WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp;On Wednesday,&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger&nbsp;Marshall, M.D. praised President Trump’s nominations of Kansas Bureau of Investigations Director Tony Mattivi, Great Bend Attorney Jeffrey M. Kuhlman, and Kansas Solicitor General Anthony J. Powell as judges on the United States District Court for the District of Kansas.

“President Trump has selected three exceptional Kansans who bring to the bench deep legal experience, strong judgment, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law,”&nbsp;said Senator&nbsp;Marshall.&nbsp;“Tony Mattivi’s career as a federal prosecutor and as a leader in the fight against terrorism, violent crime, and drug trafficking speaks volumes about the depth of his expertise; Jeff Kuhlman’s experience clerking for Federal judges and representing Kansas communities demonstrate his strong commitment to our State; and Anthony Powell’s decades of service as a legislator, judge and now Kansas Solicitor General exemplify his steadfast commitment to justice and public service. While there were many options from which to choose, these three Kansans will bring a rare depth of professional experience to the District Court, ensuring that justice is served and our constitutional principles are steadfastly upheld.

“These nominees understand the Constitution, respect the law as written, and have dedicated their careers to serving and protecting Kansans. I’m grateful to President Trump for selecting such highly qualified individuals, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to confirm them swiftly.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732738766889.png" alt="Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation photo (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation photo (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp;On Wednesday,&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger&nbsp;Marshall, M.D. praised President Trump’s nominations of Kansas Bureau of Investigations Director Tony Mattivi, Great Bend Attorney Jeffrey M. Kuhlman, and Kansas Solicitor General Anthony J. Powell as judges on the United States District Court for the District of Kansas.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump nominated three outstanding Kansans for the federal bench. Tony Mattivi, Jeff Kuhlman, and Anthony Powell bring deep legal experience, strong judgment, and a steadfast commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law. Grateful for their service—and I look… <a href="https://t.co/h7luMz7qnF">pic.twitter.com/h7luMz7qnF</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/2024299139438141731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“President Trump has selected three exceptional Kansans who bring to the bench deep legal experience, strong judgment, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law,”&nbsp;said Senator&nbsp;Marshall.&nbsp;“Tony Mattivi’s career as a federal prosecutor and as a leader in the fight against terrorism, violent crime, and drug trafficking speaks volumes about the depth of his expertise; Jeff Kuhlman’s experience clerking for Federal judges and representing Kansas communities demonstrate his strong commitment to our State; and Anthony Powell’s decades of service as a legislator, judge and now Kansas Solicitor General exemplify his steadfast commitment to justice and public service. While there were many options from which to choose, these three Kansans will bring a rare depth of professional experience to the District Court, ensuring that justice is served and our constitutional principles are steadfastly upheld.“These nominees understand the Constitution, respect the law as written, and have dedicated their careers to serving and protecting Kansans. I’m grateful to President Trump for selecting such highly qualified individuals, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to confirm them swiftly.”

President Trump nominates KBI Director for vacancy on U.S. District Court

The weather allowed both ground and aerial firefighting efforts to make good progress containing the fires in southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma panhandle on Wednesday, according to&nbsp;Mark Engholm,&nbsp;State Fire Marshal of Kansas.

On Thursday, the state has also pre-positioned a task force in southeast Kansas due to forecast Red Flag conditions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771518810841.png" alt="Photo State Fire Marshal" />
 <figcaption>Photo State Fire Marshal</figcaption>
 </figure>The weather allowed both ground and aerial firefighting efforts to make good progress containing the fires in southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma panhandle on Wednesday, according to&nbsp;Mark Engholm,&nbsp;State Fire Marshal of Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771518784491.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, the state has also pre-positioned a task force in southeast Kansas due to forecast Red Flag conditions.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGCKSFire%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0uAqgqXoEZjGj4Jh1694L3iGFVSWfvX9JFZgQ9Fjrn98PW1AQnRpyLU2X8r34qLDZl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="825" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771519113307.png" alt="-283,000 acres up in flames in 24 hours-image State Fire Marshal of Kansas" />
 <figcaption>-283,000 acres up in flames in 24 hours-image State Fire Marshal of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771519060774.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

State Fire Marshal: Good progress on containing wildfires in Kansas

EDITOR'S Note Shawn McMahon has not been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since July 23, 2025.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A former Kansas sheriff's office detective will be in court Thursday. Shawn McMahon, 57, will attend a preliminary hearing in the courtroom of Judge Tyler Rousch, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The judge will determine if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.

