Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation&nbsp;on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 11:48&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;due&nbsp;to&nbsp;an&nbsp;extended period of dangerous fire weather and the potential for extreme fire spread from Tuesday through Thursday, according to a media release from the Adjutant General’s&nbsp;Department. This declaration&nbsp;allows&nbsp;resources to be&nbsp;used to&nbsp;provide state&nbsp;assistance.&nbsp;

“With high winds and dry conditions, there is a high risk for wildland fires over the next few days,”&nbsp;<b>Governor Laura Kelly</b>&nbsp;<b>said</b>. “I urge&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;residents to avoid activities that could spark fires, remain alert to changing conditions, and follow local emergency guidance.”&nbsp;

Dangerous fire weather is expected Tuesday through Thursday, with Northwest and Southwest Kansas seeing Red Flag conditions driven by strong 30–40 mph winds with gusts to 65 mph, humidity as low as 10&nbsp;percent, rapidly drying grass fuels, blowing dust, and shifting winds that could cause rapid fire growth and extreme and erratic fire behavior.&nbsp; A Fire Watch is in effect for most of North Central, Northeast, and East Central Kansas on Tuesday.&nbsp;Officials emphasize that dry grass and other fuels can dry out in as little as one hour under these conditions, significantly increasing the risk of&nbsp;rapid&nbsp;fire&nbsp;ignition and spread.&nbsp;

“Across Kansas,&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;beginning to see the seasonal shift into more typical fire weather patterns,”&nbsp;<b>Bill Waln, Kansas Forest Service Fire Management Officer</b>&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“We strongly urge the public to avoid activities that could spark a fire and to report any smoke or fire&nbsp;immediately. Early reporting is critical to keeping fires small and protecting lives and property.”&nbsp;

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will staff the State Emergency Operations Center&nbsp;starting&nbsp;tomorrow&nbsp;with Emergency Support Function partners&nbsp;from the Office of the State Fire Marshal,&nbsp;Kansas Forest Service,&nbsp;and other state agencies&nbsp;to coordinate&nbsp;state&nbsp;efforts&nbsp;and pre‑staging resources to support local&nbsp;counties and local responders if requested.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640026900635.jpeg" alt="Post photo" />
                        <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation&nbsp;on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 11:48&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;due&nbsp;to&nbsp;an&nbsp;extended period of dangerous fire weather and the potential for extreme fire spread from Tuesday through Thursday, according to a media release from the Adjutant General’s&nbsp;Department. This declaration&nbsp;allows&nbsp;resources to be&nbsp;used to&nbsp;provide state&nbsp;assistance.&nbsp;</p><p>“With high winds and dry conditions, there is a high risk for wildland fires over the next few days,”&nbsp;<b>Governor Laura Kelly</b>&nbsp;<b>said</b>. “I urge&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;residents to avoid activities that could spark fires, remain alert to changing conditions, and follow local emergency guidance.”&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tuesday will see high winds and dry humidities culminating in a critical and potentially dangerous fire weather risk. A Red Flag Warning is also in effect Tuesday. See below for details. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/rDAWJZYzjP">pic.twitter.com/rDAWJZYzjP</a></p>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/2023405314129674647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A fire weather watch has been issued for Tuesday from 12 noon through 7 PM for north central, northeast, and east central KS. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/TxEmZ3bK6n">pic.twitter.com/TxEmZ3bK6n</a></p>&mdash; NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSTopeka/status/2023341151026135193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here&#39;s an overview of what we&#39;re expecting today through Wednesday (February 16-18, 2026). Open flames and sparks could have devastating impacts this week, especially on Tuesday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cowx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cowx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/newx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#newx</a> <a href="https://t.co/oQ6ePU4IXU">pic.twitter.com/oQ6ePU4IXU</a></p>&mdash; NWS Goodland (@NWSGoodland) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSGoodland/status/2023352073471811759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Dangerous fire weather is expected Tuesday through Thursday, with Northwest and Southwest Kansas seeing Red Flag conditions driven by strong 30–40 mph winds with gusts to 65 mph, humidity as low as 10&nbsp;percent, rapidly drying grass fuels, blowing dust, and shifting winds that could cause rapid fire growth and extreme and erratic fire behavior.&nbsp; A Fire Watch is in effect for most of North Central, Northeast, and East Central Kansas on Tuesday.&nbsp;Officials emphasize that dry grass and other fuels can dry out in as little as one hour under these conditions, significantly increasing the risk of&nbsp;rapid&nbsp;fire&nbsp;ignition and spread.&nbsp;</p><p>“Across Kansas,&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;beginning to see the seasonal shift into more typical fire weather patterns,”&nbsp;<b>Bill Waln, Kansas Forest Service Fire Management Officer</b>&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“We strongly urge the public to avoid activities that could spark a fire and to report any smoke or fire&nbsp;immediately. Early reporting is critical to keeping fires small and protecting lives and property.”&nbsp;</p><p>The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will staff the State Emergency Operations Center&nbsp;starting&nbsp;tomorrow&nbsp;with Emergency Support Function partners&nbsp;from the Office of the State Fire Marshal,&nbsp;Kansas Forest Service,&nbsp;and other state agencies&nbsp;to coordinate&nbsp;state&nbsp;efforts&nbsp;and pre‑staging resources to support local&nbsp;counties and local responders if requested.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Kan. gov. issues state of disaster emergency for wildland fires 

LABETTE COUNTY – The Labette County Sheriff’s Office reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 80-year-old Richard Bulkley was located in Sedalia, Missouri, and is now safe.

LABETTE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Labette County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Parsons man, according to a media release.

The whereabouts of 80-year-old Richard Bulkley, of Parsons, are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Bulkley is likely driving a Black 2011 Ford F-150 bearing Kansas veteran tag 1526. He was last believed to be heading north around Highway 169 and K-47, near Thayer, on the evening of Feb. 15.

Bulkley is a white male who is around 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds. He has white hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing gray and white flannel pajama pants, and a blue fleece jacket. Bulkley has dementia.

If you see Richard Bulkley, or his vehicle, call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Labette County Sheriff's Office at 620-795-2565.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771239800485.png" alt="Bulkley photo KBI" />
                        <figcaption>Bulkley photo KBI</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LABETTE COUNTY – The Labette County Sheriff’s Office reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 80-year-old Richard Bulkley was located in Sedalia, Missouri, and is now safe.</p><p>-------------</p><p>LABETTE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Labette County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Parsons man, according to a media release.</p><p>The whereabouts of 80-year-old Richard Bulkley, of Parsons, are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.</p><p>Bulkley is likely driving a Black 2011 Ford F-150 bearing Kansas veteran tag 1526. He was last believed to be heading north around Highway 169 and K-47, near Thayer, on the evening of Feb. 15.</p><p>Bulkley is a white male who is around 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds. He has white hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing gray and white flannel pajama pants, and a blue fleece jacket. Bulkley has dementia.</p><p>If you see Richard Bulkley, or his vehicle, call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Labette County Sheriff's Office at 620-795-2565.</p>

KBI: Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas man found safe

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a>

A Cole County judge ruled Friday that Gov. Mike Kehoe had the constitutional authority to call the special session that resulted in the passage of a new gerrymandered congressional map for Missouri.

During the special session, legislators redrew the map to favor Republicans. The Missouri NAACP filed the lawsuit against state officials including Kehoe in September in an attempt to stop the special session from happening, but the court did not take up the case in time to stop legislators from meeting for the session.

The lawsuit alleged that while the Missouri Constitution allows the governor to call special sessions for extraordinary occasions, Kehoe’s reasoning to call the most recent session did not qualify as an extraordinary occasion.

Judge Christopher Limbaugh disagreed, stating in the ruling issued Friday that the governor has the constitutional discretion to decide what qualifies as an extraordinary occasion.

Article 4, Section 9 of the Missouri Constitution, which describes the powers of the governor, states that on extraordinary occasions, the governor may convene the General Assembly by proclamation and state matters for the legislature to take action on.

Kehoe called Missouri lawmakers to a special session on Aug. 29, 2025, directing them to focus the session on redistricting the state and changing the initiative petition process.

