-time-cell-phone-use-by-youths/" target="_blank">Nebraska</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-lawmakers-pass-ban-on-cell-phones-in-public-school-classrooms/" target="_blank">Missouri</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/2025/05/06/oklahoma-governor-signs-mandatory-one-year-school-cellphone-ban-into-law/" target="_blank">Oklahoma</a>&nbsp;are part of that mix, and pushed similar bills forward last year.&nbsp;Preliminary data shows that strict school cellphone bans, like what’s being proposed in Kansas, have led to more more focused students, according to a University of Pennsylvania&nbsp;<a href="https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/angela-duckworth-over-20000-educators-share-insights-school-cell-phone-policies" target="_blank">survey</a>&nbsp;of 20,000 teachers.&nbsp;Florida was the first state to entirely ban cellphones in schools in 2023. A National Bureau of Economic Research&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w34388" target="_blank">paper</a>&nbsp;found there was an adjustment period in 2024, the first year the ban took effect, with an increase in suspensions in the short-term — especially among Black students. By the second year, suspensions had dissipated, test scores increased, and there were fewer unexcused absences.

Kansas legislators hear divided testimony on proposed school cellphone ban

On Friday, President Donald J. Trump congratulated the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a vital step forward in implementing Phase Two of his Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict—a 20-point roadmap for lasting peace, stability, reconstruction, and prosperity in the region, according to statement from the White House.

The NCAG will be led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, a widely respected technocratic leader who will oversee the restoration of core public services, the rebuilding of civil institutions, and the stabilization of daily life in Gaza, while laying the foundation for long-term, self-sustaining governance. Dr. Sha’ath brings deep experience in public administration, economic development, and international engagement, and is widely respected for his pragmatic, technocratic leadership and understanding of Gaza’s institutional realities.

This milestone perfectly aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), which endorsed President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan and welcomed the establishment of the Board of Peace. The Board of Peace will play an essential role in fulfilling all 20 points of the President’s plan, providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.

To operationalize the Board of Peace’s vision—under the chairmanship of President Donald J. Trump—a founding Executive Board has been formed, composed of leaders with experience across diplomacy, development, infrastructure, and economic strategy. The appointed members are:

Each Executive Board member will oversee a defined portfolio critical to Gaza’s stabilization and long-term success, including, but not limited to, governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale funding, and capital mobilization.

In support of this operating model, the Chairman has appointed Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum as senior advisors to the Board of Peace, charged with leading day-to-day strategy and operations, and translating the Board’s mandate and diplomatic priorities into disciplined execution.

H.E. Nickolay Mladenov, an Executive Board member, will serve as the High Representative for Gaza. In this capacity, he will act as the on-the-ground link between the Board of Peace and the NCAG. He will support the Board’s oversight of all aspects of Gaza’s governance, reconstruction, and development, while ensuring coordination across civilian and security pillars.

To establish security, preserve peace, and establish a durable terror-free environment, Major General Jasper Jeffers has been appointed Commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), where he will lead security operations, support comprehensive demilitarization, and enable the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials.

In support of the Office of the High Representative and the NCAG, a Gaza Executive Board is being established. The Board will help support effective governance and the delivery of best-in-class services that advance peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of Gaza. The appointed members are:

The United States remains fully committed to supporting this transitional framework, working in close partnership with Israel, key Arab nations, and the international community to achieve the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. The President calls on all parties to cooperate fully with the NCAG, the Board of Peace, and the International Stabilization Force to ensure the swift and successful implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.

Additional Executive Board and Gaza Executive Board members will be announced over the coming weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768660024282.png" alt="File photo Jared Kushner-photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo Jared Kushner-photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, President Donald J. Trump congratulated the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a vital step forward in implementing Phase Two of his Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict—a 20-point roadmap for lasting peace, stability, reconstruction, and prosperity in the region, according to statement from the White House.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768659635415.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The NCAG will be led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, a widely respected technocratic leader who will oversee the restoration of core public services, the rebuilding of civil institutions, and the stabilization of daily life in Gaza, while laying the foundation for long-term, self-sustaining governance. Dr. Sha’ath brings deep experience in public administration, economic development, and international engagement, and is widely respected for his pragmatic, technocratic leadership and understanding of Gaza’s institutional realities.This milestone perfectly aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), which endorsed President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan and welcomed the establishment of the Board of Peace. The Board of Peace will play an essential role in fulfilling all 20 points of the President’s plan, providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.To operationalize the Board of Peace’s vision—under the chairmanship of President Donald J. Trump—a founding Executive Board has been formed, composed of leaders with experience across diplomacy, development, infrastructure, and economic strategy. The appointed members are:<ul>
 <li>Secretary Marco Rubio</li><li>Steve Witkoff</li><li>Jared Kushner</li><li>Sir Tony Blair</li><li>Marc Rowan</li><li>Ajay Banga</li><li>Robert Gabriel</li>
 </ul>Each Executive Board member will oversee a defined portfolio critical to Gaza’s stabilization and long-term success, including, but not limited to, governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale funding, and capital mobilization.In support of this operating model, the Chairman has appointed Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum as senior advisors to the Board of Peace, charged with leading day-to-day strategy and operations, and translating the Board’s mandate and diplomatic priorities into disciplined execution.H.E. Nickolay Mladenov, an Executive Board member, will serve as the High Representative for Gaza. In this capacity, he will act as the on-the-ground link between the Board of Peace and the NCAG. He will support the Board’s oversight of all aspects of Gaza’s governance, reconstruction, and development, while ensuring coordination across civilian and security pillars.To establish security, preserve peace, and establish a durable terror-free environment, Major General Jasper Jeffers has been appointed Commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), where he will lead security operations, support comprehensive demilitarization, and enable the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials.In support of the Office of the High Representative and the NCAG, a Gaza Executive Board is being established. The Board will help support effective governance and the delivery of best-in-class services that advance peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of Gaza. The appointed members are:<ul>
 <li>Steve Witkoff</li><li>Jared Kushner</li><li>Minister Hakan Fidan</li><li>Ali Al-Thawadi</li><li>General Hassan Rashad</li><li>Sir Tony Blair</li><li>Marc Rowan</li><li>Minister Reem Al-Hashimy</li><li>Nickolay Mladenov</li><li>Yakir Gabay</li><li>Sigrid Kaag</li>
 </ul>The United States remains fully committed to supporting this transitional framework, working in close partnership with Israel, key Arab nations, and the international community to achieve the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. The President calls on all parties to cooperate fully with the NCAG, the Board of Peace, and the International Stabilization Force to ensure the swift and successful implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.Additional Executive Board and Gaza Executive Board members will be announced over the coming weeks.

