Flu cases are surging in Kansas City. For Dec 21–27, cases doubled from the previous week—marking the 4th-highest weekly total in 15 years, according to a statement from the Kansas City, Missouri health Department.

Missouri is now at very high flu activity. The CDC’s Influenza-Like Illness Activity Map for Missouri has increased from low to very high, highlighting the need for preventive actions. “It is crucial that we take preventive measures to keep our loved ones, friends, and community safe. This includes staying at home from work, school, and social gatherings when sick. Our health impacts everything in our daily lives, including the ability to go to work, school, family functions, and so many other aspects of life,” says Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of Health for the Kansas City Health Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767660552159.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Flu cases are surging in Kansas City. For Dec 21–27, cases doubled from the previous week—marking the 4th-highest weekly total in 15 years, according to a statement from the Kansas City, Missouri health Department.Missouri is now at very high flu activity. The CDC’s Influenza-Like Illness Activity Map for Missouri has increased from low to very high, highlighting the need for preventive actions. “It is crucial that we take preventive measures to keep our loved ones, friends, and community safe. This includes staying at home from work, school, and social gatherings when sick. Our health impacts everything in our daily lives, including the ability to go to work, school, family functions, and so many other aspects of life,” says Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of Health for the Kansas City Health Department.

Number of flu cases in Kansas City doubled in a week

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have made another arrest.

Just before 1a.m. on November 22, police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th St. and SE Adams Street in Topeka, according to media release. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a subject arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. That individual later identified as 16-year-old Kingston Scott of Topeka.

On Thursday, police booked a second 16-year-old Topeka boy into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 1st degree; In the commission of a felony,&nbsp; Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and Aggravated Assault; Use of a deadly weapon

On December 5, police booked a 16-year-old boy from Topeka into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Murder in the 1st degree, in the commission of a felony, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and&nbsp;Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764973228137.png" alt="Kingston Scott -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Kingston Scott -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have made another arrest.Just before 1a.m. on November 22, police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th St. and SE Adams Street in Topeka, according to media release. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a subject arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. That individual later identified as 16-year-old Kingston Scott of Topeka.On Thursday, police booked a second 16-year-old Topeka boy into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 1st degree; In the commission of a felony,&nbsp; Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and Aggravated Assault; Use of a deadly weaponOn December 5, police booked a 16-year-old boy from Topeka into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Murder in the 1st degree, in the commission of a felony, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and&nbsp;Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Second Kansas boy accused in murder of 16-year-old

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to&nbsp; a shooting reported in the area of 16th Street and Fremont Avenue, according to Officer Alyana Gonzalez.

First responders found an adult male victim inside of a vehicle unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. Officers attempted to render medical aid until EMS personnel responded and transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment. The victim ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

Preliminary information indicates the victim was outside working on a vehicle when an interaction between the victim and another adult male escalated into gunfire. The suspect left the scene prior to police arrival. Police do not have suspect details and did not report the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to&nbsp; a shooting reported in the area of 16th Street and Fremont Avenue, according to Officer Alyana Gonzalez.First responders found an adult male victim inside of a vehicle unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. Officers attempted to render medical aid until EMS personnel responded and transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment. The victim ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.Preliminary information indicates the victim was outside working on a vehicle when an interaction between the victim and another adult male escalated into gunfire. The suspect left the scene prior to police arrival. Police do not have suspect details and did not report the name of the victim.

Homicide: Man working on vehicle in Kansas City was shot 

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for allegedly selling drugs in the Kansas City area.

On January 3,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Cass County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Apprehension Unit executed a search warrant on N. Armstrong Street in Pleasant Hill following an extensive investigation, according to a media release.

During the execution of the warrant, deputies located drug paraphernalia and a large sum of U.S. currency.

As a result, 65-year-old Robin Harrison was taken into custody. Harrison has been charged with four felonies: two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a Prohibited Location (Class A), Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Class C) and Unlawful Use of a Weapon involving a controlled substance (Class E). 

Harrison is currently being held at the Cass County Jail with no bond allowed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767737263083.png" alt="Deputies found a large sum of currency -photo Cass County" />
 <figcaption>Deputies found a large sum of currency -photo Cass County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for allegedly selling drugs in the Kansas City area.On January 3,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Cass County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Apprehension Unit executed a search warrant on N. Armstrong Street in Pleasant Hill following an extensive investigation, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767737237284.png" alt="Harrison photo Cass County" />
 <figcaption>Harrison photo Cass County</figcaption>
 </figure>During the execution of the warrant, deputies located drug paraphernalia and a large sum of U.S. currency.As a result, 65-year-old Robin Harrison was taken into custody. Harrison has been charged with four felonies: two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a Prohibited Location (Class A), Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Class C) and Unlawful Use of a Weapon involving a controlled substance (Class E). Harrison is currently being held at the Cass County Jail with no bond allowed.

KC area drug dealer caught with 'large sum of cash'

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage shooting in Kansas City have identified the man who died as 32-year-old Keithlin Royster, according to KCPD Officer Alanya Gonzalez

Just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting on southbound 71 Highway and Blue River Road.

First responders located a vehicle stopped on the side of the highway and a woman asking for help. At that time, officers observed Royster unresponsive inside of the vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene and pronounce him deceased at that scene.

Preliminary information indicates this may be a road rage incident. It is believed two unidentified men were occupying an unknown vehicle when shots were fired, striking the victim. It is not currently known where the start of the altercation began, and where exactly the shooting occurred. 

A subject of interest turned himself in to police late Wednesday regarding this incident and he was questioned by detectives for further investigation. Detectives are not currently seeking any additional suspects, and the case has been presented to prosecutors for consideration of applicable charges, according to Gonzalez.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767817392964.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage shooting in Kansas City have identified the man who died as 32-year-old Keithlin Royster, according to KCPD Officer Alanya GonzalezJust before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting on southbound 71 Highway and Blue River Road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767817154645.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located a vehicle stopped on the side of the highway and a woman asking for help. At that time, officers observed Royster unresponsive inside of the vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene and pronounce him deceased at that scene.Preliminary information indicates this may be a road rage incident. It is believed two unidentified men were occupying an unknown vehicle when shots were fired, striking the victim. It is not currently known where the start of the altercation began, and where exactly the shooting occurred. A subject of interest turned himself in to police late Wednesday regarding this incident and he was questioned by detectives for further investigation. Detectives are not currently seeking any additional suspects, and the case has been presented to prosecutors for consideration of applicable charges, according to Gonzalez.

Police: Suspect in deadly KC road-rage killing turns himself in

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced January 26, 2026, as the opening of the nation’s 2026 filing season. This year, several new tax law provisions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions">One, Big, Beautiful Bill</a>&nbsp;become effective, which could impact federal taxes, credits and deductions, according to a media release from the agency.

Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to file their 2025 tax returns and pay any tax due. The IRS expects to receive about 164 million individual income tax returns this year, with most taxpayers filing electronically.

IRS.gov has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you">online tools and resources</a>&nbsp;taxpayers can use before, during and after filing their federal tax return.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions">One, Big, Beautiful Provisions</a>&nbsp;provides information that could help lower tax bills and potentially increase refund amounts.

“President Trump is committed to the taxpayers of this country and improving upon the successful tax filing season in 2025,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent. “Prior to the passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which delivered working families tax cuts, Treasury and IRS were diligently preparing to update forms and processes for the benefit of hardworking Americans, and I am confident in our ability to deliver results and drive growth for businesses and consumers alike.”

“The Internal Revenue Service is ready to help taxpayers meet their tax filing and payment obligations during the 2026 filing season,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano. “As always, the IRS workforce remains vigilant and dedicated to their mission to serve the American taxpaying public. At the same time, IRS information systems have been updated to incorporate the new tax laws and are ready to efficiently and effectively process taxpayer returns during the filing season.”

IRS Individual Online Account.&nbsp;Taxpayers can access their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals">individual online account</a>&nbsp;information, including balance due, payments made or scheduled, tax records and more.

