The measure would remove the sunset from Missouri’s 2023 restrictions, permanently barring doctors from providing gender-affirming care to transgender minors

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

The Missouri House passed legislation Thursday that would permanently bar doctors from prescribing puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to transgender minors, sending the bill to the Senate for approval.

Lawmakers voted along party lines with 102 Republicans in favor and 40 Democrats voting against the bill. Democratic state Reps. Chanel Mosley from Black Jack and Stephanie Boykin of Florissant voted “present.”

The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Melissa Schmidt, a Republican from Eldridge, said during debate on Monday that she supports a “watchful waiting” approach to gender dysphoria in adolescents, advocating for counseling over medical intervention.

“Children become confused in many areas of their lives,” she said. “They have many questions throughout their years of development, and we have a responsibility to speak the truth.”

Since passing the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/10/missouri-house-sends-bill-banning-transgender-health-care-for-minors-to-governor/">restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors in 2023</a>, Missouri lawmakers have filed bills every year seeking to remove the law’s expiration date. Last year, the proposal was approved at the committee level and rolled into a 108-page Senate bill that sought to modify the sunsets of a variety of laws. The legislation ultimately stalled in the House.

House Republicans echoed a desire to “protect children,” citing recent statements by medical groups&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/plastic-surgeons-group-delay-gender-affirming-surgery-age-19-rcna257607" target="_blank">recommending against gender-affirming surgeries</a>&nbsp;for youth.

The bill wouldn’t change the state’s ban on gender affirming surgeries for those under 18, which was enacted without a sunset in 2023. It would only impact access to cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers, which Democrats argued should not be regulated by the state’s legislature.

“Why are we so focused on inserting ourselves in the living rooms of Missourians all across the state,” said state Rep. Marty Joe Murrary, a St. Louis Democrat. “When a child and a parent, they have a right to make a decision about the health care decisions for people in their household. Why are we better able to dictate that than themselves and their medical professional?”

State Rep. Jeff Hales, a Democrat from University City, called the legislation an “overreach” Thursday.

“By passing this, we are telling parents that the state knows better than they do on how to care for their own flesh and blood,” he said. “We are telling doctors that their years of medical expertise are secondary to our desires to scapegoat and target a vulnerable minority.”

When the law passed in 2023, three Republicans voted against the restrictions, including House Speaker Jon Patterson, a doctor from Lee’s Summit.

He was not in the chamber for the bill’s debate Monday, pointed out Democratic state Rep. Keri Ingle who is also from Lee’s Summit and is expected to run against Patterson for an open seat in the Missouri Senate, should both win their party’s nomination

“He voted no on this bill, because he at that time believed that it wasn’t in the state’s best interest to stop medical care,” she said.

Thursday, as the bill got its final stamp of approval in the House, Patterson voted in favor of removing the sunset.

The country’s largest medical organizations, such as the American Medical Association, continue to support the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for those under 18 to medically transition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770989954638.png" alt=" Republican state Rep. Melissa Schmidt of Eldridge, pictured speaking on the House floor in Feb. 17, 2025, is sponsoring a bill to make gender-affirming care restrictions for minors permanent. In a House debate on the legislation, Schmidt said she supports a "watchful waiting" approach to gender dysphoria, only advocating for counseling as treatment (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Republican state Rep. Melissa Schmidt of Eldridge, pictured speaking on the House floor in Feb. 17, 2025, is sponsoring a bill to make gender-affirming care restrictions for minors permanent. In a House debate on the legislation, Schmidt said she supports a "watchful waiting" approach to gender dysphoria, only advocating for counseling as treatment (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The measure would remove the sunset from Missouri’s 2023 restrictions, permanently barring doctors from providing gender-affirming care to transgender minors</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri House passed legislation Thursday that would permanently bar doctors from prescribing puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to transgender minors, sending the bill to the Senate for approval.Lawmakers voted along party lines with 102 Republicans in favor and 40 Democrats voting against the bill. Democratic state Reps. Chanel Mosley from Black Jack and Stephanie Boykin of Florissant voted “present.”The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Melissa Schmidt, a Republican from Eldridge, said during debate on Monday that she supports a “watchful waiting” approach to gender dysphoria in adolescents, advocating for counseling over medical intervention.“Children become confused in many areas of their lives,” she said. “They have many questions throughout their years of development, and we have a responsibility to speak the truth.”Since passing the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/10/missouri-house-sends-bill-banning-transgender-health-care-for-minors-to-governor/">restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors in 2023</a>, Missouri lawmakers have filed bills every year seeking to remove the law’s expiration date. Last year, the proposal was approved at the committee level and rolled into a 108-page Senate bill that sought to modify the sunsets of a variety of laws. The legislation ultimately stalled in the House.House Republicans echoed a desire to “protect children,” citing recent statements by medical groups&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/plastic-surgeons-group-delay-gender-affirming-surgery-age-19-rcna257607" target="_blank">recommending against gender-affirming surgeries</a>&nbsp;for youth.The bill wouldn’t change the state’s ban on gender affirming surgeries for those under 18, which was enacted without a sunset in 2023. It would only impact access to cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers, which Democrats argued should not be regulated by the state’s legislature.“Why are we so focused on inserting ourselves in the living rooms of Missourians all across the state,” said state Rep. Marty Joe Murrary, a St. Louis Democrat. “When a child and a parent, they have a right to make a decision about the health care decisions for people in their household. Why are we better able to dictate that than themselves and their medical professional?”State Rep. Jeff Hales, a Democrat from University City, called the legislation an “overreach” Thursday.“By passing this, we are telling parents that the state knows better than they do on how to care for their own flesh and blood,” he said. “We are telling doctors that their years of medical expertise are secondary to our desires to scapegoat and target a vulnerable minority.”When the law passed in 2023, three Republicans voted against the restrictions, including House Speaker Jon Patterson, a doctor from Lee’s Summit.He was not in the chamber for the bill’s debate Monday, pointed out Democratic state Rep. Keri Ingle who is also from Lee’s Summit and is expected to run against Patterson for an open seat in the Missouri Senate, should both win their party’s nomination“He voted no on this bill, because he at that time believed that it wasn’t in the state’s best interest to stop medical care,” she said.Thursday, as the bill got its final stamp of approval in the House, Patterson voted in favor of removing the sunset.The country’s largest medical organizations, such as the American Medical Association, continue to support the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for those under 18 to medically transition.The bill now heads to the Senate.

Permanent ban on puberty blockers and hormones for transgender minors clears Missouri House

Four crew members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission launched at 5:15 a.m. EST Friday from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for a science expedition aboard the International Space Station.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled a Dragon spacecraft into orbit carrying NASA astronauts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/jessica-u-meir/">Jessica Meir</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/nasa-astronaut-jack-hathaway/">Jack Hathaway</a>, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. The spacecraft will dock autonomously to the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14.

“With Crew-12 safely on orbit, America and our international partners once again demonstrated the professionalism, preparation, and teamwork required for human spaceflight,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “The research this crew will conduct aboard the space station advances critical technologies for deep space exploration while delivering real benefits here on Earth. I’m grateful to the NASA and SpaceX teams whose discipline, rigor, and resilience made today’s launch possible. We undertake these missions with a clear understanding of risk, managing it responsibly so we can continue expanding human presence in low Earth orbit while preparing for our next great leap to the Moon and onward to Mars.”