The new congressional map, which is at the center of multiple lawsuits, would likely give the Republican Party a 7-to-1 majority in Missouri’s U.S. House seats. Republicans already hold six of Missouri’s eight congressional seats.

This story originally appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/special-session-to-redraw-missouris-congressional-districts-was-constitutional-judge-rules/article_0782f59f-c883-497d-9260-dbae0a12fae2.html" target="_blank">KOMU.com</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757444658128.png" alt="Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors / Map by Anna Sago  " />
                        <figcaption>Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors / Map by Anna Sago  </figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a></p><p>A Cole County judge ruled Friday that Gov. Mike Kehoe had the constitutional authority to call the special session that resulted in the passage of a new gerrymandered congressional map for Missouri.</p><p>During the special session, legislators redrew the map to favor Republicans. The Missouri NAACP filed the lawsuit against state officials including Kehoe in September in an attempt to stop the special session from happening, but the court did not take up the case in time to stop legislators from meeting for the session.</p><p>The lawsuit alleged that while the Missouri Constitution allows the governor to call special sessions for extraordinary occasions, Kehoe’s reasoning to call the most recent session did not qualify as an extraordinary occasion.</p><p>Judge Christopher Limbaugh disagreed, stating in the ruling issued Friday that the governor has the constitutional discretion to decide what qualifies as an extraordinary occasion.</p><p>Article 4, Section 9 of the Missouri Constitution, which describes the powers of the governor, states that on extraordinary occasions, the governor may convene the General Assembly by proclamation and state matters for the legislature to take action on.</p><p>Kehoe called Missouri lawmakers to a special session on Aug. 29, 2025, directing them to focus the session on redistricting the state and changing the initiative petition process.</p><p>The new congressional map, which is at the center of multiple lawsuits, would likely give the Republican Party a 7-to-1 majority in Missouri’s U.S. House seats. Republicans already hold six of Missouri’s eight congressional seats.</p><p>This story originally appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/special-session-to-redraw-missouris-congressional-districts-was-constitutional-judge-rules/article_0782f59f-c883-497d-9260-dbae0a12fae2.html" target="_blank">KOMU.com</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;</p>

Special session to redraw Missouri congressional districts was constitutional, judge rules

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement continue searching for suspects in a deadly nightclub shooting in Kansas City, Missouri and have identified the women who died as 29-year-old Eboni Silas and 24-year-old Tishauna Ballard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business.&nbsp;On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims.

Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in.&nbsp;EMS declared one shooting victim deceased at the scene. EMS&nbsp; then transported the other two victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries, according to Becchina.

While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim is reported to be in critical condition.&nbsp;

Detectives talked with people who were at the scene when officers arrived and processed through the evidence gathered. As the investigation progresses it is still believed the shooting occurred inside the business, so anyone who may have been there that has not talked to police yet is urged to contact detectives or the TIPS Hotline anonymously. 

Police have not been advised of any change in the status of either of the surviving victims.

&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims.&nbsp; Police have not released any details on a possible suspect.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771169150673.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement continue searching for suspects in a deadly nightclub shooting in Kansas City, Missouri and have identified the women who died as 29-year-old Eboni Silas and 24-year-old Tishauna Ballard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.</p><p>Just after 2a.m. Sunday Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.</p><p>At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business.&nbsp;On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims.</p><p>Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in.&nbsp;EMS declared one shooting victim deceased at the scene. EMS&nbsp; then transported the other two victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries, according to Becchina.</p><p>While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim is reported to be in critical condition.&nbsp;</p><p>Detectives talked with people who were at the scene when officers arrived and processed through the evidence gathered. As the investigation progresses it is still believed the shooting occurred inside the business, so anyone who may have been there that has not talked to police yet is urged to contact detectives or the TIPS Hotline anonymously. </p><p>Police have not been advised of any change in the status of either of the surviving victims.</p><p>&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims.&nbsp; Police have not released any details on a possible suspect.</p>

Police ID 2 women who died in Kansas City nightclub shooting

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Police released the name of the juvenile killed Feb. 10, at an apartment complex in Kansas City, Kansas. Jai Barnes, Jr., 17, was resident of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release from KCK Police.

Just before 3p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 7400 Block of Armstrong in Kansas City, Kansas.

First responders located Barnes outside an apartment complex, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was getting off the school bus in front of his home at the time of the shooting, according to <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-heartfelt-farewell-for-jai-barnes-jr">an online fundraiser.</a>

He was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries.&nbsp;There are currently no suspects in custody.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771242738386.png" alt="Barnes photo GoFundMe" />
                        <figcaption>Barnes photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Police released the name of the juvenile killed Feb. 10, at an apartment complex in Kansas City, Kansas. Jai Barnes, Jr., 17, was resident of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release from KCK Police.</p><p>Just before 3p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 7400 Block of Armstrong in Kansas City, Kansas.</p><p>First responders located Barnes outside an apartment complex, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was getting off the school bus in front of his home at the time of the shooting, according to <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-heartfelt-farewell-for-jai-barnes-jr">an online fundraiser.</a></p><p>He was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries.&nbsp;There are currently no suspects in custody.</p>

Kansas teen was getting off school bus when he was shot, killed

<div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUzJ-_1AWWF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUzJ-_1AWWF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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'Today' show host posts new video 2 weeks after mother's abduction

The Department of War reported U.S. military forces boarded another sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean. According to the social media post, "We defend the Homeland forward. Distance does not protect you."

"Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Veronica III without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility."

"The vessel tried to defy President Trump’s quarantine —hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down. No other nation has the reach, endurance, or will to do this."

"International waters are not sanctuary. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice. The Department of War will deny illicit actors and their proxies freedom of movement in the maritime domain."

<p>The Department of War reported U.S. military forces boarded another sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean. According to the social media post, "We defend the Homeland forward. Distance does not protect you."</p><p>"Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Veronica III without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility."</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We defend the Homeland forward. Distance does not protect you.<br><br>Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Veronica III without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility.<br><br>The vessel tried to defy President Trump’s… <a href="https://t.co/Tran3cLR9g">pic.twitter.com/Tran3cLR9g</a></p>&mdash; Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar/status/2022997870061011067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>"The vessel tried to defy President Trump’s quarantine —hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down. No other nation has the reach, endurance, or will to do this."</p><p>"International waters are not sanctuary. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice. The Department of War will deny illicit actors and their proxies freedom of movement in the maritime domain."</p>

🎥US military boards another oil tanker in Indian Ocean

CASS COUNTY —A law enforcement officer is under investigation for alleged sex crimes.

On February 12, State Troopers arrested 28-year-old , Collin K. Goodsell of Peculiar, Missouri, in connection with a sexual assault investigation conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A Criminal Investigative Unit, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol&nbsp;Division of Drug and Crime Control.

In December, the Division of Drug and Crime Control was requested to investigate allegations of sexual assault involving a Belton Police Department employee. On February 12, 2026, following the investigation,&nbsp;Division of Drug and Crime Control  investigators obtained probable cause to arrest Goodsell for raping a woman.&nbsp;Division of Drug and Crime Control  investigators arrested Goodsell in Lees Summit, MO, where he was later transported to the Pettis County Jail and placed on an investigative hold.

On February 13, the Pettis County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Goodsell with Rape-First Degree. Goodsell is being held in the Pettis County Jail, without bond.