New Schedule 1-A.&nbsp;Taxpayers will use the new Schedule 1-A to claim recently enacted tax deductions, such as no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on car loan interest and/or the enhanced deduction for seniors.

Enroll in a Trump Account.&nbsp;Parents, guardians and other authorized individuals can establish a new type of individual retirement account for their children. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://trumpaccounts.gov/">trumpaccounts.gov</a>.

Open a bank account.&nbsp;The IRS strongly encourages taxpayers to establish a bank account to receive their tax refunds via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>, because the IRS is phasing out paper tax refund checks due to the executive order,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers">Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account</a>.

Forms 1099-K and 1099-DA.&nbsp;Taxpayers should visit IRS.gov and learn what to do if they receive either of these forms.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k">Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions</a>, is used to report payments received from credit cards, payments apps and online marketplaces.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-da">Form 1099-DA, Digital Assets</a>, is used to report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/digital-assets">digital asset</a>&nbsp;proceeds from broker transactions. Taxpayers must report all taxable income on their federal tax returns, even if they don’t receive either form.

Where’s My Refund?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund">Refund status</a>&nbsp;information is generally available around 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return, or four weeks after filing a paper return.

Be aware of tax scams and fraud.&nbsp;Taxpayers can learn how to prevent, report and recover from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams">tax scams</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">tax-related identity theft</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.

Choose a tax preparer.&nbsp;Taxpayers should review IRS guidance for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a>, including tips on choosing a reputable preparer and how to avoid unethical preparers.

Taxpayer Assistance Centers.&nbsp;Taxpayers should make IRS.gov their first stop to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you">get help</a>. If taxpayers cannot resolve their issue online, they can get help by making an appointment to visit a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Taxpayer Assistance Center</a>.

IRS Free File and Fillable Forms.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;program will begin accepting individual tax returns starting Friday, Jan. 9 for qualified taxpayers. Taxpayers comfortable preparing their own taxes can use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">IRS Free File Fillable Forms</a>&nbsp;starting Jan. 26, regardless of income.

MilTax.&nbsp;Military members and some veterans can use the Department of Defense program,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">MilTax</a>, for free return preparation and e-filing software.

IRS-certified volunteers.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs offer no-cost, basic tax preparation to qualified individuals.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced January 26, 2026, as the opening of the nation’s 2026 filing season. This year, several new tax law provisions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions">One, Big, Beautiful Bill</a>&nbsp;become effective, which could impact federal taxes, credits and deductions, according to a media release from the agency.Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to file their 2025 tax returns and pay any tax due. The IRS expects to receive about 164 million individual income tax returns this year, with most taxpayers filing electronically.IRS.gov has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you">online tools and resources</a>&nbsp;taxpayers can use before, during and after filing their federal tax return.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions">One, Big, Beautiful Provisions</a>&nbsp;provides information that could help lower tax bills and potentially increase refund amounts.“President Trump is committed to the taxpayers of this country and improving upon the successful tax filing season in 2025,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent. “Prior to the passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which delivered working families tax cuts, Treasury and IRS were diligently preparing to update forms and processes for the benefit of hardworking Americans, and I am confident in our ability to deliver results and drive growth for businesses and consumers alike.”“The Internal Revenue Service is ready to help taxpayers meet their tax filing and payment obligations during the 2026 filing season,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano. “As always, the IRS workforce remains vigilant and dedicated to their mission to serve the American taxpaying public. At the same time, IRS information systems have been updated to incorporate the new tax laws and are ready to efficiently and effectively process taxpayer returns during the filing season.”IRS Individual Online Account.&nbsp;Taxpayers can access their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals">individual online account</a>&nbsp;information, including balance due, payments made or scheduled, tax records and more.New Schedule 1-A.&nbsp;Taxpayers will use the new Schedule 1-A to claim recently enacted tax deductions, such as no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on car loan interest and/or the enhanced deduction for seniors.Enroll in a Trump Account.&nbsp;Parents, guardians and other authorized individuals can establish a new type of individual retirement account for their children. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://trumpaccounts.gov/">trumpaccounts.gov</a>.Open a bank account.&nbsp;The IRS strongly encourages taxpayers to establish a bank account to receive their tax refunds via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>, because the IRS is phasing out paper tax refund checks due to the executive order,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers">Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account</a>.Forms 1099-K and 1099-DA.&nbsp;Taxpayers should visit IRS.gov and learn what to do if they receive either of these forms.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k">Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions</a>, is used to report payments received from credit cards, payments apps and online marketplaces.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-da">Form 1099-DA, Digital Assets</a>, is used to report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/digital-assets">digital asset</a>&nbsp;proceeds from broker transactions. Taxpayers must report all taxable income on their federal tax returns, even if they don’t receive either form.Where’s My Refund?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund">Refund status</a>&nbsp;information is generally available around 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return, or four weeks after filing a paper return.Be aware of tax scams and fraud.&nbsp;Taxpayers can learn how to prevent, report and recover from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams">tax scams</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">tax-related identity theft</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.Choose a tax preparer.&nbsp;Taxpayers should review IRS guidance for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a>, including tips on choosing a reputable preparer and how to avoid unethical preparers.Taxpayer Assistance Centers.&nbsp;Taxpayers should make IRS.gov their first stop to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you">get help</a>. If taxpayers cannot resolve their issue online, they can get help by making an appointment to visit a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Taxpayer Assistance Center</a>.IRS Free File and Fillable Forms.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;program will begin accepting individual tax returns starting Friday, Jan. 9 for qualified taxpayers. Taxpayers comfortable preparing their own taxes can use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">IRS Free File Fillable Forms</a>&nbsp;starting Jan. 26, regardless of income.MilTax.&nbsp;Military members and some veterans can use the Department of Defense program,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">MilTax</a>, for free return preparation and e-filing software.IRS-certified volunteers.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs offer no-cost, basic tax preparation to qualified individuals.

IRS announces when they will begin accepting 2025 tax returns

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>

WASHINGTON — In a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump, Senate Republicans joined Democrats in advancing a war powers resolution to halt U.S. military action in Venezuela without congressional authorization.

Republican Sens. Todd Young of Indiana, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska split with their party to act as a check on the administration’s use of military forces — as did Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the measure’s co-sponsor with Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.

The move marked a significant moment after Republicans on Capitol Hill have largely smoothed the path for Trump’s agenda throughout the past year.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., also unexpectedly supported the measure, which advanced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1192/vote_119_2_00005.htm" target="_blank">on a 52-47 vote</a>. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican, did not vote.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/98/text?s=2&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22S.J.res+98%22%7D" target="_blank">joint resolution</a>&nbsp;directs the “removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.”&nbsp;

Thursday’s vote advanced the legislation over a procedural hurdle. The bill still requires a final Senate vote before it would head to the House.

The vote comes days after U.S. special forces launched a surprise overnight attack on Venezuela’s capital of Caracas on Saturday, capturing the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple appeared in federal court Monday on federal drug and conspiracy charges.

The U.S. launched a bombing campaign off the coast of Venezuela in September, striking small vessels in the Caribbean Sea that the administration alleges were operated by “narco-terrorists.” The death toll from the strikes reached over 100 in December.