Who is on Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza?

The Kansas Supreme Court has unanimously affirmed the convictions of a man found guilty of killing two people in Reno County, rejecting arguments that errors during the trial warranted a new proceeding.

A jury previously convicted Hardwick of two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. On direct appeal, Hardwick argued that the Reno County District Court erred by failing to instruct jurors on imperfect self-defense and by allowing evidence related to his post-arrest silence, which he said violated his Fifth Amendment rights.

In a unanimous opinion authored by Melissa Standridge, the court upheld the convictions, concluding that any error related to jury instructions was harmless in light of the overwhelming evidence presented at trial.

The court determined that even if an imperfect self-defense instruction should have been given, the absence of that instruction did not affect the outcome of the case because the evidence supporting the jury’s verdict was substantial.

The justices also rejected Hardwick’s claim regarding his post-arrest silence. The court ruled that the admission of this evidence did not violate constitutional protections because Hardwick “opened the door” through his own testimony by suggesting a willingness to cooperate with law enforcement that was inconsistent with his actual silence after arrest.

Additionally, the court found that prosecutors used the evidence narrowly and appropriately for impeachment purposes, rather than to suggest guilt, which the court said is constitutionally permissible.

As a result of the ruling, Hardwick’s convictions and sentences remain in place.

Hardwick was sentenced in April of 2023 to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates, 56, and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine, 58, both of Hutchinson. Concurrent with his life convictions, Hardwick was sentenced to eight months for his third alternative count of theft and seven months for solicitation of perjury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768579108852.jpeg" alt="Kyle V. Hardwick -Photo Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Kyle V. Hardwick -Photo Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;The Kansas Supreme Court has unanimously affirmed the convictions of a man found guilty of killing two people in Reno County, rejecting arguments that errors during the trial warranted a new proceeding.A jury previously convicted Hardwick of two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. On direct appeal, Hardwick argued that the Reno County District Court erred by failing to instruct jurors on imperfect self-defense and by allowing evidence related to his post-arrest silence, which he said violated his Fifth Amendment rights.In a unanimous opinion authored by Melissa Standridge, the court upheld the convictions, concluding that any error related to jury instructions was harmless in light of the overwhelming evidence presented at trial.The court determined that even if an imperfect self-defense instruction should have been given, the absence of that instruction did not affect the outcome of the case because the evidence supporting the jury’s verdict was substantial.The justices also rejected Hardwick’s claim regarding his post-arrest silence. The court ruled that the admission of this evidence did not violate constitutional protections because Hardwick “opened the door” through his own testimony by suggesting a willingness to cooperate with law enforcement that was inconsistent with his actual silence after arrest.Additionally, the court found that prosecutors used the evidence narrowly and appropriately for impeachment purposes, rather than to suggest guilt, which the court said is constitutionally permissible.As a result of the ruling, Hardwick’s convictions and sentences remain in place.Hardwick was sentenced in April of 2023 to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates, 56, and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine, 58, both of Hutchinson. Concurrent with his life convictions, Hardwick was sentenced to eight months for his third alternative count of theft and seven months for solicitation of perjury.

Kansas Supreme Court affirms conviction for double murder

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/j-patrick-coolican/">J. Patrick Coolican</a> <a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>

The U.S. Justice Department has issued subpoenas to Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey as part of a criminal investigation into whether they’ve impeded federal immigration enforcement, the&nbsp;Washington Post&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/01/16/trump-minnesota-walz-frey-criminal-investigation/" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;Friday.

The investigation intensifies an already combustible conflict between the feds and Minnesota, while also adding to the DOJ’s list of targets deemed enemies by President Donald Trump and his administration.&nbsp;

A DOJ spokesperson declined comment.&nbsp;

Walz’s office said he hadn’t received any notice of investigation.&nbsp;

Walz replied in a statement to the news: “Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly,” he said, referring to the&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/3-democratic-lawmakers-federal-investigation-illegal-orders-social/story?id=129244803" target="_blank">U.S. senators</a>&nbsp;who made a video telling U.S. servicemembers that&nbsp;they can and must refuse illegal orders, as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5687457-fed-jerome-powell-justice-department-gop-criticism/" target="_blank">chairman</a>&nbsp;of the Federal Reserve, who has refused to lower interest rates as quickly as Trump desires. “Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic,” Walz said.&nbsp;

Frey called the investigation “an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement and our residents against the chaos and danger this administration has brought to our streets.”&nbsp;

He added: “I will not be intimidated.”&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Post&nbsp;reported that “the&nbsp;subpoenas suggest that the Justice Department is examining whether Walz’s and Frey’s public statements disparaging the surge of officers and federal actions have amounted to criminal interference in law enforcement work.”

