The 2026 Kansas legislative session is set to begin Jan. 12, with lawmakers heading to Topeka amid an election year that could influence both the tone and substance of the agenda.

Among the issues likely to dominate the session are budget decisions and tax policy. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has emphasized maintaining the state’s fiscal stability, while some Republican lawmakers are pushing for additional tax cuts.

Lawmakers must also determine how to allocate $222 million Kansas received through the Trump administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a funding stream aimed at strengthening health care access, particularly in rural areas.

Property taxes are also expected to be a major point of discussion. While there is broad agreement that rising property taxes are a significant concern for Kansans.

Republicans and Democrats agree property tax is a top issue in the state, but the consensus is not there, even within the parties. Agreement between Republican leaders is not present.

Redistricting, however, is not expected to be part of the regular session agenda. House Speaker Dan Hawkins said last week that Republicans currently do not have the votes to pass congressional redistricting.

The legislative session runs until late April.&nbsp; The candidate filing deadline for the primary election is June 1. This year, Kansas voters will cast ballots for governor, U.S. senator, state attorney general, state insurance commissioner, secretary of state, state treasurer and state representatives.

Election year could shape priorities as 2026 Kansas legislative session begins

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Supreme Court will convene a special session at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, to hear an expedited case involving a constitutional dispute between Governor Laura Kelly and Kris Kobach over who has the authority to represent the State of Kansas in federal court.

The case, No. 129,788 — Governor Laura Kelly, in her Official Capacity v. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, in his Official Capacity, will be heard in the Supreme Court courtroom on the third floor of the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka. Oral arguments will be livestreamed on the court’s YouTube channel. Court filings and related documents are available to the public through the Kansas judicial branch website.

The matter comes before the court as an original action seeking a writ of quo warranto. According to the case summary, the material facts are not in dispute.

Kelly has asked Kobach to join several federal lawsuits she believes have merit challenging actions of the federal government on behalf of the State of Kansas. Kobach declined, stating he believed the lawsuits lacked merit. Kelly then attempted to join two federal lawsuits in her official capacity as governor, seeking relief on behalf of the state.

In response, Kobach filed amicus briefs in those cases, arguing that Kansas law grants exclusive authority to the attorney general to initiate and control litigation on behalf of the state in federal court. Kelly has also expressed interest in seeking federal judicial review of a decision by the SNAP Appeals Board, an action Kobach contends likewise falls solely within the attorney general’s authority.

Kelly subsequently filed the current quo warranto petition, asking the Supreme Court to resolve the dispute.

The justices are expected to consider four central legal questions:

The court’s decision could have significant implications for the balance of power between the governor and attorney general and for how Kansas participates in federal litigation going forward.

Kansas Supreme Court to hear expedited Kelly-Kobach dispute

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The&nbsp;Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation&nbsp;is officially underway with auditions for the upcoming 2026 summer season, as the organization continues its steady rebuild and looks to expand performances, participation, and community involvement.&nbsp;

Executive Director Dale&nbsp;Antoine&nbsp;said auditions for this summer’s Sky Ryders drum corps have already begun and will continue through April. The process includes both video and in-person auditions, giving young musicians flexibility in how they&nbsp;participate.&nbsp;

“We’ve just started our audition cycle,”&nbsp;Antoine&nbsp;said. “We had a color guard audition in Hutchinson in December, an all-sections audition in Emporia this past weekend, and we’ll be holding more auditions in Wichita, Kansas City, and other locations across the region.”&nbsp;

All auditions are day camps and are held 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.&nbsp; You can get more information on their <a href="https://www.skyryderspaf.org/students">website</a>.&nbsp;

Auditions are open to youth ages 14 to 21. Prospective members can find detailed audition materials for each section on the organization’s website, including music excerpts and performance expectations. In addition to individual evaluations, auditionees also&nbsp;participate&nbsp;in ensemble settings and receive detailed feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.&nbsp;

A demanding but rewarding experience&nbsp;

Antoine&nbsp;emphasized that drum corps participation is physically demanding, describing members as “elite athletes” as well as musicians. Spring training and summer rehearsals involve long days and rigorous conditioning.&nbsp;

“It can be physically challenging,”&nbsp;Antoine&nbsp;said. “But we take&nbsp;very good&nbsp;care of the kids. If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;not in shape when you start,&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;be in shape by the end.”&nbsp;