During Dragon’s flight, SpaceX will monitor a series of automatic spacecraft maneuvers from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California. NASA will monitor space station operations throughout the flight from the Mission Control Center at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA’s live coverage resumes at 1:15 p.m. Saturday on&nbsp;<a href="https://plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-video/nasas-spacex-crew-12-arrival-welcome-remarks/">NASA+</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/livetv/ref=atv_hm_liv_LRad2e3b_slct?serviceToken=v0_Cl0KJGUwMTYwNTQwLWU2NjMtNGE1OC05MDczLTZiMmRmYjI5NWMyNRDwyY266jIaLExpNitvL2dzaDBoR0NjVGdhVGdLTHptYkF6dHpuZ29zb2VJMDZ6YWhmZEk9IAESBmZpbHRlchgBIgRob21lKgRsaXZlWj8KDGxpbmVhckZpbHRlchIvCi1hbXpuMS1wdi1saW5lYXItbGl2ZV90YWItZmlsdGVyLWxlYXJuX2V4cGxvcmV6AIIBBjAAUABwAA%3D%3D">Amazon Prime</a>, and the agency’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/nasa">YouTube</a>&nbsp;channel with rendezvous, docking, and hatch opening. After docking, the crew will change out of their spacesuits and prepare cargo for offload before opening the hatch between Dragon and the space station’s Harmony module around 5 p.m. NASA also will provide coverage of the welcome ceremony aboard the space station shortly following hatch opening.

Learn how to watch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/general/watch-nasa-programming/">NASA content</a>&nbsp;through a variety of platforms, including social media.

Meir, Hathaway, Adenot, and Fedyaev will join the Expedition 74 crew, including NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev already aboard the orbiting laboratory, returning the space station to its standard seven crew members complement following the Jan. 14&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-spacex-crew-11-mission-returns-splashes-down-off-california/">departure</a>&nbsp;of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission.

During its mission, Crew-12 will conduct scientific research to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/nasas-spacex-crew-12-to-study-adaptation-to-altered-gravity/">prepare for human exploration</a>&nbsp;beyond low Earth orbit and to benefit humanity on Earth. Participating crew members will study&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=9160">pneumonia-causing bacteria</a>&nbsp;to improve cardiovascular treatments, on-demand&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=8593">intravenous fluid generation</a>&nbsp;for future space missions, and research on how physical characteristics may&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=9473">affect blood flow</a>&nbsp;during spaceflight. Other experiments include automated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=9518">plant health monitoring</a>&nbsp;and investigations of plant and nitrogen-fixing microbe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=8301">interactions</a>&nbsp;to enhance food production in space.

Crew-12 is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which provides reliable access to space, maximizing the use of the station for research and development, and supporting future missions beyond low Earth orbit by partnering with private companies to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

NASAFour crew members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission launched at 5:15 a.m. EST Friday from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for a science expedition aboard the International Space Station.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Liftoff of Crew-12! <a href="https://t.co/jQ804lyjkm">pic.twitter.com/jQ804lyjkm</a>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/2022253660168953979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled a Dragon spacecraft into orbit carrying NASA astronauts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/jessica-u-meir/">Jessica Meir</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/nasa-astronaut-jack-hathaway/">Jack Hathaway</a>, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. The spacecraft will dock autonomously to the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14.“With Crew-12 safely on orbit, America and our international partners once again demonstrated the professionalism, preparation, and teamwork required for human spaceflight,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “The research this crew will conduct aboard the space station advances critical technologies for deep space exploration while delivering real benefits here on Earth. I’m grateful to the NASA and SpaceX teams whose discipline, rigor, and resilience made today’s launch possible. We undertake these missions with a clear understanding of risk, managing it responsibly so we can continue expanding human presence in low Earth orbit while preparing for our next great leap to the Moon and onward to Mars.”During Dragon’s flight, SpaceX will monitor a series of automatic spacecraft maneuvers from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California. NASA will monitor space station operations throughout the flight from the Mission Control Center at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.NASA’s live coverage resumes at 1:15 p.m. Saturday on&nbsp;<a href="https://plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-video/nasas-spacex-crew-12-arrival-welcome-remarks/">NASA+</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/livetv/ref=atv_hm_liv_LRad2e3b_slct?serviceToken=v0_Cl0KJGUwMTYwNTQwLWU2NjMtNGE1OC05MDczLTZiMmRmYjI5NWMyNRDwyY266jIaLExpNitvL2dzaDBoR0NjVGdhVGdLTHptYkF6dHpuZ29zb2VJMDZ6YWhmZEk9IAESBmZpbHRlchgBIgRob21lKgRsaXZlWj8KDGxpbmVhckZpbHRlchIvCi1hbXpuMS1wdi1saW5lYXItbGl2ZV90YWItZmlsdGVyLWxlYXJuX2V4cGxvcmV6AIIBBjAAUABwAA%3D%3D">Amazon Prime</a>, and the agency’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/nasa">YouTube</a>&nbsp;channel with rendezvous, docking, and hatch opening. After docking, the crew will change out of their spacesuits and prepare cargo for offload before opening the hatch between Dragon and the space station’s Harmony module around 5 p.m. NASA also will provide coverage of the welcome ceremony aboard the space station shortly following hatch opening.Learn how to watch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/general/watch-nasa-programming/">NASA content</a>&nbsp;through a variety of platforms, including social media.Meir, Hathaway, Adenot, and Fedyaev will join the Expedition 74 crew, including NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev already aboard the orbiting laboratory, returning the space station to its standard seven crew members complement following the Jan. 14&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-spacex-crew-11-mission-returns-splashes-down-off-california/">departure</a>&nbsp;of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission.During its mission, Crew-12 will conduct scientific research to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/nasas-spacex-crew-12-to-study-adaptation-to-altered-gravity/">prepare for human exploration</a>&nbsp;beyond low Earth orbit and to benefit humanity on Earth. Participating crew members will study&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=9160">pneumonia-causing bacteria</a>&nbsp;to improve cardiovascular treatments, on-demand&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=8593">intravenous fluid generation</a>&nbsp;for future space missions, and research on how physical characteristics may&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=9473">affect blood flow</a>&nbsp;during spaceflight. Other experiments include automated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=9518">plant health monitoring</a>&nbsp;and investigations of plant and nitrogen-fixing microbe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=8301">interactions</a>&nbsp;to enhance food production in space.Crew-12 is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which provides reliable access to space, maximizing the use of the station for research and development, and supporting future missions beyond low Earth orbit by partnering with private companies to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

🎥New astronauts launch to Space Station after medical evacuation

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

Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to 20th and Monroe on a sound of shots call in the area. 911 received multiple additional calls of sound of shots and eventually one call reporting a shooting victim down in a wooded area of a series of vacant lots in the 2000 block of Monroe.

On arrival officers made their way into the vacant lots and located a male shooting victim unresponsive there. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS responded and took over aid. They eventually declared the victim deceased here at the scene.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Preliminary indication indicates the shooting occurred on 20th street between Askew and Monroe and the victim then ran to the south where he was located.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim or possible suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770981912260.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to 20th and Monroe on a sound of shots call in the area. 911 received multiple additional calls of sound of shots and eventually one call reporting a shooting victim down in a wooded area of a series of vacant lots in the 2000 block of Monroe.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770981892242.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>On arrival officers made their way into the vacant lots and located a male shooting victim unresponsive there. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS responded and took over aid. They eventually declared the victim deceased here at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Preliminary indication indicates the shooting occurred on 20th street between Askew and Monroe and the victim then ran to the south where he was located.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim or possible suspect details.