Walz, who announced earlier this month he&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/05/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-ends-campaign-for-third-term/">won’t seek</a>&nbsp;a third term, also used his statement to criticize the federal government for not properly investigating the killing of Renee Good by federal immigration officer Jonathan Ross. “The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Six prosecutors in the Minnesota Office of U.S. Attorney quit this week,&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/us/prosecutors-doj-resignation-ice-shooting.html#:~:text=Six%20Prosecutors%20Quit%20Over%20Push,supposed%20ties%20to%20activist%20groups." target="_blank">reported</a>, because they objected to their bosses’ push to investigate the widow of Good and their ties to anti-ICE groups.&nbsp;

The ICE surge, which has put as many as 3,000 federal agents in the state — or nearly five times the number of sworn officers with the Minneapolis Police Department —&nbsp;is just the latest round of an ongoing conflict between Minnesota and the federal government. Fraud in Minnesota’s social programs —&nbsp;often funded in whole or part by the federal government —&nbsp;has caught the attention of right-wing media and activists, and the Trump administration has followed with a wide array of investigations of Minnesota programs across a range of agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/15/homeland-security-audits-hennepin-healthcares/">auditing Hennepin Healthcare</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;Minnesota’s largest safety net hospital —&nbsp;for compliance with immigrant employment eligibility laws.

The<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-establishes-new-department-of-justice-division-for-national-fraud-enforcement/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Trump administration</a>&nbsp;has frozen child care payments and halted small business grants. The administration also says it’s investigating possible housing assistance fraud and looking into Minnesota’s&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/trump-admin-announces-target-review-of-minnesotas-unemployment-insurance-program/">unemployment insurance program</a>. The federal government has also attempted to withhold funds to Minnesota for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, but a federal court issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/15/federal-judge-blocks-usda-from-cutting-snap-benefits-in-minnesota" target="_blank">preliminary injunction.</a>

Earlier this week, Trump said he would cut all federal funding to Minnesota and other states that have sanctuary cities beginning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/13/white-house-end-funding-sanctuary-cities-states-00726557" target="_blank">Feb. 1,</a>&nbsp;but it’s unclear what that means and few details have been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768610962226.png" alt="Minnesoty Gov. Tim Walz-photo from video provided by the governor's office" />
 <figcaption>Minnesoty Gov. Tim Walz-photo from video provided by the governor's office</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/j-patrick-coolican/">J. Patrick Coolican</a> <a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>The U.S. Justice Department has issued subpoenas to Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey as part of a criminal investigation into whether they’ve impeded federal immigration enforcement, the&nbsp;Washington Post&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/01/16/trump-minnesota-walz-frey-criminal-investigation/" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;Friday.The investigation intensifies an already combustible conflict between the feds and Minnesota, while also adding to the DOJ’s list of targets deemed enemies by President Donald Trump and his administration.&nbsp;A DOJ spokesperson declined comment.&nbsp;Walz’s office said he hadn’t received any notice of investigation.&nbsp;Walz replied in a statement to the news: “Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly,” he said, referring to the&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/3-democratic-lawmakers-federal-investigation-illegal-orders-social/story?id=129244803" target="_blank">U.S. senators</a>&nbsp;who made a video telling U.S. servicemembers that&nbsp;they can and must refuse illegal orders, as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5687457-fed-jerome-powell-justice-department-gop-criticism/" target="_blank">chairman</a>&nbsp;of the Federal Reserve, who has refused to lower interest rates as quickly as Trump desires. “Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic,” Walz said.&nbsp;Frey called the investigation “an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement and our residents against the chaos and danger this administration has brought to our streets.”&nbsp;He added: “I will not be intimidated.”&nbsp;The&nbsp;Post&nbsp;reported that “the&nbsp;subpoenas suggest that the Justice Department is examining whether Walz’s and Frey’s public statements disparaging the surge of officers and federal actions have amounted to criminal interference in law enforcement work.”Walz, who announced earlier this month he&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/05/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-ends-campaign-for-third-term/">won’t seek</a>&nbsp;a third term, also used his statement to criticize the federal government for not properly investigating the killing of Renee Good by federal immigration officer Jonathan Ross. “The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Six prosecutors in the Minnesota Office of U.S. Attorney quit this week,&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/us/prosecutors-doj-resignation-ice-shooting.html#:~:text=Six%20Prosecutors%20Quit%20Over%20Push,supposed%20ties%20to%20activist%20groups." target="_blank">reported</a>, because they objected to their bosses’ push to investigate the widow of Good and their ties to anti-ICE groups.&nbsp;The ICE surge, which has put as many as 3,000 federal agents in the state — or nearly five times the number of sworn officers with the Minneapolis Police Department —&nbsp;is just the latest round of an ongoing conflict between Minnesota and the federal government. Fraud in Minnesota’s social programs —&nbsp;often funded in whole or part by the federal government —&nbsp;has caught the attention of right-wing media and activists, and the Trump administration has followed with a wide array of investigations of Minnesota programs across a range of agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/15/homeland-security-audits-hennepin-healthcares/">auditing Hennepin Healthcare</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;Minnesota’s largest safety net hospital —&nbsp;for compliance with immigrant employment eligibility laws.The<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-establishes-new-department-of-justice-division-for-national-fraud-enforcement/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Trump administration</a>&nbsp;has frozen child care payments and halted small business grants. The administration also says it’s investigating possible housing assistance fraud and looking into Minnesota’s&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/trump-admin-announces-target-review-of-minnesotas-unemployment-insurance-program/">unemployment insurance program</a>. The federal government has also attempted to withhold funds to Minnesota for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, but a federal court issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/15/federal-judge-blocks-usda-from-cutting-snap-benefits-in-minnesota" target="_blank">preliminary injunction.</a>Earlier this week, Trump said he would cut all federal funding to Minnesota and other states that have sanctuary cities beginning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/13/white-house-end-funding-sanctuary-cities-states-00726557" target="_blank">Feb. 1,</a>&nbsp;but it’s unclear what that means and few details have been released.