Goodsell has held several law enforcement positions in Cass and Livingston Counties. Anyone with information regarding this incident or similar accusations involving Goodsell are encouraged to contact Corporal Travis Goolsby, at Troop A Headquarters 816-622-0800.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771122624366.png" alt="Goodsell photo Pettis County" />
                        <figcaption>Goodsell photo Pettis County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>CASS COUNTY —A law enforcement officer is under investigation for alleged sex crimes.</p><p>On February 12, State Troopers arrested 28-year-old , Collin K. Goodsell of Peculiar, Missouri, in connection with a sexual assault investigation conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A Criminal Investigative Unit, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol&nbsp;Division of Drug and Crime Control.</p><p>In December, the Division of Drug and Crime Control was requested to investigate allegations of sexual assault involving a Belton Police Department employee. On February 12, 2026, following the investigation,&nbsp;Division of Drug and Crime Control  investigators obtained probable cause to arrest Goodsell for raping a woman.&nbsp;Division of Drug and Crime Control  investigators arrested Goodsell in Lees Summit, MO, where he was later transported to the Pettis County Jail and placed on an investigative hold.</p><p>On February 13, the Pettis County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Goodsell with Rape-First Degree. Goodsell is being held in the Pettis County Jail, without bond.</p><p>Goodsell has held several law enforcement positions in Cass and Livingston Counties. Anyone with information regarding this incident or similar accusations involving Goodsell are encouraged to contact Corporal Travis Goolsby, at Troop A Headquarters 816-622-0800.</p>

Kansas City area officer jailed for alleged sex assault

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are searching for suspects in a deadly nightclub shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchins.

At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business.&nbsp;On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims. 

Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in.&nbsp;EMS declared one shooting victim deceased at the scene. EMS&nbsp; then transported the other two&nbsp; victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries, according to Becchina.

While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim is reported to be in critical condition.&nbsp;Homicide detectives were at the scene now and are investigating. They are talking to people who were at the scene when officers arrived and canvassing for additional witnesses.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims.&nbsp;There is no information at this time regarding suspect description. Police did not release the names of the victims.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771169150673.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are searching for suspects in a deadly nightclub shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>Just after 2a.m. Sunday Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchins.</p><p>At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business.&nbsp;On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims. </p><p>Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in.&nbsp;EMS declared one shooting victim deceased at the scene. EMS&nbsp; then transported the other two&nbsp; victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries, according to Becchina.</p><p>While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim is reported to be in critical condition.&nbsp;Homicide detectives were at the scene now and are investigating. They are talking to people who were at the scene when officers arrived and canvassing for additional witnesses.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims.&nbsp;There is no information at this time regarding suspect description. Police did not release the names of the victims.</p>

2 women dead, 3 others injured in KC nightclub shooting

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Saturday in Kansas City.

Narrative:&nbsp;AIS responded to the area of Martha Truman Road and Blue River Road to meet SPD Officers on a reported injury collision with life threatening injuries. Preliminary investigation revealed that 

According to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina, a white Dodge Ram Pickup&nbsp; southbound on Blue River Road at a high rate of speed. The Dodge failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway at Martha Truman Road. The pickup traveled off the roadway to the right, through the dirt shoulder of the roadway, up a dirt mound and was launched into the tree line. 

The Dodge rotated 180 degrees, striking a large tree before coming to rest. The driver and sole occupant of the Dodge was ejected from the vehicle during the collision events.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver to o a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, and he was subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital staff shortly after arrival, according to Becchina.

This is fatality #8 compared to #5 at this time last year.

<p>KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Saturday in Kansas City.</p><p>Narrative:&nbsp;AIS responded to the area of Martha Truman Road and Blue River Road to meet SPD Officers on a reported injury collision with life threatening injuries. Preliminary investigation revealed that </p><p>According to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina, a white Dodge Ram Pickup&nbsp; southbound on Blue River Road at a high rate of speed. The Dodge failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway at Martha Truman Road. The pickup traveled off the roadway to the right, through the dirt shoulder of the roadway, up a dirt mound and was launched into the tree line. </p><p>The Dodge rotated 180 degrees, striking a large tree before coming to rest. The driver and sole occupant of the Dodge was ejected from the vehicle during the collision events.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver to o a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, and he was subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital staff shortly after arrival, according to Becchina.</p><p>This is fatality #8 compared to #5 at this time last year.</p>

KCPD: Driver dies after violent pickup crash into trees

Topeka, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt on Friday announced a Reno County man has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for insurance fraud, making false information, and forgery.

Larry Wilson, aged 54, pleaded guilty on December 11, 2025, in Reno County District Court to one felony count of insurance fraud, two felony counts for making false information, and two felony counts for forgery. Wilson fraudulently filed an insurance claim to collect lost wages for workdays he stated were missed due to injuries sustained in a prior auto accident. Wilson forged his supervisor’s signature on falsified documents to validate his claim for missed work. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 21 months in prison with 12 months of probation following his release.

“Insurance fraud costs all Kansans in the form of increased premiums every year,” Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said. “The Department will continue pursuing penalties against anyone committing insurance fraud in Kansas.”

The Kansas Department of Insurance investigated this case which was prosecuted by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

<p>Topeka, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt on Friday announced a Reno County man has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for insurance fraud, making false information, and forgery.</p><p>Larry Wilson, aged 54, pleaded guilty on December 11, 2025, in Reno County District Court to one felony count of insurance fraud, two felony counts for making false information, and two felony counts for forgery. Wilson fraudulently filed an insurance claim to collect lost wages for workdays he stated were missed due to injuries sustained in a prior auto accident. Wilson forged his supervisor’s signature on falsified documents to validate his claim for missed work. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 21 months in prison with 12 months of probation following his release.</p><p>“Insurance fraud costs all Kansans in the form of increased premiums every year,” Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said. “The Department will continue pursuing penalties against anyone committing insurance fraud in Kansas.”</p><p>The Kansas Department of Insurance investigated this case which was prosecuted by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.</p>

Prison: Kan. man filed bogus insurance claim for lost wages

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">Anna Kaminski</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly plans to attend a business meeting at the White House this week, which comes after President Donald Trump flip-flopped on invitations and Democrats promised to boycott.

Kelly’s office said she will attend a bipartisan working meeting on Feb. 20, but she will not partake in the White House’s black-tie dinner that is expected to follow. She has not attended the White House dinner since 2019 and does not plan to this year, said spokesperson Grace Hoge.

“She recognizes the utility of meeting with the president, Cabinet secretaries and other federal officials, alongside her colleagues, to discuss ways states and the federal government can partner on behalf of all Americans,” Hoge said. “She decided to attend the meeting once the White House invitation included all governors, regardless of party.”

The plans leading up to next week’s events in Washington, D.C., have fluctuated. Trump at first refused to invite Democrats to the White House. Then he backtracked after Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the National Governors Association, of which he is the chair, would no longer facilitate the meeting.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/09/repub/trump-shuts-out-democratic-governors-from-traditional-white-house-gatherings/">White House confirmed Trump’s decision</a>&nbsp;to exclude some Democratic governors from the dinner.

“Many Democrats were invited to dinner at the White House, and others were not. These are White House events and the President reserves the right to invite whomever he wants,” a White House official told States Newsroom, Kansas Reflector’s parent organization.

Members of the Democratic Governors Association, including Kelly, said Tuesday they wouldn’t attend the White House dinner, and accused Trump of creating chaos and division.

“If the reports are true that not all governors are invited to these events, which have historically been productive and bipartisan opportunities for collaboration, we will not be attending the White House dinner this year,” the Democratic governors’ statement said.

Trump wrote in a Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116054089500353661" target="_blank">post to Truth Social</a>&nbsp;that he only declined to invite two Democratic governors to the dinner — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the vice chair of the national association and the country’s only Black governor.