Last season marked the Sky Ryders’ first year after a 32-year absence. Antoine said the 2025 season exceeded expectations, with 76 students from across the region participating.&nbsp;

The corps rehearsed and performed locally before&nbsp;touring to&nbsp;Iowa and Illinois, with a rainout canceling one scheduled performance. The season concluded with positive feedback from both audiences and organizers.&nbsp;

Expanded performance schedule in 2026&nbsp;

The 2026 season will include an expanded slate of performances, including a July 13 show in Olathe and a return to Hutchinson with a multi-corps event at Gowans Stadium on July 14. The Hutchinson show will again be supported by&nbsp;Drum Corps International, which sanctioned a similar event in 2025.&nbsp;

Additional&nbsp;performances are scheduled in Killeen and San&nbsp;Antonio, Texas, with the season concluding July 18.&nbsp;

“We’re increasing the number of performances and continuing to build momentum locally,”&nbsp;Antoine&nbsp;said. “Bringing multiple drum corps to Hutchinson again is a big part of that.”&nbsp;

Beyond musical development,&nbsp;Antoine&nbsp;said participants gain valuable life skills, including time management, teamwork, and communication.&nbsp;

“Our members range from 14 to 21 years old, many of whom have never met before,” he said. “They learn how to work together, manage long days, and handle demanding schedules — all while performing at a high level.”&nbsp;

Foundation support and volunteer needs&nbsp;

The Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation serves as the nonprofit umbrella organization supporting the corps.&nbsp;Antoine&nbsp;noted that all leadership roles, including his own, are volunteer positions.&nbsp;

Operating a touring drum corps requires a significant budget.&nbsp;Antoine&nbsp;said last season’s expenses totaled approximately $170,000, with costs expected to increase this year.&nbsp;

In addition to financial contributions, the foundation is seeking practical assistance.&nbsp;Current needs include a local truck driver to help move a newly purchased 50-foot equipment trailer, as well as volunteers willing to assist with food service, medical support, or tour logistics.&nbsp;

“We’ve been fortunate with community support,”&nbsp;Antoine&nbsp;said. “Last year we put out a call for a&nbsp;seamstress&nbsp;and someone stepped up&nbsp;immediately. That kind of involvement makes&nbsp;a huge difference.”&nbsp;

The Sky Ryders are currently competing in SoundSport, an entry-level division within Drum Corps International.&nbsp;Antoine&nbsp;said the organization has applied for Open Class Affiliate status, a key step toward eventually returning to world-class competition.&nbsp;

“This is a long-term process,” he said. “DCI wants to make sure organizations are stable and sustainable.&nbsp;We’re&nbsp;taking the right steps, and&nbsp;they’re&nbsp;very pleased&nbsp;with our progress.”&nbsp;

Spring training for the 2026 season begins June 28 in Hutchinson, with rehearsals running through July 13. The corps will again&nbsp;participate&nbsp;in local Independence Day events while in town.&nbsp;

More information about auditions, volunteer opportunities, and donations is available through the <a href="https://www.skyryderspaf.org/home">Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation website.&nbsp;</a>

Sky Ryders begin auditions, expand 2026 season while seeking community support

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The first Community Collaboration Series event of 2026 will take place later this month in Hutchinson, focusing on resources and support available to Kansas veterans.

The event, hosted by the Reno County Department of Aging, is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at 120 West Ave., Suite B, in Hutchinson.

The featured organization for the January session is KS4VETS, which works to connect veterans and their families with benefits, services and advocacy across the state. Guest speaker Dannielle Stiffler will provide an overview of available programs and answer questions from attendees.

The Community Collaboration Series is designed to bring together local agencies, service providers and community members to share information and strengthen partnerships. The series is presented by the Reno County Department of Aging and coordinated by Information and Outreach Program Coordinator Cara Conaway.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP in advance. Reservations can be made by emailing <a>cara.conaway@renocountyks.gov</a> or by calling 620-694-2911.

The Community Collaboration Series will continue throughout the year, highlighting different organizations and topics relevant to older adults, caregivers and the broader Reno County community.

Collaboration series to feature KS4Vets

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a bridge replacement project on K-11 in Kingman County on Monday, Jan. 19, conditions permitting.