Kaine forced Thursday’s procedural vote under the War Powers Resolution, a Vietnam War-era&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R47603" target="_blank">statute</a>&nbsp;that gives Congress a check on the president’s use of the military abroad.&nbsp;

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rubio-meet-danish-officials-amid-greenland-push-trump-administration" target="_blank">delivered a classified update</a>&nbsp;to members of Congress Wednesday on Capitol Hill on the ongoing U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. Democrats said they remained unsatisfied with the information shared during the meetings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767893848066.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran arriving to vote against the resolution-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran arriving to vote against the resolution-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>WASHINGTON — In a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump, Senate Republicans joined Democrats in advancing a war powers resolution to halt U.S. military action in Venezuela without congressional authorization.Republican Sens. Todd Young of Indiana, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska split with their party to act as a check on the administration’s use of military forces — as did Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the measure’s co-sponsor with Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/V7DVNISEau">pic.twitter.com/V7DVNISEau</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2009321883444089212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The move marked a significant moment after Republicans on Capitol Hill have largely smoothed the path for Trump’s agenda throughout the past year.Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., also unexpectedly supported the measure, which advanced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1192/vote_119_2_00005.htm" target="_blank">on a 52-47 vote</a>. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican, did not vote.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/98/text?s=2&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22S.J.res+98%22%7D" target="_blank">joint resolution</a>&nbsp;directs the “removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.”&nbsp;Thursday’s vote advanced the legislation over a procedural hurdle. The bill still requires a final Senate vote before it would head to the House.The vote comes days after U.S. special forces launched a surprise overnight attack on Venezuela’s capital of Caracas on Saturday, capturing the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple appeared in federal court Monday on federal drug and conspiracy charges.The U.S. launched a bombing campaign off the coast of Venezuela in September, striking small vessels in the Caribbean Sea that the administration alleges were operated by “narco-terrorists.” The death toll from the strikes reached over 100 in December.Kaine forced Thursday’s procedural vote under the War Powers Resolution, a Vietnam War-era&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R47603" target="_blank">statute</a>&nbsp;that gives Congress a check on the president’s use of the military abroad.&nbsp;Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rubio-meet-danish-officials-amid-greenland-push-trump-administration" target="_blank">delivered a classified update</a>&nbsp;to members of Congress Wednesday on Capitol Hill on the ongoing U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. Democrats said they remained unsatisfied with the information shared during the meetings.

US Senate with GOP support advances war powers resolution rebuking Trump on Venezuela

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecRollins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRollins</a> on new dietary guidelines &quot;Eat real food that is the main message of the new dietary guidelines for Americans 2025 - 2030 which encourage households and schools to prioritize whole nutrient dense foods …whether they are fresh frozen canned or dried.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/sTjyrrBhvB">pic.twitter.com/sTjyrrBhvB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2008952598808723951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> on new 2025-2030 dietary guidelines: &quot;Protein and healthy fats are essential and were wrongly discouraged in prior dietary guidelines. We are ending the war on saturated fats…Today our government declares war on added sugar.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/hAdbbLYJaq">pic.twitter.com/hAdbbLYJaq</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2008952210026008779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/vNe7oMQgrE">https://t.co/vNe7oMQgrE</a>&mdash; HHS (@HHSGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSGov/status/2008938453447102892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/vNe7oMQgrE">https://t.co/vNe7oMQgrE</a>&mdash; HHS (@HHSGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSGov/status/2008938453447102892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

See the new U.S. dietary guidelines: More protein, less grains

Eliminating the income tax, which represents 65% of state revenue, is a top priority for Gov. Mike Kehoe and legislative Republicans. Democrats say the tax burden shouldn’t shift to lower-income Missourians

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 lawmakers returned to work Wednesday to kick off the 2026 legislative session, with Republicans determined to eliminate the state income tax and Democrats vowing to oppose any effort to replace it with increased taxes on sales or services.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missing from the first day were the partisan fireworks that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">defined the end</a>&nbsp;of last year’s session and a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/10/after-hearing-from-trump-missouri-gop-muscle-gerrymandered-map-forward-in-state-senate/">special session</a>&nbsp;in September. Instead, both the House and Senate functioned normally on Wednesday, quickly running through motions of a first-day and adjourning with little fanfare.&nbsp;

But the partisan schism simmered under the surface.&nbsp;

Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe is pushing for&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/taxation/individual/tax-types/income/year-changes/" target="_blank">elimination of the state’s income tax&nbsp;</a>and is expecting to lay out his plan next week when he speaks to a joint session of the legislature for his annual State of the State address.&nbsp;

Democrats — still smarting from last year’s GOP moves to cut off debate to pass bills repealing expanded paid sick leave, gerrymander the state congressional map, change the initiative petition process and reimpose an abortion ban — said they are withholding judgment until they see the details of Kehoe’s plan.&nbsp;

But they note the income tax represents 65% of last year’s $13.4 billion in state revenue.&nbsp;

Democrats will not support raising taxes that disproportionately impact lower-income Missourians to pay to eliminate the income tax, said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat.

“People are already having a really hard time making ends meet in this state,” Beck said. “People are living paycheck to paycheck. So if anyone wants to raise taxes on those folks, that is unacceptable to us. As Democrats, we say there should be no new taxes.”

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, said that while the possible elimination of the income tax is “being sold as…getting rid of your taxes,” most Missourians will see little benefit.

“What they’re not telling you is how much more you’ll have to spend every time you swipe your card,” Aune said, adding: “The next time you have an expensive car repair or costly emergency visit from a plumber to fix a broken pipe, you’ll also be paying double digit sales taxes on that bill. Struggling to pay your rent? The struggle will get even harder when Republicans add a sales tax onto that.”

Democrats will lay out their own income tax proposal next week, Aune said, that will offer “targeted tax relief for those who need it most.”

State Rep. Mark Boyko, the Kirkwood Democrat who will sponsor the measure, said that while Missourians earning over $250,000 could end up paying more under the Democrats’ tax plan, it would generate much-needed revenue.&nbsp;

The proposal, Boyko said, “will actually lower your costs.”

Senate President Cindy O’Laughlin, a Shelbina Republican, urged her colleagues in an opening day speech to work together to “find solutions that move Missouri forward.”

While tax cuts weren’t directly mentioned in her speech, O’Laughlin left little doubt where she stood.

“Taxes, regulations, red tape and bureaucracy do not make Missouri better,” she said. “In every case, they take from Missouri families, they also take from Missouri small businesses. And our job is to reduce that impact. We must make sure what we take is as limited as possible.”

Missouri families want results, O’Laughlin said.&nbsp;

“They want better roads, better schools,” she said. “They want more private home ownership. They want safe streets and neighborhoods. They want better jobs and stronger job skills. They want thriving communities, and they want less dependence on the government at all levels.”

Hovering over the income tax debate is a state budget picture looking gloomier than it has in years.&nbsp;

General revenue is projected to be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/18/missouri-faces-budget-crunch-as-capital-gains-tax-cut-hits-harder-than-expected/">$400 million below</a>&nbsp;estimates made a year ago. Part of the reason is that a capital gains tax cut passed last year that was estimated to reduce revenue by $111 million annually is now believed to cost as much as $500 million the first year and $360 million a year moving forward.&nbsp;

Beck said that while Democrats decided against using procedural maneuvers to gum up the Senate on the first day, the chamber will move much more slowly this year — not only in response to last year’s GOP moves quash Democratic filibusters, but also to avoid mistakes like the cost of the capital gains tax cut.&nbsp;