Kelly, who is in her last term, is a former chair of the Democratic Governors Association. Kansas is not a member of the National Governors Association, so she also does not plan to attend the three-day national conference, her office said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590011287498.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly met with Trump during his first term-image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly met with Trump during his first term-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">Anna Kaminski</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a></p><p>TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly plans to attend a business meeting at the White House this week, which comes after President Donald Trump flip-flopped on invitations and Democrats promised to boycott.</p><p>Kelly’s office said she will attend a bipartisan working meeting on Feb. 20, but she will not partake in the White House’s black-tie dinner that is expected to follow. She has not attended the White House dinner since 2019 and does not plan to this year, said spokesperson Grace Hoge.</p><p>“She recognizes the utility of meeting with the president, Cabinet secretaries and other federal officials, alongside her colleagues, to discuss ways states and the federal government can partner on behalf of all Americans,” Hoge said. “She decided to attend the meeting once the White House invitation included all governors, regardless of party.”</p><p>The plans leading up to next week’s events in Washington, D.C., have fluctuated. Trump at first refused to invite Democrats to the White House. Then he backtracked after Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the National Governors Association, of which he is the chair, would no longer facilitate the meeting.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/09/repub/trump-shuts-out-democratic-governors-from-traditional-white-house-gatherings/">White House confirmed Trump’s decision</a>&nbsp;to exclude some Democratic governors from the dinner.</p><p>“Many Democrats were invited to dinner at the White House, and others were not. These are White House events and the President reserves the right to invite whomever he wants,” a White House official told States Newsroom, Kansas Reflector’s parent organization.</p><p>Members of the Democratic Governors Association, including Kelly, said Tuesday they wouldn’t attend the White House dinner, and accused Trump of creating chaos and division.</p><p>“If the reports are true that not all governors are invited to these events, which have historically been productive and bipartisan opportunities for collaboration, we will not be attending the White House dinner this year,” the Democratic governors’ statement said.</p><p>Trump wrote in a Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116054089500353661" target="_blank">post to Truth Social</a>&nbsp;that he only declined to invite two Democratic governors to the dinner — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the vice chair of the national association and the country’s only Black governor.</p><p>Kelly, who is in her last term, is a former chair of the Democratic Governors Association. Kansas is not a member of the National Governors Association, so she also does not plan to attend the three-day national conference, her office said.</p>

Kansas governor plans to attend White House meeting

&nbsp;DAMASCUS —U.S. forces conducted 10 strikes against more than 30 ISIS targets in Syria, Feb. 3 – 12, to sustain relentless military pressure on remnants from the terrorist network, according to a statement from the U.S&gt; Central Command.

U.S. forces struck ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage targets with precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft.

U.S. forces previously conducted five strikes against an ISIS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities, Jan. 27 – Feb. 2.

Operation Hawkeye Strike was launched in response to a Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra. The ISIS ambush resulted in the death of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter.

More than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured and over 100 ISIS infrastructure targets have been struck with hundreds of precision munitions during two months of targeted operations.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771123773381.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>&nbsp;DAMASCUS —U.S. forces conducted 10 strikes against more than 30 ISIS targets in Syria, Feb. 3 – 12, to sustain relentless military pressure on remnants from the terrorist network, according to a statement from the U.S&gt; Central Command.</p><p>U.S. forces struck ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage targets with precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft.</p><p>U.S. forces previously conducted five strikes against an ISIS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities, Jan. 27 – Feb. 2.</p><p>Operation Hawkeye Strike was launched in response to a Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra. The ISIS ambush resulted in the death of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter.</p><p>More than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured and over 100 ISIS infrastructure targets have been struck with hundreds of precision munitions during two months of targeted operations.</p>

U.S. forces continue strikes on ISIS targets in Syria

KANSAS CITY —A Missouri inmate has been charged &nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred at an apartment complex in 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2807/HillDemetrius-Warrant-Packet-1">Demetrius S. Hill</a>&nbsp;, 27, faces one count of 2nd Degree Murder, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a shooting at an apartment complex parking lot on August 9, 2019, and located the victim in the driver’s seat of a gray Dodge Durango suffering from apparent trauma. He was declared deceased at the scene.

Surveillance video captured a suspect wearing a red shirt over his head arriving at the parking lot in a gray Ford Escape. The victim then arrived in a Dodge Durango with the defendant in the front passenger seat. The suspect with the red shirt approached the victim’s vehicle and engaged in a brief conversation. As he walked away, he turned back and fired shots at the vehicle. The defendant then exited the Durango and fled with the suspect in the red shirt in the Ford Escape.

Detectives identified both suspects based on witness reports and anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline.

Investigators believe the defendant fired at the victim while inside the Durango. The defendant’s DNA matched a cigarillo collected from inside the victim’s vehicle.

The suspect with the red shirt was killed in a homicide in 2023.

Hill is currently in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections for convictions that include unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, tampering with a witness and tampering with a vehicle, according to online records.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771090031216.png" alt="Hill photo MODOC" />
                        <figcaption>Hill photo MODOC</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —A Missouri inmate has been charged &nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred at an apartment complex in 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2807/HillDemetrius-Warrant-Packet-1">Demetrius S. Hill</a>&nbsp;, 27, faces one count of 2nd Degree Murder, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.</p><p>According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a shooting at an apartment complex parking lot on August 9, 2019, and located the victim in the driver’s seat of a gray Dodge Durango suffering from apparent trauma. He was declared deceased at the scene.</p><p>Surveillance video captured a suspect wearing a red shirt over his head arriving at the parking lot in a gray Ford Escape. The victim then arrived in a Dodge Durango with the defendant in the front passenger seat. The suspect with the red shirt approached the victim’s vehicle and engaged in a brief conversation. As he walked away, he turned back and fired shots at the vehicle. The defendant then exited the Durango and fled with the suspect in the red shirt in the Ford Escape.</p><p>Detectives identified both suspects based on witness reports and anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline.</p><p>Investigators believe the defendant fired at the victim while inside the Durango. The defendant’s DNA matched a cigarillo collected from inside the victim’s vehicle.</p><p>The suspect with the red shirt was killed in a homicide in 2023.</p><p>Hill is currently in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections for convictions that include unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, tampering with a witness and tampering with a vehicle, according to online records.</p>

Inmate's DNA found on cigarillo at scene of Kansas City killing

HOUSTON – A 51-year-old resident of Sedgwick County, Kansas, has been ordered to federal prison for making false, fictitious and fraudulent statements and representations to law enforcement, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Heather Worden pleaded guilty Nov. 14, 2025.U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now sentenced Worden to three months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. The court also ordered Worden to pay $210,000 in restitution.&nbsp;

At the hearing, the court heard evidence that Worden falsely accused her former spouse of illegally accessing her bank account from the International Space Station while the couple was going through a divorce. Even after an internal investigation exonerated the former spouse, Worden continued promoting the false claim to news outlets and hired a media consultant to amplify the claim. The evidence further showed Worden publicly released her former spouse’s personal information.

In July 2019, Worden alleged her estranged spouse had guessed her password and illegally accessed her bank account while deployed to the International Space Station. &nbsp;However, the investigation revealed Worden opened her bank account in April 2018, and both parties accessed it until January 2019, when Worden changed the account credentials. Investigators also determined Worden had granted her spouse access to her bank records, including login credentials, as early as 2015.&nbsp;Worden was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.The National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Brandon Fyffe prosecuted the case.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763380295480.png" alt="Anne McClain is the astronaut who was wrongly accused of trying to access her estranged spouse's bank account while on the International Space Station. Photo courtesy NASA" />
                        <figcaption>Anne McClain is the astronaut who was wrongly accused of trying to access her estranged spouse's bank account while on the International Space Station. Photo courtesy NASA</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HOUSTON – A 51-year-old resident of Sedgwick County, Kansas, has been ordered to federal prison for making false, fictitious and fraudulent statements and representations to law enforcement, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.</p><p>Heather Worden pleaded guilty Nov. 14, 2025.U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now sentenced Worden to three months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. The court also ordered Worden to pay $210,000 in restitution.&nbsp;</p><p>At the hearing, the court heard evidence that Worden falsely accused her former spouse of illegally accessing her bank account from the International Space Station while the couple was going through a divorce. Even after an internal investigation exonerated the former spouse, Worden continued promoting the false claim to news outlets and hired a media consultant to amplify the claim. The evidence further showed Worden publicly released her former spouse’s personal information.</p><p>In July 2019, Worden alleged her estranged spouse had guessed her password and illegally accessed her bank account while deployed to the International Space Station. &nbsp;However, the investigation revealed Worden opened her bank account in April 2018, and both parties accessed it until January 2019, when Worden changed the account credentials. Investigators also determined Worden had granted her spouse access to her bank records, including login credentials, as early as 2015.&nbsp;Worden was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.The National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Brandon Fyffe prosecuted the case.</p>

Prison for Kan. woman over false crime in space claim against NASA astronaut

ALLEN COUNTY —The Allen County Attorney has filed a charge of Battery against a former Allen County Sheriff’s Office civilian employee Stephanie Vest, according to a media release from the Allen County Sheriff.