The Smoots Creek bridge is located a little less than six miles north of the K-11 and U.S. 54/400 intersection.  Initial work will consist of constructing a temporary road around the bridge to carry traffic through the project area. Traffic impacts should be minimal during this phase.  Once the temporary road is complete, traffic will then be shifted to the detour while the new bridge is constructed.   Work will occur Monday through Friday during daylight hours.  King Construction Company Inc. and Subsidiaries of Hesston is the prime contractor on the $1.4 million project, which is expected to be complete in the fall.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones.

For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511. For updates on construction projects in South Central Kansas, visit <a href="http://ksdot.gov/southcentralnews">ksdot.gov/southcentralnews</a>.

KDOT bridge replacement project to begin in Kingman County

Drivers in Harvey County should plan for a temporary closure this week as the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) continues work on the 36th Street bridge replacement.

KDOT officials announced that both northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 135 at 36th Street will be closed on Friday, Jan. 16, beginning at 7 p.m. The lanes are expected to reopen by 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, conditions permitting. Traffic will be diverted through the exit and entrance ramps and back on to I-135.

The closure is necessary to accommodate ongoing construction activities tied to the replacement of the 36th Street bridge, a project aimed at improving safety and extending the life of the corridor.

For current road conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Fdata=05%257C02%257Cnick.gosnell%2540ks.gov%257C2307b72cd6354edebb9908de0b396462%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638960538275676177%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26reserved=0%26sdata=R%252FzM61p3LWpRX4mqgVb8vFp2RGA7gdD9N%252FZ5xyhBO9Y%253D%26url=https%253A%252F%252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%253A%25252F%25252Fwww.kandrive.gov%25253Futm_medium%253Demail%252526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%252F1%252F01010199e36a64fc-93fce69b-44f1-44a1-8752-bdd6df0019b0-000000%252FWttZkfWnkeXjcNMQ7BhANqZPjcWOShUW76xWu5IjAbs%253D426%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019bb2befae5-45372e3c-880c-4686-b6ae-1bdfcd137efa-000000/SDBE2hihDOLOUyoVyuumflW-PCMtXufrgHB_pRFzlmY=439">kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 511. For updates on construction projects in South Central Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Fdata=05%257C02%257Cnick.gosnell%2540ks.gov%257C2307b72cd6354edebb9908de0b396462%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638960538275696990%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26reserved=0%26sdata=dod34vcyj47X%252FN%252FmgmDcLFmM5RXAdeDBUvuQNhTkVEQ%253D%26url=https%253A%252F%252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ksdot.gov%25252Fsouthcentralnews%25253Futm_medium%253Demail%252526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%252F1%252F01010199e36a64fc-93fce69b-44f1-44a1-8752-bdd6df0019b0-000000%252FLdD914WqngWaUbjLVqXy7TEPLJvXjX5Bp6Kqc-WGHso%253D426%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019bb2befae5-45372e3c-880c-4686-b6ae-1bdfcd137efa-000000/Jnyphqc4pTZOys0exoFFTyatnhnFkKNzpNsvZYPi4A4=439">ksdot.gov/southcentralnews</a>.

Harvey County bridge project to close I-135 lanes this week

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. — A man in his 30s was killed following a deputy-involved shooting early Tuesday morning in southwest Sedgwick County.

According to Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 5:31 a.m. after a citizen reported a shirtless man walking in the roadway near 55th Street and Hoover, carrying a handgun.

When deputies arrived in the area, they located a truck that appeared to have gone into a ditch. A short distance away, deputies observed the man matching the description provided by the caller. Sheriff Brad Easter said deputies issued multiple commands for the individual to drop the handgun.

Authorities said the man fired shots, striking at least one sheriff’s vehicle. Deputies then returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times.

Deputies immediately rendered aid at the scene until EMS arrived. The man was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

No deputies were injured during the incident.

The shooting occurred near 55th Street and Hoover, and the area is expected to remain closed for several hours while the investigation continues.

The Wichita Police Department’s Officer-Involved Shooting Investigations (OISI) team has been called in to conduct the investigation, which is standard procedure for deputy-involved shootings in Sedgwick County.

Sheriff Easter said the incident remains under investigation and that limited information is available at this time, including whether the man may have been experiencing a mental health crisis.

More details are expected to be released as the investigation continues.