KCPD: Victim ran from shooting and died in a vacant lot

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement investigating a school threat in Topeka have made an arrest.

Just after 6:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a call regarding an online social media threat involving Eisenhower Middle School, 3305 SE Minnesota Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.. No other schools are involved in this incident.

On Wednesday, Topeka Police working jointly with the FBI to determine the credibility of the online threat arrested a 16-year-old boy on requested charges of criminal threat and criminal use of weapons.

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement investigating a school threat in Topeka have made an arrest.Just after 6:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a call regarding an online social media threat involving Eisenhower Middle School, 3305 SE Minnesota Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.. No other schools are involved in this incident.On Wednesday, Topeka Police working jointly with the FBI to determine the credibility of the online threat arrested a 16-year-old boy on requested charges of criminal threat and criminal use of weapons.

16-year-old accused of online threat against Kan. middle school

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a townhome in Kansas City.

Just before 1:30p.m. Thursday, Kansas City Fire Department companies&nbsp;were dispatched to a reported fire in the 7600 block of E 79th&nbsp;Street in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

On arrival, crews reported a 1-story townhome with heavy fire showing. An offensive fire attack was initiated with 2 hose lines advanced into the structure. Searches throughout were performed and reported all clear. 

The fire was brought under controlat 1:41 p.m. Red Cross has been requested to assist with 1 adult. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770929031651.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a townhome in Kansas City.Just before 1:30p.m. Thursday, Kansas City Fire Department companies&nbsp;were dispatched to a reported fire in the 7600 block of E 79th&nbsp;Street in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.On arrival, crews reported a 1-story townhome with heavy fire showing. An offensive fire attack was initiated with 2 hose lines advanced into the structure. Searches throughout were performed and reported all clear. The fire was brought under controlat 1:41 p.m. Red Cross has been requested to assist with 1 adult. There were no injuries reported.

Red Cross assisting 1 victim after KC townhome fire

The FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance, according to media release from the agency's office in Phoenix.

New identifying details about the suspect in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie have been confirmed after a forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage by the FBI’s Operational Technology Division.

The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5’9” - 5’10” tall, with an average build. In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack.

We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving. Since February 1, 2026, the FBI has collected over 13,000 tips from the public related to this case.

Every tip is reviewed for credibility, relevance, and information that can be acted upon by law enforcement. Threat Intake Examiners at the National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) and FBI personnel are supporting a 24-hour command post in which dozens of agents and investigators are assigned leads and tips to action each shift.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770749564250.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance, according to media release from the agency's office in Phoenix.New identifying details about the suspect in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie have been confirmed after a forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage by the FBI’s Operational Technology Division.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770945701735.png" alt="Image FBI" />
 <figcaption>Image FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5’9” - 5’10” tall, with an average build. In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack.We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving. Since February 1, 2026, the FBI has collected over 13,000 tips from the public related to this case.Every tip is reviewed for credibility, relevance, and information that can be acted upon by law enforcement. Threat Intake Examiners at the National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) and FBI personnel are supporting a 24-hour command post in which dozens of agents and investigators are assigned leads and tips to action each shift.

FBI releases description of Guthrie kidnapping suspect; reward increased

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is in jail after his girlfriend’s young child shot herself with his unsecured firearm this week.. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2808/TaylorSyncere-Complaint-Packet-1">Syncere Taylor</a>, 19,&nbsp;&nbsp;faces one count of 1st Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class B felony carrying up to 15 years in prison, according to&nbsp; Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

According to court records, Sugar Creek police responded to a residence on Feb. 9 regarding a shooting. Taylor told officers someone had been shot in the apartment. Officers found a toddler inside the residence suffering from a gunshot wound to her abdomen.&nbsp;

In an interview with detectives, Taylor told officers that he was walking down the hallway when he heard a gunshot. When he entered the master bedroom, he found the toddler lying on the bed with a gunshot wound. He confirmed his firearm had been left on the bed in the master bedroom.

The toddler was listed in stable condition.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770906653576.png" alt="Taylor-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Taylor-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is in jail after his girlfriend’s young child shot herself with his unsecured firearm this week.. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2808/TaylorSyncere-Complaint-Packet-1">Syncere Taylor</a>, 19,&nbsp;&nbsp;faces one count of 1st Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class B felony carrying up to 15 years in prison, according to&nbsp; Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.According to court records, Sugar Creek police responded to a residence on Feb. 9 regarding a shooting. Taylor told officers someone had been shot in the apartment. Officers found a toddler inside the residence suffering from a gunshot wound to her abdomen.&nbsp;In an interview with detectives, Taylor told officers that he was walking down the hallway when he heard a gunshot. When he entered the master bedroom, he found the toddler lying on the bed with a gunshot wound. He confirmed his firearm had been left on the bed in the master bedroom.The toddler was listed in stable condition.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

Toddler shot herself with gun left on bed at KC home

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement have arrested four suspects after a drug bust in Dickinson County.

In January of 2026, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit began an investigation into the distribution of Methamphetamine in Enterprise, Kansas. The approximate month-long investigation, resulted in arrests and seizure of illicit narcotics, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff.

On February 11, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 200 Block of South Garfield Street in Enterprise, Kansas. A search of the residence revealed Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, Cocaine, Marijuana, and other controlled substances.

Alexandria Houk, 37, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp

Leon Houk, 41, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp

Robert Quist, 57, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Dorothea Bishop, 68, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770929373417.png" alt="Houk photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Houk photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement have arrested four suspects after a drug bust in Dickinson County.In January of 2026, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit began an investigation into the distribution of Methamphetamine in Enterprise, Kansas. The approximate month-long investigation, resulted in arrests and seizure of illicit narcotics, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff.On February 11, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 200 Block of South Garfield Street in Enterprise, Kansas. A search of the residence revealed Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, Cocaine, Marijuana, and other controlled substances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770929262467.png" alt="Houk -photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Houk -photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Alexandria Houk, 37, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax StampLeon Houk, 41, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770929307383.png" alt="Quist&nbsp;photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Quist&nbsp;photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Quist, 57, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770929435150.png" alt="&nbsp;Bishop-photo Dickinson County" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Bishop-photo Dickinson County</figcaption>
 </figure>Dorothea Bishop, 68, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Fentanyl dealer jailed after Kansas drug bust

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Under the process just completed by the <a href="https://twitter.com/EPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EPA</a>, we are officially terminating the so-called Endangerment Finding — a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and massively drove up prices for American consumers.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/PqVUS1GtQN">pic.twitter.com/PqVUS1GtQN</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2022018893825692007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Slashing regulatory red tape and freeing the American taxpayer from crushing regulations. 💰 <a href="https://t.co/JpIMgbEfPX">pic.twitter.com/JpIMgbEfPX</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2022022474972770490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> to Americans who may think revoking the fake Obama/Biden climate schemes would &quot;come at a cost to public health and the environment&quot;: &quot;It has nothing to do with public health. This was all a SCAM — a GIANT SCAM. This was a ripoff of the country by Obama and Biden.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/9DRli0wsuk">pic.twitter.com/9DRli0wsuk</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2022024287880982723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Under President Trump’s leadership today, the Trump EPA has finalized the single largest act of deregulation in the history of the United States of America,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/epaleezeldin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@epaleezeldin</a>. &quot;With today’s announcement, American families will save over $2,400 for a new vehicle.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/beXDcODIix">https://t.co/beXDcODIix</a> <a href="https://t.co/b6WvkGvTDX">pic.twitter.com/b6WvkGvTDX</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2022023049357537358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Under the process just completed by the <a href="https://twitter.com/EPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EPA</a>, we are officially terminating the so-called Endangerment Finding — a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and massively drove up prices for American consumers.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/PqVUS1GtQN">pic.twitter.com/PqVUS1GtQN</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2022018893825692007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, the Trump administration repealed the endangerment finding: the ruling that served as the basis for limits on tailpipe emissions and power plant rules. Without it, we’ll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change — all so the fossil fuel industry can…&mdash; Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/2022034471336521953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump's EPA rolls back Obama-era climate change rules

SALINE COUNTY—A former Kansas Wesleyan University professor was arrested after allegedly shoplifting over $3,000 worth of trading cards.