In December 2024, the Wichita Police Department was requested to investigate the conduct of a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy assigned to the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit who allegedly failed to thoroughly investigate criminal complaints while serving on a task force investigating internet crimes involving children.

Investigators from the WPD’s Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) carried out the investigation, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

As a result, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office charged Detective Shawn McMahon with two counts of Making a False Writing and one count of Interference with Law Enforcement. All of these charges are felonies.&nbsp;McMahon has not been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since July 23, 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771500416528.png" alt="McMahon from his August arrest in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>McMahon from his August arrest in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>EDITOR'S Note Shawn McMahon has not been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since July 23, 2025.SEDGWICK COUNTY — A former Kansas sheriff's office detective will be in court Thursday. Shawn McMahon, 57, will attend a preliminary hearing in the courtroom of Judge Tyler Rousch, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The judge will determine if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.In December 2024, the Wichita Police Department was requested to investigate the conduct of a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy assigned to the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit who allegedly failed to thoroughly investigate criminal complaints while serving on a task force investigating internet crimes involving children.Investigators from the WPD’s Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) carried out the investigation, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.As a result, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office charged Detective Shawn McMahon with two counts of Making a False Writing and one count of Interference with Law Enforcement. All of these charges are felonies.&nbsp;McMahon has not been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since July 23, 2025.

Preliminary hearing: Kan. sheriff's detective charged with felony crimes

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Last week, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 244 that requires those who use bathrooms in government buildings use the bathroom that match their biological sex at birth.   

 On February 18, the Legislature overrode the Governor’s veto.

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding the overriding of her veto of House Substitute for Senate Bill 244:

“As I said in my&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F920%2F55/1/0101019c71ebbca5-d080fc2d-91aa-4ca4-b5ce-faac5e5be697-000000/bAgEqd529f51Of2UCTGhmeXJPzQ2oP3HwC59m2beqIs=445">veto statement</a>, this is a poorly drafted bill with significant, far-reaching consequences.

“Not only will this bill keep brothers from visiting sisters’ dorms and husbands from wives’ shared hospital rooms, it will cost Kansas taxpayers millions of dollars to comply with this very vague legislation.

“It is nothing short of ridiculous that the Legislature is forcing the entire state, every city and town, every school district, every public university to spend taxpayer money on a manufactured problem. Kansans elected them to focus on education, job creation, housing, and grocery costs.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771453818389.png" alt="Image from a video provided by U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace in Nov. 2024" />
 <figcaption>Image from a video provided by U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace in Nov. 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Last week, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 244 that requires those who use bathrooms in government buildings use the bathroom that match their biological sex at birth. On February 18, the Legislature overrode the Governor’s veto.The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding the overriding of her veto of House Substitute for Senate Bill 244:“As I said in my&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F920%2F55/1/0101019c71ebbca5-d080fc2d-91aa-4ca4-b5ce-faac5e5be697-000000/bAgEqd529f51Of2UCTGhmeXJPzQ2oP3HwC59m2beqIs=445">veto statement</a>, this is a poorly drafted bill with significant, far-reaching consequences.“Not only will this bill keep brothers from visiting sisters’ dorms and husbands from wives’ shared hospital rooms, it will cost Kansas taxpayers millions of dollars to comply with this very vague legislation.“It is nothing short of ridiculous that the Legislature is forcing the entire state, every city and town, every school district, every public university to spend taxpayer money on a manufactured problem. Kansans elected them to focus on education, job creation, housing, and grocery costs.”