On December 17, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) for assistance regarding allegations of misconduct toward an inmate made against a Sheriff’s Office employee. 

 The KBI conducted an investigation and presented its findings to Allen County Attorney Brandon Cameron, who then filed the charge in Allen County District Court.

The alleged incident(s) occurred in 2024 and 2025 at the Allen County Jail, where Vest was a civilian employee.  She was placed on administrative leave while the investigation was conducted and was later terminated.

<p>ALLEN COUNTY —The Allen County Attorney has filed a charge of Battery against a former Allen County Sheriff’s Office civilian employee Stephanie Vest, according to a media release from the Allen County Sheriff.</p><p>On December 17, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) for assistance regarding allegations of misconduct toward an inmate made against a Sheriff’s Office employee. </p><p> The KBI conducted an investigation and presented its findings to Allen County Attorney Brandon Cameron, who then filed the charge in Allen County District Court.</p><p>The alleged incident(s) occurred in 2024 and 2025 at the Allen County Jail, where Vest was a civilian employee.  She was placed on administrative leave while the investigation was conducted and was later terminated.</p>

Kan. sheriff's office employee charged with misconduct toward inmate

Five individuals were federally indicted this week for their roles in an alleged $220 million nationwide fraud scheme involving purported cattle purchase contracts, according to United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.

Those indicted by a Fort Worth federal grand jury on February 11, 2026, were:

“Thousands of unwitting investors, ranchers, and others in the cattle industry nationwide were drawn in and victimized by the defendants’ multi-million dollar scheme alleged in this indictment,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould.&nbsp; “My office, in concert with our law enforcement partners, will hold these defendants accountable and pursue justice on behalf of the victims.”

“The defendants allegedly used false promises to lure prospective clients into their scheme and then misappropriated client funds to enrich themselves. One individual, Joshua Robert Link, remains a fugitive. We are asking the public to contact the FBI if they have any information regarding Link’s location,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.

As alleged in the indictment, each of the defendants were associated with Agridime LLC, a business headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas that offered cattle sales and meat processing and retail services to the public.&nbsp; Jed Wood served as the Operations Director.&nbsp; Joshua Link served as the Executive Director.&nbsp; Tia Link served as the Marketing Director.&nbsp; Taylor Bang served as a cattle broker, and Royana Thomas served as the financial controller.

The indictment alleges that, from January 2021 through December 2023, the five defendants, acting through Agridime, perpetrated a fraud scheme in which they falsely represented to individual cattle purchasers, cattle ranchers, and feedlots that Agridime would use their funds to purchase specific individual cattle for each victim, raise the cattle, and eventually sell the meat from the same specific individual cattle for a profit.&nbsp; In reality, as the indictment charges, the defendants did not use victim funds as promised and instead used newer cattle purchaser funds to pay Agridime operating expenses, pay funds owed by Agridime to earlier cattle purchasers, pay personal expenses, and purchase real property.&nbsp;

As alleged, the defendants fraudulently collected more than $220 million from over 2,200 individual victims located throughout the United States due to fraudulent misrepresentations the defendants made in public and private advertising statements.

If convicted, the defendants face up to twenty years in federal prison on each wire fraud count for which they were indicted as well as twenty years’ imprisonment for the charged wire fraud conspiracy.&nbsp; Additionally, the defendants face up to ten years’ imprisonment for each money laundering count in which they are charged.

Tia Link and Taylor Bang appeared for arraignment before a United States Magistrate Judge in Fort Worth today.&nbsp; Both were released under pretrial supervision.&nbsp; Jed Wood and Royana Thomas are set to appear for arraignment in Fort Worth before a United States Magistrate Judge on February 25, 2026.

Joshua Robert Link remains a fugitive. The FBI requests that the public contact the FBI with any information regarding Link’s location.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771030201690.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Five individuals were federally indicted this week for their roles in an alleged $220 million nationwide fraud scheme involving purported cattle purchase contracts, according to United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.</p><p>Those indicted by a Fort Worth federal grand jury on February 11, 2026, were:</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771030177390.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><ul>
                        <li>Joshua Link&nbsp;of Strafford, Missouri, charged with ten counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering, including wiring more than $527,000 to purchase real property</li>
                    </ul><ul>
                        <li>Jed Wood&nbsp;of Fort Worth, Texas, charged with three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering involving wiring more than $63,000 to a lender for “Home Payoff”</li><li>Tia Link&nbsp;of Smithton, Missouri, charged with three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering, including wiring more than $527,000 to purchase real property</li><li>Taylor Bang&nbsp;of Kildeer, North Dakota, charged with eight counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering</li><li>Royana Thomas&nbsp;of Arlington, Texas, charged with six counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering</li>
                    </ul><p>“Thousands of unwitting investors, ranchers, and others in the cattle industry nationwide were drawn in and victimized by the defendants’ multi-million dollar scheme alleged in this indictment,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould.&nbsp; “My office, in concert with our law enforcement partners, will hold these defendants accountable and pursue justice on behalf of the victims.”</p><p>“The defendants allegedly used false promises to lure prospective clients into their scheme and then misappropriated client funds to enrich themselves. One individual, Joshua Robert Link, remains a fugitive. We are asking the public to contact the FBI if they have any information regarding Link’s location,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.</p><p>As alleged in the indictment, each of the defendants were associated with Agridime LLC, a business headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas that offered cattle sales and meat processing and retail services to the public.&nbsp; Jed Wood served as the Operations Director.&nbsp; Joshua Link served as the Executive Director.&nbsp; Tia Link served as the Marketing Director.&nbsp; Taylor Bang served as a cattle broker, and Royana Thomas served as the financial controller.</p><p>The indictment alleges that, from January 2021 through December 2023, the five defendants, acting through Agridime, perpetrated a fraud scheme in which they falsely represented to individual cattle purchasers, cattle ranchers, and feedlots that Agridime would use their funds to purchase specific individual cattle for each victim, raise the cattle, and eventually sell the meat from the same specific individual cattle for a profit.&nbsp; In reality, as the indictment charges, the defendants did not use victim funds as promised and instead used newer cattle purchaser funds to pay Agridime operating expenses, pay funds owed by Agridime to earlier cattle purchasers, pay personal expenses, and purchase real property.&nbsp;</p><p>As alleged, the defendants fraudulently collected more than $220 million from over 2,200 individual victims located throughout the United States due to fraudulent misrepresentations the defendants made in public and private advertising statements.</p><p>If convicted, the defendants face up to twenty years in federal prison on each wire fraud count for which they were indicted as well as twenty years’ imprisonment for the charged wire fraud conspiracy.&nbsp; Additionally, the defendants face up to ten years’ imprisonment for each money laundering count in which they are charged.</p><p>Tia Link and Taylor Bang appeared for arraignment before a United States Magistrate Judge in Fort Worth today.&nbsp; Both were released under pretrial supervision.&nbsp; Jed Wood and Royana Thomas are set to appear for arraignment in Fort Worth before a United States Magistrate Judge on February 25, 2026.</p><p>Joshua Robert Link remains a fugitive. The FBI requests that the public contact the FBI with any information regarding Link’s location.</p>

FBI: Missouri man wanted for $220 million fraud scheme

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a><br><a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The second partial government shutdown in 2026 began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, after lawmakers left the nation’s capital without reaching a deal on changes to immigration enforcement tactics at the Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;

The department’s shutdown is also likely to go on for some time. With Congress out next week for the Presidents Day recess, lawmakers are not expected back on Capitol Hill for votes until Feb. 23.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/judge-weighs-trump-administration-limits-congressional-visits-immigration-facilities" target="_blank">A procedural vote</a>&nbsp;to approve funding for the Homeland Security bill for fiscal year 2026 failed Thursday to gain support from Senate Democrats because constraints to immigration enforcement were not included, such as an end to agents wearing face coverings.&nbsp;

Even with the president’s border czar Tom Homan&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/02/12/border-czar-tom-homan-announces-end-to-operation-metro-surge-claiming-success/" target="_blank">announcing Thursday</a>&nbsp; the withdrawal of the thousands of federal immigration officers from Minneapolis, Democrats argued it’s not enough.&nbsp;

“Without legislation, what Tom Homan says today could be reversed tomorrow on a whim from (President) Donald Trump,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor Thursday.