Just after 6:30p.m. February 1, police were dispatched to Target, 2939 Market Place in Salina for suspected shoplifting, according to a statement from Salina Police.

Police reported 53-year-old Derrin Broome entered the store and picked up 11 boxes of Topps trading cards. He then walked around the store, removed the packs from the boxes and left the store without paying.

Total loss of cards on that date was about $650.

Employees reported they recognized&nbsp;Broome from committing four similar thefts, which had not been previously reported from the store, four previous times between the dates of Jan. 5 and Jan. 29.

In each instance Broome committed the same crime as he did on February 1. Total loss of each incidence was valued at about $3,350.

According to Saline County Jail Booking records, Broome was arrested on February 5 by the Sheriff’s Office on requested charges of Felony Theft. He bonded out the same day.

<a href="https://www.kwu.edu/about/news/kwu-welcomes-numerous-new-faculty/">Kansas Wesleyan welcomed Broome</a>&nbsp;as an&nbsp;assistant professor of criminal justice on August 19, 2024, according to the school website..&nbsp;

Broome arrived to KWU after wrapping up a 26-year law enforcement career that included 20 years of investigation and case management experience, according to the school websire. He spent 20 years as his agency’s main instructor for topics including defensive tactics, de-escalation, use of force, firearms and other topics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770391807937.jpeg" alt="Broome photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Broome photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—A former Kansas Wesleyan University professor was arrested after allegedly shoplifting over $3,000 worth of trading cards.Just after 6:30p.m. February 1, police were dispatched to Target, 2939 Market Place in Salina for suspected shoplifting, according to a statement from Salina Police.Police reported 53-year-old Derrin Broome entered the store and picked up 11 boxes of Topps trading cards. He then walked around the store, removed the packs from the boxes and left the store without paying.Total loss of cards on that date was about $650.Employees reported they recognized&nbsp;Broome from committing four similar thefts, which had not been previously reported from the store, four previous times between the dates of Jan. 5 and Jan. 29.In each instance Broome committed the same crime as he did on February 1. Total loss of each incidence was valued at about $3,350.According to Saline County Jail Booking records, Broome was arrested on February 5 by the Sheriff’s Office on requested charges of Felony Theft. He bonded out the same day.<a href="https://www.kwu.edu/about/news/kwu-welcomes-numerous-new-faculty/">Kansas Wesleyan welcomed Broome</a>&nbsp;as an&nbsp;assistant professor of criminal justice on August 19, 2024, according to the school website..&nbsp;Broome arrived to KWU after wrapping up a 26-year law enforcement career that included 20 years of investigation and case management experience, according to the school websire. He spent 20 years as his agency’s main instructor for topics including defensive tactics, de-escalation, use of force, firearms and other topics.

Criminal justice professor accused of shoplifting in Kansas

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Mssouri.

Just after 8p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting in 1500 block of E 59th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.&nbsp; The caller advised there was a person outside that appeared to be injured and needed help.&nbsp;

On arrival officers located a victim later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;Jamon Norfleet  in front of a residence there. Norfleet told officers he had been shot at a nearby location near an apartment complex in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road.

The victim was unable to provide any additional information regarding suspects.&nbsp;Officers called for EMS who transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Additional officers responded to the area described by the victim in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road and located evidence of a crime scene at that location.&nbsp;

Detectives and Crime Scene investigators began conducing investigation and processing the scene for evidence.&nbsp;Later in the evening detectives were notified from the hospital that&nbsp;Jamon Norfleet had died.

The case is now being investigated as a homicide.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Mssouri.Just after 8p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting in 1500 block of E 59th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.&nbsp; The caller advised there was a person outside that appeared to be injured and needed help.&nbsp;On arrival officers located a victim later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;Jamon Norfleet in front of a residence there. Norfleet told officers he had been shot at a nearby location near an apartment complex in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road.The victim was unable to provide any additional information regarding suspects.&nbsp;Officers called for EMS who transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries.&nbsp;Additional officers responded to the area described by the victim in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road and located evidence of a crime scene at that location.&nbsp;Detectives and Crime Scene investigators began conducing investigation and processing the scene for evidence.&nbsp;Later in the evening detectives were notified from the hospital that&nbsp;Jamon Norfleet had died.The case is now being investigated as a homicide.

KCPD: Homicide victim spoke to officers just before he died

WASHINGTON —President Trump invited Kansas 4th district Congressman Ron Estes to the Oval Office for the official&nbsp;signing of the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act.

On his social media page, Rep. Estes wrote, " I’m pleased to see this common sense legislation signed into law – President Trump and Republicans are leading with results and fighting to support the American taxpayer."

"By permanently allowing the SSA to share full death data with the Treasury’s "Do Not Pay" service, we are stopping erroneous payments to the deceased. This will stop hardworking Americans from footing the bill for waste, fraud, and abuse."

"The Fiscal Service estimates that by December 2026, this data exchange will save $330 MILLION in improper payments across the federal government."

Estes has served the 4th Congressional District since April 2017.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770863300074.png" alt="Photo Rep. Ron Estes" />
 <figcaption>Photo Rep. Ron Estes</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —President Trump invited Kansas 4th district Congressman Ron Estes to the Oval Office for the official&nbsp;signing of the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act.On his social media page, Rep. Estes wrote, " I’m pleased to see this common sense legislation signed into law – President Trump and Republicans are leading with results and fighting to support the American taxpayer.""By permanently allowing the SSA to share full death data with the Treasury’s "Do Not Pay" service, we are stopping erroneous payments to the deceased. This will stop hardworking Americans from footing the bill for waste, fraud, and abuse.""The Fiscal Service estimates that by December 2026, this data exchange will save $330 MILLION in improper payments across the federal government."Estes has served the 4th Congressional District since April 2017.

Kan. Congressman invited to Oval Office signing ceremony

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Heated exchange between Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison: <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HawleyMO</a>: &quot;You should resign!&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/AGEllison?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGEllison</a>: &quot;You should resign. I was thinking the same thing about you.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/bxXJQ4mG39">pic.twitter.com/bxXJQ4mG39</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021978247475671208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Heated exchange between Mo. U.S. Senator and Minnesota AG

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a double homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victims as 26-year-old&nbsp;Brittnee McMillon and and 28-year-old&nbsp;Jerrell Westmoreland.

