Port-au-Prince —At the direction of the Secretary of War, three U.S. warships including the USS Stockdale, USCGC Stone and USCGC Diligence have arrived in the Bay of Port-au-Prince as part of Operation Southern Spear, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy Haiti.

"Their presence reflects the United States’ unwavering commitment to the security, stability, and a brighter future for the Republic of Haiti. The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard reaffirm their partnership and support to ensure a safer and more prosperous Haiti."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770258285185.png" alt="Photo U.S. Southern Command" />
                        <figcaption>Photo U.S. Southern Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Port-au-Prince —At the direction of the Secretary of War, three U.S. warships including the USS Stockdale, USCGC Stone and USCGC Diligence have arrived in the Bay of Port-au-Prince as part of Operation Southern Spear, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy Haiti.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770258402668.png" alt="Photo U.S. Southern Command" />
                        <figcaption>Photo U.S. Southern Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"Their presence reflects the United States’ unwavering commitment to the security, stability, and a brighter future for the Republic of Haiti. The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard reaffirm their partnership and support to ensure a safer and more prosperous Haiti."</p>

US Warships arrive off Haiti in campaign against drug traffickers

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an encounter with a sheriff's deputy on a northeast Kansas highway.

Just after 4 p.m. Jan. 31, that Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a person was slumped over the wheel in a Ford Edge in the intersection of 118th&nbsp;and U.S. Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The reporting party attempted to wake the person up by using his horn in his vehicle. Deputies arrived on the scene to find the driver and passenger both asleep in the vehicle.&nbsp; One of the deputies reported what allegedly appeared to be a methamphetamine pipe in the hand of the driver.&nbsp; The driver and passenger were arrested.

The driver, Lloyd Allan Wabaunsee, 36, of Mayetta and the passenger, Raven Marie Barber, 44, of Mayetta were transported to the Jackson County Jail. Wabaunsee was booked into the Jail on requested charges of possession of methampehtamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of controlled substances, unlawful possession of a hallucinogenic drug, unlawful distribution of controlled substances, driving under the influence, possession of weapon by a felon, criminal possession of a weapon and no drug tax stamp.

Barber was booked into the Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, distribution of controlled substances, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, criminal use of a weapon and no drug tax stamp.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770140504379.png" alt="Wabaunsee photo Jackson County" />
                        <figcaption>Wabaunsee photo Jackson County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an encounter with a sheriff's deputy on a northeast Kansas highway.</p><p>Just after 4 p.m. Jan. 31, that Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a person was slumped over the wheel in a Ford Edge in the intersection of 118th&nbsp;and U.S. Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770140485380.png" alt="Barber photo Jackson County" />
                        <figcaption>Barber photo Jackson County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p> The reporting party attempted to wake the person up by using his horn in his vehicle. Deputies arrived on the scene to find the driver and passenger both asleep in the vehicle.&nbsp; One of the deputies reported what allegedly appeared to be a methamphetamine pipe in the hand of the driver.&nbsp; The driver and passenger were arrested.</p><p>The driver, Lloyd Allan Wabaunsee, 36, of Mayetta and the passenger, Raven Marie Barber, 44, of Mayetta were transported to the Jackson County Jail. Wabaunsee was booked into the Jail on requested charges of possession of methampehtamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of controlled substances, unlawful possession of a hallucinogenic drug, unlawful distribution of controlled substances, driving under the influence, possession of weapon by a felon, criminal possession of a weapon and no drug tax stamp.</p><p>Barber was booked into the Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, distribution of controlled substances, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, criminal use of a weapon and no drug tax stamp.</p>

Sheriff: Kan. drug suspects were passed out in SUV on the highway

The new rules raise the bar to end filibusters after Democrats used procedural tactics to block appointments

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

Democrats won changes to the Missouri Senate’s rules Tuesday, cutting a deal with GOP leadership that ended<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/15/democrats-stall-missouri-governors-appointments-vow-to-slow-senate-pace/">&nbsp;two weeks of filibusters</a>&nbsp;blocking dozens of gubernatorial appointments.

The changes make it harder to cut off debate and require the Senate to wait a day before acting on bills that return from the House with amendments. Both were approved on a 23-11 vote over fierce opposition from conservative Republicans.

“This is a mistake for a number of reasons,” said state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican. “When we change the rules mid-process, we’re sending a signal that anything is on the table and we should be negotiating for more leverage at any point.”

Democrats had been widely expected to deploy procedural warfare from the opening day of the legislative session in retaliation for Republicans invoking a rarely used rule four times last year to cut off debate and advance major priorities — an abortion ban amendment, the repeal of expanded sick leave, changes to initiative petition rules and a gerrymandered congressional map.

Instead, the early weeks of the session passed quietly, with Democrats largely standing aside during ceremonial business.

That truce collapsed when the Senate moved to its first substantive action: confirming Gov. Mike Kehoe’s appointments. Democrats responded with filibusters that threatened to derail the confirmations entirely, arguing their tactics were aimed at restoring the Senate’s traditional role as the state’s more deliberative chamber.

Had the standoff continued, dozens of nominees would have been withdrawn or permanently barred from holding those positions.

Tuesday’s rule changes defused that threat — and ignited backlash from conservatives who argue they hand disproportionate influence to a Democratic caucus that holds just 10 of the chamber’s 34 seats.

Under the first change, ending a filibuster through a “previous question motion” now requires signatures from 18 senators, up from 10. The second requires Senate bills that return from the House with amendments or emerge from conference committees to “lie on the table” one day before final passage. Previously, they could be approved immediately.

“This is going to inoculate and protect the minority,” said state Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican.

With a constitutionally fixed adjournment date — 6 p.m. May 15 this year — opponents warn the added delay could doom legislation in the final weeks of the session.

Coleman said she has worked on several bills that would not have survived under the new rules.

“The truth is, any senator has the power to spend any amount of time on the floor asking questions about the conference report, reading through it and getting agreement,” she said. “You’re only getting a conference report adopted in the last week if everyone agrees with it.”

State Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, expressed frustration that the Senate was debating rule changes backed by Democrats while his own proposals have stalled. But he didn’t point the finger at Democrats.

“I empathize with the minority party and how they were treated,” Moon said. “We steamrolled them. We didn’t need to… we knew we were going to win, and what we did is not right. So I don’t blame them for the actions they’ve taken.”

Moon — who voted against Tuesday’s changes — blamed Republican leadership for sending the signal that the only way to make change is to hold the chamber hostage.

“Someone has to stand up and hold the floor during certain procedural motions to be recognized and to make substantive changes,” he said.

Moon has pushed a rule change requiring the Senate to provide video livestream of its floor proceedings. Missouri and North Carolina are the only states without Senate video livestreams, though the House does in both states.