Asked by the press pool Friday about cutting a deal on the shutdown, &nbsp;Trump said,&nbsp;“We’ll see what happens. We always have to protect our law enforcement.”

After the Senate vote failed 52-47, members of Congress emptied out of Washington for the recess. Some were off to Munich, Germany for a major security conference.&nbsp;

While the agency Trump tasked with carrying out his mass deportation campaign of immigrants will shut down, enforcement will continue because Congress allocated a separate stream of money, about $75 billion for U.S. Immigration and Enforcement Services.&nbsp;

During last fall’s government shutdown, which lasted a record-breaking 43 days, immigration enforcement continued.

The other agencies within DHS that will be shut down but continue to operate because they include essential workers include the&nbsp;Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secret Service, the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration, and&nbsp;Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency,&nbsp;among others.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-looms-fema-coast-guard-tsa-stalemate-over-homeland-security-funds" target="_blank">In general</a>, any employees who focus on national security issues or the protection of life and property would continue to work through a shutdown, while federal workers who don’t are supposed to be furloughed.&nbsp;

Neither category of employees will receive their paychecks during the funding lapse, though federal law requires they receive back pay once Congress approves some sort of spending bill.&nbsp;

Democratic mayors call for GOP to accept proposals

Democrats have pushed for policy changes after federal immigration officers killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, where a deportation drive is set to wind down after the city faced more than two months of aggressive immigration enforcment.&nbsp;

Renee Good was shot and killed by an immigration officer on Jan. 7, which prompted a bipartisan agreement to enact some guardrails, such as $20 million in funding for immigration agents to wear body cameras.&nbsp;

But a second killing by federal immigration officers, that of Alex Pretti on Jan. 24, prompted the Senate to decouple the Homeland Security measure from a package of spending bills, as Democrats floated proposals meant to rein in enforcement tactics, and prompted a four-day partial shutdown. A two-week funding patch was set for negotiations and it expires at midnight Friday.

Democratic mayors hailing from the major cities of Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Orleans and Portland, Oregon, Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.portland.gov/mayor/keith-wilson/news/2026/2/13/mayors-issue-joint-statement-regarding-department-homeland" target="_blank">issued a letter</a>&nbsp;that called on the top Republicans in Congress, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota and House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, to accept the proposals before DHS entered a shutdown.&nbsp;

“When federal agents operate in our streets without identification, without warrants, and without accountability, that trust is shattered,” they wrote. “All of us agree that for so long as the agency exists, new funding for the Department of Homeland Security must be conditioned on the comprehensive 10-point framework released last week.”

Those policy suggestions include requiring immigration officers to not wear masks and identify themselves, which has drawn strong opposition from Republicans and the leaders of ICE and Customs and Border Protection who argue the face coverings prevent their agents from being doxxed.&nbsp;

Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., sent the proposals over to the White House, but said the Trump administration’s response was “incomplete and insufficient in terms of addressing the concerns Americans have about ICE’s lawless conduct.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/2025_0930_dhs_procedures_related_to_a_lapse_in_appropriations.pdf" target="_blank">According to the contingency plan</a>&nbsp;for DHS, the agency expects about 20,000 employees out of 271,000 to be furloughed in the event of a government shutdown.

<p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a><br><a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — The second partial government shutdown in 2026 began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, after lawmakers left the nation’s capital without reaching a deal on changes to immigration enforcement tactics at the Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DHS Secretary Kristi Noem (<a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a>): &quot;We&#39;re concerned about the Department of Homeland Security not being funded...That&#39;s telling the rest of the world the Democrat party doesn&#39;t think that protecting America is safe.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4WR1iDPRgl">pic.twitter.com/4WR1iDPRgl</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2022079508413603948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The department’s shutdown is also likely to go on for some time. With Congress out next week for the Presidents Day recess, lawmakers are not expected back on Capitol Hill for votes until Feb. 23.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/judge-weighs-trump-administration-limits-congressional-visits-immigration-facilities" target="_blank">A procedural vote</a>&nbsp;to approve funding for the Homeland Security bill for fiscal year 2026 failed Thursday to gain support from Senate Democrats because constraints to immigration enforcement were not included, such as an end to agents wearing face coverings.&nbsp;</p><p>Even with the president’s border czar Tom Homan&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/02/12/border-czar-tom-homan-announces-end-to-operation-metro-surge-claiming-success/" target="_blank">announcing Thursday</a>&nbsp; the withdrawal of the thousands of federal immigration officers from Minneapolis, Democrats argued it’s not enough.&nbsp;</p><p>“Without legislation, what Tom Homan says today could be reversed tomorrow on a whim from (President) Donald Trump,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor Thursday.</p><p>Asked by the press pool Friday about cutting a deal on the shutdown, &nbsp;Trump said,&nbsp;“We’ll see what happens. We always have to protect our law enforcement.”</p><p>After the Senate vote failed 52-47, members of Congress emptied out of Washington for the recess. Some were off to Munich, Germany for a major security conference.&nbsp;</p><h2>ICE still has cash at hand</h2><p>While the agency Trump tasked with carrying out his mass deportation campaign of immigrants will shut down, enforcement will continue because Congress allocated a separate stream of money, about $75 billion for U.S. Immigration and Enforcement Services.&nbsp;</p><p>During last fall’s government shutdown, which lasted a record-breaking 43 days, immigration enforcement continued.</p><p>The other agencies within DHS that will be shut down but continue to operate because they include essential workers include the&nbsp;Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secret Service, the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration, and&nbsp;Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency,&nbsp;among others.</p><p><a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-looms-fema-coast-guard-tsa-stalemate-over-homeland-security-funds" target="_blank">In general</a>, any employees who focus on national security issues or the protection of life and property would continue to work through a shutdown, while federal workers who don’t are supposed to be furloughed.&nbsp;</p><p>Neither category of employees will receive their paychecks during the funding lapse, though federal law requires they receive back pay once Congress approves some sort of spending bill.&nbsp;</p><h2>Democratic mayors call for GOP to accept proposals</h2><p>Democrats have pushed for policy changes after federal immigration officers killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, where a deportation drive is set to wind down after the city faced more than two months of aggressive immigration enforcment.&nbsp;</p><p>Renee Good was shot and killed by an immigration officer on Jan. 7, which prompted a bipartisan agreement to enact some guardrails, such as $20 million in funding for immigration agents to wear body cameras.&nbsp;</p><p>But a second killing by federal immigration officers, that of Alex Pretti on Jan. 24, prompted the Senate to decouple the Homeland Security measure from a package of spending bills, as Democrats floated proposals meant to rein in enforcement tactics, and prompted a four-day partial shutdown. A two-week funding patch was set for negotiations and it expires at midnight Friday.</p><p>Democratic mayors hailing from the major cities of Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Orleans and Portland, Oregon, Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.portland.gov/mayor/keith-wilson/news/2026/2/13/mayors-issue-joint-statement-regarding-department-homeland" target="_blank">issued a letter</a>&nbsp;that called on the top Republicans in Congress, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota and House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, to accept the proposals before DHS entered a shutdown.&nbsp;</p><p>“When federal agents operate in our streets without identification, without warrants, and without accountability, that trust is shattered,” they wrote. “All of us agree that for so long as the agency exists, new funding for the Department of Homeland Security must be conditioned on the comprehensive 10-point framework released last week.”</p><p>Those policy suggestions include requiring immigration officers to not wear masks and identify themselves, which has drawn strong opposition from Republicans and the leaders of ICE and Customs and Border Protection who argue the face coverings prevent their agents from being doxxed.&nbsp;</p><p>Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., sent the proposals over to the White House, but said the Trump administration’s response was “incomplete and insufficient in terms of addressing the concerns Americans have about ICE’s lawless conduct.”&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/2025_0930_dhs_procedures_related_to_a_lapse_in_appropriations.pdf" target="_blank">According to the contingency plan</a>&nbsp;for DHS, the agency expects about 20,000 employees out of 271,000 to be furloughed in the event of a government shutdown.</p>

Department of Homeland Security enters shutdown, amid dispute over funding

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.