At 9:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of E. Armour Blvd. in Kansas City, Missouri, on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

Multiple callers reported the sound of gunfire from behind an apartment building there. On arrival officers were directed to a parking lot in the back of an apartment building where they located a vehicle with shooting victims McMillon and Westmoreland unresponsive inside.&nbsp;

Officers called for EMS who declared both victims deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Homicide detectives responded to the scene to conduct their investigation along with crime scene investigators processed the scene for available evidence.&nbsp; Police have not released details on possible suspects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770822843585.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a double homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victims as 26-year-old&nbsp;Brittnee McMillon and and 28-year-old&nbsp;Jerrell Westmoreland.At 9:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of E. Armour Blvd. in Kansas City, Missouri, on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.Multiple callers reported the sound of gunfire from behind an apartment building there. On arrival officers were directed to a parking lot in the back of an apartment building where they located a vehicle with shooting victims McMillon and Westmoreland unresponsive inside.&nbsp;Officers called for EMS who declared both victims deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Homicide detectives responded to the scene to conduct their investigation along with crime scene investigators processed the scene for available evidence.&nbsp; Police have not released details on possible suspects.

Homicide: Police ID couple found dead in car in Kansas City

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement are investigating a school threat in Topeka.

Topeka Police are working jointly with the FBI and are investigating the credibility of this online threat. The impacted school has notified families.

Anyone who sees or hears anything related to this incident is asked to immediately contact the Topeka Police Department by emailing telltpd@topeka.org or by calling the TPD Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697128767642.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement are investigating a school threat in Topeka.Just after 6:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a call regarding an online social media threat involving Eisenhower Middle School, 3305 SE Minnesota Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.. No other schools are involved in this incident.Topeka Police are working jointly with the FBI and are investigating the credibility of this online threat. The impacted school has notified families.Anyone who sees or hears anything related to this incident is asked to immediately contact the Topeka Police Department by emailing telltpd@topeka.org or by calling the TPD Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400.

FBI investigating social media threat at Kansas middle school

The House of Representatives passed the election integrity overhaul bill on Wednesday. aimed at keeping non-citizens from voting in U.S. federal elections.

The bill passed with a mostly party-line vote, 218-213. GOP Members of the Missouri House delegation voted with the majority. Only one Democrat, Rep. Henry Cuellar, of Texas voted for the bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770863394074.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The House of Representatives passed the election integrity overhaul bill on Wednesday. aimed at keeping non-citizens from voting in U.S. federal elections.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The House just passed the SAVE America Act — commonsense legislation that requires voter ID and implements other critical measures to protect federal elections from fraud. Next up: Senate <a href="https://t.co/ciBQL7fnoJ">pic.twitter.com/ciBQL7fnoJ</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2021732716534739290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The bill passed with a mostly party-line vote, 218-213. GOP Members of the Missouri House delegation voted with the majority. Only one Democrat, Rep. Henry Cuellar, of Texas voted for the bill.The bill now moves to the Senate.&nbsp;

Mo. lawmakers help House pass proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters

KANSAS CITY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department are investigating a shooting that has left a teen dead.

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

First responders located a 17-year-old boy outside an apartment complex, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. There are no suspects in custody at this time and police have not released the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department are investigating a shooting that has left a teen dead.Just before 3p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 7400 Block of Armstrong in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release. \First responders located a 17-year-old boy outside an apartment complex, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. There are no suspects in custody at this time and police have not released the name of the victim.

17-year-old killed in Kansas apartment complex shooting

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.

On February 9, Officer J. Paulakovich assisted the Kansas Highway Patrol in a vehicle pursuit that ended when the suspect’s car struck a citizen’s vehicle. Thankfully, there were no injuries. Officer Paulakovich arrested the suspect and located fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in the vehicle. 

The suspect had multiple outstanding warrants, including possession of controlled substances, burglary, and parole violations. He was taken into custody and charged.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770760142205.png" alt="Photo KCK Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCK Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.On February 9, Officer J. Paulakovich assisted the Kansas Highway Patrol in a vehicle pursuit that ended when the suspect’s car struck a citizen’s vehicle. Thankfully, there were no injuries. Officer Paulakovich arrested the suspect and located fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in the vehicle. The suspect had multiple outstanding warrants, including possession of controlled substances, burglary, and parole violations. He was taken into custody and charged.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

Fentanyl and cocaine found after Kan. police chase and crash

WASHINGTON— Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight Committee Wednesday to answer questions about the release of the Epstein files and other controversies.

WASHINGTON— Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight Committee Wednesday to answer questions about the release of the Epstein files and other controversies.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> makes opening statement before House Judiciary Cmte.: &quot;President Trump has given us the resources…to protect the American people…I cannot think of a policy outcome more important than protecting the lives of American citizens. Can you?&#39; <a href="https://t.co/xrVcqqHIgV">pic.twitter.com/xrVcqqHIgV</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021613156749947014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a>: &quot;I want to take a moment to acknowledge the Epstein survivors who are here today... I have spent my entire career fighting for victims and I will continue to do so. I am deeply sorry for what any victim — any victim — has been through... The DOJ is committed to… <a href="https://t.co/t0pnQ7qlor">pic.twitter.com/t0pnQ7qlor</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2021610509489831995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepJayapal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepJayapal</a> spars with <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> on DOJ treatment of Epstein survivors: &quot;Attorney General Bondi…Will you turn to them now and apologize for what your Department of Justice has put them through?&quot; Bondi: &quot;I&#39;m not going to get in the gutter for her theatrics.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/yDjUSkuAjB">pic.twitter.com/yDjUSkuAjB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021627149849948491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepJerryNadler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepJerryNadler</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> spar: Nadler: &quot;How many of Epstein&#39;s co-conspirators have you indicted?&quot; Bondi: &quot;…You showed—I find it funny—&quot; Nadler: &quot;…How many have you indicted?&quot; Bondi: &quot;…Chairman Jordan, I&#39;m not gonna get in the gutter with these people.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/BchqLbEGgb">pic.twitter.com/BchqLbEGgb</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021627087787110649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> slams Democratic lawmakers over their treatment of President Trump: &quot;You all should be apologizing. You sit here and you attack the President and I am not going to have it…None of them asked Merrick Garland over the last four years one word about Jeffrey Epstein.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/uUXIJhXvzr">pic.twitter.com/uUXIJhXvzr</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021626945830830324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepTedLieu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepTedLieu</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> on Epstein probe: &quot;Merrick Garland dropped the ball, as did Attorney General Bill Barr, as did Alex Acosta…But you are in charge. You have the power to change things, to hold these men accountable…You&#39;re doing the opposite, you&#39;re protecting them.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0BIRc9SM87">pic.twitter.com/0BIRc9SM87</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021632788315660596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepTedLieu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepTedLieu</a> spars with <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> over potential Trump involvement in Epstein crimes: &quot;I believe you just lied under oath. There is ample evidence in the Epstein files—&quot; Bondi: &quot;Don&#39;t you ever accuse me of a crime.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/etPN6M38yC">pic.twitter.com/etPN6M38yC</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021633523761754609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepThomasMassie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepThomasMassie</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> on Epstein files redactions: &quot;Are you able to track who it was that obscured Les Wexner&#39;s name?&quot; Bondi: &quot;Within 40 minutes, Wexner&#39;s name was added back—&quot; Massie: &quot;Within 40 minutes of me catching you red-handed!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/OmmGbE66fi">pic.twitter.com/OmmGbE66fi</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021639321896222742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Epstein files: Bondi's Oversight hearing erupts into shouting match

By: NICOLAS FIERRO Salina Post

The family of the late Riley Dean Faris, is questioning why no criminal charges were placed on an individual involved in the crash that took away his life.