Deputy-involved shooting under investigation in southwest Sedgwick County

Here's a list of events happening around the area.&nbsp; If your club or organization has an event, you can e-mail the information to <a href="MAILTO:hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">HutchPost@eaglemedia.com.</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1392955935569250/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Movie Night: So Bad its Good - "The Claw"</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Elmdale Senior Center - 400 East Ave. E

Hutch High Basketball at Valley Center - 6 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Valley Center High School

HutchCC Basketball at Pratt - 5:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Dennis Lesh Beaver Dome

Duplicate Bridge Tournament &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Dillon Hall - Kansas State Fairgrounds

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1835131280539693">January Third Thursday</a>&nbsp;- 6 to 8 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Downtown Hutchinson

Hutch High Basketball at Great Bend - 6 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Great Bend High School

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/34fcaa53-f853-4274-aea1-4cda4aabf002">Flapjacks at the Fire Station</a> - 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Cheney Fire Station - 525 North Main Street, Cheney

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonartcenter.net/classes">Saturday Morning Artists</a> - 9 to 11:30 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Art Center - 405 North Washington

Shades of Compassion - Vision Night 2026 - 4 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; First United Methodist Church - 101 East First

HutchCC Basketball vs Fort Hays Tech Northwest - 5:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Sports Arena&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here's what's happening: Jan. 12-18

The Hutchinson Polar Plunge is set to return later this month, inviting participants to brave icy waters in support of Special Olympics Kansas.

This year’s event will take place Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Midwest Superstore. Registration opens at 9 a.m., with plunging scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Participants can take part as individuals or form teams to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Kansas, which provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Organizers encourage plungers to bring their enthusiasm — and creativity — as costumes are a popular and festive part of the event.

The Polar Plunge has become a signature winter fundraiser in communities across the state, combining chilly fun with a meaningful cause. Community members are invited to come out to plunge, cheer on participants, or support the effort through donations.

Organizers say the event promises a high-energy morning filled with excitement, camaraderie, and community spirit — all while making a splash for a great cause.

Polar Plunge returns Jan. 24 to benefit Special Olympics Kansas

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

Ismael	Hernandez	Tellez		1/11/2026 5:20&nbsp;AM	Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction),					In Transit From-To Other Agency

Quintin	Lee	Nichols		1/11/2026 6:31&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant, Failure to Appear

Daniel	Aaron Joseph	Gobble		1/11/2026 4:24&nbsp;PM	Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

Daily Bookings

KANSAS CITY — Kansas man has been charged for his role in a fatal shooting that occurred on East Interstate 70 Highway in 2022.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2797/Daimon-Benson-Complaint--PC">Daimon Benson</a>&nbsp;faces one count of 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Shoot at/from Motor Vehicle, at Person, Motor Vehicle or Building, Resulting in Death or Injury, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

On October 21, 2022, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on East Interstate 70 at Interstate 29 and located a crashed white Toyota Camry. Officers found a female victim in the driver’s seat suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. She was later pronounced deceased at a nearby hospital, according to court records.

Based on several investigative leads, detectives determined a gray Dodge Charger began chasing the Toyota at a high rate of speed after the Toyota cut off the Charger. An individual in the passenger seat of the Charger, later determined to be Benson allegedly fired into the Toyota. The Toyota crashed and the Charger fled the scene.

Benson told detectives he did not remember having any involvement in the 2022 shooting but estimated to have shot about 400 people. He estimated he has shot about ten people every month from inside a vehicle.&nbsp;

The defendant was a juvenile at the time of the shooting and was certified&nbsp; in Family Court.

He is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond. The defendant is a SAVE KC client and did not attend a call-in.&nbsp;

Kansas man shot and killed woman driver on I-70 

MIAMI COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple drug allegations after a drug bust at a property in northeast Kansas.

Just before 8:30a.m. January 8, police executed a narcotics search warrant at 140 14th Street in Osawatomie, according to a media release from police. The residence had been under investigation for several months following reports to law enforcement alleging the sale of narcotics by an individual who lived at the residence.

After establishing probable cause that narcotics were sold on the property, investigators, with their approved search warrant, took 61-year-old Gary L. Burnett into custody. He was living in the detached garage located behind the main residence.&nbsp;

A search of the garage resulted in the seizure of meth, scales, a firearm, drug paraphernalia and additional items related to the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;pachaging and sale of narcotics.