Minnesota gov. to receive subpoena in criminal matter related to ICE

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that critically injured one person.

Just after 11p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at the intersection of SE 6th St. and Sherman Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

Police then received information on a shooting victim arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle. The shooting victim was air-lifted to a Kansas City hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police have reported no additional details.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that critically injured one person.Just after 11p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at the intersection of SE 6th St. and Sherman Street in Topeka, according to a media release.Police then received information on a shooting victim arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle. The shooting victim was air-lifted to a Kansas City hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police have reported no additional details.

Police: Kansas shooting victim air lifted to a hospital

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Legislators got their first look at Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 on Wednesday, finding a plan that prioritizes funding for schools and special education, expanded mental health services and creating a 10-year water plan.

Budget director and administration secretary Adam Proffitt presented the spending blueprint virtually at the joint meeting of the Senate and House budget committees.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.kansas.gov/budget-report/" target="_blank">governor’s budget</a>&nbsp;was set after Kelly completed a statewide tour to hear from Kansans, Proffitt said.

“Last fall, I spoke directly with Kansans, who were clear about the priorities they wanted reflected in my budget: fully funded public schools, investments in health care, and action to address our water challenges,” Kelly said in a news release. “My budget delivers on Kansans’ wishes while remaining balanced and ensuring that we protect Kansas’ fiscal foundation.”

The governor’s budget used a projected 1.7% revenue growth for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, as a basis, Proffitt said. The recommended budget total of $10.8 billion comes in 1.6% higher than last fiscal year’s approved budget, he said.

Proffitt said $35 million of the increase comes from one-time expenditures, and if those expenditures are removed, the budget increase would be 1.3%, the amount total tax collections are expected to grow during the upcoming fiscal year.&nbsp;

Diving into budget details, Proffitt said a few spending increases are tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which shifted some costs to the states. For instance, the state will pay a higher portion of administrative costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which the governor accounted for by including $21 million in the budget, he said.

Legislators at the hearing questioned whether the budget included paying a penalty for&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/13/committee-questions-delay-on-implementing-kansas-food-assistance-ban-on-soda-candy/">the state’s high SNAP error rate</a>, which could be between $20-40 million, depending on the rate, but Proffitt said the penalty won’t be assessed until fiscal year 2028.&nbsp;

That gives the state time to get the error rate below 6%, which would carry no penalty, he said.

The error rate measures mistakes that have been made in allocating dollars for recipients, and can include data entry mistakes and incorrect calculations. The federal goal is a rate below 6%.&nbsp; Kansas had a 9% rate for 2025.

The federal law also had more stringent work requirements for SNAP recipients, which increased administrative costs at the state level an estimated $4 million, Proffitt said.

Kelly recommended full funding for K-12 general education for two full years, Proffitt said, which provides predictability to school districts.

The school funding formula sunsets at the end of fiscal year 2027, and Proffitt said the governor’s budget extends the current school finance formula into 2028.

The governor recommended spending $2.5 million to eliminate the co-pay for 34,000 students who receive reduced lunches.

“The governor is recommending an incremental $50.6 million of (State General Fund) to fund special education for fiscal year 2027,” Proffitt said, adding that is 70% of excess costs, which is still well below the 92% required in statute.

The state has not funded special education to the 92% level in 15 years, he said.

“Funding for special education is really a shared responsibility between the federal government and the state government,” Proffitt said. “The governor is calling on the feds again to meet their obligation and increase their level of funding here in Kansas for special education. We simply cannot get to 92% without more federal support.”

“Water remains among the top priorities in the state, not just for the administration but obviously for many in the Legislature,” Proffitt said. “It’s one of the most critical resources we have in the state, and we know we have a tall order ahead of us to make sure it’s available for the next several generations.”

The governor’s budget recommends full funding at $8 million for the state water plan fund, and Kelly wants to work with the Legislature to develop a long-term water roadmap, Proffitt said.&nbsp;

Kelly asked for $12.6 million to fully fund a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/04/kansas-advocacy-organizations-offer-strategy-for-curtailing-waitlist-for-disability-services/">new Community Support waiver</a>, which is expected to eliminate some of the stress from the current intellectual and developmental disability waiver, Proffitt said.

In addition, Kelly’s budget outlines an additional $10 million to address increased demand on the technology assistance waiver, which helps individuals younger than 21 who need life-sustaining medical equipment and technology.

Kelly’s budget includes $15 million to support increased Children’s Health Insurance Program caseloads. Her budget includes dollars for contract nursing at Larned State Hospital and Osawatomie State Hospital, about $37 million for both.

The state hospital system has been scrutinized closely over the past couple of years, Proffitt said, and the governor recommends a budget allocation of $38.9 million to strengthen the system.

“We recognize that there is both a capacity issue across the state hospital system but also staffing issues,” Proffitt said.