“When you shut off debate or refuse to engage with the other side to just rush things through, mistakes happen,” he said. “We were screaming from the hilltop that the capital gains cuts were going to cost way more. But we went too fast, and senators weren’t allowed to do their jobs.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649179741147.png" alt="Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City (Creative Commons photo by Lee Harkness/Flikr)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City (Creative Commons photo by Lee Harkness/Flikr).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Eliminating the income tax, which represents 65% of state revenue, is a top priority for Gov. Mike Kehoe and legislative Republicans. Democrats say the tax burden shouldn’t shift to lower-income Missourians</h2>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 lawmakers returned to work Wednesday to kick off the 2026 legislative session, with Republicans determined to eliminate the state income tax and Democrats vowing to oppose any effort to replace it with increased taxes on sales or services.&nbsp;&nbsp;Missing from the first day were the partisan fireworks that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">defined the end</a>&nbsp;of last year’s session and a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/10/after-hearing-from-trump-missouri-gop-muscle-gerrymandered-map-forward-in-state-senate/">special session</a>&nbsp;in September. Instead, both the House and Senate functioned normally on Wednesday, quickly running through motions of a first-day and adjourning with little fanfare.&nbsp;But the partisan schism simmered under the surface.&nbsp;Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe is pushing for&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/taxation/individual/tax-types/income/year-changes/" target="_blank">elimination of the state’s income tax&nbsp;</a>and is expecting to lay out his plan next week when he speaks to a joint session of the legislature for his annual State of the State address.&nbsp;Democrats — still smarting from last year’s GOP moves to cut off debate to pass bills repealing expanded paid sick leave, gerrymander the state congressional map, change the initiative petition process and reimpose an abortion ban — said they are withholding judgment until they see the details of Kehoe’s plan.&nbsp;But they note the income tax represents 65% of last year’s $13.4 billion in state revenue.&nbsp;Democrats will not support raising taxes that disproportionately impact lower-income Missourians to pay to eliminate the income tax, said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat.“People are already having a really hard time making ends meet in this state,” Beck said. “People are living paycheck to paycheck. So if anyone wants to raise taxes on those folks, that is unacceptable to us. As Democrats, we say there should be no new taxes.”House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, said that while the possible elimination of the income tax is “being sold as…getting rid of your taxes,” most Missourians will see little benefit.“What they’re not telling you is how much more you’ll have to spend every time you swipe your card,” Aune said, adding: “The next time you have an expensive car repair or costly emergency visit from a plumber to fix a broken pipe, you’ll also be paying double digit sales taxes on that bill. Struggling to pay your rent? The struggle will get even harder when Republicans add a sales tax onto that.”Democrats will lay out their own income tax proposal next week, Aune said, that will offer “targeted tax relief for those who need it most.”State Rep. Mark Boyko, the Kirkwood Democrat who will sponsor the measure, said that while Missourians earning over $250,000 could end up paying more under the Democrats’ tax plan, it would generate much-needed revenue.&nbsp;The proposal, Boyko said, “will actually lower your costs.”Senate President Cindy O’Laughlin, a Shelbina Republican, urged her colleagues in an opening day speech to work together to “find solutions that move Missouri forward.”While tax cuts weren’t directly mentioned in her speech, O’Laughlin left little doubt where she stood.“Taxes, regulations, red tape and bureaucracy do not make Missouri better,” she said. “In every case, they take from Missouri families, they also take from Missouri small businesses. And our job is to reduce that impact. We must make sure what we take is as limited as possible.”Missouri families want results, O’Laughlin said.&nbsp;“They want better roads, better schools,” she said. “They want more private home ownership. They want safe streets and neighborhoods. They want better jobs and stronger job skills. They want thriving communities, and they want less dependence on the government at all levels.”Hovering over the income tax debate is a state budget picture looking gloomier than it has in years.&nbsp;General revenue is projected to be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/18/missouri-faces-budget-crunch-as-capital-gains-tax-cut-hits-harder-than-expected/">$400 million below</a>&nbsp;estimates made a year ago. Part of the reason is that a capital gains tax cut passed last year that was estimated to reduce revenue by $111 million annually is now believed to cost as much as $500 million the first year and $360 million a year moving forward.&nbsp;Beck said that while Democrats decided against using procedural maneuvers to gum up the Senate on the first day, the chamber will move much more slowly this year — not only in response to last year’s GOP moves quash Democratic filibusters, but also to avoid mistakes like the cost of the capital gains tax cut.&nbsp;“When you shut off debate or refuse to engage with the other side to just rush things through, mistakes happen,” he said. “We were screaming from the hilltop that the capital gains cuts were going to cost way more. But we went too fast, and senators weren’t allowed to do their jobs.”

Missouri Democrats vow to fight any push to increase taxes on sales or services 

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man for an alleged&nbsp;violent threats toward an elementary school staff member and police dispatcher in Salina.

Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to Sunset Elementary School, 1510 West Republic Avenue in Salina, after a man identified as 39-year-old Chad Everett allegedly threatened a school staff member, according to Salina&nbsp;Police Captain Jim Feldman.

Everett called the school and made contact with a 29-year old male staff member and made a complaint about a parent.

Throughout the call, Everett suddenly became irate with the staff member and voiced threats of physical violence towards him. According to Feldman, there is no evidence of the staff member saying anything that would have angered Everett.

Afterwards, officers were contacted by the school and began to locate Everett as they arrived to his house. However, officers were unable to find him.

Everett then called Salina Police and spoke with a dispatcher. As the dispatcher was trying to get Everett connected with an officer, Everett became angry and threatened to attack the dispatcher.

Everett also voiced racial slurs at the dispatcher during the call, according to Feldman.

At approximately 9:00 pm, officers responded to a home in west Salina where Everett was located and taken into custody.

As they were placing him in a police vehicle, Everett reportedly kicked the door and struck an officer. He was then booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Criminal Threat, Harassment by Telecommunication Device and Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer.

Police also determined that Everett was under the influence of alcohol, according to Feldman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767818380249.png" alt="Everett-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Everett-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man for an alleged&nbsp;violent threats toward an elementary school staff member and police dispatcher in Salina.Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to Sunset Elementary School, 1510 West Republic Avenue in Salina, after a man identified as 39-year-old Chad Everett allegedly threatened a school staff member, according to Salina&nbsp;Police Captain Jim Feldman.Everett called the school and made contact with a 29-year old male staff member and made a complaint about a parent.Throughout the call, Everett suddenly became irate with the staff member and voiced threats of physical violence towards him. According to Feldman, there is no evidence of the staff member saying anything that would have angered Everett.Afterwards, officers were contacted by the school and began to locate Everett as they arrived to his house. However, officers were unable to find him.Everett then called Salina Police and spoke with a dispatcher. As the dispatcher was trying to get Everett connected with an officer, Everett became angry and threatened to attack the dispatcher.Everett also voiced racial slurs at the dispatcher during the call, according to Feldman.At approximately 9:00 pm, officers responded to a home in west Salina where Everett was located and taken into custody.As they were placing him in a police vehicle, Everett reportedly kicked the door and struck an officer. He was then booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Criminal Threat, Harassment by Telecommunication Device and Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer.Police also determined that Everett was under the influence of alcohol, according to Feldman.

Police: Kan. man threatened school staff member, police dispatcher

OSAGE COUNTY –Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Just before 3a.m. Jan. 5, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Corporal conducted a traffic stop at 8th and Western Heights in Overbrook for a traffic violation, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. Two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility.

Mariah D. Hall, 19, of Lawrence is being held on requested charges of Driving while under the influence, Possession of THC, No proof of liability insurance, Driving without a driver's license and Transporting an open container.

Mondezz T. McGruder-Proctor, 19, of Lawrence is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of a controlled substance, Possession of THC, Criminal use of a firearm and Possession of a firearm while under the influence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767579925682.png" alt="McGruder-Proctor photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>McGruder-Proctor photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY –Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.&nbsp;Just before 3a.m. Jan. 5, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Corporal conducted a traffic stop at 8th and Western Heights in Overbrook for a traffic violation, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. Two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767579855084.png" alt="Hall photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Hall photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>Mariah D. Hall, 19, of Lawrence is being held on requested charges of Driving while under the influence, Possession of THC, No proof of liability insurance, Driving without a driver's license and Transporting an open container.Mondezz T. McGruder-Proctor, 19, of Lawrence is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of a controlled substance, Possession of THC, Criminal use of a firearm and Possession of a firearm while under the influence.

Sheriff: Kansas woman accused of DUI and transporting THC

A bill mandates school districts create policies restricting cell phone use during school hours

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas legislators will pursue a statewide school cell phone ban, superseding the state education board’s past directives to allow local districts to deal with cell phones as they see fit.

The initiative already has the support of two-thirds of the Senate, according to a joint announcement from Sens. Chase Blasi, an Andale Republican, and Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat.

If passed into law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb302/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 302</a>&nbsp;would require each local school board and nonpublic school’s governing authority to create policies dictating student cell phone use during instructional time by Sept. 1.