What Kan. governor said after her veto of bathroom bill  was overridden

LONDON (AP) — U.K. police arrested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/britain-epstein-andrew-former-prince-arrested-1eabcfff09626fbed29a5920ffe506f9">Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor</a>&nbsp;on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Thames Valley Police, an agency that covers areas west of London, including Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, said it was “assessing” reports that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-andrew-prince-mountbatten-windsor-friend-7fa8aadad792e66963a1d18d9039235b">former Prince Andrew</a>&nbsp;sent trade reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.

The assessment followed the release of millions of pages of documents connected to a U.S. investigation of Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-andrew-prince-mountbatten-windsor-friend-7fa8aadad792e66963a1d18d9039235b">features a number of times</a>&nbsp;in the documents.

The police force did not name Mountbatten-Windsor, as is normal under U.K. law. But when asked if he had been arrested, the force pointed to a statement saying that they had arrested a man in his 60s. Mountbatten-Windsor is 66.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,’’ the statement said. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein. Last fall, King Charles III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/andrew-scandal-king-charles-monarchy-epstein-33ec8ff4508ef1b36aad7532181245e8">stripped Andrew of his royal titles</a>, including the right to be called a prince, as he tried to insulate the monarchy from the continuing revelations about his younger brother’s relationship with Epstein. Those revelations have tarnished the royal family for more than a decade.

Images circulated online appeared to show unmarked police cars at Mountbatten-Windsor's home, Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers appearing to gather outside.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769891409865.png" alt="EDITOR's NOTE: GRAPHIC CONTENT - Image from an undated and redacted document released by the U.S. Department of Justice, showa Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, leaning over an unidentified person." />
 <figcaption>EDITOR's NOTE: GRAPHIC CONTENT - Image from an undated and redacted document released by the U.S. Department of Justice, showa Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, leaning over an unidentified person.</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — U.K. police arrested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/britain-epstein-andrew-former-prince-arrested-1eabcfff09626fbed29a5920ffe506f9">Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor</a>&nbsp;on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.Thames Valley Police, an agency that covers areas west of London, including Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, said it was “assessing” reports that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-andrew-prince-mountbatten-windsor-friend-7fa8aadad792e66963a1d18d9039235b">former Prince Andrew</a>&nbsp;sent trade reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771498498919.png" alt="FILE - Britain's Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, looks round as he leaves after attending the Easter Matins Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, England, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Britain's Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, looks round as he leaves after attending the Easter Matins Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, England, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>The assessment followed the release of millions of pages of documents connected to a U.S. investigation of Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-andrew-prince-mountbatten-windsor-friend-7fa8aadad792e66963a1d18d9039235b">features a number of times</a>&nbsp;in the documents.The police force did not name Mountbatten-Windsor, as is normal under U.K. law. But when asked if he had been arrested, the force pointed to a statement saying that they had arrested a man in his 60s. Mountbatten-Windsor is 66.“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,’’ the statement said. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein. Last fall, King Charles III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/andrew-scandal-king-charles-monarchy-epstein-33ec8ff4508ef1b36aad7532181245e8">stripped Andrew of his royal titles</a>, including the right to be called a prince, as he tried to insulate the monarchy from the continuing revelations about his younger brother’s relationship with Epstein. Those revelations have tarnished the royal family for more than a decade.Images circulated online appeared to show unmarked police cars at Mountbatten-Windsor's home, Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers appearing to gather outside.

Ex-Prince Andrew arrested over Epstein-linked allegations

KANSAS CITY —When the call came in Sunday afternoon for someone drowning in a lake near Pittman Road and E 43rd, Officers Manley and Hawley raced to the scene, according to a social media report from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.

The officers found two people in the water, with one deep in the lake, struggling for survival.

Manley and Hawley shed their gear and entered the water, rescuing a young woman.

Manley has been with the department 26 years, while Hawley started her KCPD career four years ago.

KANSAS CITY —When the call came in Sunday afternoon for someone drowning in a lake near Pittman Road and E 43rd, Officers Manley and Hawley raced to the scene, according to a social media report from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.The officers found two people in the water, with one deep in the lake, struggling for survival.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The video, again: <a href="https://t.co/UB7JmYt7UA">pic.twitter.com/UB7JmYt7UA</a>&mdash; kcpolice (@kcpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcpolice/status/2023847128683225454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Manley and Hawley shed their gear and entered the water, rescuing a young woman.Manley has been with the department 26 years, while Hawley started her KCPD career four years ago.