“I’ve heard people say that if we do that, it’s going to turn this into a circus of campaigning,” Moon said. “We’re already there… I know sometimes we’ll be embarrassed because of some of our antics. There were times last year that if people could have seen it, we probably would have caught heck when we got back to our respective districts.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770240642545.png" alt="en. Mary Elizabeth Coleman enters the Missouri Senate on the first day of the 2023 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
                        <figcaption>en. Mary Elizabeth Coleman enters the Missouri Senate on the first day of the 2023 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>The new rules raise the bar to end filibusters after Democrats used procedural tactics to block appointments</h2><p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a><br><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/"><i>Missouri Independent</i></a></p><p>Democrats won changes to the Missouri Senate’s rules Tuesday, cutting a deal with GOP leadership that ended<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/15/democrats-stall-missouri-governors-appointments-vow-to-slow-senate-pace/">&nbsp;two weeks of filibusters</a>&nbsp;blocking dozens of gubernatorial appointments.</p><p>The changes make it harder to cut off debate and require the Senate to wait a day before acting on bills that return from the House with amendments. Both were approved on a 23-11 vote over fierce opposition from conservative Republicans.</p><p>“This is a mistake for a number of reasons,” said state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican. “When we change the rules mid-process, we’re sending a signal that anything is on the table and we should be negotiating for more leverage at any point.”</p><p>Democrats had been widely expected to deploy procedural warfare from the opening day of the legislative session in retaliation for Republicans invoking a rarely used rule four times last year to cut off debate and advance major priorities — an abortion ban amendment, the repeal of expanded sick leave, changes to initiative petition rules and a gerrymandered congressional map.</p><p>Instead, the early weeks of the session passed quietly, with Democrats largely standing aside during ceremonial business.</p><p>That truce collapsed when the Senate moved to its first substantive action: confirming Gov. Mike Kehoe’s appointments. Democrats responded with filibusters that threatened to derail the confirmations entirely, arguing their tactics were aimed at restoring the Senate’s traditional role as the state’s more deliberative chamber.</p><p>Had the standoff continued, dozens of nominees would have been withdrawn or permanently barred from holding those positions.</p><p>Tuesday’s rule changes defused that threat — and ignited backlash from conservatives who argue they hand disproportionate influence to a Democratic caucus that holds just 10 of the chamber’s 34 seats.</p><p>Under the first change, ending a filibuster through a “previous question motion” now requires signatures from 18 senators, up from 10. The second requires Senate bills that return from the House with amendments or emerge from conference committees to “lie on the table” one day before final passage. Previously, they could be approved immediately.</p><p>“This is going to inoculate and protect the minority,” said state Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican.</p><p>With a constitutionally fixed adjournment date — 6 p.m. May 15 this year — opponents warn the added delay could doom legislation in the final weeks of the session.</p><p>Coleman said she has worked on several bills that would not have survived under the new rules.</p><p>“The truth is, any senator has the power to spend any amount of time on the floor asking questions about the conference report, reading through it and getting agreement,” she said. “You’re only getting a conference report adopted in the last week if everyone agrees with it.”</p><p>State Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, expressed frustration that the Senate was debating rule changes backed by Democrats while his own proposals have stalled. But he didn’t point the finger at Democrats.</p><p>“I empathize with the minority party and how they were treated,” Moon said. “We steamrolled them. We didn’t need to… we knew we were going to win, and what we did is not right. So I don’t blame them for the actions they’ve taken.”</p><p>Moon — who voted against Tuesday’s changes — blamed Republican leadership for sending the signal that the only way to make change is to hold the chamber hostage.</p><p>“Someone has to stand up and hold the floor during certain procedural motions to be recognized and to make substantive changes,” he said.</p><p>Moon has pushed a rule change requiring the Senate to provide video livestream of its floor proceedings. Missouri and North Carolina are the only states without Senate video livestreams, though the House does in both states.</p><p>“I’ve heard people say that if we do that, it’s going to turn this into a circus of campaigning,” Moon said. “We’re already there… I know sometimes we’ll be embarrassed because of some of our antics. There were times last year that if people could have seen it, we probably would have caught heck when we got back to our respective districts.”</p>

Missouri Senate changes its rules to make it harder to cut off debate

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a>

TOPEKA — An ongoing battle between the attorney general and Kansas governor about releasing Kansans’ personal data to the federal government made its way to a Tuesday committee hearing on a bill intended to force the governor’s hand.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb428/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 428</a>&nbsp;requires the secretary of the Department for Children and Families to respond to federal data requests from the U.S. Department of Agriculture of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and release the data within 90 days.&nbsp;

The bill results from the Department for Children and Family’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/22/kansas-governors-office-disputes-accuracy-of-kobachs-claims-about-snap-funding/">refusal to share private data&nbsp;</a>of food program applicants and recipients with the USDA, Attorney General Kris Kobach told the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, or COGE.

“They don’t want the USDA to share the names of (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients with other federal agencies,” Kobach said. “Now, why would they not want that? I’m almost certain they don’t want it to be shared with the Justice Department so that a SNAP recipient who is fraudulently getting this money could be prosecuted.”

Kobach also said the governor didn’t want the data shared because the Department of Homeland Security could use it to identify people in the country illegally who receive food assistance.&nbsp;

People who are legal permanent residents can qualify for SNAP.

Gov. Laura Kelly’s spokeswoman, Olivia Taylor-Puckett, said DCF has concerns about whether USDA’s stated intent on using the data is legal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The Governor’s administration has been repeatedly raising concerns about the legality of the USDA’s data request as it pertains to the ‘Routine Use 8′ provision, which includes sharing Kansans’ personal private data, including full Social Security numbers, with foreign entities,” she said in an emailed statement. “It is both disappointing and disturbing that the Attorney General still doesn’t know the basic issues with the USDA’s request.”

Taylor-Puckett’s statement referred to a USDA notice published in the Federal Register that detailed how the data would be used. One section allowed the information to be shared with foreign entities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas is one of 21 states, all of which are participants in a Massachusetts lawsuit, that question whether the USDA’s intended use of the data is allowed in their data sharing contract. The case is still being decided.&nbsp;

Kobach told the committee the state will lose $20.8 million as part of its SNAP program because DCF did not release the data. DCF appealed the penalty so no money has been withheld from state SNAP administrative funds.&nbsp;

A hearing on the state’s appeal will be held Feb. 17, a governor’s office spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Travis Couture-Lovelady, a lobbyist with FGA Action, testified in favor of the bill, citing concerns with the integrity of the SNAP program.&nbsp;

“The goal is simple — reserve benefits for truly needy families and hold the fraudsters accountable,” he said.

Couture-Lovelady said the food assistance program has been “plagued” with improper payments, eligibility errors and fraud, as well as large-scale losses to benefit card theft and hacking schemes.&nbsp;

“In 2024, as the attorney general said, that’s the most recent data we have, Kansas’ SNAP error rate was nearly 10%, meaning roughly one out of every $10 in benefits was issued improperly, and that level of error is completely unacceptable,” he said.&nbsp;

The state’s SNAP error rate is not tied to fraud but instead tracks data entry errors, incomplete or inaccurate applicant information and other problems,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/26/kansas-official-defends-refusal-to-turn-over-private-food-program-data-in-face-of-political-attacks/">according to DCF secretary Laura Howard</a>. Fraud cases are handled through a separate department and aren’t included in the SNAP error rate.&nbsp;

DCF is working to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/22/kansas-agency-working-to-improve-accuracy-of-snap-payments-to-avoid-costly-federal-sanction/">drop the error rate</a>, which was under the 6% federally set threshold in August, at 5.5%.&nbsp;

Haley Kottler, an anti-hunger campaign director with Kansas Appleseed, submitted written testimony opposing the bill.&nbsp;

“This most recent conflict between 21 states and the federal government illustrates the extreme risk Kansas would be taking by enacting SB 428,” she said. “The provisions of this bill would not allow DCF and KDHE to contest federal data requests, despite the potential for serious concerns regarding privacy protection, the burden imposed on state resources and administrators, the misuse of data, liability, and compliance with eventual court decisions.”