The bill establishes a bell-to-bell mandate, requiring students to power off and store any personal electronic communication devices, and it forces districts to create disciplinary actions and enforcement procedures for any violations. It also allows districts to limit or prohibit cell phone usage during school-sponsored activities that take place outside of normal school hours.

The bill will be a “high priority,” the Tuesday announcement said. It was filed less than a week before the start of the 2026 legislative session.

“Phone-free schools give students space to think, build authentic human relationships and protect student mental health from constant digital pressure,” Blasi said. “The longer phones stay in classrooms, the harder it becomes to undo the damage.”

If the legislation becomes law, it would override local boards’ existing policies if incongruous with the state’s mandates. It also could bolster the Kansas State Board of Education’s previous guidance.

The board unanimously&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/13/kansas-board-of-education-accepts-policy-report-recommending-phone-bans-sends-to-local-districts/">approved a list of recommendations in December 2024</a>&nbsp;that encouraged districts to adopt bell-to-bell policies that mandate K-12 students’ personal cell phones be powered off from the beginning of the school day to the end, including during lunch and passing periods, and stored in an off-limits location. The recommendations highlighted a need for greater mental health support and parental oversight.

A student can use a device if it is necessary for an education or specialized instruction program or if a doctor deems it medically necessary to support a student’s health and well-being. Students are allowed to contact their parents or guardians through a school telephone, according to the bill’s text.

Sykes said the legislation helps strengthen Kansas schools and teachers.

“Studies show that classrooms without phones have more engaged students leading to face-to-face conversations, stronger peer relationships, safer school environments and better academic outcomes,” she said.

Teachers are not prohibited from using personal communication devices at school, but the bill does require new policies banning school employees “from privately or directly communicating with any student via a social media platform for official school purposes.” A school board or nonpublic school authority can approve a social media platform to be used for official school purposes, the bill said. Private, direct communications are not encompassed in “official school purposes.”

Carrie Rahfaldt, a spokesperson for House Speaker Dan Hawkins, said he is supportive of the legislation. Denise Kahler, a spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Education, said the state school board had yet to take a position on the proposed ban.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767816669092.png" alt=" Sens. Chase Blasi, an Andale Republican, and Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, stand on the Senate floor on Jan. 13, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. The pair announced ahead of the 2026 legislative session a K-12 cell phone ban bill, which is supported by an additional 28 senators. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sens. Chase Blasi, an Andale Republican, and Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, stand on the Senate floor on Jan. 13, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. The pair announced ahead of the 2026 legislative session a K-12 cell phone ban bill, which is supported by an additional 28 senators. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A bill mandates school districts create policies restricting cell phone use during school hours</h2>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas legislators will pursue a statewide school cell phone ban, superseding the state education board’s past directives to allow local districts to deal with cell phones as they see fit.The initiative already has the support of two-thirds of the Senate, according to a joint announcement from Sens. Chase Blasi, an Andale Republican, and Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat.If passed into law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb302/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 302</a>&nbsp;would require each local school board and nonpublic school’s governing authority to create policies dictating student cell phone use during instructional time by Sept. 1.The bill establishes a bell-to-bell mandate, requiring students to power off and store any personal electronic communication devices, and it forces districts to create disciplinary actions and enforcement procedures for any violations. It also allows districts to limit or prohibit cell phone usage during school-sponsored activities that take place outside of normal school hours.The bill will be a “high priority,” the Tuesday announcement said. It was filed less than a week before the start of the 2026 legislative session.“Phone-free schools give students space to think, build authentic human relationships and protect student mental health from constant digital pressure,” Blasi said. “The longer phones stay in classrooms, the harder it becomes to undo the damage.”If the legislation becomes law, it would override local boards’ existing policies if incongruous with the state’s mandates. It also could bolster the Kansas State Board of Education’s previous guidance.The board unanimously&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/13/kansas-board-of-education-accepts-policy-report-recommending-phone-bans-sends-to-local-districts/">approved a list of recommendations in December 2024</a>&nbsp;that encouraged districts to adopt bell-to-bell policies that mandate K-12 students’ personal cell phones be powered off from the beginning of the school day to the end, including during lunch and passing periods, and stored in an off-limits location. The recommendations highlighted a need for greater mental health support and parental oversight.A student can use a device if it is necessary for an education or specialized instruction program or if a doctor deems it medically necessary to support a student’s health and well-being. Students are allowed to contact their parents or guardians through a school telephone, according to the bill’s text.Sykes said the legislation helps strengthen Kansas schools and teachers.“Studies show that classrooms without phones have more engaged students leading to face-to-face conversations, stronger peer relationships, safer school environments and better academic outcomes,” she said.Teachers are not prohibited from using personal communication devices at school, but the bill does require new policies banning school employees “from privately or directly communicating with any student via a social media platform for official school purposes.” A school board or nonpublic school authority can approve a social media platform to be used for official school purposes, the bill said. Private, direct communications are not encompassed in “official school purposes.”Carrie Rahfaldt, a spokesperson for House Speaker Dan Hawkins, said he is supportive of the legislation. Denise Kahler, a spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Education, said the state school board had yet to take a position on the proposed ban.

Kansas lawmakers want statewide K-12 cell phone ban by next school year

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage shooting in Kansas City.

Just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting on southbound 71 Highway and Blue River Road, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

First responders located a vehicle stopped on the side of the highway and a woman asking for help. At that time, officers observed an adult male victim, unresponsive inside of the vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene and pronounce the man deceased at that scene.

Preliminary information indicates this may be a road rage incident. It is believed two unidentified men were occupying an unknown vehicle when shots were fired, striking the victim. It is not currently known where the start of the altercation began, and where exactly the shooting occurred. We do not currently have any subjects of interest, or a suspect vehicle identified.

Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the area to begin collecting any evidence and to speak with witnesses. This incident is being investigated as a homicide, according to Officer Gonzalez.

71 Highway was closed off to all southbound traffic at 85th Street while police investigate.

If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767817392964.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage shooting in Kansas City.Just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting on southbound 71 Highway and Blue River Road, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767817154645.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located a vehicle stopped on the side of the highway and a woman asking for help. At that time, officers observed an adult male victim, unresponsive inside of the vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene and pronounce the man deceased at that scene.Preliminary information indicates this may be a road rage incident. It is believed two unidentified men were occupying an unknown vehicle when shots were fired, striking the victim. It is not currently known where the start of the altercation began, and where exactly the shooting occurred. We do not currently have any subjects of interest, or a suspect vehicle identified.Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the area to begin collecting any evidence and to speak with witnesses. This incident is being investigated as a homicide, according to Officer Gonzalez.71 Highway was closed off to all southbound traffic at 85th Street while police investigate.If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

Police: Deadly road-rage shooting in Kansas City

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/max-nesterak/">Max Nesterak</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/madisonmcvan/">Madison McVan</a> Minnesota Reformer

An ICE officer shot a woman driving an SUV through her car window in south Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. The person is dead, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;

Video of the incident&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/K9CJY5p0xz4?si=zC_gkj-tiUR9CS-A" target="_blank">shared with the&nbsp;Reformer</a>&nbsp;shows masked ICE officers approach a Honda Pilot stopped in the middle of Portland Avenue near 34th Street. One officer tells the driver to “get out of the f*cking car” and tries to open the door. The driver then slowly backs up and then pulls forward. An officer at the front of the vehicle fires three shots and the SUV travels a short distance before crashing into a parked car.&nbsp;

The witness who took the video, Caitlin Callenson, said she was on a walk when she saw an ICE vehicle stuck in the snow. As more ICE vehicles arrived, bystanders blew whistles in protest, and the driver of the SUV tried to block the ICE vehicles.