🎥KCPD officers rescue woman from drowning 

WASHINGTON – Carter Camacho, 18,&nbsp; of Smyrna, Georgia,&nbsp;was charged in a complaint Wednesday with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm within the United States Capitol Buildings or Grounds in connection to carrying a loaded shotgun onto federal property, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Camacho made his first appearance in U.S. District Court Wednesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey who scheduled a detention hearing for March 2, 2026.

According to the charging documents, on Feb. 17, 2026, Camacho parked a white Mercedes SUV on Maryland Ave. SE, between First and Third Streets. About 12:07 p.m., Camacho exited the vehicle and ran toward the United States Capitol carrying a firearm while wearing a tactical-style vest and camouflage-style clothing.

Camacho reached the steps on the western side of the Capitol. A uniformed officer with the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) asked Camacho what he was carrying. Camacho produced the firearm. The officer ordered Camacho to halt and lie down on the ground.

Once Camacho was on the ground, USCP officers recovered a Mossberg Model 88 12-gauge shotgun loaded with seven rounds in the tube and one in the chamber, with the safety off. An additional 17 rounds of ammunition were held in a carrier attached to the shotgun’s stock.

Officers placed Camacho in handcuffs. Camacho told USCP officers that he was just there to talk to a Member of Congress.

USCP officers traced Camacho’s path to the white Mercedes SUV and located a fixed blade knife on the ground about forty feet from the vehicle.

WASHINGTON —United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers surrounded and arrested a man who ran toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday. The arrest happened shortly after noon on the Lower West Terrace, according to a media release from U.S. Capitol Police.

The suspect also had multiple rounds of ammunition and a tactical style vest. USCP officers found the suspect’s SUV in front of the U.S. Botanic Garden on Maryland Avenue, SW. A gas mask and helmet were spotted inside the vehicle.&nbsp;

Thanks to the quick actions of the officers, no one was hurt.

“Just last summer, we held an active threat exercise on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol – in the very location where today’s officers stopped the suspect,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan. “These now routine exercises are planned monthly and in different areas of the Capitol Complex to keep our officers ready for potential threats just like this.”

The suspect, 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, GA, was arrested on requested charges of Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition.&nbsp;

The USCP’s Threat Assessment Section is investigating to determine the suspect’s motive. He was not on file with the USCP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771433240747.png" alt="Photo U.S. Capitol Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Capitol Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON – Carter Camacho, 18,&nbsp; of Smyrna, Georgia,&nbsp;was charged in a complaint Wednesday with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm within the United States Capitol Buildings or Grounds in connection to carrying a loaded shotgun onto federal property, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.Camacho made his first appearance in U.S. District Court Wednesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey who scheduled a detention hearing for March 2, 2026.According to the charging documents, on Feb. 17, 2026, Camacho parked a white Mercedes SUV on Maryland Ave. SE, between First and Third Streets. About 12:07 p.m., Camacho exited the vehicle and ran toward the United States Capitol carrying a firearm while wearing a tactical-style vest and camouflage-style clothing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771501624947.png" alt="Camacho seen on security cameras -photo U.S. Department of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Camacho seen on security cameras -photo U.S. Department of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>Camacho reached the steps on the western side of the Capitol. A uniformed officer with the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) asked Camacho what he was carrying. Camacho produced the firearm. The officer ordered Camacho to halt and lie down on the ground.Once Camacho was on the ground, USCP officers recovered a Mossberg Model 88 12-gauge shotgun loaded with seven rounds in the tube and one in the chamber, with the safety off. An additional 17 rounds of ammunition were held in a carrier attached to the shotgun’s stock.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771433218764.png" alt="Photo U.S. Capitol Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Capitol Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers placed Camacho in handcuffs. Camacho told USCP officers that he was just there to talk to a Member of Congress.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CapitolPolice</a> on incident today: &quot;A gentleman parked...he exited the vehicle with a shotgun and began running up towards the Capitol...Capitol police officers observed this individual, challenged him and ordered him to drop the weapon and get on ground which he did comply… <a href="https://t.co/7EhRK1hTmL">pic.twitter.com/7EhRK1hTmL</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2023848973208113535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>USCP officers traced Camacho’s path to the white Mercedes SUV and located a fixed blade knife on the ground about forty feet from the vehicle.---------------WASHINGTON —United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers surrounded and arrested a man who ran toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday. The arrest happened shortly after noon on the Lower West Terrace, according to a media release from U.S. Capitol Police.The suspect also had multiple rounds of ammunition and a tactical style vest. USCP officers found the suspect’s SUV in front of the U.S. Botanic Garden on Maryland Avenue, SW. A gas mask and helmet were spotted inside the vehicle.&nbsp;Thanks to the quick actions of the officers, no one was hurt.“Just last summer, we held an active threat exercise on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol – in the very location where today’s officers stopped the suspect,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan. “These now routine exercises are planned monthly and in different areas of the Capitol Complex to keep our officers ready for potential threats just like this.”The suspect, 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, GA, was arrested on requested charges of Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition.&nbsp;The USCP’s Threat Assessment Section is investigating to determine the suspect’s motive. He was not on file with the USCP.