Riley Faris passed away at age 30 on&nbsp;October 17, 2025 after riding his motorcycle, when he was hit from behind on a Brookville road. The crash happened at approximately 6:53 pm on K-140 Highway at Perry Street. Faris was headed westbound when a 2003 Subaru Forester operated by Kiley Barnett (39) from Kanopolis, hit him from behind.&nbsp;

Barnett was booked into the Saline County Jail that same night with requested charges of No Proof of Insurance, Driving While Suspended (DWS) and Following Too Close. She was then released.

According to Kansas Court records, Barnett has 40 traffic violations.

Colton Faris, brother of Riley <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DZBboGCVw/">made a Facebook video on February 3, 2026</a>&nbsp;discussing a conversation he had with Saline County Attorney, John Reynolds.

Colton stated his mother got in contact via phone with Reynolds and wondered why they have not received an accident report after five months since the incident.&nbsp;During the phonecall, Colton said Reynolds explained to his mother the charges placed on Barnett and further said "that is just what happens when you ride a motorcycle."

Colton then called Reynolds on why he made the comment. According to Colton, Reynolds described to him that he thinks there was no evidence to place any sort of murder or involuntary manslaughter charge on Barnett.

"He (Reynolds) said, yes she killed him but it was not criminal. I don't understand that when you don't have a license, you are not supposed to be driving and when you don't have insurance, which is required to drive a car, how killing him is not a criminal offense," said Colton Faris on the video.

Reynolds told Salina Post he did not make explicitly make the comment of "that is just what happens when you ride a motorcycle," but instead was "taken out of context."

He said the context was he explained how "when cars and motorcycles collide, it always ends up bad for the motorcyclist."

Saline County Sheriff's Office on accident report

The Saline County Sheriff's Office told Salina Post why the Faris family received the accident report 3 and one half months later.

According to the Sheriff's Office, reports are available through the <a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/labor-relations/kansas-open-records-act-kora">Kansas Open Records Act</a>, but with fluid cases (evolving) and cases with the potential to result in criminal charges without a criminal court disposition, are two of the several exemptions to the act.

In this case, the law enforcement agency did not have a court disposition, or any information if criminal charges were not going to be filed by the County Attorney until the week of Feb. 2 - 6, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office wanted to confirm there were not going to be criminal charges filed prior to releasing a narrative report that could potentially interfere with criminal prosecution. 

Once this was learned, the Sheriff's Office encouraged the Faris family to request the case again and the report was disseminated within 48 hours.

"We strive to provide the appropriate information at the appropriate time while adhering to the Kansas Open Records Act," said the Sheriff's Office.

Reynolds stated the charges placed on Barnett were "traffic violations" and not criminal charges.

Reynolds provided details on what happened in the accident.

According to Reynolds, there was a vehicle going southbound leaving Brookville and got onto K-140 westbound. He said the vehicle got right in front of Faris, which caused him to slow down. Barnett coming from behind was headed westbound and once she became aware of Faris slowing down, she had a "very narrowed reaction time, because she closed the gap between him and the vehicle in front," according to Reynolds.

Reynolds said Barnett tried to avoid colliding with Faris during this time.

"By the time she realizes what's going on, she goes to take evasive maneuvers to move over into the other lane to go around Faris," Reynolds said. "She almost missed him."

Reynolds further said he knew this happened, because he not only visited the accident scene, but also by determining the marks on the vehicles, roadway and review of law enforcement body cameras.

"There were two state troopers out there, they came to the same conclusion of the deputies and what I had," said Reynolds.

Additionally, Reynolds said Barnett should have been farther back before the crash. He placed the Following Too Close charge, because the crash resulted in a fatality.&nbsp;

He also said Faris was not wearing a helmet.

For Barnett to have been placed a requested charge of Involuntary Manslaughter, Reynolds stated the following would need to include:&nbsp;

- Killing someone while committing or attempting to commit a felony.   

- During to commission of an unlawful act in an unlawful manner; Or in attempting to commit, or in flight from, an act described in KSA 8-1567.

"I did not see any of these elements in the affidavit filed in this case," said Reynolds.

Petition started to demand felony charges and removal County Attorney

The cousin of the late Riley Faris, started a <a href="https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-riley-demand-felony-charges-and-removal-of-saline-county-attorney-j-reynolds">petition</a> titled "JUSTICE FOR RILEY: Demand Felony Charges and Removal of Saline County Attorney J. Reynolds."

Stated in the petition, the writer brought up Kansas statutes for upgraded charges on Barnett.

"The charges against Kiley Barnett be upgraded to the highest extent of the law. Under&nbsp;K.S.A. 21-5403, a killing committed unintentionally but recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life is Second-Degree Murder.&nbsp;At a minimum, this must be prosecuted as Involuntary Manslaughter&nbsp;(K.S.A. 21-5405), a Level 5 Person Felony."

Furthermore, it stated Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct for the removal of Reynolds.

The petition currently has over 4,000 signatures.

Barnett is scheduled to appear in court for a status conference on March 25. 