She also raised concerns that threats to privacy would deter eligible households from seeking food assistance.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761944916334.png" alt="File Post photo" />
                        <figcaption>File Post photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><p>TOPEKA — An ongoing battle between the attorney general and Kansas governor about releasing Kansans’ personal data to the federal government made its way to a Tuesday committee hearing on a bill intended to force the governor’s hand.</p><p><a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb428/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 428</a>&nbsp;requires the secretary of the Department for Children and Families to respond to federal data requests from the U.S. Department of Agriculture of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and release the data within 90 days.&nbsp;</p><p>The bill results from the Department for Children and Family’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/22/kansas-governors-office-disputes-accuracy-of-kobachs-claims-about-snap-funding/">refusal to share private data&nbsp;</a>of food program applicants and recipients with the USDA, Attorney General Kris Kobach told the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, or COGE.</p><p>“They don’t want the USDA to share the names of (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients with other federal agencies,” Kobach said. “Now, why would they not want that? I’m almost certain they don’t want it to be shared with the Justice Department so that a SNAP recipient who is fraudulently getting this money could be prosecuted.”</p><p>Kobach also said the governor didn’t want the data shared because the Department of Homeland Security could use it to identify people in the country illegally who receive food assistance.&nbsp;</p><p>People who are legal permanent residents can qualify for SNAP.</p><p>Gov. Laura Kelly’s spokeswoman, Olivia Taylor-Puckett, said DCF has concerns about whether USDA’s stated intent on using the data is legal.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The Governor’s administration has been repeatedly raising concerns about the legality of the USDA’s data request as it pertains to the ‘Routine Use 8′ provision, which includes sharing Kansans’ personal private data, including full Social Security numbers, with foreign entities,” she said in an emailed statement. “It is both disappointing and disturbing that the Attorney General still doesn’t know the basic issues with the USDA’s request.”</p><p>Taylor-Puckett’s statement referred to a USDA notice published in the Federal Register that detailed how the data would be used. One section allowed the information to be shared with foreign entities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Kansas is one of 21 states, all of which are participants in a Massachusetts lawsuit, that question whether the USDA’s intended use of the data is allowed in their data sharing contract. The case is still being decided.&nbsp;</p><p>Kobach told the committee the state will lose $20.8 million as part of its SNAP program because DCF did not release the data. DCF appealed the penalty so no money has been withheld from state SNAP administrative funds.&nbsp;</p><p>A hearing on the state’s appeal will be held Feb. 17, a governor’s office spokesperson said.&nbsp;</p><p>Travis Couture-Lovelady, a lobbyist with FGA Action, testified in favor of the bill, citing concerns with the integrity of the SNAP program.&nbsp;</p><p>“The goal is simple — reserve benefits for truly needy families and hold the fraudsters accountable,” he said.</p><p>Couture-Lovelady said the food assistance program has been “plagued” with improper payments, eligibility errors and fraud, as well as large-scale losses to benefit card theft and hacking schemes.&nbsp;</p><p>“In 2024, as the attorney general said, that’s the most recent data we have, Kansas’ SNAP error rate was nearly 10%, meaning roughly one out of every $10 in benefits was issued improperly, and that level of error is completely unacceptable,” he said.&nbsp;</p><p>The state’s SNAP error rate is not tied to fraud but instead tracks data entry errors, incomplete or inaccurate applicant information and other problems,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/26/kansas-official-defends-refusal-to-turn-over-private-food-program-data-in-face-of-political-attacks/">according to DCF secretary Laura Howard</a>. Fraud cases are handled through a separate department and aren’t included in the SNAP error rate.&nbsp;</p><p>DCF is working to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/22/kansas-agency-working-to-improve-accuracy-of-snap-payments-to-avoid-costly-federal-sanction/">drop the error rate</a>, which was under the 6% federally set threshold in August, at 5.5%.&nbsp;</p><p>Haley Kottler, an anti-hunger campaign director with Kansas Appleseed, submitted written testimony opposing the bill.&nbsp;</p><p>“This most recent conflict between 21 states and the federal government illustrates the extreme risk Kansas would be taking by enacting SB 428,” she said. “The provisions of this bill would not allow DCF and KDHE to contest federal data requests, despite the potential for serious concerns regarding privacy protection, the burden imposed on state resources and administrators, the misuse of data, liability, and compliance with eventual court decisions.”</p><p>She also raised concerns that threats to privacy would deter eligible households from seeking food assistance.&nbsp;</p>

Proposed bill would require Kansas gov. to submit personal food assistance data to feds

WASHINGTON&nbsp;— Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dDqAJHbAEkzQ&amp;redir_log=23625287223293" target="_blank">grilled</a>&nbsp;Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos on Netflix’s promotion of transgender ideology in its streaming content. He also&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f2018790238689349965&amp;redir_log=974998919758289" target="_blank">secured</a>&nbsp;a commitment from Netflix to protect American jobs in its proposed merger with Warner Bros., according to a statement from the Senator's office.

Relating to LGBTQ material on Netflix’s platform, Senator Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f2018790698917793890&amp;redir_log=157715731489290" target="_blank">asked</a>,

“Why does almost half of your children’s program feature this highly controversial, highly sexualized material? That just seems strange to me. That can’t possibly reflect the population.”

Sarandos answered,&nbsp;“I don’t have any idea where that number would come from or what that would be. I don’t believe that’s been your personal experience, but I can’t speak to that.

”Senator Hawley cut him off, saying,&nbsp;“What do you mean you don’t think it’s been my personal experience? You don’t think I monitor what my children watch? I’ll tell you what my personal experience is since you bring it up: my personal experience is that my three children, I can’t let them watch anything on Netflix. I can’t let them watch anything on Netflix unless I preview it because I don’t have confidence in what is on your platform. I don’t know what they’re going to encounter. I don’t want my kids being pushed an agenda about their sexuality or gender identity when I have not had the opportunity first to discuss it with them and to form them in that.”&nbsp;

He continued,&nbsp;“On behalf of parents around the country, it offends me that Netflix is pushing this content at parents in what seems to be a very coordinated, thought-through, planned out agenda in a way that frankly I think undermines parents… It just seems to me that it’s a disservice to the parents in this country.”

“My concern is that you don’t share my values or those of many other American parents and you want the United States government to allow you to become one of the largest, if not the largest, streaming monopolist in the world – I think we ought to be concerned about what content you’re promoting,”&nbsp;Senator Hawley concluded.

“If this merger goes through, what’s your projection about the amount of domestic production, say, two years from now? Is it going to be static? Is it going to decline?”Senator Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f201879023868934996&amp;redir_log=461906387641285" target="_blank">asked</a>&nbsp;Sarandos.&nbsp;

Sarandos replied, “Most of our production is domestic, and it will continue to increase. We’ve recently forecast our content, independent of this deal, to grow to $20 billion.”

Senator Hawley continued, “Will you commit to increasing domestic United States production and domestic United States production jobs?”

“Senator Hawley,&nbsp;absolutely. It’s in our business plan, it’s in our longterm operating DNA,”&nbsp;answered Sarandos.

“Will you commit to using union labor for all domestic shoots?”&nbsp;asked Senator Hawley. “Will you commit to using it in the future for all domestic shoots if this deal does go through?

“This is the most unionized industry in America, and we use union labor in all our production…You have my commitment,”&nbsp;Sarandos said.

Watch the full exchange&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dDqAJHbAEkzQ&amp;redir_log=23625287223293" target="_blank">here.</a>&nbsp;

<p>WASHINGTON&nbsp;— Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dDqAJHbAEkzQ&amp;redir_log=23625287223293" target="_blank">grilled</a>&nbsp;Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos on Netflix’s promotion of transgender ideology in its streaming content. He also&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f2018790238689349965&amp;redir_log=974998919758289" target="_blank">secured</a>&nbsp;a commitment from Netflix to protect American jobs in its proposed merger with Warner Bros., according to a statement from the Senator's office.</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DqAJHbAEkzQ?si=F8xL3l8RBk1i2M6v" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p>Relating to LGBTQ material on Netflix’s platform, Senator Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f2018790698917793890&amp;redir_log=157715731489290" target="_blank">asked</a>,</p><p>“Why does almost half of your children’s program feature this highly controversial, highly sexualized material? That just seems strange to me. That can’t possibly reflect the population.”</p><p>Sarandos answered,&nbsp;“I don’t have any idea where that number would come from or what that would be. I don’t believe that’s been your personal experience, but I can’t speak to that.</p><p>”Senator Hawley cut him off, saying,&nbsp;“What do you mean you don’t think it’s been my personal experience? You don’t think I monitor what my children watch? I’ll tell you what my personal experience is since you bring it up: my personal experience is that my three children, I can’t let them watch anything on Netflix. I can’t let them watch anything on Netflix unless I preview it because I don’t have confidence in what is on your platform. I don’t know what they’re going to encounter. I don’t want my kids being pushed an agenda about their sexuality or gender identity when I have not had the opportunity first to discuss it with them and to form them in that.”&nbsp;</p><p>He continued,&nbsp;“On behalf of parents around the country, it offends me that Netflix is pushing this content at parents in what seems to be a very coordinated, thought-through, planned out agenda in a way that frankly I think undermines parents… It just seems to me that it’s a disservice to the parents in this country.”</p><p>“My concern is that you don’t share my values or those of many other American parents and you want the United States government to allow you to become one of the largest, if not the largest, streaming monopolist in the world – I think we ought to be concerned about what content you’re promoting,”&nbsp;Senator Hawley concluded.</p><p>“If this merger goes through, what’s your projection about the amount of domestic production, say, two years from now? Is it going to be static? Is it going to decline?”Senator Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f201879023868934996&amp;redir_log=461906387641285" target="_blank">asked</a>&nbsp;Sarandos.&nbsp;</p><p>Sarandos replied, “Most of our production is domestic, and it will continue to increase. We’ve recently forecast our content, independent of this deal, to grow to $20 billion.”</p><p>Senator Hawley continued, “Will you commit to increasing domestic United States production and domestic United States production jobs?”</p><p>“Senator Hawley,&nbsp;absolutely. It’s in our business plan, it’s in our longterm operating DNA,”&nbsp;answered Sarandos.</p><p>“Will you commit to using union labor for all domestic shoots?”&nbsp;asked Senator Hawley. “Will you commit to using it in the future for all domestic shoots if this deal does go through?</p><p>“This is the most unionized industry in America, and we use union labor in all our production…You have my commitment,”&nbsp;Sarandos said.</p><p>Watch the full exchange&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dDqAJHbAEkzQ&amp;redir_log=23625287223293" target="_blank">here.</a>&nbsp;</p>

🎥Mo. U.S. Senator grills Netflix CEO for promoting transgender ideology

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The State of Kansas ends&nbsp;January&nbsp;2026&nbsp;with total tax collections at $988.2 million. That is $12.2&nbsp;million, or&nbsp;1.2%,&nbsp;above&nbsp;the estimate. Total tax collections were&nbsp;up 4.8% from&nbsp;January&nbsp;2025, according to a media release from the governor's office.