Man who charged U.S. Capitol with loaded shotgun faces a judge

WICHITA, Kan. — Pursuant to K.S.A. 25-2435, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office announces the conclusion of the investigation into potential criminal culpability arising from the issuance of a mailer the week of January 26, 2026 which contained inaccurate details regarding the March 3 Wichita Sales Tax special election, according to a media release from the DA's office.

As has been previously reported, on Monday, February 2, 2026, the Office of the District Attorney, 18th Judicial District, was contacted by Laura Rainwater, Sedgwick County Election Commissioner, regarding a mailer sent to Wichita voters the previous week by the group, “Wichita Forward.”

The mailer contained the following inaccurate statements:

1. Under “Step 3” the mailer informed readers that advance ballots had to be received by the election office by February 24th. That was incorrect. Advance ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on the date of the election, March 3.

2. At the bottom of the mailer, under the section entitled “Vote In Person,” the mailer states

that polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 7 p.m. That was incorrect. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wichita Forward issued an apology and clarification on Saturday, January 31, 2026, acknowledging the misstatements and clarifying with accurate information.

The political consulting group, Cato Consulting, was retained by Wichita Forward to handle marketing associated with the March 3 special election. Cato Consulting then contracted with Hexcode Marketing, a private vendor, to design the mailer in question. 

Both Cato Consulting and Hexcode Marketing provided written communications detailing the process by which the mailer came to be finalized. Both parties assert that the errors contained in the mailer were identified by Cato Consulting in writing before the mailer was sent to the printer.

Hexcode Marketing sent the incorrect mailer on to be printed without taking corrective action to fix the mailer, which the company attributes to human error while attending to other tasks.

Various laws were considered, including K.S.A. 25-2433, Advance Voting Suppression, which prohibits “knowingly, which intent to impede, obstruct or exert undue influence on the election process,” “(d) exercising undue influence upon an advance voter in applying for, delivering ormarking an advance voting ballot”; and K.S.A. 25-2415, Intimidation of Voters, which prohibits “(a)(2) mailing, publishing, broadcasting, telephoning or transmitting by any means false information intended to keep one or more voters from casting a ballot or applying for or returning an advance voting ballot.”

There is no evidence that the goal of the marketing vendor or the consultant was to impede voters or prevent the casting of votes. Rather than uncovering evidence of the requisite criminal intent necessary to charge a crime, the investigation revealed that the inaccuracies in the mailer appear to have been the result of human error.