The House proposed a budget bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2434_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 2434</a>, this week, breaking tradition with past years when the governor’s budget is taken into consideration before they put together their budget,

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768390967902.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly during her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly during her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Legislators got their first look at Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 on Wednesday, finding a plan that prioritizes funding for schools and special education, expanded mental health services and creating a 10-year water plan.Budget director and administration secretary Adam Proffitt presented the spending blueprint virtually at the joint meeting of the Senate and House budget committees.The&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.kansas.gov/budget-report/" target="_blank">governor’s budget</a>&nbsp;was set after Kelly completed a statewide tour to hear from Kansans, Proffitt said.“Last fall, I spoke directly with Kansans, who were clear about the priorities they wanted reflected in my budget: fully funded public schools, investments in health care, and action to address our water challenges,” Kelly said in a news release. “My budget delivers on Kansans’ wishes while remaining balanced and ensuring that we protect Kansas’ fiscal foundation.”The governor’s budget used a projected 1.7% revenue growth for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, as a basis, Proffitt said. The recommended budget total of $10.8 billion comes in 1.6% higher than last fiscal year’s approved budget, he said.Proffitt said $35 million of the increase comes from one-time expenditures, and if those expenditures are removed, the budget increase would be 1.3%, the amount total tax collections are expected to grow during the upcoming fiscal year.&nbsp;Diving into budget details, Proffitt said a few spending increases are tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which shifted some costs to the states. For instance, the state will pay a higher portion of administrative costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which the governor accounted for by including $21 million in the budget, he said.Legislators at the hearing questioned whether the budget included paying a penalty for&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/13/committee-questions-delay-on-implementing-kansas-food-assistance-ban-on-soda-candy/">the state’s high SNAP error rate</a>, which could be between $20-40 million, depending on the rate, but Proffitt said the penalty won’t be assessed until fiscal year 2028.&nbsp;That gives the state time to get the error rate below 6%, which would carry no penalty, he said.The error rate measures mistakes that have been made in allocating dollars for recipients, and can include data entry mistakes and incorrect calculations. The federal goal is a rate below 6%.&nbsp; Kansas had a 9% rate for 2025.The federal law also had more stringent work requirements for SNAP recipients, which increased administrative costs at the state level an estimated $4 million, Proffitt said.<h2>Education</h2>Kelly recommended full funding for K-12 general education for two full years, Proffitt said, which provides predictability to school districts.The school funding formula sunsets at the end of fiscal year 2027, and Proffitt said the governor’s budget extends the current school finance formula into 2028.The governor recommended spending $2.5 million to eliminate the co-pay for 34,000 students who receive reduced lunches.“The governor is recommending an incremental $50.6 million of (State General Fund) to fund special education for fiscal year 2027,” Proffitt said, adding that is 70% of excess costs, which is still well below the 92% required in statute.The state has not funded special education to the 92% level in 15 years, he said.“Funding for special education is really a shared responsibility between the federal government and the state government,” Proffitt said. “The governor is calling on the feds again to meet their obligation and increase their level of funding here in Kansas for special education. We simply cannot get to 92% without more federal support.”<h2>Water funding</h2>“Water remains among the top priorities in the state, not just for the administration but obviously for many in the Legislature,” Proffitt said. “It’s one of the most critical resources we have in the state, and we know we have a tall order ahead of us to make sure it’s available for the next several generations.”The governor’s budget recommends full funding at $8 million for the state water plan fund, and Kelly wants to work with the Legislature to develop a long-term water roadmap, Proffitt said.&nbsp;<h2>Human services</h2>Kelly asked for $12.6 million to fully fund a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/04/kansas-advocacy-organizations-offer-strategy-for-curtailing-waitlist-for-disability-services/">new Community Support waiver</a>, which is expected to eliminate some of the stress from the current intellectual and developmental disability waiver, Proffitt said.In addition, Kelly’s budget outlines an additional $10 million to address increased demand on the technology assistance waiver, which helps individuals younger than 21 who need life-sustaining medical equipment and technology.Kelly’s budget includes $15 million to support increased Children’s Health Insurance Program caseloads. Her budget includes dollars for contract nursing at Larned State Hospital and Osawatomie State Hospital, about $37 million for both.The state hospital system has been scrutinized closely over the past couple of years, Proffitt said, and the governor recommends a budget allocation of $38.9 million to strengthen the system.“We recognize that there is both a capacity issue across the state hospital system but also staffing issues,” Proffitt said.He said the budget includes:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Nearly $31 million that would fund the new South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital, which would get the facility open in fiscal year 2027 and add 103 beds to the state’s capacity.</li><li>$3 million in capital improvements at the Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka to create 15-30 behavioral health beds for children.</li><li>$5 million for one-time funding to support six local hospitals with behavioral health beds.</li>
 </ul>The House proposed a budget bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2434_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 2434</a>, this week, breaking tradition with past years when the governor’s budget is taken into consideration before they put together their budget,

Kansas governor’s budget highlights education, mental health care, water and state employee raises

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that that critically injured a woman.

Just after 3a.m. Thursday, police responded to an aggravated assault in the 1800 Block of East 76th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a statement from police.

First responders found a woman on the front porch of a home suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. EMS transported the woman was to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; Police reported no additional detais.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that that critically injured a woman.Just after 3a.m. Thursday, police responded to an aggravated assault in the 1800 Block of East 76th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a statement from police.First responders found a woman on the front porch of a home suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. EMS transported the woman was to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; Police reported no additional detais.