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2026%2F02%2F02%2Ffile_attachments%2F3541384%2F07_January_Revenue_FY2026_02-02-2026_Final.pdf/1/0101019c1ff67759-7b28bc96-2b6d-42b3-9937-5470eadc1fd4-000000/tt-ZnPoShuodwKNXEvex61mrWyyUsblaSF7hhM5zd0M=442">here</a>&nbsp;to view the&nbsp;January&nbsp;2026&nbsp;revenue numbers.&nbsp;

“Over the past few years, the Legislature has spent more than Kansas has been taking in, creating a structural imbalance of&nbsp;hundreds of millions of dollars,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“My final budget puts Kansas on a&nbsp;path to rectify that unsustainable balance over time.”&nbsp;

Individual income tax collections were $542.3 million. That is $7.3 million, or 1.4% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 8.4% from January 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $86.2 million. That is $16.2 million, or 23.2% above the estimate, and up 18.1% from January 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $337.8&nbsp;million, which is&nbsp;$12.2 million,&nbsp;or 3.5%&nbsp;below&nbsp;the estimate, and down 3.2% from January 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The State of Kansas ends&nbsp;January&nbsp;2026&nbsp;with total tax collections at $988.2 million. That is $12.2&nbsp;million, or&nbsp;1.2%,&nbsp;above&nbsp;the estimate. Total tax collections were&nbsp;up 4.8% from&nbsp;January&nbsp;2025, according to a media release from the governor's office.</p><p>Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2026%2F02%2F02%2Ffile_attachments%2F3541384%2F07_January_Revenue_FY2026_02-02-2026_Final.pdf/1/0101019c1ff67759-7b28bc96-2b6d-42b3-9937-5470eadc1fd4-000000/tt-ZnPoShuodwKNXEvex61mrWyyUsblaSF7hhM5zd0M=442">here</a>&nbsp;to view the&nbsp;January&nbsp;2026&nbsp;revenue numbers.&nbsp;</p><p>“Over the past few years, the Legislature has spent more than Kansas has been taking in, creating a structural imbalance of&nbsp;hundreds of millions of dollars,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“My final budget puts Kansas on a&nbsp;path to rectify that unsustainable balance over time.”&nbsp;</p><p>Individual income tax collections were $542.3 million. That is $7.3 million, or 1.4% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 8.4% from January 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $86.2 million. That is $16.2 million, or 23.2% above the estimate, and up 18.1% from January 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $337.8&nbsp;million, which is&nbsp;$12.2 million,&nbsp;or 3.5%&nbsp;below&nbsp;the estimate, and down 3.2% from January 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Kansas total tax collections above the estimate for January

Deandre Pointer lost his challenge to the way the Missouri Department of Corrections calculated his time-served credit. His attorney says he will appeal

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

A Missouri man fighting a calculation that could keep him in state prison for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/08/missouri-math-how-a-23-year-sentence-adds-up-to-more-than-40-years-in-prison/">more than 40 years</a>&nbsp;on a 23-year sentence lost the first round of a court battle seeking to be released.

On Friday, Cole County Circuit Judge Brian Stumpe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/MEMORANDUM,%20ORDER%20AND%20JUDGMENT.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3793908" target="_blank">refused to order</a>&nbsp;the Missouri Department of Corrections to change how it calculated the time-served credit for Deandre Pointer, resentenced in 2023 for his part in two 2003 Kansas City murders.

Because his initial sentence was four terms to be served consecutively, Stumpe wrote, the department was correct to apply his time in state custody to only one of the terms imposed at resentencing, even if the new sentence called for the time to be served as a single, concurrent term.

“Put simply, Pointer has received all the jail time credit to which he is entitled…,” Stumpe wrote.

During an interview last year with The Independent, Pointer said he thought the work he had done to have his initial sentence overturned would also result in his release in 2024.

After years of protesting his innocence of the murder charges and failing to convince any court, Pointer cut a deal to trade his life without parole sentence for a 23-year term on two counts of second degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action.

He did it, Pointer said, to care for his family.

“The only reason why I took this plea was that my father was sick,” Pointer said.

Stumpe’s decision came in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=24AC-CC05711&amp;inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0004_CT19&amp;inputVO.isTicket=false#header" target="_blank">case seeking a declaration</a>&nbsp;that the department had improperly denied Pointer credit for the time served since his original conviction.

The decision will be appealed, Kent Gipson, Pointer’s attorney, said in an email to The Independent.&nbsp;

“I am obviously disappointed by the decision but I can’t say I am surprised,” Gipson said. “I can honestly say that in my 40-plus years as a lawyer, this case is the most bizarre and irrational situation I have ever encountered.”

In June 2003, Pointer was sharing his home with a man named Eddie Hall. On June 12, 2003, Hall brought a woman to the home, smoked crack with her and then strangled her. Pointer helped Hall dispose of the body.

Five days later, Pointer’s cousin,&nbsp;Bobby Roby, and another woman arrived in the evening. Near midnight, according to the statement Pointer made to police, Hall again pulled a gun, tied Pointer to a chair with speaker wire, bound Roby with duct tape to a basement support pole and raped the woman.&nbsp;

Roby was strangled and Hall forced the woman to help him get rid of his body.

At his trial, Pointer contended he was a victim and was forced to help Hall in fear of his life. The jury found him guilty of one count of first-degree murder, a count of second-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action.

He was sentenced to life in prison without parole on the first-degree murder charge and life in prison, with possibility of parole, on the other three counts. The counts were to run consecutively.

His efforts to get the sentence changed stalled in 2008, when a judge dismissed an appeal after rescinding an order for a public defender. Gipson successfully reopened the appeal in 2022 and, after negotiations, Pointer pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action, receiving the 23-year sentence on all counts to be served concurrently.

Because he was serving life without parole on the first degree murder count, Pointer never began his sentences on the other three counts.&nbsp;

The department awarded Pointer 6,929 days of credit toward one of the second-degree murder charges but only 557 days&nbsp;against the other three counts for the time he was held in the Jackson County jail from the time of his arrest in 2003 until his conviction in 2005.

The department calculated Pointer’s release date as occurring in 2044.

“Pointer argues it was wrong for the department to apply the credit from his vacated first-degree murder sentence first to the second degree murder sentence,” Stumpe wrote. “But the department is required to calculate the time in that fashion.”

State law and prior court precedent mean that because Pointer had not begun serving any of the counts which had a possibility of parole, the department did not have to credit his prison time to all four counts, Stumpe wrote.

“Pointer had not yet started to serve his consecutive sentences for second-degree murder and armed criminal action and he cannot receive jail-time credit on those sentences now,” Stumpe wrote.

Along with challenging the calculation directly in Cole County, Pointer is asking the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=2316-CV31115&amp;inputVO.courtId=CT16&amp;inputVO.isTicket=false#header" target="_blank">Jackson County courts</a>&nbsp;to again vacate his sentence and re-impose it in shorter, consecutive blocks that total 23 years instead.