There is no evidence of the criminal intent necessary to support criminal charges in this matter. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771451795586.png" alt="Wichita Forward" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Forward</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — Pursuant to K.S.A. 25-2435, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office announces the conclusion of the investigation into potential criminal culpability arising from the issuance of a mailer the week of January 26, 2026 which contained inaccurate details regarding the March 3 Wichita Sales Tax special election, according to a media release from the DA's office.Background FactsAs has been previously reported, on Monday, February 2, 2026, the Office of the District Attorney, 18th Judicial District, was contacted by Laura Rainwater, Sedgwick County Election Commissioner, regarding a mailer sent to Wichita voters the previous week by the group, “Wichita Forward.”The mailer contained the following inaccurate statements:1. Under “Step 3” the mailer informed readers that advance ballots had to be received by the election office by February 24th. That was incorrect. Advance ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on the date of the election, March 3.2. At the bottom of the mailer, under the section entitled “Vote In Person,” the mailer statesthat polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 7 p.m. That was incorrect. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Wichita Forward issued an apology and clarification on Saturday, January 31, 2026, acknowledging the misstatements and clarifying with accurate information.&nbsp;InvestigationThe political consulting group, Cato Consulting, was retained by Wichita Forward to handle marketing associated with the March 3 special election. Cato Consulting then contracted with Hexcode Marketing, a private vendor, to design the mailer in question. Both Cato Consulting and Hexcode Marketing provided written communications detailing the process by which the mailer came to be finalized. Both parties assert that the errors contained in the mailer were identified by Cato Consulting in writing before the mailer was sent to the printer.Hexcode Marketing sent the incorrect mailer on to be printed without taking corrective action to fix the mailer, which the company attributes to human error while attending to other tasks.Various laws were considered, including K.S.A. 25-2433, Advance Voting Suppression, which prohibits “knowingly, which intent to impede, obstruct or exert undue influence on the election process,” “(d) exercising undue influence upon an advance voter in applying for, delivering ormarking an advance voting ballot”; and K.S.A. 25-2415, Intimidation of Voters, which prohibits “(a)(2) mailing, publishing, broadcasting, telephoning or transmitting by any means false information intended to keep one or more voters from casting a ballot or applying for or returning an advance voting ballot.”There is no evidence that the goal of the marketing vendor or the consultant was to impede voters or prevent the casting of votes. Rather than uncovering evidence of the requisite criminal intent necessary to charge a crime, the investigation revealed that the inaccuracies in the mailer appear to have been the result of human error.There is no evidence of the criminal intent necessary to support criminal charges in this matter.

DA rules on criminal intent in Wichita sales tax mailer 

SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kansas man Tuesday afternoon for an alleged child sex offense.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, KBI agents with the Child Victims Unit arrested Charles K. VanCamp, 26, in Topeka. VanCamp was arrested for a charge of criminal sodomy, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;

On Dec. 18, 2025, KBI agents executed a search warrant at VanCamp’s residence after receiving a cyber-tip that was submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Evidence was seized from the residence.

Following his arrest VanCamp was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Additional charges against VanCamp are expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771447837067.png" alt="Vancamp photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Vancamp photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kansas man Tuesday afternoon for an alleged child sex offense.On Tuesday, Feb. 17, KBI agents with the Child Victims Unit arrested Charles K. VanCamp, 26, in Topeka. VanCamp was arrested for a charge of criminal sodomy, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;On Dec. 18, 2025, KBI agents executed a search warrant at VanCamp’s residence after receiving a cyber-tip that was submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Evidence was seized from the residence.Following his arrest VanCamp was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Additional charges against VanCamp are expected.

KBI: Cyber-tip led to arrest of Kansas man for child sex crimes

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 1:30p.m. February 14,&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero passenger vehicle for a traffic infraction in rural Jackson County, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver 40-year-old Shane Christopher Garrison, and the passenger 39-year-old Cheyanna Marie Gordon both of Horton were placed under arrest. 