Barnett is being held in the Miami County Jail on requested charges that include distribution of meth within 1000 feet of a school, using a phone to arrange the sale of narcotics, no drug tax stamp affixed,&nbsp; possession of meth with intent to distribute, felony possession of a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Police: Kan. felon was selling drugs from garage on property

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s feud with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has escalated into a Department of Justice investigation, raising alarm bells among some Republicans in the Senate, where Trump will need broad backing from GOP lawmakers to get his choice for the next Fed chairman approved after Powell’s term ends in May.

Retiring North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who sits on the narrowly divided Banking Committee that will hold hearings on the next nominee, wrote in a statement he won’t approve anyone to fill Powell’s seat if Trump or administration officials try to further erode its independence.&nbsp;

“If there were any remaining doubt whether advisers within the Trump Administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve, there should now be none,” Tillis wrote. “It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question.”

Tillis added he plans to “oppose the confirmation of any nominee for the Fed—including the upcoming Fed Chair vacancy—until this legal matter is fully resolved.”

Trump has criticized Powell repeatedly since retaking the Oval Office in January, pressing him to reduce interest rates faster and signaling he wanted to fire him.&nbsp;

Powell said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/powell20260111a.htm" target="_blank">a video</a>&nbsp;released this weekend that Justice Department officials on Friday “served the Federal Reserve with grand jury subpoenas, threatening a criminal indictment related to my testimony before the Senate Banking Committee last June.”

Powell alleged the DOJ investigation is not purely about oversight of the multi-year renovation project at the Fed’s offices in Washington, D.C., but “a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the president.”

“This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions—or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation,” Powell said.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-announces-nomination-jerome-powell-chairman-board-governors-federal-reserve-system/" target="_blank">first nominated</a>&nbsp;Powell to be chairman of the Federal Reserve in November 2017 for a four-year term that began in February 2018, writing in a statement that Powell had “demonstrated steady leadership, sound judgment, and policy expertise.”

“Mr. Powell will bring to the Federal Reserve a unique background of Government service and business experience,” Trump wrote. “He previously served as Under Secretary at the Department of Treasury in the administration of President George H.W. Bush. Mr. Powell also has nearly three decades of business experience.”

The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1152/vote_115_2_00019.htm" target="_blank">voted 84-13</a>&nbsp;in January 2018 to confirm Powell to the role.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden re-nominated Powell in November 2021 for another four-year term that began in May 2022 after the Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00176.htm" target="_blank">voted 80-19</a>&nbsp;to confirm him for a second time.&nbsp;

Trump hasn’t said publicly whom he will nominate to succeed Powell as Fed chairman, but whoever he picks will need to move past the Senate Banking Committee in order to receive a confirmation vote on the floor and actually take on the role.&nbsp;

The Banking Committee holds 13 Republicans and 11 Democrats, giving Tillis considerable leverage to block any Trump nominee from advancing if all of the Democrats on the panel also vote against reporting that person to the floor.&nbsp;

Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren, ranking member on the committee, wrote in a statement that “Trump is abusing the authorities of the Department of Justice like a wannabe dictator so the Fed serves his interests, along with his billionaire friends.”&nbsp;

“As Donald Trump prepares to nominate a new Fed Chair, he wants to push Jerome Powell off the Fed Board for good and install another sock puppet to complete his corrupt takeover of America’s central bank,” Warren wrote. “This Committee and the Senate should not move forward with any Trump nominee for the Fed, including Fed Chair.”

Chairman Tim Scott, R-S.C., had not released any public statements about the Department of Justice investigation into Powell as of Monday morning.&nbsp;

Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who isn’t on the committee, released a written statement after speaking with Powell on Monday morning, saying “it’s clear the administration’s investigation is nothing more than an attempt at coercion.”&nbsp;

“If the Department of Justice believes an investigation into Chair Powell is warranted based on project cost overruns—which are not unusual—then Congress needs to investigate the Department of Justice,” Murkowski wrote. “The stakes are too high to look the other way: if the Federal Reserve loses its independence, the stability of our markets and the broader economy will suffer. My colleague, Senator Tillis, is right in blocking any Federal Reserve nominees until this is resolved.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote in a statement the Justice Department’s actions represent “the kind of bullying that we’ve all come to expect from Donald Trump and his cronies.”&nbsp;

“Anyone who is independent and doesn’t just fall in line behind Trump gets investigated,” Schumer wrote. “Jay Powell and the Fed aren’t the reason Trump’s economy and his poll numbers are in the toilet. If he’s looking for the person who caused that he should look in the mirror.”