KCPD: Woman shot on the porch of her home

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Billy Long’s prospects of becoming ambassador to Iceland hit a stumbling block this week, as the former Missouri congressman had to apologize Thursday after facing backlash for his comments suggesting the country should become a U.S. state, with him serving as governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Long, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arctictoday.com/trumps-iceland-ambassador-pick-apologizes-for-52nd-state-comment/" target="_blank">an interview with Arctic Today</a>, a non-profit Alaska-based digital news publication that covers the Arctic region, apologized for joking with former colleagues in the U.S. House that Iceland will become the 52nd state, after America takes over Greenland.&nbsp;

The comments set off a firestorm of criticism in the Arctic nation, where Long was nominated to serve as ambassador after stepping down from his leadership role at the Internal Revenue Service last year.&nbsp;

The Icelandic Foreign Ministry confirmed to Politico that it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/iceland-us-ambassador-billy-long-donald-trump-52nd-state/" target="_blank">contacted the U.S. embassy in Reykjavík&nbsp;</a>seeking clarification about the comments. And a member of Iceland’s ruling party said Long’s statement must be taken seriously and represented a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2026/01/15/sigmar_ekkert_serstaklega_fyndid_grin/" target="_blank">fundamental disrespect for the sovereignty of small nations</a>.

“There is no doubt that this is very serious for a small country like Iceland. We need to understand that all the security arguments made by the U.S. regarding Greenland also apply to Iceland,” Viðreisn Sigmar Guðmundsson, a member of Iceland’s parliament, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2026/01/15/sigmar_ekkert_serstaklega_fyndid_grin/" target="_blank">a local newspaper</a>.&nbsp;

Icelanders launched a petition urging Foreign Minister Katrín Gunnarsdóttir to reject Long as ambassador. It currently has 2,000 signatures.

Long told the editor of Arctic Today that he was not serious when he made that statement. It was a joke, he said, about Jeff Landry, President Donald Trump’s U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland, becoming governor of Greenland.

“I was with some people, who I hadn’t met for three years, and they were kidding about Jeff Landry being governor of Greenland,” Long told Arctic Today, “and they started joking about me. And if anyone took offense to it, then I apologize.”

Long acknowledged that the reaction was justified, given the tensions internationally regarding Greenland.&nbsp;

Long, a former auctioneer and talk radio host who represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the IRS in June. &nbsp;Two months later&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/08/repub/missouris-billy-long-ousted-by-trump-as-irs-chief-after-less-than-2-months-in-office/">he was pushed out with little explanation</a>&nbsp;and nominated instead to be ambassador for Iceland. He has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/01/nominations-sent-to-the-senate-078c/" target="_blank">not yet been confirmed</a>&nbsp;by the Senate for that job.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754682615731.png" alt="Billy Long, former Missouri Congressman, photo IRS" />
 <figcaption>Billy Long, former Missouri Congressman, photo IRS</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Billy Long’s prospects of becoming ambassador to Iceland hit a stumbling block this week, as the former Missouri congressman had to apologize Thursday after facing backlash for his comments suggesting the country should become a U.S. state, with him serving as governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Long, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arctictoday.com/trumps-iceland-ambassador-pick-apologizes-for-52nd-state-comment/" target="_blank">an interview with Arctic Today</a>, a non-profit Alaska-based digital news publication that covers the Arctic region, apologized for joking with former colleagues in the U.S. House that Iceland will become the 52nd state, after America takes over Greenland.&nbsp;The comments set off a firestorm of criticism in the Arctic nation, where Long was nominated to serve as ambassador after stepping down from his leadership role at the Internal Revenue Service last year.&nbsp;The Icelandic Foreign Ministry confirmed to Politico that it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/iceland-us-ambassador-billy-long-donald-trump-52nd-state/" target="_blank">contacted the U.S. embassy in Reykjavík&nbsp;</a>seeking clarification about the comments. And a member of Iceland’s ruling party said Long’s statement must be taken seriously and represented a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2026/01/15/sigmar_ekkert_serstaklega_fyndid_grin/" target="_blank">fundamental disrespect for the sovereignty of small nations</a>.“There is no doubt that this is very serious for a small country like Iceland. We need to understand that all the security arguments made by the U.S. regarding Greenland also apply to Iceland,” Viðreisn Sigmar Guðmundsson, a member of Iceland’s parliament, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2026/01/15/sigmar_ekkert_serstaklega_fyndid_grin/" target="_blank">a local newspaper</a>.&nbsp;Icelanders launched a petition urging Foreign Minister Katrín Gunnarsdóttir to reject Long as ambassador. It currently has 2,000 signatures.Long told the editor of Arctic Today that he was not serious when he made that statement. It was a joke, he said, about Jeff Landry, President Donald Trump’s U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland, becoming governor of Greenland.“I was with some people, who I hadn’t met for three years, and they were kidding about Jeff Landry being governor of Greenland,” Long told Arctic Today, “and they started joking about me. And if anyone took offense to it, then I apologize.”Long acknowledged that the reaction was justified, given the tensions internationally regarding Greenland.&nbsp;Long, a former auctioneer and talk radio host who represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the IRS in June. &nbsp;Two months later&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/08/repub/missouris-billy-long-ousted-by-trump-as-irs-chief-after-less-than-2-months-in-office/">he was pushed out with little explanation</a>&nbsp;and nominated instead to be ambassador for Iceland. He has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/01/nominations-sent-to-the-senate-078c/" target="_blank">not yet been confirmed</a>&nbsp;by the Senate for that job.

Missouri’s Billy Long apologizes after joking Iceland should become 52nd state

On his social media account, Jackson County, Missouri Legislator Manny Abarca posted a video of&nbsp; federal agents telling him he was trespassing after he showed up at a nearly 1-million-square-foot warehouse on the outskirts of Kansas City.

Abarca wrote, "Folks, I shared the below video in nearly the moments it happened: 

I was informed that ICE/DHS was touring a potential “mega detention facility” in south <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/KansasCity?src=hashtag_click">#KansasCity</a> and decided to stop by."

"As I was observing, from my truck at a taxpayer subsidized facility; I was swarmed by ice agents. They attempted to threaten to have me arrested for trespassing if I didn’t leave; however they blocked me in both the front and rear of my truck"

"I refused to get out until a supervisor came over. 