Callenson said she did not see ICE agents attempting to detain anyone leading up to or after the shooting.&nbsp;

After the shots were fired, the driver was “then was completely slumped over in the vehicle,” said Emily Heller, another witness. Federal agents wouldn’t allow a man who said he is a physician to examine the driver, Heller said. Emergency medical technicians arrived 15 minutes later, she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TriciaOhio/status/2008957179793998266?s=20" target="_blank">writing on X</a>, gave a different version of what happened: “One of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them — an act of domestic terrorism. An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dozens of federal agents from ICE and the FBI, as well as Minneapolis police officers and Hennepin County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene&nbsp;

As some federal officers attempted to leave, protestors blocked their vehicle. The officers fired a noxious gas at close range, causing distress and vomiting for many demonstrators and journalists.&nbsp;

Protesters hurled insults at Minneapolis Police officers, who are not supposed to assist with immigration enforcement, but were on the scene Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

City Council members including Robin Wonsley and Jamal Osman addressed the crowd, saying the area was an active crime scene, and that MPD was present to investigate.&nbsp;

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty issued a statement soon after the shooting saying she is “pushing hard for a local investigation which is the only way to ensure full transparency and review by our office.”&nbsp;

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a St. Paul Democrat, called on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who filmed herself observing ICE actions in Minneapolis on Tuesday, to immediately stop the ICE operation “to restore order and prevent further injuries.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767816394023.png" alt=" The crashed SUV after an ICE agent shot the driver at point-blank range through the window. The driver died, according to the Department of Homeland Security. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)" />
 <figcaption> The crashed SUV after an ICE agent shot the driver at point-blank range through the window. The driver died, according to the Department of Homeland Security. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/max-nesterak/">Max Nesterak</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/madisonmcvan/">Madison McVan</a> Minnesota ReformerAn ICE officer shot a woman driving an SUV through her car window in south Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. The person is dead, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/MayorFrey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MayorFrey</a> on ICE-related shooting Minneapolis: &quot;They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense … that is bullshit. This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying … To ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis. We don&#39;t want you here.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/1ODkyyePYp">pic.twitter.com/1ODkyyePYp</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2008980629535220041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovTimWalz</a>: “We have been warning for weeks that the Trump administration&#39;s dangerous sensationalized operations are a threat to our public safety…To Minnesotans I say this: I feel your anger. I&#39;m angry…To Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, you have done enough.” <a href="https://t.co/IEEL8K9qq1">pic.twitter.com/IEEL8K9qq1</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2009006400589152618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Video of the incident&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/K9CJY5p0xz4?si=zC_gkj-tiUR9CS-A" target="_blank">shared with the&nbsp;Reformer</a>&nbsp;shows masked ICE officers approach a Honda Pilot stopped in the middle of Portland Avenue near 34th Street. One officer tells the driver to “get out of the f*cking car” and tries to open the door. The driver then slowly backs up and then pulls forward. An officer at the front of the vehicle fires three shots and the SUV travels a short distance before crashing into a parked car.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K9CJY5p0xz4?si=oveThoFUpbN5Kckn&amp;start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The witness who took the video, Caitlin Callenson, said she was on a walk when she saw an ICE vehicle stuck in the snow. As more ICE vehicles arrived, bystanders blew whistles in protest, and the driver of the SUV tried to block the ICE vehicles.Callenson said she did not see ICE agents attempting to detain anyone leading up to or after the shooting.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a> on the ICE-involved shooting in Minnesota: &quot;It was an act of domestic terrorism … these vehicle rammings are domestic acts of terrorism. We&#39;re working with the Department of Justice to prosecute them as such.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/7iPyRCEzvt">pic.twitter.com/7iPyRCEzvt</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2008972778616102998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After the shots were fired, the driver was “then was completely slumped over in the vehicle,” said Emily Heller, another witness. Federal agents wouldn’t allow a man who said he is a physician to examine the driver, Heller said. Emergency medical technicians arrived 15 minutes later, she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tricia McLaughlin, assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TriciaOhio/status/2008957179793998266?s=20" target="_blank">writing on X</a>, gave a different version of what happened: “One of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them — an act of domestic terrorism. An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Dozens of federal agents from ICE and the FBI, as well as Minneapolis police officers and Hennepin County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene&nbsp;As some federal officers attempted to leave, protestors blocked their vehicle. The officers fired a noxious gas at close range, causing distress and vomiting for many demonstrators and journalists.&nbsp;Protests are ongoing.Protesters hurled insults at Minneapolis Police officers, who are not supposed to assist with immigration enforcement, but were on the scene Wednesday morning.&nbsp;City Council members including Robin Wonsley and Jamal Osman addressed the crowd, saying the area was an active crime scene, and that MPD was present to investigate.&nbsp;Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty issued a statement soon after the shooting saying she is “pushing hard for a local investigation which is the only way to ensure full transparency and review by our office.”&nbsp;U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a St. Paul Democrat, called on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who filmed herself observing ICE actions in Minneapolis on Tuesday, to immediately stop the ICE operation “to restore order and prevent further injuries.”

ICE officer fatally shoots driver through SUV window in Minneapolis

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/E0hii3A6Zo">pic.twitter.com/E0hii3A6Zo</a>&mdash; U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/US_EUCOM/status/2008900344428789945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two “ghost fleet” tanker ships— one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels —the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor… <a href="https://t.co/EZlHEtcufX">pic.twitter.com/EZlHEtcufX</a>&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/2008907194691915945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN&#39;T HIDE 🔥 In predawn operations this morning, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded two &quot;Ghost Fleet&quot; Tankers in the North Atlantic Sea and in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it. <a href="https://t.co/4ftu01lqIg">pic.twitter.com/4ftu01lqIg</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2008937200944021613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/E0hii3A6Zo">pic.twitter.com/E0hii3A6Zo</a>&mdash; U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/US_EUCOM/status/2008900344428789945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 US seized 2 more oil tankers linked to Venezuela

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a chase and arrest in Wabaunsee County.

On Tuesday, the Kansas Highway Patrol, Alma Police Department, and the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office participated in what can only be described as an ambitious but poorly executed attempt to escape the long arm of the law, according to a media release from the Wabaunsee County Sheriff.

The incident began with a stolen vehicle traveling on Interstate 70, which exited into Alma, drove through Alma, exited Alma, and then continued back north until it encountered the firm but fair reminder that roads end yet consequences continue. The vehicle wrecked out near the intersection of K-99 and Fairfield Road, at which point the suspect bailed on foot. 

This classic maneuver is commonly referred to as “I’ll just run into the countryside and see what happens" and what happened next was 'tons of cops everywhere and all at once."&nbsp;

The suspect ran and attempted to hide in a cow pond yet was quickly met by Kansas State Troopers, Alma City Marshal Mike Baker in a scuba suit, and Deputies of the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office.

 Ok, so Marshal Mike was not wearing a scuba suit, yet that would have been like, totally rad. Making a special appearance was surprise guest hero and homeowner Mr. Anthony Maike, who stepped up to protect his property armed with a super sick boom stick reminding everyone involved that trespassing in rural Kansas is not recommended and we LOVE the 2nd Amendment here in Wabaunsee County Kansas 

The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Dylan Woodcox, of Abilene, Kansas, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Wabaunsee County Jail on requested charges including Flee and Elude, Driving a Stolen Vehicle, active warrants out of Dickinson County, not having a driver's license and littering (probably idk) further charges will be forwarded to the Wabaunsee County Attorney.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767446104379.png" alt="Woodcox from an earlier arrest in Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Woodcox from an earlier arrest in Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a chase and arrest in Wabaunsee County.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F714418798162100%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>On Tuesday, the Kansas Highway Patrol, Alma Police Department, and the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office participated in what can only be described as an ambitious but poorly executed attempt to escape the long arm of the law, according to a media release from the Wabaunsee County Sheriff.The incident began with a stolen vehicle traveling on Interstate 70, which exited into Alma, drove through Alma, exited Alma, and then continued back north until it encountered the firm but fair reminder that roads end yet consequences continue. The vehicle wrecked out near the intersection of K-99 and Fairfield Road, at which point the suspect bailed on foot. This classic maneuver is commonly referred to as “I’ll just run into the countryside and see what happens" and what happened next was 'tons of cops everywhere and all at once."&nbsp;The suspect ran and attempted to hide in a cow pond yet was quickly met by Kansas State Troopers, Alma City Marshal Mike Baker in a scuba suit, and Deputies of the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office. Ok, so Marshal Mike was not wearing a scuba suit, yet that would have been like, totally rad. Making a special appearance was surprise guest hero and homeowner Mr. Anthony Maike, who stepped up to protect his property armed with a super sick boom stick reminding everyone involved that trespassing in rural Kansas is not recommended and we LOVE the 2nd Amendment here in Wabaunsee County Kansas The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Dylan Woodcox, of Abilene, Kansas, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Wabaunsee County Jail on requested charges including Flee and Elude, Driving a Stolen Vehicle, active warrants out of Dickinson County, not having a driver's license and littering (probably idk) further charges will be forwarded to the Wabaunsee County Attorney.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

🎥 Sheriff: Kan. stolen car suspect was hiding in cow pond

TOPEKA — Kansas State University has resolved a student complaint about the presence of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within its student government following pressure from legislative leadership to investigate.