Former Federal Reserve chairmen, Treasury secretaries and White House economic advisers released&nbsp;<a href="https://jointstatement.substack.com/p/statement-on-the-federal-reserve" target="_blank">a written statement</a>&nbsp;that the Fed’s “independence and the public’s perception of that independence are critical for economic performance, including achieving the goals Congress has set for the Federal Reserve of stable prices, maximum employment, and moderate long-term interest rates.”

“The reported criminal inquiry into Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell is an unprecedented attempt to use prosecutorial attacks to undermine that independence,” they wrote. “This is how monetary policy is made in emerging markets with weak institutions, with highly negative consequences for inflation and the functioning of their economies more broadly. It has no place in the United States whose greatest strength is the rule of law, which is at the foundation of our economic success.”

​​US Senate Republicans defend independence of the Fed after DOJ launches Powell probe

SEDGWICK COUNTY— The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office updated the investigation involving the recovery of a body from Lake Afton on Saturday, Jan. 10.

The Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center has positively identified the remains as those of 30-year-old Ian Alexander Shelton, who had been reported missing in the early morning hours of Dec. 3, 2025.

The cause of death is still under investigation, with additional testing pending. This case remains an open and active investigation.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the family and friends of Ian Alexander Shelton during this difficult time.

Sheriff: Body found in lake identified as missing Kansas man

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the death of an infant an have nade an arres.

Just after 7:30a.m. Monday, police&nbsp;&nbsp;responded to a single-family residence in central Salina for a medical call involving an unknown disturbance, according to Salina Police Lt. Andrew Ziegler.

Officers and Medics arrived and contacted the occupants of that home. Just prior to the call to police, one of those occupants had discovered their 5-month-old male unresponsive in their crib, according to Ziegler. 

Both adult occupants of the home were interviewed by Salina Police Detectives. Adyson Burr, 21 years of age and resident of that address, has been arrested on a requested charge with 1 count of 1st Degree Homicide and 1 count of Child Abuse.&nbsp;

An autopsy to be performed in Kansas City later this week.

Police: Kan. woman arrested in death of 5-month old boy

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street ticked to more records Monday after bouncing back from losses taken because of worries about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-powell-federal-reserve-d87eedf1e35195957f903f9963aeaf99">worsening feud</a>&nbsp;between the White House and the Federal Reserve, one that experts warn could lead to higher inflation in the future.

The S&amp;P 500 tacked 0.2% onto&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-trump-oil-ai-d6cf868b23a814a3a2038aca24a0de93">its prior all-time high</a>&nbsp;set on Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered an early loss of nearly 500 points and added 86, or 0.2%, to its own record, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.3%.

Some nervousness was still evident in the market, though, amid concern that the Fed may be on the path to less independence in setting interest rates to keep inflation under control. Prices for gold and other investments that tend to do well when investors are nervous rose, while the value of the U.S. dollar dipped against other currencies.

Walmart helped drive the U.S. stock market higher despite the worries. It climbed 3% after learning that its stock will join the widely followed Nasdaq 100 index. Google also said Sunday that it’s expanding the shopping features in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/google-gemini-ai-shopping-checkout-walmart-f1679240ba93d40b90a97348b73039d3">AI chatbot by teaming up with Walmart</a>&nbsp;and several other big retailers.

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, rose 1% to bring its total market value above $4 trillion following a torrid run aided by its artificial-intelligence offerings.

They helped offset losses for a slight majority of stocks within the S&amp;P 500. Leading them all were credit card companies after President Donald&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-credit-cards-interest-rates-savings-banks-dba221f122789427c1c625ba873c9b71">Trump threatened moves</a>&nbsp;that could eat into their profit.

Synchrony Financial fell 8.4%, Capital One Financial sank 6.4% and American Express dropped 4.3%. They weakened after Trump said he wanted to put a 10% cap on credit card interest rates for a year.

But it was a separate move involving Washington that grabbed the most attention across financial markets. Over the weekend, the Federal Reserve’s chair said the U.S. Department of Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-subpoena-bf4fc6c690fa248fbc531bc9bc7f1758">subpoenaed the Fed</a>&nbsp;and threatened a criminal indictment over his testimony about renovations at its headquarters.