I identified myself and my position, and asked what was going on. I confirmed they are looking to place a 7,500 bed facility in this or a similar building in the area from the agents. 

Local Electeds must step up, and engage. We cannot sit ideally by and let things happen in our community. Today, I put my and my families security on the line. What are YOU willing to sacrifice for democracy in America?"

On his social media account, Jackson County, Missouri Legislator Manny Abarca posted a video of&nbsp; federal agents telling him he was trespassing after he showed up at a nearly 1-million-square-foot warehouse on the outskirts of Kansas City.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Folks, I shared the below video in nearly the moments it happened: I was informed that ICE/DHS was touring a potential “mega detention facility” in south <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KansasCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KansasCity</a> and decided to stop by. As I was observing, from my truck at a taxpayer subsidized facility; I was swarmed by… <a href="https://t.co/PF6g52gO6s">pic.twitter.com/PF6g52gO6s</a>&mdash; Manny Abarca (@MannyAbarcaIV) <a href="https://twitter.com/MannyAbarcaIV/status/2011843933517631828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Abarca wrote, "Folks, I shared the below video in nearly the moments it happened: 

I was informed that ICE/DHS was touring a potential “mega detention facility” in south <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/KansasCity?src=hashtag_click">#KansasCity</a> and decided to stop by.""As I was observing, from my truck at a taxpayer subsidized facility; I was swarmed by ice agents. They attempted to threaten to have me arrested for trespassing if I didn’t leave; however they blocked me in both the front and rear of my truck"<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, Kansas City took action to protect our community&#39;s priorities. A 5-year ban on non-city detention facilities ensures our focus stays on building businesses, homes, and schools, not large-scale detention centers. <a href="https://t.co/qVZOJdlUlN">pic.twitter.com/qVZOJdlUlN</a>&mdash; Mayor Quinton Lucas (@MayorLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorLucasKC/status/2011923905234059523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"I refused to get out until a supervisor came over. 

I identified myself and my position, and asked what was going on. I confirmed they are looking to place a 7,500 bed facility in this or a similar building in the area from the agents. 

Local Electeds must step up, and engage. We cannot sit ideally by and let things happen in our community. Today, I put my and my families security on the line. What are YOU willing to sacrifice for democracy in America?"

ICE officials looking at large detention space in Kansas City

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/nlGbtxEp3G">pic.twitter.com/nlGbtxEp3G</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2011964069075448319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald J. Trump meets with María Corina Machado of Venezuela in the Oval Office, during which she presented the President with her Nobel Peace Prize in recognition and honor.🕊️ <a href="https://t.co/v7pYHjVNVO">pic.twitter.com/v7pYHjVNVO</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2012006221340164338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

What President Trump said about gift of Machado's Nobel Peace Prize

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri Senate Democrats blocked debate on more than a dozen gubernatorial appointments Thursday, bringing the chamber to a standstill and vowing to spend the year slowing down the legislative process.&nbsp;

For two hours Thursday, a Democratic filibuster prevented the Senate from considering appointments by Gov. Mike Kehoe to various boards and commissions. With no end in sight, the Senate adjourned for the week without taking the appointments up for a vote.&nbsp;

Democrats argued their stall tactics were an effort to restore the Senate’s role as the more deliberative legislative chamber that thoroughly vets bills before they go to governor.&nbsp;

“It’s probably more important than ever that there is at least one entity in this government that serves as a speed check,” said state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, “that says ‘whoa, we’re gonna pump the brakes and do our jobs.’ If we do, we’ll get better public policy.”

The filibuster was the fulfillment of a threat Democrats made before the legislative session began earlier this month.&nbsp;

The party, which holds only 10 of the Senate’s 34 seats, fumed as Republicans invoked a rarely-used rule to cut off debate four times last year to pass an abortion ban amendment, repeal expanded sick leave, put initiative petition changes on the ballot and approve a gerrymandered congressional map.&nbsp;

Most expected Democrats to show up on the session’s first day ready to engage in procedural trench warfare, using the few tools available to them to slow the chamber to a crawl and exact some measure of payback.

But the Senate proceeded for the first two weeks with no drama though mostly ceremonial and procedural business. That changed Thursday, when it tried to conduct its first real business of the year by approving gubernatorial appointments.

Democrats didn’t focus on Republicans cutting off debate last year. Instead, they spent Thursday afternoon digging into legislation they argue the Senate rubber stamped that should have received more scrutiny.

State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat, pointed to last year’s capital gains tax cut, which was approved by the Senate despite concerns that the estimated $111 million annual revenue reduction was inaccurate.

The state budget director now says the revenue loss&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/18/missouri-faces-budget-crunch-as-capital-gains-tax-cut-hits-harder-than-expected/">could be as much as $500 million</a>&nbsp;the first year and $360 million annual thereafter.

Webber said the same could be said of the gerrymandered congressional map. A lawsuit claims&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/18/court-battle-looms-over-kc-precinct-listed-twice-in-missouris-new-congressional-map/">one Kansas City precinct was accidentally placed in two different districts</a>, something Webber said would have been avoided if the Senate didn’t rush the map through the process.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“If we’d spent some time drawing it ourselves,” he said, “that wouldn’t have happened.”

Democrats also questioned whether the Senate is doing a good enough job vetting gubernatorial appointments.&nbsp;

“Somewhere along the way,” McCreery said, “it feels like senators have slowly been removed from the process.”

State Sen. Steven Roberts, a St. Louis Democrat and member of the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee, asked President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, a Shelbina Republican and the committee’s chair, about the process to approve reappointments.