The Legislature passed a provision in 2025 requiring state agencies, including state universities, to eliminate DEI-related positions, mandates, programs, activities, training requirements, grants and contracts&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/dei-barred-in-kansas-government-universities-beginning-aug-1/" target="_blank">by Aug. 1</a>.

Universities and agencies scrubbed their websites of DEI terminology, reassigned or eliminated staff positions, refocused clubs and departments, examined contracts and removed pronouns from email signatures.

But a student was not satisfied with K-State’s efforts and sent an anonymous report to legislative leadership in July outlining complaints. The Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s higher education institutions, informed K-State of potential issues within the university’s student government.

Among the issues was language within the university’s Student Governing Association’s constitution that required planning diversity training for student government members. The association also has power to allocate funds to clubs that could involve DEI-related topics. The student senate repealed the training requirement at its Sept. 4 meeting.

Marshall Stewart, chief of staff for K-State’s president, told the State Finance Council on Tuesday that K-State did not realize it was out of compliance at the time of the complaint and worked hard to course correct. The State Finance Council is made up of Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leadership.

Stewart said students took the matter seriously and resolved to no longer disperse money or make appointments that could be in conflict with the state’s anti-DEI law.

“Universities are big, complex organizations, and I’m not going to say if you go deep enough and look hard enough you’re not going to find some things,” Stewart said. “But if you do find them, we ask that people share those with us.”

Young America’s Foundation, a conservative youth organization,&nbsp;<a href="https://yaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/KState-OCR-Complaint-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">complained to the U.S. Department of Education’s civil rights office</a>&nbsp;in March that K-State’s wasn’t complying with federal anti-DEI efforts. The organization’s letter mentioned the Student Governing Association and other K-State departments by name. However, it did not produce a formal investigation, according to U.S. Department of Education records.

Tuesday’s issue is a carryover from that March complaint and the State Finance Council’s July meeting. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican and candidate for governor, had charged state officials with investigating the anonymous report, which was sent to his office.&nbsp;

Adam Proffitt, the secretary of administration, who must certify all agencies and universities are in compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law, presented his findings Tuesday to the council.

He said his legal team worked with K-State, and he was satisfied with the university’s updated report. Masterson commended the university’s effort but expressed interest in crafting additional anti-DEI provisions in the upcoming legislative session.

University leaders recently appeared before the House Committee on Government Efficiency to detail efforts to extricate DEI from college campuses. Legislators on the committee expressed interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/17/kansas-efficiency-committee-targets-dei-curricula-in-college-classrooms/" target="_blank">censoring related college curricula</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761597779503.png" alt="&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson appears in the Senate chamber on March 26, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. He is one member of the State Finance Council, and in his role there, he has encouraged investigating Kansas State University for its compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law. (Photo by Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson appears in the Senate chamber on March 26, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. He is one member of the State Finance Council, and in his role there, he has encouraged investigating Kansas State University for its compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law. (Photo by Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas State University has resolved a student complaint about the presence of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within its student government following pressure from legislative leadership to investigate.The Legislature passed a provision in 2025 requiring state agencies, including state universities, to eliminate DEI-related positions, mandates, programs, activities, training requirements, grants and contracts&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/dei-barred-in-kansas-government-universities-beginning-aug-1/" target="_blank">by Aug. 1</a>.Universities and agencies scrubbed their websites of DEI terminology, reassigned or eliminated staff positions, refocused clubs and departments, examined contracts and removed pronouns from email signatures.But a student was not satisfied with K-State’s efforts and sent an anonymous report to legislative leadership in July outlining complaints. The Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s higher education institutions, informed K-State of potential issues within the university’s student government.Among the issues was language within the university’s Student Governing Association’s constitution that required planning diversity training for student government members. The association also has power to allocate funds to clubs that could involve DEI-related topics. The student senate repealed the training requirement at its Sept. 4 meeting.Marshall Stewart, chief of staff for K-State’s president, told the State Finance Council on Tuesday that K-State did not realize it was out of compliance at the time of the complaint and worked hard to course correct. The State Finance Council is made up of Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leadership.Stewart said students took the matter seriously and resolved to no longer disperse money or make appointments that could be in conflict with the state’s anti-DEI law.“Universities are big, complex organizations, and I’m not going to say if you go deep enough and look hard enough you’re not going to find some things,” Stewart said. “But if you do find them, we ask that people share those with us.”Young America’s Foundation, a conservative youth organization,&nbsp;<a href="https://yaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/KState-OCR-Complaint-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">complained to the U.S. Department of Education’s civil rights office</a>&nbsp;in March that K-State’s wasn’t complying with federal anti-DEI efforts. The organization’s letter mentioned the Student Governing Association and other K-State departments by name. However, it did not produce a formal investigation, according to U.S. Department of Education records.Tuesday’s issue is a carryover from that March complaint and the State Finance Council’s July meeting. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican and candidate for governor, had charged state officials with investigating the anonymous report, which was sent to his office.&nbsp;Adam Proffitt, the secretary of administration, who must certify all agencies and universities are in compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law, presented his findings Tuesday to the council.He said his legal team worked with K-State, and he was satisfied with the university’s updated report. Masterson commended the university’s effort but expressed interest in crafting additional anti-DEI provisions in the upcoming legislative session.University leaders recently appeared before the House Committee on Government Efficiency to detail efforts to extricate DEI from college campuses. Legislators on the committee expressed interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/17/kansas-efficiency-committee-targets-dei-curricula-in-college-classrooms/" target="_blank">censoring related college curricula</a>.

K-State resolves student’s DEI complaint, temporarily satisfying Kansas legislators

Missouri legislators have introduced House Bill 2230, which proposes that 70-percent of elementary school assignments be completed using paper and pencil to improve student learning. 

The bill aims to limit digital tools in the classroom, setting a daily cap of 45 minutes on digital instruction and requiring the use of physical textbooks and cursive writing. 

Advocates argue that this shift will enhance academic performance by reducing screen time and increasing engagement with traditional materials. The bill is currently under consideration and would necessitate curriculum adjustments if passed.

The Missouri legislative session began Wednesday, Jan. 7 in Jefferson City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767801502240.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHMissouri legislators have introduced House Bill 2230, which proposes that 70-percent of elementary school assignments be completed using paper and pencil to improve student learning. The bill aims to limit digital tools in the classroom, setting a daily cap of 45 minutes on digital instruction and requiring the use of physical textbooks and cursive writing. Advocates argue that this shift will enhance academic performance by reducing screen time and increasing engagement with traditional materials. The bill is currently under consideration and would necessitate curriculum adjustments if passed.The Missouri legislative session began Wednesday, Jan. 7 in Jefferson City.

New legislation could mandate physical textbooks and cursive in Missouri classrooms

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach on Tuesday announced his office filed election crimes charges against Jose Luis Gomez, Sr. of Hutchinson, according to a media release from the attorney's general's office.