Through an unusual video statement released on Sunday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said his testimony and the renovations are “pretexts” for the threat of criminal charges, which he said is really “a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President.”

The Fed has been locked in a feud with Trump, who has loudly called for lower interest rates to make borrowing cheaper for U.S. households and companies and give the economy a kickstart. The Fed did lower its main interest rate three times last year and indicated more cuts may arrive this year, but it’s moved deliberately enough that Trump has nicknamed Powell “Too Late.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday that Trump did not direct his Justice Department to investigate Powell.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-trump-independence-5c2ec1a37dc4aca6a59544f8b4513a45">Fed has traditionally operated separately</a>&nbsp;from the rest of Washington, making its decisions without having to bend to political whims. Such independence, the thinking goes, gives it the freedom to keep interest rates high when necessary to drive down high inflation, even if it slows the economy and frustrates politicians looking to please voters.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury briefly rose to 4.21%, up from 4.18% late Friday, amid concerns that a less independent Fed could lead to higher inflation over the longer term. But it later eased back to 4.18%.

The worries also hit the value of the U.S. dollar, which slipped 0.4% against the euro and 0.6% against the Swiss franc.

Analysts said financial markets shook off the concerns about the Fed’s independence for several potential reasons. Traders could see “a limitation to the White House’s success in getting its way,” according to Thierry Wizman, a strategist at Macquarie Group, because Congress could deny confirmation of any nominees for the Fed from the White House.

“It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question,” Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, said on social media. “I will oppose the confirmation of any nominee for the Fed—including the upcoming Fed Chair vacancy—until this legal matter is fully resolved.”

Trump has already criticized the Fed sharply, and he’s trying at the moment to fire Fed Gov. Lisa Cook, but the Fed’s rate-setting committee still seems to be acting independently.

Plus, this latest move could encourage Powell to stay on at the Fed as a governor until his term expires in 2028, even though his term as chair will end in May, said Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management.

“With the political pressure on the Fed, he may choose to stay on as a governor out of spite,” he said. “It would deprive President Trump of the ability to stack the board with another appointee.”

On Wall Street, Abercrombie &amp; Fitch dropped 17.7% after the retailer gave a forecasted range for profit in the final quarter of 2025 whose midpoint fell short of analysts’ expectations. Its forecast for growth in revenue also fell shy of Wall Street’s.

Other retailers that sell clothes in malls also struggled, including drops of 12.3% for Urban Outfitters and 3.5% for American Eagle Outfitters.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 10.99 points to 6,977.27. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 86.13 to 49,590.20, and the Nasdaq composite gained 62.56 to 23,733.90.

The price of gold rose 2.5% to a record settlement of $4,614.70 per ounce

Wall Street ticks to more records despite Trump's feud with the Fed

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

Just before 6:30p.m. Sunday, polie were dispatched to an apartment in the 6400 block of Manchester Avenue in Kansas City on a report of a disturbance, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Upon arrival, officers responded to the dispatched apartment unit where they located a man inside suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. Officers checked for signs of life just as EMS was responding. EMS declared the victim was deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation reveals there was an argument between an adult male victim, and an adult male suspect. That argument escalated into gunfire and resulted in the victim being struck. The adult male suspect has not been identified at this time and left the scene prior to officer arrival.&nbsp;

Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene to canvass the area for evidence and collecting witness statements. This incident is being investigated as a homicide, according to Gonzalez.

Homicide: Man found dead in Kansas City apartment

SALINE COUNTY —Two people avoided serious injures after an accident on icy roads in Saline County.

According to Saline County Sheriff's Operations Captain Jim Hughes, the single vehicle accident occurred just before 5p.m.&nbsp;in the 5700 block of S. Burma. 

Investigators determined the vehicle was traveling too fast for conditions, slid off the road and landed on it top in a creek. &nbsp;Two occupants complained of minor “aches and pains” and denied EMS assistance.

Sheriff: 2 avoid serious injury after crash into Kansas creek

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/brianmartucci/">Brian Martucci</a>- <a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>

Federal immigration authorities intensified a weekslong operation in the Twin Cities over the weekend following the Wednesday killing of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.

Residents pushed back, led by a growing network of rapid responders hounding U.S. ICE and Border Patrol vehicles and agents across the metro area.