That case is months away from a final ruling.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770153844113.png" alt=" Deandre Pointer, a man incarcerated at the Jefferson City Correctional Center, discusses his legal effort to get his parole date recalculated. If the date is not changed, Pointer will serve 40 years on a 23-year sentence (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
                        <figcaption> Deandre Pointer, a man incarcerated at the Jefferson City Correctional Center, discusses his legal effort to get his parole date recalculated. If the date is not changed, Pointer will serve 40 years on a 23-year sentence (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Deandre Pointer lost his challenge to the way the Missouri Department of Corrections calculated his time-served credit. His attorney says he will appeal</h2><p>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a><br><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/"><i>Missouri Independent</i></a></p><p>A Missouri man fighting a calculation that could keep him in state prison for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/08/missouri-math-how-a-23-year-sentence-adds-up-to-more-than-40-years-in-prison/">more than 40 years</a>&nbsp;on a 23-year sentence lost the first round of a court battle seeking to be released.</p><p>On Friday, Cole County Circuit Judge Brian Stumpe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/MEMORANDUM,%20ORDER%20AND%20JUDGMENT.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3793908" target="_blank">refused to order</a>&nbsp;the Missouri Department of Corrections to change how it calculated the time-served credit for Deandre Pointer, resentenced in 2023 for his part in two 2003 Kansas City murders.</p><p>Because his initial sentence was four terms to be served consecutively, Stumpe wrote, the department was correct to apply his time in state custody to only one of the terms imposed at resentencing, even if the new sentence called for the time to be served as a single, concurrent term.</p><p>“Put simply, Pointer has received all the jail time credit to which he is entitled…,” Stumpe wrote.</p><p>During an interview last year with The Independent, Pointer said he thought the work he had done to have his initial sentence overturned would also result in his release in 2024.</p><p>After years of protesting his innocence of the murder charges and failing to convince any court, Pointer cut a deal to trade his life without parole sentence for a 23-year term on two counts of second degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action.</p><p>He did it, Pointer said, to care for his family.</p><p>“The only reason why I took this plea was that my father was sick,” Pointer said.</p><p>Stumpe’s decision came in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=24AC-CC05711&amp;inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0004_CT19&amp;inputVO.isTicket=false#header" target="_blank">case seeking a declaration</a>&nbsp;that the department had improperly denied Pointer credit for the time served since his original conviction.</p><p>The decision will be appealed, Kent Gipson, Pointer’s attorney, said in an email to The Independent.&nbsp;</p><p>“I am obviously disappointed by the decision but I can’t say I am surprised,” Gipson said. “I can honestly say that in my 40-plus years as a lawyer, this case is the most bizarre and irrational situation I have ever encountered.”</p><p>In June 2003, Pointer was sharing his home with a man named Eddie Hall. On June 12, 2003, Hall brought a woman to the home, smoked crack with her and then strangled her. Pointer helped Hall dispose of the body.</p><p>Five days later, Pointer’s cousin,&nbsp;Bobby Roby, and another woman arrived in the evening. Near midnight, according to the statement Pointer made to police, Hall again pulled a gun, tied Pointer to a chair with speaker wire, bound Roby with duct tape to a basement support pole and raped the woman.&nbsp;</p><p>Roby was strangled and Hall forced the woman to help him get rid of his body.</p><p>At his trial, Pointer contended he was a victim and was forced to help Hall in fear of his life. The jury found him guilty of one count of first-degree murder, a count of second-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action.</p><p>He was sentenced to life in prison without parole on the first-degree murder charge and life in prison, with possibility of parole, on the other three counts. The counts were to run consecutively.</p><p>His efforts to get the sentence changed stalled in 2008, when a judge dismissed an appeal after rescinding an order for a public defender. Gipson successfully reopened the appeal in 2022 and, after negotiations, Pointer pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action, receiving the 23-year sentence on all counts to be served concurrently.</p><p>Because he was serving life without parole on the first degree murder count, Pointer never began his sentences on the other three counts.&nbsp;</p><p>The department awarded Pointer 6,929 days of credit toward one of the second-degree murder charges but only 557 days&nbsp;against the other three counts for the time he was held in the Jackson County jail from the time of his arrest in 2003 until his conviction in 2005.</p><p>The department calculated Pointer’s release date as occurring in 2044.</p><p>“Pointer argues it was wrong for the department to apply the credit from his vacated first-degree murder sentence first to the second degree murder sentence,” Stumpe wrote. “But the department is required to calculate the time in that fashion.”</p><p>State law and prior court precedent mean that because Pointer had not begun serving any of the counts which had a possibility of parole, the department did not have to credit his prison time to all four counts, Stumpe wrote.</p><p>“Pointer had not yet started to serve his consecutive sentences for second-degree murder and armed criminal action and he cannot receive jail-time credit on those sentences now,” Stumpe wrote.</p><p>Along with challenging the calculation directly in Cole County, Pointer is asking the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=2316-CV31115&amp;inputVO.courtId=CT16&amp;inputVO.isTicket=false#header" target="_blank">Jackson County courts</a>&nbsp;to again vacate his sentence and re-impose it in shorter, consecutive blocks that total 23 years instead.</p><p>That case is months away from a final ruling.</p>

Court rules against man serving 40+ years on a 23-year prison sentence

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is now officially accepting applications for the 127th Recruit Class, inviting qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply. 

Testing will be conducted in Jefferson City as the first step in a rigorous multi-phase selection process. This evaluation is specifically designed to identify candidates who possess the discipline, grit, and unwavering commitment required to serve as Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers. The 127th Recruit Class is slated to begin its professional training on January 4, 2027.

To qualify for the academy, candidates must hold a high school diploma or GED and be at least 21 years of age by their graduation date. One of the standout features of this program is the significant academic advancement offered upon completion. 

Graduates are eligible for substantial college credit hours through several partner institutions, including Mineral Area College (46 hours), the University of Central Missouri (30 hours), Missouri State University (57 hours), and Southwest Baptist University (45 hours). Additionally, recruits can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from Mineral Area College by completing just 16 extra credit hours online through Western Governors University during their time at the Academy.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains specific uniform and grooming standards. While tattoos and brands are permitted, they must adhere to two primary rules: they cannot depict or support offensive or criminal content (such as drug usage, bigotry, or subversive groups), and they must not be visible while in uniform or on-duty civilian attire. Specifically, tattoos are prohibited on the head, neck, hands, and wrists. The only exception is a single, traditional band-style ring tattoo on one finger, provided it does not extend beyond the proximal phalanx.

The journey to becoming a trooper involves a comprehensive, multi-phase evaluation. This includes a written examination, a physical fitness assessment, a polygraph test, an in-depth background investigation, and an oral interview. Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must then pass a medical exam, a psychological evaluation, and a drug screening. To ensure transparency, successful applicants will be notified of their specific duty assignments before the Academy training begins.

Interested individuals can learn more about the qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter by calling 1-800-796-7000.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565002090325.png" alt="MSHP" />
                        <figcaption>MSHP</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By RYAN SKAITH</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol is now officially accepting applications for the 127th Recruit Class, inviting qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply. </p><p>Testing will be conducted in Jefferson City as the first step in a rigorous multi-phase selection process. This evaluation is specifically designed to identify candidates who possess the discipline, grit, and unwavering commitment required to serve as Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers. The 127th Recruit Class is slated to begin its professional training on January 4, 2027.</p><p>To qualify for the academy, candidates must hold a high school diploma or GED and be at least 21 years of age by their graduation date. One of the standout features of this program is the significant academic advancement offered upon completion. </p><p>Graduates are eligible for substantial college credit hours through several partner institutions, including Mineral Area College (46 hours), the University of Central Missouri (30 hours), Missouri State University (57 hours), and Southwest Baptist University (45 hours). Additionally, recruits can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from Mineral Area College by completing just 16 extra credit hours online through Western Governors University during their time at the Academy.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains specific uniform and grooming standards. While tattoos and brands are permitted, they must adhere to two primary rules: they cannot depict or support offensive or criminal content (such as drug usage, bigotry, or subversive groups), and they must not be visible while in uniform or on-duty civilian attire. Specifically, tattoos are prohibited on the head, neck, hands, and wrists. The only exception is a single, traditional band-style ring tattoo on one finger, provided it does not extend beyond the proximal phalanx.</p><p>The journey to becoming a trooper involves a comprehensive, multi-phase evaluation. This includes a written examination, a physical fitness assessment, a polygraph test, an in-depth background investigation, and an oral interview. Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must then pass a medical exam, a psychological evaluation, and a drug screening. To ensure transparency, successful applicants will be notified of their specific duty assignments before the Academy training begins.</p><p>Interested individuals can learn more about the qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter by calling 1-800-796-7000.</p>

Join the 127th Recruit Class: Missouri State Highway Patrol is now hiring

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>

WASHINGTON — The partial government shutdown that began this weekend ended Tuesday when President Donald Trump signed the funding package that both chambers of Congress approved within the last week.&nbsp;

“We’ve succeeded in passing a fiscally reasonable package that actually cuts wasteful federal spending while supporting critical programs for the safety, security and prosperity for the American people,” Trump said in the Oval Office.