 Garrison was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. Gordon was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methampehtamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771448081084.png" alt="Garrison-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Garrison-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 1:30p.m. February 14,&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero passenger vehicle for a traffic infraction in rural Jackson County, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771448137250.png" alt="Gordon photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Gordon photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver 40-year-old Shane Christopher Garrison, and the passenger 39-year-old Cheyanna Marie Gordon both of Horton were placed under arrest. Garrison was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. Gordon was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methampehtamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Traffic stop ruins Valentine's Day for Kansas couple

Editors note: We corrected the highway identified in the article. Previously I-135 was identified. The accident occurred on the Kansas Turnpike which is I-35 from the Oklahoma State line to Emporia.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Shaun Keller, 47, Augusta, was northbound in the right lane of Interstate 35 near Rock Road. The motorcycle traveled off the left side of the road and struck the barrier wall.

Keller was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Sedgwick County Morgue. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744726548319.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Editors note: We corrected the highway identified in the article. Previously I-135 was identified. The accident occurred on the Kansas Turnpike which is I-35 from the Oklahoma State line to Emporia.&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Shaun Keller, 47, Augusta, was northbound in the right lane of Interstate 35 near Rock Road. The motorcycle traveled off the left side of the road and struck the barrier wall.Keller was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Sedgwick County Morgue. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after motorcycle crash into barrier wall

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mark-zuckerberg">Mark Zuckerberg</a>&nbsp;and opposing lawyers dueled in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, where the Meta CEO answered questions about young people’s use of Instagram, his congressional testimony and internal advice he’s received about being “authentic” and not “robotic.”

Zuckerberg's testimony is part of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-instagram-youtube-social-media-addiction-los-angeles-1b409b31438e5ba46e2e8c064229b51a">unprecedented social media trial</a>&nbsp;that questions whether Meta's platforms deliberately addict and harm children. During questioning by the plaintiff's lawyer, Zuckerberg said he still agrees with a previous statement he made that the existing body of scientific work has not proven that social media causes mental health harms.

The plaintiff’s attorney, Mark Lanier, asked Zuckerberg if people tend to use something more if it’s addictive.

“I’m not sure what to say to that,” Zuckerberg said. “I don’t think that applies here.”

Attorneys representing the plaintiff, a now 20-year-old woman identified by the initials KGM, claim her early use of social media addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta Platforms and Google’s YouTube are the two remaining defendants in the case, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-media-trial-kids-addiction-meta-tiktok-youtube-d3a6bf617f2d11521675412ffb275031">TikTok and Snap have settled.</a>

Beginning his questioning, Lanier laid out three options of what people can do regarding vulnerable people: help them, ignore them, or “prey upon them and use them for our own ends.” Zuckerberg said he agrees the last option is not what a reasonable company should do, saying, “I think a reasonable company should try to help the people that use its services.”

Lanier questioned the Meta CEO extensively about a comment he made during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-tiktok-snap-discord-zuckerberg-testify-senate-00754a6bea92aaad62585ed55f219932">past congressional hearing</a>, where he said Instagram employees are not given goals to increase amount of time people spent on the platform.

Lanier presented internal documents that seemed to contradict that statement. Zuckerberg replied that they previously had goals associated with time, but said he and the company made the conscious decision to move away from those goals, focusing instead on utility. He said he believes in the “basic assumption” that “if something is valuable, people will use it more because it’s useful to them.”

Lanier also asked Zuckerberg about what he characterized as extensive media training, including for testimonies like the one he was giving in court. Lanier pointed to an internal document about feedback on Zuckerberg's tone of voice on his own social media, imploring him to come off as “authentic, direct, human, insightful and real,” and instructing him to “not try hard, fake, robotic, corporate or cheesy” in his communication.

Zuckerberg pushed back against the idea that he’s been coached on how to respond to questions or present himself, saying those offering the advice were “just giving feedback.”

Regarding his media appearances and public speaking, Zuckerberg said, “I think I’m actually well known to be sort of bad at this.”

The Meta CEO has long been mocked online for appearing robotic and, when he was younger, nervous when speaking publicly. In 2010, during an interview with renowned tech journalists Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg, he was sweating so profusely that Swisher asked him if he wanted to “take off the hoodie” that was his uniform at the time.

Lanier spent a considerable stretch of his time with Zuckerberg asking about the company’s age verification policies.