Thousands&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/10/thousands-march-in-minneapolis-to-protest-ice-after-shooting/">marched peacefully</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis Saturday to remember Good and protest the Trump administration’s expanding immigration crackdown. Many marchers stopped to pay their respects as the procession moved from Powderhorn Park past the intersection where the fatal shooting occurred.

Saturday’s protest, the largest since Good’s killing, was more subdued than a Friday evening gathering outside downtown Minneapolis hotels where ICE agents were said to be staying.

Protesters blew whistles, banged drums and shouted taunts outside the hotels for hours before some tried to force their way into the Canopy by Hilton at 700 Third Street South, causing about $6,000 in damage, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-ice-protest-friday-night-arrests-damage-no-injuries/601561757" target="_blank">Star Tribune&nbsp;reported</a>. City and state police ordered protesters to disperse around midnight and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/h6jSaT1Qy3k?si=1vXpli_jiJ9nNRQL" target="_blank">arrested about 30 people</a>&nbsp;without incident, officials said Saturday.

Near Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, a smaller group braved chilly winds to maintain a near-permanent presence outside an ICE operations hub and detention center.

U.S. Reps.&nbsp; Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig and Kelly Morrison said they were denied entry to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building shortly after arriving for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/us-reps-ilhan-omar-angie-craig-say-they-were-turned-away-from-ice-facility-mn/89-c71bf6c9-f7a0-459f-aee5-c62ea6858d56" target="_blank">what they called an oversight visit</a>&nbsp;on Saturday morning.

Later in the day,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/10/minnesota-democrats-ice-00721211" target="_blank">Politico reported</a>&nbsp;that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem — who oversees ICE and said this weekend she’d ordered hundreds more agents to join at least 2,000 already in the Twin Cities — signed an order on Thursday requiring a week’s notice for Congressional visits to immigrant detention centers.

Multiple people released from Whipple told independent journalists that they’d been&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/gbrockell.bsky.social/post/3mc6zl5qsns2k" target="_blank">verbally or physically abused</a>&nbsp;in or en route to detention there. Two said agents used demeaning language to describe Good and suggested she’d deserved her fate.

The&nbsp;Reformer&nbsp;has not independently verified the Whipple detainees’ claims. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Minneapolis/comments/1qa3pmm/boxed_in_by_ice/" target="_blank">separate video</a>&nbsp;posted on Sunday by a Minneapolis Reddit user, an ICE agent tells a driver to “[g]o home to your children…have you not learned from what just happened?”

Sunday saw more reports of federal law enforcement activity in St. Paul. One&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/saintpaul/comments/1qaaww4/greg_bovino_has_officially_kicked_off_door_to/" target="_blank">bystander video</a>&nbsp;purported to show agents going “door to door” on Thomas Avenue near Victoria Street, possibly making good on Vice President JD Vance’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/01/08/jd-vance-promises-aggressive-immigration-enforcement/88086884007/" target="_blank">promise earlier this week</a>&nbsp;of house-by-house immigration operations. Armed personnel&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mattprivratsky.bsky.social/post/3mc6cp7f4pc2g" target="_blank">questioned shoppers</a>&nbsp;at a nearby Target. And a crowd heckled agents as they appeared to pull a man out of his car at a gas station on Snelling Avenue.

A multi-agency operation that at times felt like an outright occupation had many Twin Cities residents — not just hardened activists — calling for ICE to withdraw and deeper reform of federal immigration policy.

On Sunday, outgoing U.S. Sen. Tina Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/democratic-minnesota-senator-ice-has-a-role-in-our-country-11342339" target="_blank">told CNN</a>&nbsp;that she was listening, but stopped short of promising to lead the “abolish ICE” movement in Washington.

“It is hard for me to imagine how I could vote to support a budget bill for the Department of Homeland Security, given how the Department of Homeland Security is functioning right now in my community,” she said. “I want to see work done that would bring some serious reforms to ICE.”

ICE intensifies Twin Cities operation after killing of Renee Good, protests

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting&nbsp; that occurred in the basement of a home in Wichita is set to return to court.

Elijah Cynova, 18, will appear in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom on Monday afternoon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He may be asked to enter a plea in the case.

&nbsp;On December 28, Cynova was charged with&nbsp;unintentional but reckless second-degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Blaze Arrington, according to the District Attorney's office.

Just after 10p.m. December 23, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 3600 block of South Eisenhower Court in Wichita and found&nbsp; Arrington suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.&nbsp;

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