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202653" target="_blank">voted 217-214</a>&nbsp;earlier in the day to clear the package for Trump following a tumultuous couple of weeks on Capitol Hill after it had stalled in the Senate. Democrats demanded additional restraints on immigration enforcement in reaction to the shooting death of a second U.S. citizen in Minneapolis.&nbsp;

Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., reached agreement last week to pull the full-year appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security and replace it with a two-week stopgap measure.

That is supposed to give leaders in Congress and the administration a bit of time to find consensus on changes to how immigration officers operate.

Trump did not say if he agreed with any of the proposed changes to immigration enforcement floated by Democrats.&nbsp;

“I haven’t even thought about it,” Trump said.&nbsp;

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said during a morning press conference he wants negotiations to address local and state governments that don’t cooperate with federal immigration enforcement activities, often called sanctuary cities.&nbsp;

“What must be a part of that discussion is the participation of blue cities in federal immigration enforcement,” he said. “You can’t go to a sanctuary city and pretend like the law doesn’t apply there. It does and so we are going to be working through all that.”&nbsp;

Johnson said GOP lawmakers would not agree to require federal immigration agents to secure judicial warrants in order to detain people, one of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-dems-demand-mask-ban-body-camera-requirement-ids-immigration-agents" target="_blank">several proposals Democrats have put forward</a>.

“We are never going to go along with adding an entirely new layer of judicial warrants because it is unimplementable,” he said. “It cannot be done and it should not be done and it’s not necessary.”&nbsp;

Johnson, a constitutional lawyer, said those administrative warrants are “sufficient legal authority to go and apprehend someone.”

When pressed if that type of warrant is enough to enter someone’s home without violating the Fourth Amendment, Johnson said that a “controversy has erupted” over what immigration agents should do when someone they’re trying to detain enters a private residence.&nbsp;

“What is Immigration and Customs Enforcement supposed to do at that point? ‘Oh gee whiz, they locked the door. I guess we’ll just go on.’ So there is some logic and reason that is to be applied here,” Johnson said. “Some have complained that the force has been excessive or what have you. I don’t know. We’re going to figure that out. It’s part of the discussion over the next couple weeks.”

Johnson said GOP negotiators will also make sure Congress maintains “important parameters” on immigration law and enforcement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We can’t go down the road of amnesty, you can’t in any way lighten the enforcement requirement of federal immigration law,” he said. “That’s what the American people demand and deserve.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said during an afternoon press conference that Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, chairwoman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, would lead negotiations for Republicans in that chamber.&nbsp;

“Katie Britt will lead that on our side, but ultimately, that’s going to be a conversation between the President of the United States and (Senate) Democrats,” Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said.&nbsp;

During an afternoon press conference, Schumer said that “Thune has to be a part of these negotiations.”&nbsp;

Schumer said that Democrats are going to detail their proposals to Republicans in the House, Senate and White House.

“If Leader Thune negotiates in good faith, we can get it done,” Schumer said of the Homeland Security funding bill.&nbsp;

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who serves as ranking member on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, said Senate Democrats are “ready to work.”

“We have a proposal ready. We’re going to start moving no matter who they (pick) at the end of the day, and the White House needs to be involved,” Murray said.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said there are “a whole bunch” of proposals.

“The House had to do what they had to do … which is great. And what we now have to do is figure out what’s this universe of reforms that we can come to consensus on,” said Murkowski, who issued a statement last week declaring her support for “<a href="https://x.com/lisamurkowski/status/2017401976233853031?s=20" target="_blank">meaningful reforms</a>” for ICE.

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said during floor debate on the government spending package that clearing the legislation was the best way to move into negotiations about immigration enforcement.

“We will be in the strongest possible position to fight for and win the drastic changes we all know are needed to protect our communities — judicial warrant requirements, no more detentions or deportations of United States citizens, an enforceable code of conduct, taking off the masks, putting the badges on, requiring the body cameras, real accountability for the egregious abuses we have seen,” she said.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., said funding the government “is not an optional exercise, it’s the most basic duty we have in Congress.”

“Shutdowns are never the answer, they don’t work,” he said. “They only hurt the American people. So today lawmakers in this chamber have an opportunity to avoid repeating past mistakes.”

In addition to providing two more weeks of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7148/text" target="_blank">$1.2 trillion spending package</a>&nbsp;holds full-year appropriations bills for the departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, State, Transportation and Treasury. The Senate voted 71-29 on Friday evening&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/partial-federal-government-shutdown-begins-amid-hopes-it-wont-last-long" target="_blank">to send the package</a>&nbsp;to the House.

Congress had already approved half of the dozen annual appropriations bills for the fiscal year that began back on Oct. 1.&nbsp;

<p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — The partial government shutdown that began this weekend ended Tuesday when President Donald Trump signed the funding package that both chambers of Congress approved within the last week.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;This bill is a great victory for the American people. Instead of a bloated and wasteful omnibus monstrosity full of special interest handouts, we&#39;ve succeeded in passing a fiscally responsible package that actually cuts wasteful federal spending, while supporting… <a href="https://t.co/e8SaId9wSh">https://t.co/e8SaId9wSh</a> <a href="https://t.co/rteuybrPSv">pic.twitter.com/rteuybrPSv</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2018800271019671602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>“We’ve succeeded in passing a fiscally reasonable package that actually cuts wasteful federal spending while supporting critical programs for the safety, security and prosperity for the American people,” Trump said in the Oval Office.</p><p>The House&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202653" target="_blank">voted 217-214</a>&nbsp;earlier in the day to clear the package for Trump following a tumultuous couple of weeks on Capitol Hill after it had stalled in the Senate. Democrats demanded additional restraints on immigration enforcement in reaction to the shooting death of a second U.S. citizen in Minneapolis.&nbsp;</p><p>Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., reached agreement last week to pull the full-year appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security and replace it with a two-week stopgap measure.</p><p>That is supposed to give leaders in Congress and the administration a bit of time to find consensus on changes to how immigration officers operate.</p><p>Trump did not say if he agreed with any of the proposed changes to immigration enforcement floated by Democrats.&nbsp;</p><p>“I haven’t even thought about it,” Trump said.&nbsp;</p><p>Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said during a morning press conference he wants negotiations to address local and state governments that don’t cooperate with federal immigration enforcement activities, often called sanctuary cities.&nbsp;</p><p>“What must be a part of that discussion is the participation of blue cities in federal immigration enforcement,” he said. “You can’t go to a sanctuary city and pretend like the law doesn’t apply there. It does and so we are going to be working through all that.”&nbsp;</p><h2>Administrative warrants debate</h2><p>Johnson said GOP lawmakers would not agree to require federal immigration agents to secure judicial warrants in order to detain people, one of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-dems-demand-mask-ban-body-camera-requirement-ids-immigration-agents" target="_blank">several proposals Democrats have put forward</a>.</p><p>“We are never going to go along with adding an entirely new layer of judicial warrants because it is unimplementable,” he said. “It cannot be done and it should not be done and it’s not necessary.”&nbsp;</p><p>Johnson, a constitutional lawyer, said those administrative warrants are “sufficient legal authority to go and apprehend someone.”</p><p>When pressed if that type of warrant is enough to enter someone’s home without violating the Fourth Amendment, Johnson said that a “controversy has erupted” over what immigration agents should do when someone they’re trying to detain enters a private residence.&nbsp;</p><p>“What is Immigration and Customs Enforcement supposed to do at that point? ‘Oh gee whiz, they locked the door. I guess we’ll just go on.’ So there is some logic and reason that is to be applied here,” Johnson said. “Some have complained that the force has been excessive or what have you. I don’t know. We’re going to figure that out. It’s part of the discussion over the next couple weeks.”</p><p>Johnson said GOP negotiators will also make sure Congress maintains “important parameters” on immigration law and enforcement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We can’t go down the road of amnesty, you can’t in any way lighten the enforcement requirement of federal immigration law,” he said. “That’s what the American people demand and deserve.”</p><h2>Senators ‘ready to work’</h2><p>Senate Majority Leader John Thune said during an afternoon press conference that Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, chairwoman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, would lead negotiations for Republicans in that chamber.&nbsp;</p><p>“Katie Britt will lead that on our side, but ultimately, that’s going to be a conversation between the President of the United States and (Senate) Democrats,” Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said.&nbsp;</p><p>During an afternoon press conference, Schumer said that “Thune has to be a part of these negotiations.”&nbsp;</p><p>Schumer said that Democrats are going to detail their proposals to Republicans in the House, Senate and White House.</p><p>“If Leader Thune negotiates in good faith, we can get it done,” Schumer said of the Homeland Security funding bill.&nbsp;</p><p>Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who serves as ranking member on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, said Senate Democrats are “ready to work.”</p><p>“We have a proposal ready. We’re going to start moving no matter who they (pick) at the end of the day, and the White House needs to be involved,” Murray said.</p><p>Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said there are “a whole bunch” of proposals.</p><p>“The House had to do what they had to do … which is great. And what we now have to do is figure out what’s this universe of reforms that we can come to consensus on,” said Murkowski, who issued a statement last week declaring her support for “<a href="https://x.com/lisamurkowski/status/2017401976233853031?s=20" target="_blank">meaningful reforms</a>” for ICE.</p><h2>‘Most basic duty’ of Congress</h2><p>Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said during floor debate on the government spending package that clearing the legislation was the best way to move into negotiations about immigration enforcement.</p><p>“We will be in the strongest possible position to fight for and win the drastic changes we all know are needed to protect our communities — judicial warrant requirements, no more detentions or deportations of United States citizens, an enforceable code of conduct, taking off the masks, putting the badges on, requiring the body cameras, real accountability for the egregious abuses we have seen,” she said.</p><p>House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., said funding the government “is not an optional exercise, it’s the most basic duty we have in Congress.”</p><p>“Shutdowns are never the answer, they don’t work,” he said. “They only hurt the American people. So today lawmakers in this chamber have an opportunity to avoid repeating past mistakes.”</p><p>In addition to providing two more weeks of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7148/text" target="_blank">$1.2 trillion spending package</a>&nbsp;holds full-year appropriations bills for the departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, State, Transportation and Treasury. The Senate voted 71-29 on Friday evening&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/partial-federal-government-shutdown-begins-amid-hopes-it-wont-last-long" target="_blank">to send the package</a>&nbsp;to the House.</p><p>Congress had already approved half of the dozen annual appropriations bills for the fiscal year that began back on Oct. 1.&nbsp;</p>