A white Nissan Murano was southbound on Virginia in Kansas City at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The Nissan failed to stop for the posted stop sign at Rockhurst and Virginia. 

The Nissan continued southbound and struck a gold Jeep wrangler that was unoccupied and parked on Rockhurst. After striking the Jeep, the Nissan continued over the curb and up the grassy hill where it began to roll. The struck the Rockhurst College’s “Corcoran Building” before coming to rest. 

The driver and sole occupant of the Nissan was transported to a local hospital with Life-threatening injuries. The driver was pronounced deceased by hospital staff. This is fatality #7 compared to #5 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.

<p>KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>A white Nissan Murano was southbound on Virginia in Kansas City at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The Nissan failed to stop for the posted stop sign at Rockhurst and Virginia. </p><p>The Nissan continued southbound and struck a gold Jeep wrangler that was unoccupied and parked on Rockhurst. After striking the Jeep, the Nissan continued over the curb and up the grassy hill where it began to roll. The struck the Rockhurst College’s “Corcoran Building” before coming to rest. </p><p>The driver and sole occupant of the Nissan was transported to a local hospital with Life-threatening injuries. The driver was pronounced deceased by hospital staff. This is fatality #7 compared to #5 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.</p>

Driver dead after crash into building on college campus in Kansas City

On Friday at the direction of U.S. Southern commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to a social media report.

 Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed

The attack raises the death toll from the U.S. strikes on drug boats to 133 people in at least 38 attacks carried out since early September in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

<p>On Friday at the direction of U.S. Southern commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to a social media report.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On Feb. 13, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOUTHCOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOUTHCOM</a> commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known… <a href="https://t.co/y50Pbtexfi">pic.twitter.com/y50Pbtexfi</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2022469576332574908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p> Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed</p><p>The attack raises the death toll from the U.S. strikes on drug boats to 133 people in at least 38 attacks carried out since early September in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.</p>

🎥3 killed in another U.S. strike on a drug boat in the Caribbean

JOHNSON COUNTY —A man who admitted his role in a fentanyl overdose death is going to prison.

Last month, Judge Thomas Sutherland sentenced 34-year-old Gerrell M. McKoy to 184 months in prison for drug distribution causing death and 12 months for theft of between $12,000 and $100,000.

In October McKoy pleaded guilty to the charges in the death of 25-year-old Michael Danilov in March of 2020.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770414963550.png" alt="McKoy-photo Johnson County" />
                        <figcaption>McKoy-photo Johnson County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>JOHNSON COUNTY —A man who admitted his role in a fentanyl overdose death is going to prison.</p><p>Last month, Judge Thomas Sutherland sentenced 34-year-old Gerrell M. McKoy to 184 months in prison for drug distribution causing death and 12 months for theft of between $12,000 and $100,000.</p><p>In October McKoy pleaded guilty to the charges in the death of 25-year-old Michael Danilov in March of 2020.</p>

Kan. man going to prison for deadly fentanyl overdose death

SALINE COUNTY —Two Kansas teens are facing multiple allegations after a burglary in Salina.

Just before 2a.m. Friday, an officer on routine patrol in Salina observed the front door glass of Rod’s 5 convenience story, 680 S. Phillips Avenue in Salina, shattered, according to&nbsp;Police Captain James Feldman.

Officers searched the business and determined a burglary had occurred and numerous vapes had been stolen from the building. 

Officers also located blood near the broken glass. Police alerted the hospital and asked them to contact law enforcement if any came to the hospital with lacerations. 

At about 2:00 AM, the hospital reported a 17-year-old boy arrived with a laceration to his arm. Officers spoke with the boy who confirmed he had broken into the business along with a 16-year-old boy. Officers went to the residence of both suspects located in the 600 block of Gypsum where they took the second boy into custody and recovered the stolen vapes. 

Both boys face charges of Burglary, Felony Theft and Damage to property. The estimated theft is valued at over $1,000, and the damage is valued at about $1,000.

<p>SALINE COUNTY —Two Kansas teens are facing multiple allegations after a burglary in Salina.</p><p>Just before 2a.m. Friday, an officer on routine patrol in Salina observed the front door glass of Rod’s 5 convenience story, 680 S. Phillips Avenue in Salina, shattered, according to&nbsp;Police Captain James Feldman.</p><p>Officers searched the business and determined a burglary had occurred and numerous vapes had been stolen from the building. </p><p>Officers also located blood near the broken glass. Police alerted the hospital and asked them to contact law enforcement if any came to the hospital with lacerations. </p><p>At about 2:00 AM, the hospital reported a 17-year-old boy arrived with a laceration to his arm. Officers spoke with the boy who confirmed he had broken into the business along with a 16-year-old boy. Officers went to the residence of both suspects located in the 600 block of Gypsum where they took the second boy into custody and recovered the stolen vapes. </p><p>Both boys face charges of Burglary, Felony Theft and Damage to property. The estimated theft is valued at over $1,000, and the damage is valued at about $1,000.</p>

Hospital helps police catch Kansas teen injured in burglary

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

TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans and a Palantir-backed think tank want to require students to learn about communist and socialist regimes and pass a civics exam to graduate, all in response to political skepticism by Gen Z.

Sen. Brad Starnes, a Republican from Riley and a former district superintendent,&nbsp; introduced the bill Tuesday before the Senate Education Committee. He brought forward statistics: 19% of Americans under age 45 can pass the citizenship test, 34% of Americans ages 18-29 say they have a “favorable view” of communism, and a rising number of Gen Z and millennials who believe the “Communist Manifesto” guarantees freedom and equality better than the Declaration of Independence.&nbsp;

The statistics were provided by the Cicero Institute, a Texas-based conservative think tank founded by the billionaire co-founder of Palantir —&nbsp;the technology software company that combines&nbsp;<a href="https://newjerseymonitor.com/2026/01/30/nj-pension-fund-ice/" target="_blank">government data</a>&nbsp;into platforms for immigration agents. Cicero also lobbies for bills that&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/03/kansas-lawmakers-entertain-texas-groups-plan-to-penalize-homeless/">criminalize being homeless</a>.&nbsp;

More moderate to left-leaning think tanks have found the statistics to be more convoluted. While Gen Z women are the most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/aug/07/gen-z-voters-political-ideology-gender-gap#:~:text=Percentage%20of%20men%20aged%2018,somewhat%20agree%20with%20the%20following&amp;text=33-,Guardian%20graphic.,conservative%20than%20their%20millennial%20counterparts." target="_blank">progressive group</a>&nbsp;in American history, Gen Z men are becoming increasingly conservative — much more so than millennials when measured at the same age. In large metropolises like New York City, where&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/energized-dems-trumpet-wins-state-elections-buckle-midterms" target="_blank">residents just elected</a>&nbsp;the city’s first Democratic Socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, support for socialism is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.independent.org/article/2025/11/24/the-wave-of-evolutionary-socialism-in-american-cities/" target="_blank">on the rise</a>.&nbsp;

Starnes’ bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb381/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 381</a>, would direct the Kansas State Board of Education to develop curriculum to give K-12 public school students an understanding of “communist and socialist regimes and ideologies.”

The bill also would require all public and private school students to pass a civics exam in order to graduate high school. Students could retake it as many times as needed, and the bill would respect a student’s individualized education plan.&nbsp;

The questions of the civics exam would be modeled after the U.S. citizenship test.