“My understanding is, for reappointments, and these are folks who may be reappointed for six years later, we don’t really have any background information on them,” Roberts said.

“You would have to ask the Governor’s Office,” O’Laughlin said.&nbsp;

Roberts said he was struck by the lack of public hearings of the state Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. O’Laughlin is sponsoring two nominees for that board.

“It just caught me by surprise that by this one, it seems like all of their meetings are closed, and it gives me a little bit of concern,” Roberts said.

Roberts asked O’Laughlin whether the board sends newsletters about their decision-making process.

“No, I have never even thought about that,” O’Laughlin said. “I do think a lot of people feel that way about us.”

“But all of our meetings have to be public,” Roberts said.

“Well, supposedly,” O’Laughlin responded.

State Sen. Jason Bean, a Holcomb Republican, said Thursday’s Democratic filibuster didn’t come as a surprise.&nbsp;

“We knew this was going to&nbsp; occur, because of what happened last session,” he said, adding: “Up until now, we’ve run pretty smoothly. We’ve still got a long session ahead of us, and we’ll just see what that brings.”

Democrats have no intention of killing the appointments that were stalled Thursday. But&nbsp;Webber said the filibuster is a sign of things to come, with his party trying to force a much slower legislative pace and demanding more oversight.

“I’ve had Republicans come to me,” he said, “and say they want to get back to the way the Senate has been in the past.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768568828068.png" alt="State Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, speaks in the Senate on Sept. 10, 2025 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, speaks in the Senate on Sept. 10, 2025 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Senate Democrats blocked debate on more than a dozen gubernatorial appointments Thursday, bringing the chamber to a standstill and vowing to spend the year slowing down the legislative process.&nbsp;For two hours Thursday, a Democratic filibuster prevented the Senate from considering appointments by Gov. Mike Kehoe to various boards and commissions. With no end in sight, the Senate adjourned for the week without taking the appointments up for a vote.&nbsp;Democrats argued their stall tactics were an effort to restore the Senate’s role as the more deliberative legislative chamber that thoroughly vets bills before they go to governor.&nbsp;“It’s probably more important than ever that there is at least one entity in this government that serves as a speed check,” said state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, “that says ‘whoa, we’re gonna pump the brakes and do our jobs.’ If we do, we’ll get better public policy.”The filibuster was the fulfillment of a threat Democrats made before the legislative session began earlier this month.&nbsp;The party, which holds only 10 of the Senate’s 34 seats, fumed as Republicans invoked a rarely-used rule to cut off debate four times last year to pass an abortion ban amendment, repeal expanded sick leave, put initiative petition changes on the ballot and approve a gerrymandered congressional map.&nbsp;Most expected Democrats to show up on the session’s first day ready to engage in procedural trench warfare, using the few tools available to them to slow the chamber to a crawl and exact some measure of payback.But the Senate proceeded for the first two weeks with no drama though mostly ceremonial and procedural business. That changed Thursday, when it tried to conduct its first real business of the year by approving gubernatorial appointments.Democrats didn’t focus on Republicans cutting off debate last year. Instead, they spent Thursday afternoon digging into legislation they argue the Senate rubber stamped that should have received more scrutiny.State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat, pointed to last year’s capital gains tax cut, which was approved by the Senate despite concerns that the estimated $111 million annual revenue reduction was inaccurate.The state budget director now says the revenue loss&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/18/missouri-faces-budget-crunch-as-capital-gains-tax-cut-hits-harder-than-expected/">could be as much as $500 million</a>&nbsp;the first year and $360 million annual thereafter.Webber said the same could be said of the gerrymandered congressional map. A lawsuit claims&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/18/court-battle-looms-over-kc-precinct-listed-twice-in-missouris-new-congressional-map/">one Kansas City precinct was accidentally placed in two different districts</a>, something Webber said would have been avoided if the Senate didn’t rush the map through the process.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If we’d spent some time drawing it ourselves,” he said, “that wouldn’t have happened.”Democrats also questioned whether the Senate is doing a good enough job vetting gubernatorial appointments.&nbsp;“Somewhere along the way,” McCreery said, “it feels like senators have slowly been removed from the process.”State Sen. Steven Roberts, a St. Louis Democrat and member of the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee, asked President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, a Shelbina Republican and the committee’s chair, about the process to approve reappointments.“My understanding is, for reappointments, and these are folks who may be reappointed for six years later, we don’t really have any background information on them,” Roberts said.“You would have to ask the Governor’s Office,” O’Laughlin said.&nbsp;Roberts said he was struck by the lack of public hearings of the state Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. O’Laughlin is sponsoring two nominees for that board.“It just caught me by surprise that by this one, it seems like all of their meetings are closed, and it gives me a little bit of concern,” Roberts said.Roberts asked O’Laughlin whether the board sends newsletters about their decision-making process.“No, I have never even thought about that,” O’Laughlin said. “I do think a lot of people feel that way about us.”“But all of our meetings have to be public,” Roberts said.“Well, supposedly,” O’Laughlin responded.State Sen. Jason Bean, a Holcomb Republican, said Thursday’s Democratic filibuster didn’t come as a surprise.&nbsp;“We knew this was going to&nbsp; occur, because of what happened last session,” he said, adding: “Up until now, we’ve run pretty smoothly. We’ve still got a long session ahead of us, and we’ll just see what that brings.”Democrats have no intention of killing the appointments that were stalled Thursday. But&nbsp;Webber said the filibuster is a sign of things to come, with his party trying to force a much slower legislative pace and demanding more oversight.“I’ve had Republicans come to me,” he said, “and say they want to get back to the way the Senate has been in the past.”