Trump signs funding bill, setting up immigration enforcement debate

SUMNER COUNTY —Woods Park and Donut Bay,&nbsp;1500 W Harvey Avenue, in the city of Wellington will be temporarily closed as City staff work to address a potential outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, according to a media release from the city.

Staff are coordinating closely with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Research and Survey Office.

HPAI is a severe and often fatal viral disease that spreads rapidly among bird populations. Residents are urged not to approach, handle, or attempt to assist any birds that appear ill. Birds exhibiting HPAI may show one or more of the following symptoms:

● Neurological impairment, including lack of coordination, disorientation, inability to hold the head up, hunched posture, tremors, seizures, or twisted neck

● Difficulty breathing, such as open‑mouth breathing or wheezing

● Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing, sometimes with blood‑tinged fluid

While the risk of avian influenza to the general public is considered very low, humans and pets can be vulnerable, especially those with weakened immune systems. Based on guidance from KDWP, the City advises the followingmprecautions:

● Avoid touching or approaching wildlife. Observe from a safe distance. If contact occurs, avoid touching your face and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, drinking, or smoking.

● Do not touch diseased or dead wildlife. Sick birds should not be taken to rehabilitators or zoos, as doing so increases the risk of spreading the disease to vulnerable captive birds. Do not transport sick wildlife in vehicles, into homes, or into public spaces.

● Keep pets away from birds that appear sick. Do not allow them to lick or eat sick or dead waterfowl.

● Do not handle or consume sick game birds.

In an effort to protect the people and pets of our community, Woods Park will remain closed until further notice. No members of the public will be allowed beyond the barricades located at the park entrances. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation in helping protect local wildlife and public health.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747978622.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SUMNER COUNTY —Woods Park and Donut Bay,&nbsp;1500 W Harvey Avenue, in the city of Wellington will be temporarily closed as City staff work to address a potential outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, according to a media release from the city.</p><p>Staff are coordinating closely with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Research and Survey Office.</p><p>HPAI is a severe and often fatal viral disease that spreads rapidly among bird populations. Residents are urged not to approach, handle, or attempt to assist any birds that appear ill. Birds exhibiting HPAI may show one or more of the following symptoms:</p><p>● Neurological impairment, including lack of coordination, disorientation, inability to hold the head up, hunched posture, tremors, seizures, or twisted neck</p><p>● Difficulty breathing, such as open‑mouth breathing or wheezing</p><p>● Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing, sometimes with blood‑tinged fluid</p><p>● Sudden death</p><p>While the risk of avian influenza to the general public is considered very low, humans and pets can be vulnerable, especially those with weakened immune systems. Based on guidance from KDWP, the City advises the followingmprecautions:</p><p>● Avoid touching or approaching wildlife. Observe from a safe distance. If contact occurs, avoid touching your face and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, drinking, or smoking.</p><p>● Do not touch diseased or dead wildlife. Sick birds should not be taken to rehabilitators or zoos, as doing so increases the risk of spreading the disease to vulnerable captive birds. Do not transport sick wildlife in vehicles, into homes, or into public spaces.</p><p>● Keep pets away from birds that appear sick. Do not allow them to lick or eat sick or dead waterfowl.</p><p>● Do not handle or consume sick game birds.</p><p>In an effort to protect the people and pets of our community, Woods Park will remain closed until further notice. No members of the public will be allowed beyond the barricades located at the park entrances. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation in helping protect local wildlife and public health.</p>

Kansas community closes park due to bird flu outbreak

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

TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers are considering a bill that would require kindergarteners to be potty trained before starting school, pulling the decision-making power about how to handle those students away from school districts.

The House bill was introduced to reduce distractions in classrooms, supporters say. Opponents worry it would create a barrier for vulnerable children to access education, and argue the decision should be left to school districts.

The bill was one of three the House Education Committee heard Thursday, along with two others regarding state-funded scholarships.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2486/" target="_blank">House Bill 2486</a>&nbsp;would require school districts to get written assurance from parents that their child is potty trained before enrolling in school. School districts would have to figure out next steps if a child isn’t potty trained, such as whether they should refer additional support, appoint someone to help potty train the student, or remove the student from the school.&nbsp;

Rep. Sherri Brantley, a Republican from Great Bend, introduced the bill.&nbsp;

“When classrooms are not pulled off task for routine hygiene emergencies, teachers can protect instructional time — a critical driver of achievement — and students benefit from consistent, uninterrupted learning,” Brantley said.&nbsp;

The bill acknowledges that accidents happen — especially with kindergarteners ages 5-7 — and defines potty trained as when “accidents happen with such frequency as to impact the educational experience of the student or the student’s peers.” Students would need to be able to tell adults when they need to use the restroom, and use it without assistance from an adult.&nbsp;

Students with individualized education programs or a 504 plan, which are programs designed to help students with disabilities, or medical conditions would be exempt.&nbsp;

“This bill is not about denying access to education,” Brantley said. “It’s about early support and intervention so every child can start kindergarten safely, confidently, and ready to learn by setting a clear readiness expectation while also establishing compassionate pathways for families who need help.”&nbsp;

Opponents worry the bill would deny access to education, especially for vulnerable children.

“Lack of toilet training at age 5 is often a red flag for developmental delay, autism, or other medical conditions,” said Kimberly Martin, the legislative chair for&nbsp; Kansas School Nurses Organization. “By denying enrollment because of this symptom, the district is effectively punishing a child for a potential disability before it has been identified.”

Other opponents&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_h_ed_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_h_ed_1_20260129_07_testimony.html" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;foster children often experience significant trauma before starting school, which can make it difficult to potty train.