Officials from Kobach's office filed the charges in Reno County. Gomez faces one count of voting without being qualified and two counts of election perjury. The charges are nonperson felonies.

Gomez is a convicted felon and is currently in custody in Oklahoma pending deportation, following federal immigration proceedings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Voting by noncitizens, including both legal and illegal aliens, is a very real problem.&nbsp;Every time a noncitizen votes, it cancels out a U.S. citizen’s vote. Unfortunately, there are likely to be more cases as we continue to discover these cases," Kobach said. "The claim that the ACLU has been making for years, namely, that this sort of illegal voting by aliens does not occur, is once again proven false. It's time to stop believing their lies."

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab referred the case to Kobach’s office. The Secretary of State’s office is utilizing the SAVE program to identify Kansas electors who are not U.S. citizens.&nbsp;

Prior to election as attorney general, Kobach served two terms as secretary of state. During that time, Kobach led the charge to stop noncitizens from illegally voting in Kansas elections. Eight states, including Kansas, have passed laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in at least some cases, but the laws have only been implemented in four of those states, including Arizona, New Hampshire, Ohio and Wyoming. A federal court struck down the Kansas proof-of-citizenship law in 2018.

Kobach remains committed to ensuring that only qualified electors cast votes in Kansas elections.

Special Agent in Charge Matt Simpson of Kobach’s office investigated the case. First Assistant Attorney General Stacy Edwards is prosecuting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747840530130.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach on Tuesday announced his office filed election crimes charges against Jose Luis Gomez, Sr. of Hutchinson, according to a media release from the attorney's general's office.Officials from Kobach's office filed the charges in Reno County. Gomez faces one count of voting without being qualified and two counts of election perjury. The charges are nonperson felonies.Gomez is a convicted felon and is currently in custody in Oklahoma pending deportation, following federal immigration proceedings.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Voting by noncitizens, including both legal and illegal aliens, is a very real problem.&nbsp;Every time a noncitizen votes, it cancels out a U.S. citizen’s vote. Unfortunately, there are likely to be more cases as we continue to discover these cases," Kobach said. "The claim that the ACLU has been making for years, namely, that this sort of illegal voting by aliens does not occur, is once again proven false. It's time to stop believing their lies."Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab referred the case to Kobach’s office. The Secretary of State’s office is utilizing the SAVE program to identify Kansas electors who are not U.S. citizens.&nbsp;Prior to election as attorney general, Kobach served two terms as secretary of state. During that time, Kobach led the charge to stop noncitizens from illegally voting in Kansas elections. Eight states, including Kansas, have passed laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in at least some cases, but the laws have only been implemented in four of those states, including Arizona, New Hampshire, Ohio and Wyoming. A federal court struck down the Kansas proof-of-citizenship law in 2018.Kobach remains committed to ensuring that only qualified electors cast votes in Kansas elections.Special Agent in Charge Matt Simpson of Kobach’s office investigated the case. First Assistant Attorney General Stacy Edwards is prosecuting.

Kansas felon faces election crimes charges 

KANSAS CITY —A driver injured in a crash that occurred just after 5p.m. December 28, in Kansas City, Missouri has died.

A black Kia was eastbound on MLK Boulevard from Rockhill Road at an excessive speed, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

 The driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle traveled off the roadway and struck a retaining wall at the Stowers Institute. EMS transported the driver was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. 

On Tuesday, KCPD Offier Alayna Gonzalez reported the driver died, according to the Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office. EMS transported the passenger from the vehicle to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY —A driver injured in a crash that occurred just after 5p.m. December 28, in Kansas City, Missouri has died.A black Kia was eastbound on MLK Boulevard from Rockhill Road at an excessive speed, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. The driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle traveled off the roadway and struck a retaining wall at the Stowers Institute. EMS transported the driver was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. On Tuesday, KCPD Offier Alayna Gonzalez reported the driver died, according to the Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office. EMS transported the passenger from the vehicle to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.&nbsp;

KCPD: Driver injured after crash into retaining wall has died

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Signatures on only two-thirds of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/09/missouri-gerrymander-congressional-map-referendum/">petition pages</a>&nbsp;submitted to force a statewide vote on Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">gerrymandered congressional map</a>&nbsp;will go through the verification process, new filings in a Cole County court case show.

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Memorandum%20on%20Status%20of%20Signature%20Verification.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3767680" target="_blank">33,068 pages to local election authorities</a>&nbsp;out of 49,773 pages with signatures collected by a political action committee called People Not Politicians. The PAC began circulating petitions after lawmakers passed the new map on Sept. 12. Those pages will be checked to determine which signatures are from registered voters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765884385189.png" alt=" Missouri Capitol Police officers conduct security checks Dec. 9 on the 691 boxes of petitions filed to force a referendum on the gerrymandered Congressional district map passed by lawmakers in September. Of the 27 times a referendum has been placed on the Missouri ballot, voters have rejected the General Assembly’s actions all but twice (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri Capitol Police officers conduct security checks Dec. 9 on the 691 boxes of petitions filed to force a referendum on the gerrymandered Congressional district map passed by lawmakers in September. Of the 27 times a referendum has been placed on the Missouri ballot, voters have rejected the General Assembly’s actions all but twice (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Signatures on only two-thirds of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/09/missouri-gerrymander-congressional-map-referendum/">petition pages</a>&nbsp;submitted to force a statewide vote on Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">gerrymandered congressional map</a>&nbsp;will go through the verification process, new filings in a Cole County court case show.Secretary of State Denny Hoskins delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Memorandum%20on%20Status%20of%20Signature%20Verification.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3767680" target="_blank">33,068 pages to local election authorities</a>&nbsp;out of 49,773 pages with signatures collected by a political action committee called People Not Politicians. The PAC began circulating petitions after lawmakers passed the new map on Sept. 12. Those pages will be checked to determine which signatures are from registered voters.Hoskins held back the rest because he does not believe signatures collected before Oct. 14 — the day he approved the form of the petition — are valid. Any pages with at least one signature dated Oct. 14 or later were sent to local election authorities,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Exhibit%20C.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3767683" target="_blank">an exhibit</a>&nbsp;included in the court filings state.The filing is part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/08/federal-judge-rejects-missouri-ags-push-to-block-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">case pending</a>&nbsp;before Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh over which signatures must be counted. On Dec. 12, Limbaugh declared he would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-delays-decision-on-signatures-for-missouri-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">not issue a ruling</a>&nbsp;until the verification process shows whether the referendum petition can succeed without signatures collected before Oct. 14.People Not Politicians needs approximately 110,000 signatures spread among six of the state’s eight congressional districts to put the redistricting plan to a statewide vote. The 49,773 pages have 305,968 signatures overall, but the filings do not show how many signatures are on the pages being checked.In other court filings, People Not Politicians has stated that about 103,000 of the signatures were collected before the cutoff date.The raw signature counts — including the names on pages not sent for verification — show enough signatures were collected in the city of St. Louis to qualify the 1st District and enough in Greene County to qualify the 7th District.&nbsp;The data did not show the breakdown in split counties. There were 71,008 signatures submitted from St. Louis County, which is split between the 1st and 2nd districts. There were 59,823 signatures collected in Jackson County, which includes the 4th, 5th and 6th districts, and&nbsp; 30,110 signatures collected in Boone County, which is split between the 3rd and 4th districts.The two districts where the petition is unlikely to have enough signatures are the 6th Congressional District in north Missouri and the 8th Congressional District in southeast Missouri.The gerrymandered map was forced through by Republicans who succumbed to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">pressure from President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and revised the eight districts during a September special session.The intended result from the new map is to flip the 5th District to the GOP. The district, based in Kansas City, has been represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver since 2005.&nbsp;The district is carved up under the new map with portions attached to the 4th and 6th Districts. Heavily Republican areas stretching along the Missouri River to Boone County would be added to the remaining Kansas City portions.If the referendum has sufficient signatures, the map would be on the November ballot unless lawmakers set an earlier date.