Opponents — all of whom work in the education space — repeated a phrase commonly heard in Statehouse education hearings: “local control.” Timothy Graham, director of government relations and legislative affairs for the Kansas National Education Association, said he is tired of saying it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“What we’re saying is when you guys decide to get into these decisions that are traditionally left to the locals, because that is the ideal place for them to take place, if you’re going to get into that, then give a compelling reason why you should do that,” Graham said. “I don’t think Senate Bill 381 is a compelling reason. I don’t think it addresses anything that we need to be worried about in schools.”&nbsp;

Leah Fliter, assistant executive director of advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards, said: “It’s covered. And the teachers have the ability and the competency to cover that as is already described in graduation standards.”

Sen. Doug Shane, a Republican from Louisburg whose kids are home-schooled, questioned Fliter.&nbsp;

“To say that yeah we have courses in American history, yeah that’s true, but the content that’s being taught is un-American,” Shane said. “And this rise of anti-Americanism is fomented and breeding in our K-12 institutions. So to the point about local control, local control went out the door when unfortunately — not every single Kansas public school — but public schools have been used to foment anti-Americanism. And it’s really, really tragic.”&nbsp;

“Is this a question?” Fliter asked.&nbsp;

“It’s more of a statement,” Shane responded.

Fliter looked at the camera used to livestream hearings and raised her hands in apparent exasperation.

Shane, 37, said he was taught in school that Ronald Reagan was America’s worst president and that Nazism rose from a far-right government, when Shane said it actually emerged from socialism.&nbsp;

Adolf Hitler tied much of his far-right fascist ideas to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.britannica.com/story/were-the-nazis-socialists" target="_blank">socialist rhetoric</a>&nbsp;— like&nbsp;<a href="https://famous-trials.com/hitler/2529-1923-interview-with-adolf-hitler" target="_blank">“our socialism is national</a>” — and both were geared toward appealing to the lower middle class.&nbsp;

“I would imagine that a textbook from 20 years ago is quite different from a textbook being used today,” Fliter said.&nbsp;

Kathy Brown, who identified herself as a Topeka attorney, although she&nbsp;<a href="https://directory-kard.kscourts.gov/" target="_blank">doesn’t appear to be licensed</a>&nbsp;in Kansas, was among seven proponents who testified in support of the bill. There were seven opponents.&nbsp;

“As we see in this Legislature, our public schools are dominated by the left, they describe marxism as ‘Nirvana’, they teach our Judeo-Christian heritage as evil, Satan worshipers and Islam as diverse,” Brown said, without providing evidence to support her claims. “They frame the founders as white supremacists. They’re teaching racism though now, but against a new color — whiteness.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771019134286.png" alt="Sen. Brad Starnes proposes a bill that would require a civics test before graduating high school. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption>Sen. Brad Starnes proposes a bill that would require a civics test before graduating high school. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a></p><p>TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans and a Palantir-backed think tank want to require students to learn about communist and socialist regimes and pass a civics exam to graduate, all in response to political skepticism by Gen Z.</p><p>Sen. Brad Starnes, a Republican from Riley and a former district superintendent,&nbsp; introduced the bill Tuesday before the Senate Education Committee. He brought forward statistics: 19% of Americans under age 45 can pass the citizenship test, 34% of Americans ages 18-29 say they have a “favorable view” of communism, and a rising number of Gen Z and millennials who believe the “Communist Manifesto” guarantees freedom and equality better than the Declaration of Independence.&nbsp;</p><p>The statistics were provided by the Cicero Institute, a Texas-based conservative think tank founded by the billionaire co-founder of Palantir —&nbsp;the technology software company that combines&nbsp;<a href="https://newjerseymonitor.com/2026/01/30/nj-pension-fund-ice/" target="_blank">government data</a>&nbsp;into platforms for immigration agents. Cicero also lobbies for bills that&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/03/kansas-lawmakers-entertain-texas-groups-plan-to-penalize-homeless/">criminalize being homeless</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>More moderate to left-leaning think tanks have found the statistics to be more convoluted. While Gen Z women are the most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/aug/07/gen-z-voters-political-ideology-gender-gap#:~:text=Percentage%20of%20men%20aged%2018,somewhat%20agree%20with%20the%20following&amp;text=33-,Guardian%20graphic.,conservative%20than%20their%20millennial%20counterparts." target="_blank">progressive group</a>&nbsp;in American history, Gen Z men are becoming increasingly conservative — much more so than millennials when measured at the same age. In large metropolises like New York City, where&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/energized-dems-trumpet-wins-state-elections-buckle-midterms" target="_blank">residents just elected</a>&nbsp;the city’s first Democratic Socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, support for socialism is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.independent.org/article/2025/11/24/the-wave-of-evolutionary-socialism-in-american-cities/" target="_blank">on the rise</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Starnes’ bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb381/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 381</a>, would direct the Kansas State Board of Education to develop curriculum to give K-12 public school students an understanding of “communist and socialist regimes and ideologies.”</p><p>The bill also would require all public and private school students to pass a civics exam in order to graduate high school. Students could retake it as many times as needed, and the bill would respect a student’s individualized education plan.&nbsp;</p><p>The questions of the civics exam would be modeled after the U.S. citizenship test.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771019088853.png" alt="" />
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                    </figure><p>Opponents — all of whom work in the education space — repeated a phrase commonly heard in Statehouse education hearings: “local control.” Timothy Graham, director of government relations and legislative affairs for the Kansas National Education Association, said he is tired of saying it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“What we’re saying is when you guys decide to get into these decisions that are traditionally left to the locals, because that is the ideal place for them to take place, if you’re going to get into that, then give a compelling reason why you should do that,” Graham said. “I don’t think Senate Bill 381 is a compelling reason. I don’t think it addresses anything that we need to be worried about in schools.”&nbsp;</p><p>Leah Fliter, assistant executive director of advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards, said: “It’s covered. And the teachers have the ability and the competency to cover that as is already described in graduation standards.”</p><p>Sen. Doug Shane, a Republican from Louisburg whose kids are home-schooled, questioned Fliter.&nbsp;</p><p>“To say that yeah we have courses in American history, yeah that’s true, but the content that’s being taught is un-American,” Shane said. “And this rise of anti-Americanism is fomented and breeding in our K-12 institutions. So to the point about local control, local control went out the door when unfortunately — not every single Kansas public school — but public schools have been used to foment anti-Americanism. And it’s really, really tragic.”&nbsp;</p><p>“Is this a question?” Fliter asked.&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s more of a statement,” Shane responded.</p><p>Fliter looked at the camera used to livestream hearings and raised her hands in apparent exasperation.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771019031388.png" alt="Leah Fliter, assistant executive director of advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards, testifies Feb. 10, 2026, before the Senate Education Committee. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature video)" />
                        <figcaption>Leah Fliter, assistant executive director of advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards, testifies Feb. 10, 2026, before the Senate Education Committee. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature video)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Shane, 37, said he was taught in school that Ronald Reagan was America’s worst president and that Nazism rose from a far-right government, when Shane said it actually emerged from socialism.&nbsp;</p><p>Adolf Hitler tied much of his far-right fascist ideas to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.britannica.com/story/were-the-nazis-socialists" target="_blank">socialist rhetoric</a>&nbsp;— like&nbsp;<a href="https://famous-trials.com/hitler/2529-1923-interview-with-adolf-hitler" target="_blank">“our socialism is national</a>” — and both were geared toward appealing to the lower middle class.&nbsp;</p><p>“I would imagine that a textbook from 20 years ago is quite different from a textbook being used today,” Fliter said.&nbsp;</p><p>Kathy Brown, who identified herself as a Topeka attorney, although she&nbsp;<a href="https://directory-kard.kscourts.gov/" target="_blank">doesn’t appear to be licensed</a>&nbsp;in Kansas, was among seven proponents who testified in support of the bill. There were seven opponents.&nbsp;</p><p>“As we see in this Legislature, our public schools are dominated by the left, they describe marxism as ‘Nirvana’, they teach our Judeo-Christian heritage as evil, Satan worshipers and Islam as diverse,” Brown said, without providing evidence to support her claims. “They frame the founders as white supremacists. They’re teaching racism though now, but against a new color — whiteness.”</p>