“The more kids we have held out of kindergarten for toileting issues, the more kids we have at risk of not getting to where we want them to be in our literacy efforts by the time they’re at about third grade,” said Leah Fliter, assistant executive director of advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards.&nbsp;

Brantley said she introduced the bill after hearing concerns from her constituents. Fliter said she had not heard concerns from the school boards.&nbsp;

“It appears to me that this should be a local control issue,” said Rep. Lon Pishny, a Republican from Garden City.&nbsp;

In the bill’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2486_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal note</a>, the Kansas State Department of Education said there would be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2486_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">no fiscal effect</a>, but the Kansas Association of School Boards said there would be administrative costs.&nbsp;

“This would likely be an unfunded mandate because of the potential litigation,” Fliter said. “And again, you know, special education is not fully funded, and so we would ask that the Legislature not impose another unfunded mandate.”

The potential litigation Fliter mentioned is referring to opponents’ concerns that the bill contradicts a student’s right to a free public education.

The committee also heard two other bills that were requested for introduction by the Kansas Board of Regents regarding scholarships.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2485/" target="_blank">House Bill 2485</a>&nbsp;would allow the Board of Regents to negotiate and settle scholarship repayment obligations after the recipient fails to meet the obligations.&nbsp;

The Board of Regents offers a handful of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasregents.gov/scholarships_and_grants" target="_blank">scholarships</a>&nbsp;that have service requirements, like the Promise Act, which requires recipients to live and work in Kansas after graduation. If the recipient fails to meet that service, they’re obligated to repay the scholarship.&nbsp;

Elaine Frisbie, vice president for finance and administration for the Board of Regents, said there are several thousand recipients who are required to repay.&nbsp;

She said the administrative cost of collecting these repayments is more than what they would recover. In 2019 they spent $539 on a third-party vendor to collect the repayments, and more than $11,000 in 2025.&nbsp;

“We have several students in the Promise Act, they owe us $164 and $6,” Frisbie said. “We’d rather devote our time and attention and resources to settling for what we can extract and then recouping those dollars for our scholarship programs and then moving on.”

There were no opponents to the bill.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2487/" target="_blank">House Bill 2487</a>&nbsp;would help define a teacher and paraprofessional to clarify eligibility for a scholarship.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770136301389.png" alt=" Rep. Sherri Brantley, R-Great Bend, listens to testimony during a Jan. 29, 2026, hearing on legislation she introduced that would require kindergartners to be potty trained in order to attend public school. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Rep. Sherri Brantley, R-Great Bend, listens to testimony during a Jan. 29, 2026, hearing on legislation she introduced that would require kindergartners to be potty trained in order to attend public school. (Photo by Grace Hills for 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 lawmakers are considering a bill that would require kindergarteners to be potty trained before starting school, pulling the decision-making power about how to handle those students away from school districts.</p><p>The House bill was introduced to reduce distractions in classrooms, supporters say. Opponents worry it would create a barrier for vulnerable children to access education, and argue the decision should be left to school districts.</p><p>The bill was one of three the House Education Committee heard Thursday, along with two others regarding state-funded scholarships.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2486/" target="_blank">House Bill 2486</a>&nbsp;would require school districts to get written assurance from parents that their child is potty trained before enrolling in school. School districts would have to figure out next steps if a child isn’t potty trained, such as whether they should refer additional support, appoint someone to help potty train the student, or remove the student from the school.&nbsp;</p><p>Rep. Sherri Brantley, a Republican from Great Bend, introduced the bill.&nbsp;</p><p>“When classrooms are not pulled off task for routine hygiene emergencies, teachers can protect instructional time — a critical driver of achievement — and students benefit from consistent, uninterrupted learning,” Brantley said.&nbsp;</p><p>The bill acknowledges that accidents happen — especially with kindergarteners ages 5-7 — and defines potty trained as when “accidents happen with such frequency as to impact the educational experience of the student or the student’s peers.” Students would need to be able to tell adults when they need to use the restroom, and use it without assistance from an adult.&nbsp;</p><p>Students with individualized education programs or a 504 plan, which are programs designed to help students with disabilities, or medical conditions would be exempt.&nbsp;</p><p>“This bill is not about denying access to education,” Brantley said. “It’s about early support and intervention so every child can start kindergarten safely, confidently, and ready to learn by setting a clear readiness expectation while also establishing compassionate pathways for families who need help.”&nbsp;</p><p>Opponents worry the bill would deny access to education, especially for vulnerable children.</p><p>“Lack of toilet training at age 5 is often a red flag for developmental delay, autism, or other medical conditions,” said Kimberly Martin, the legislative chair for&nbsp; Kansas School Nurses Organization. “By denying enrollment because of this symptom, the district is effectively punishing a child for a potential disability before it has been identified.”</p><p>Other opponents&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_h_ed_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_h_ed_1_20260129_07_testimony.html" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;foster children often experience significant trauma before starting school, which can make it difficult to potty train.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770136392138.png" alt="Leah Fliter, of the Kansas Association of School Boards, argues for local control during a Jan. 29, 2026, legislative hearing. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector" />
                        <figcaption>Leah Fliter, of the Kansas Association of School Boards, argues for local control during a Jan. 29, 2026, legislative hearing. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“The more kids we have held out of kindergarten for toileting issues, the more kids we have at risk of not getting to where we want them to be in our literacy efforts by the time they’re at about third grade,” said Leah Fliter, assistant executive director of advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards.&nbsp;</p><p>Brantley said she introduced the bill after hearing concerns from her constituents. Fliter said she had not heard concerns from the school boards.&nbsp;</p><p>“It appears to me that this should be a local control issue,” said Rep. Lon Pishny, a Republican from Garden City.&nbsp;</p><p>In the bill’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2486_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal note</a>, the Kansas State Department of Education said there would be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2486_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">no fiscal effect</a>, but the Kansas Association of School Boards said there would be administrative costs.&nbsp;</p><p>“This would likely be an unfunded mandate because of the potential litigation,” Fliter said. “And again, you know, special education is not fully funded, and so we would ask that the Legislature not impose another unfunded mandate.”</p><p>The potential litigation Fliter mentioned is referring to opponents’ concerns that the bill contradicts a student’s right to a free public education.</p><h2>Scholarship-related bills</h2><p>The committee also heard two other bills that were requested for introduction by the Kansas Board of Regents regarding scholarships.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2485/" target="_blank">House Bill 2485</a>&nbsp;would allow the Board of Regents to negotiate and settle scholarship repayment obligations after the recipient fails to meet the obligations.&nbsp;</p><p>The Board of Regents offers a handful of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasregents.gov/scholarships_and_grants" target="_blank">scholarships</a>&nbsp;that have service requirements, like the Promise Act, which requires recipients to live and work in Kansas after graduation. If the recipient fails to meet that service, they’re obligated to repay the scholarship.&nbsp;</p><p>Elaine Frisbie, vice president for finance and administration for the Board of Regents, said there are several thousand recipients who are required to repay.&nbsp;</p><p>She said the administrative cost of collecting these repayments is more than what they would recover. In 2019 they spent $539 on a third-party vendor to collect the repayments, and more than $11,000 in 2025.&nbsp;</p><p>“We have several students in the Promise Act, they owe us $164 and $6,” Frisbie said. “We’d rather devote our time and attention and resources to settling for what we can extract and then recouping those dollars for our scholarship programs and then moving on.”</p><p>There were no opponents to the bill.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2487/" target="_blank">House Bill 2487</a>&nbsp;would help define a teacher and paraprofessional to clarify eligibility for a scholarship.</p>

Kansas bill would require kindergarteners to be potty trained before starting school 

TUCSON, AZ.—The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the community’s help in locating Nancy Guthrie.

If you have any information, including photos or video that may help with this investigation, please submit it through our Tip Line QR code. This allows information to be shared directly &amp; securely with investigators.

Every detail matters. Even small tips could make a difference.

Please share this post to help us reach more people. Thank you for your continued assistance and support.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770128229294.png" alt="Guthrie" />
                        <figcaption>Guthrie</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>TUCSON, AZ.—The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the community’s help in locating Nancy Guthrie.</p><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUR7WDckeYN/?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/p/DUR7WDckeYN/?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; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUR7WDckeYN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Savannah Guthrie (@savannahguthrie)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><p>If you have any information, including photos or video that may help with this investigation, please submit it through our Tip Line QR code. This allows information to be shared directly &amp; securely with investigators.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770081022427.png" alt="Guthrie" />
                        <figcaption>Guthrie</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Every detail matters. Even small tips could make a difference.</p><p>Please share this post to help us reach more people. Thank you for your continued assistance and support.</p>