The Saline County court will determine to either take the Barnett case to trial on if she will be convicted for DWS, No Proof of Insurance and Following Too Close.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770836235145.png" alt="Riley Dean Faris unexpectedly passed away on October 17, 2025 at age 30, following a motorcycle accident. Photo courtesy Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home &amp; Crematory." />
 <figcaption>Riley Dean Faris unexpectedly passed away on October 17, 2025 at age 30, following a motorcycle accident. Photo courtesy Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home &amp; Crematory.</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERRO Salina PostThe family of the late Riley Dean Faris, is questioning why no criminal charges were placed on an individual involved in the crash that took away his life.Riley Faris passed away at age 30 on&nbsp;October 17, 2025 after riding his motorcycle, when he was hit from behind on a Brookville road. The crash happened at approximately 6:53 pm on K-140 Highway at Perry Street. Faris was headed westbound when a 2003 Subaru Forester operated by Kiley Barnett (39) from Kanopolis, hit him from behind.&nbsp;Barnett was booked into the Saline County Jail that same night with requested charges of No Proof of Insurance, Driving While Suspended (DWS) and Following Too Close. She was then released.According to Kansas Court records, Barnett has 40 traffic violations.Colton Faris, brother of Riley <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DZBboGCVw/">made a Facebook video on February 3, 2026</a>&nbsp;discussing a conversation he had with Saline County Attorney, John Reynolds. Colton stated his mother got in contact via phone with Reynolds and wondered why they have not received an accident report after five months since the incident.&nbsp;During the phonecall, Colton said Reynolds explained to his mother the charges placed on Barnett and further said "that is just what happens when you ride a motorcycle."<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1569023047711529%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Colton then called Reynolds on why he made the comment. According to Colton, Reynolds described to him that he thinks there was no evidence to place any sort of murder or involuntary manslaughter charge on Barnett."He (Reynolds) said, yes she killed him but it was not criminal. I don't understand that when you don't have a license, you are not supposed to be driving and when you don't have insurance, which is required to drive a car, how killing him is not a criminal offense," said Colton Faris on the video.Reynolds told Salina Post he did not make explicitly make the comment of "that is just what happens when you ride a motorcycle," but instead was "taken out of context."He said the context was he explained how "when cars and motorcycles collide, it always ends up bad for the motorcyclist."<h2>Saline County Sheriff's Office on accident report</h2>The Saline County Sheriff's Office told Salina Post why the Faris family received the accident report 3 and one half months later.According to the Sheriff's Office, reports are available through the <a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/labor-relations/kansas-open-records-act-kora">Kansas Open Records Act</a>, but with fluid cases (evolving) and cases with the potential to result in criminal charges without a criminal court disposition, are two of the several exemptions to the act.In this case, the law enforcement agency did not have a court disposition, or any information if criminal charges were not going to be filed by the County Attorney until the week of Feb. 2 - 6, according to the Sheriff's Office.The Sheriff's Office wanted to confirm there were not going to be criminal charges filed prior to releasing a narrative report that could potentially interfere with criminal prosecution. Once this was learned, the Sheriff's Office encouraged the Faris family to request the case again and the report was disseminated within 48 hours."We strive to provide the appropriate information at the appropriate time while adhering to the Kansas Open Records Act," said the Sheriff's Office.Reynolds stated the charges placed on Barnett were "traffic violations" and not criminal charges.<h2>Reynolds explains the accident</h2>Reynolds provided details on what happened in the accident.According to Reynolds, there was a vehicle going southbound leaving Brookville and got onto K-140 westbound. He said the vehicle got right in front of Faris, which caused him to slow down. Barnett coming from behind was headed westbound and once she became aware of Faris slowing down, she had a "very narrowed reaction time, because she closed the gap between him and the vehicle in front," according to Reynolds.Reynolds said Barnett tried to avoid colliding with Faris during this time."By the time she realizes what's going on, she goes to take evasive maneuvers to move over into the other lane to go around Faris," Reynolds said. "She almost missed him."Reynolds further said he knew this happened, because he not only visited the accident scene, but also by determining the marks on the vehicles, roadway and review of law enforcement body cameras."There were two state troopers out there, they came to the same conclusion of the deputies and what I had," said Reynolds.Additionally, Reynolds said Barnett should have been farther back before the crash. He placed the Following Too Close charge, because the crash resulted in a fatality.&nbsp;He also said Faris was not wearing a helmet.For Barnett to have been placed a requested charge of Involuntary Manslaughter, Reynolds stated the following would need to include:&nbsp;- Killing someone recklessly.- Killing someone while committing or attempting to commit a felony.   - Killing someone while DUI.   - During to commission of an unlawful act in an unlawful manner; Or in attempting to commit, or in flight from, an act described in KSA 8-1567."I did not see any of these elements in the affidavit filed in this case," said Reynolds.<h2>Petition started to demand felony charges and removal County Attorney</h2>The cousin of the late Riley Faris, started a <a href="https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-riley-demand-felony-charges-and-removal-of-saline-county-attorney-j-reynolds">petition</a> titled "JUSTICE FOR RILEY: Demand Felony Charges and Removal of Saline County Attorney J. Reynolds."Stated in the petition, the writer brought up Kansas statutes for upgraded charges on Barnett."The charges against Kiley Barnett be upgraded to the highest extent of the law. Under&nbsp;K.S.A. 21-5403, a killing committed unintentionally but recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life is Second-Degree Murder.&nbsp;At a minimum, this must be prosecuted as Involuntary Manslaughter&nbsp;(K.S.A. 21-5405), a Level 5 Person Felony."Furthermore, it stated Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct for the removal of Reynolds.<ol>
 <li>"The Broken Oath of Office Under&nbsp;K.S.A. 54-106, John Reynolds took a solemn oath to faithfully discharge the duties&nbsp;of his office. A County Attorney’s most sacred duty is to serve as a Minister of Justice. This means applying the law equally to every citizen, regardless of whether they walk, drive, or ride.&nbsp;By dismissing Riley’s death as an occupational hazard of riding a motorcycle, Mr. Reynolds has breached that oath. He has replaced the law of Kansas with his own personal bias, proving he is either unwilling or unable to faithfully protect the rights of all Saline County residents."</li><li>"KRPC 3.8&nbsp;(Minister of Justice): A prosecutor is a minister of justice, not just an advocate. By dismissing a fatality based on the victim’s vehicle, he has failed his duty to see that justice is accorded to all."</li><li>"KRPC 8.4(d) &amp; (g): His comments are prejudicial to the administration of justice and reflect a bias that renders him unfit to practice law or serve the public impartially.K.S.A. 74-7333&nbsp;(Crime Victims Bill of Rights): He has failed to treat Riley’s family with the courtesy, compassion, and respect for their dignity mandated by Kansas law."</li>
 </ol>The petition currently has over 4,000 signatures.Barnett is scheduled to appear in court for a status conference on March 25. The Saline County court will determine to either take the Barnett case to trial on if she will be convicted for DWS, No Proof of Insurance and Following Too Close.

🎥 Family of Kan. motorcyclist speaks out after no criminal charges in fatal crash

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating the death of a baby.

On Tuesday night, Kansas City police were dispatched on a medical call in the 7500 Block of E. 75th Street, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp; First responders were told a 3-month old was bleeding and possibly deceased.&nbsp; The child was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Sheriff Forte'.

A suspicious death is investigation underway.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details on Wednesday.

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating the death of a baby.On Tuesday night, Kansas City police were dispatched on a medical call in the 7500 Block of E. 75th Street, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp; First responders were told a 3-month old was bleeding and possibly deceased.&nbsp; The child was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Sheriff Forte'.A suspicious death is investigation underway.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details on Wednesday.

Death of 3-month old in Kansas City under investigation

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

TOPEKA — CoreCivic argued Tuesday for the right to begin holding prisoners in its closed Leavenworth facility, even as the company is working through a local permit process that could make the court case irrelevant.

CoreCivic challenged an injunction in the Kansas Court of Appeals that was made last year by the Leavenworth County District Court. The injunction kept the private prison from taking detainees from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while CoreCivic and the City of Leavenworth fought in court about reopening the company’s prison facility.

Complicating the issue, the two are now working through the city’s planning process as CoreCivic has applied for a special use permit that would allow it to reopen.&nbsp;

“This is a difficult case because it feels like there are all of these slippery parts that are not part of the matter before us,” said Chief Judge Sarah Warner. “There’s a separate lawsuit. There are ongoing administrative proceedings.”&nbsp;

CoreCivic operated a private prison in Leavenworth until 2021 when it lost a contract with the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2025, the company announced it planned to reopen the prison as the Midwest Regional Detention Center and house ICE detainees.&nbsp;

The city required CoreCivic to obtain a special use permit through its planning and zoning process before reopening, which is where the court cases originated last year. The two entities have been fighting it out in court, with CoreCivic insisting it did not need a permit.&nbsp;

After losses in Kansas district court, CoreCivic bowed to the city’s demands and began the process of obtaining the permit. Last week, the city’s planning commission&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/03/corecivic-receives-leavenworth-planning-commission-approval-in-contentious-meeting/" target="_blank">approved the permit</a>&nbsp;and sent it to the city commission for a final determination.&nbsp;

Although one court case between the two ended and one remains open but inactive, the Nashville-based private prison company continued its appeal Tuesday to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/04/leavenworth-wins-restraining-order-barring-corecivic-from-taking-ice-detainees/" target="_blank">argue the injunction prohibiting</a>&nbsp;it from taking prisoners immediately should be reversed.

Sara Fevurly, an attorney for CoreCivic, said the district court didn’t properly grant the injunction, and even if the decision were rendered moot after the permit was approved, the company may be entitled to fees and damages associated with an improper temporary injunction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the short hearing focused on legal technicalities of the case, both sides argued about the definition of “irreparable harm” and whether CoreCivic abandoned use of its property because it did not house prisoners there for about three years.&nbsp;

Joseph Hatley, an attorney for Leavenworth, told the court it was difficult to determine what “irreparable harm” would mean for the city, listing challenges the city had with CoreCivic during its operations before 2021. Those included not alerting local police to crimes at the facility and public works issues created by sewage.&nbsp;

Fevurly argued that past behavior cannot be used to determine harm.&nbsp;

“I don’t know how you calculate damages based on the police inability to investigate crimes,” Hatley said. “There are people who get hurt by that, there are victims in the facility who are hurt by that. Irreparable harm is the inability to calculate damages, and that’s what we have here.”

Warner said the judges would render a written opinion as soon as they could.&nbsp;

CoreCivic will know by March 10 whether the city will approve its special use permit to reopen the prison, Hatley said after the hearing. That will be the city commission’s second consideration of the permit, with the first consideration occurring Feb. 24. A public hearing is held as part of the process.&nbsp;

David Waters, the Leavenworth city attorney, said after the hearing that the public’s input is “certainly” part of determining whether the permit goes through.&nbsp;

“That is why we hold a public hearing,” he said. “The planning commission holds that public hearing to get the citizen input on that. It’s one of the most important parts of the zoning and planning process is to get that input from the residents as to what is best for the public health and safety and welfare of the community.”

Waters said CoreCivic has the option to appeal to the district court if the city commission refuses to grant the permit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770836020066.png" alt=" From left, Kansas Court of Appeals Judges Thomas Malone, Sarah Warner and Stephen Hill hear arguments on Feb. 10, 2026, about reversing an injunction against CoreCivic (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> From left, Kansas Court of Appeals Judges Thomas Malone, Sarah Warner and Stephen Hill hear arguments on Feb. 10, 2026, about reversing an injunction against CoreCivic (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — CoreCivic argued Tuesday for the right to begin holding prisoners in its closed Leavenworth facility, even as the company is working through a local permit process that could make the court case irrelevant.CoreCivic challenged an injunction in the Kansas Court of Appeals that was made last year by the Leavenworth County District Court. The injunction kept the private prison from taking detainees from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while CoreCivic and the City of Leavenworth fought in court about reopening the company’s prison facility.Complicating the issue, the two are now working through the city’s planning process as CoreCivic has applied for a special use permit that would allow it to reopen.&nbsp;“This is a difficult case because it feels like there are all of these slippery parts that are not part of the matter before us,” said Chief Judge Sarah Warner. “There’s a separate lawsuit. There are ongoing administrative proceedings.”&nbsp;CoreCivic operated a private prison in Leavenworth until 2021 when it lost a contract with the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2025, the company announced it planned to reopen the prison as the Midwest Regional Detention Center and house ICE detainees.&nbsp;The city required CoreCivic to obtain a special use permit through its planning and zoning process before reopening, which is where the court cases originated last year. The two entities have been fighting it out in court, with CoreCivic insisting it did not need a permit.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770835927566.png" alt="Sara Fevurly, attorney for CoreCivic, considers opponent’s arguments during a Feb. 10, 2026, Kansas Court of Appeals hearing about reversing an injunction against the private prison company. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sara Fevurly, attorney for CoreCivic, considers opponent’s arguments during a Feb. 10, 2026, Kansas Court of Appeals hearing about reversing an injunction against the private prison company. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>After losses in Kansas district court, CoreCivic bowed to the city’s demands and began the process of obtaining the permit. Last week, the city’s planning commission&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/03/corecivic-receives-leavenworth-planning-commission-approval-in-contentious-meeting/" target="_blank">approved the permit</a>&nbsp;and sent it to the city commission for a final determination.&nbsp;Although one court case between the two ended and one remains open but inactive, the Nashville-based private prison company continued its appeal Tuesday to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/04/leavenworth-wins-restraining-order-barring-corecivic-from-taking-ice-detainees/" target="_blank">argue the injunction prohibiting</a>&nbsp;it from taking prisoners immediately should be reversed.Sara Fevurly, an attorney for CoreCivic, said the district court didn’t properly grant the injunction, and even if the decision were rendered moot after the permit was approved, the company may be entitled to fees and damages associated with an improper temporary injunction.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the short hearing focused on legal technicalities of the case, both sides argued about the definition of “irreparable harm” and whether CoreCivic abandoned use of its property because it did not house prisoners there for about three years.&nbsp;Joseph Hatley, an attorney for Leavenworth, told the court it was difficult to determine what “irreparable harm” would mean for the city, listing challenges the city had with CoreCivic during its operations before 2021. Those included not alerting local police to crimes at the facility and public works issues created by sewage.&nbsp;Fevurly argued that past behavior cannot be used to determine harm.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770835965549.png" alt="Sara Fevurly, attorney for CoreCivic, considers opponent’s arguments during a Feb. 10, 2026, Kansas Court of Appeals hearing about reversing an injunction against the private prison company. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sara Fevurly, attorney for CoreCivic, considers opponent’s arguments during a Feb. 10, 2026, Kansas Court of Appeals hearing about reversing an injunction against the private prison company. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“I don’t know how you calculate damages based on the police inability to investigate crimes,” Hatley said. “There are people who get hurt by that, there are victims in the facility who are hurt by that. Irreparable harm is the inability to calculate damages, and that’s what we have here.”Warner said the judges would render a written opinion as soon as they could.&nbsp;CoreCivic will know by March 10 whether the city will approve its special use permit to reopen the prison, Hatley said after the hearing. That will be the city commission’s second consideration of the permit, with the first consideration occurring Feb. 24. A public hearing is held as part of the process.&nbsp;David Waters, the Leavenworth city attorney, said after the hearing that the public’s input is “certainly” part of determining whether the permit goes through.&nbsp;“That is why we hold a public hearing,” he said. “The planning commission holds that public hearing to get the citizen input on that. It’s one of the most important parts of the zoning and planning process is to get that input from the residents as to what is best for the public health and safety and welfare of the community.”Waters said CoreCivic has the option to appeal to the district court if the city commission refuses to grant the permit.

CoreCivic argues to overturn injunction keeping it from housing ICE detainees in Kansas prison

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Multiple callers reported the sound of gunfire from behind an apartment building there. On arrival officers were directed to a parking lot in the back of an apartment building where they located a vehicle with two shooting victims, a man and woman, unresponsive inside.&nbsp;

Officers called for EMS who declared both victims deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Homicide detectives responded to the scene to conduct their investigation along with crime scene investigators who are processing the scene for available evidence.&nbsp; Police did not release any suspect information or the names of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770822843585.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.At 9:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of E. Armour Blvd. in Kansas City, Missouri, on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.Multiple callers reported the sound of gunfire from behind an apartment building there. On arrival officers were directed to a parking lot in the back of an apartment building where they located a vehicle with two shooting victims, a man and woman, unresponsive inside.&nbsp;Officers called for EMS who declared both victims deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Homicide detectives responded to the scene to conduct their investigation along with crime scene investigators who are processing the scene for available evidence.&nbsp; Police did not release any suspect information or the names of the victims.