“I don’t see why this is so complicated,” Zuckerberg said after a lengthy back-and-forth, reiterating that the company’s policy restricts users under the age of 13 and that they work to detect users who have lied about their ages to bypass restrictions.

Zuckerberg mostly stuck to his talking points, referencing his goal of building a platform that is valuable to users and, on multiple occasions, saying he disagreed with Lanier’s “characterization” of his questions or of Zuckerberg’s own comments.

As was the case with head of Instagram&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/instagram-social-media-addiction-trial-mosseri-los-angeles-a49f64e21682e8bc1b98fbdf3d061579">Adam Mosseri’s testimony last week</a>, Zuckerberg was grilled about policies relating to cosmetic beauty filters on Instagram. Zuckerberg said he didn’t believe there was enough evidence pointing to harm the filters could cause and said he has a “high bar” for blocking tools or features that would limit people’s expression. Lanier pointed to external experts Meta hired to assess the filters and their potential impacts, saying that all 18 of them raised concerns.

Children's advocates slammed Zuckerberg's testimony as disingenuous.

“All Mark Zuckerberg accomplished with his testimony today was to prove yet again that he cannot be trusted, especially when it comes to kids’ safety," said Josh Golin, executive director of Fairplay. “Under oath, Meta’s CEO testified that his company does not have an objective to increase users’ time spent on Instagram. But we know Zuckerberg and his fellow executives prevented Instagram from getting rid of features like visible like counts and plastic surgery filters — features that are by their very nature addictive.”

Zuckerberg has testified in other trials and answered questions from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-tiktok-snap-discord-zuckerberg-testify-senate-00754a6bea92aaad62585ed55f219932">Congress about youth safety</a>&nbsp;on Meta's platforms. During his 2024 congressional testimony, he apologized to families whose lives had been upended by tragedies they believed were caused by social media. But while he told parents he was “sorry for everything you have all been through,” he stopped short of taking direct responsibility for it. This trial marks the first time Zuckerberg stands before a jury. Once again, bereaved parents are sitting in the courtroom audience.

The case, along with two others, has been selected as a bellwether trial, meaning its outcome could impact how thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies are likely to play out.

One of Meta's attorneys, Paul Schmidt, said in his opening statement that the company is not disputing that KGM experienced mental health struggles, but rather disputing that Instagram played a substantial factor in those struggles. He pointed to medical records that showed a turbulent home life, and both he and an attorney representing YouTube argue she turned to their platforms as a coping mechanism or a means of escaping her mental health struggles.

Meta is also facing a separate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-new-mexico-child-exploitation-trial-19195fc680dba782fb971d68082e11a4">trial in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;that began last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771446874527.jpeg" alt="Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives for a landmark trial over whether social media platforms deliberately addict and harm children, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)" />
 <figcaption>Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives for a landmark trial over whether social media platforms deliberately addict and harm children, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mark-zuckerberg">Mark Zuckerberg</a>&nbsp;and opposing lawyers dueled in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, where the Meta CEO answered questions about young people’s use of Instagram, his congressional testimony and internal advice he’s received about being “authentic” and not “robotic.”Zuckerberg's testimony is part of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-instagram-youtube-social-media-addiction-los-angeles-1b409b31438e5ba46e2e8c064229b51a">unprecedented social media trial</a>&nbsp;that questions whether Meta's platforms deliberately addict and harm children. During questioning by the plaintiff's lawyer, Zuckerberg said he still agrees with a previous statement he made that the existing body of scientific work has not proven that social media causes mental health harms.The plaintiff’s attorney, Mark Lanier, asked Zuckerberg if people tend to use something more if it’s addictive.“I’m not sure what to say to that,” Zuckerberg said. “I don’t think that applies here.”Attorneys representing the plaintiff, a now 20-year-old woman identified by the initials KGM, claim her early use of social media addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta Platforms and Google’s YouTube are the two remaining defendants in the case, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-media-trial-kids-addiction-meta-tiktok-youtube-d3a6bf617f2d11521675412ffb275031">TikTok and Snap have settled.</a>Beginning his questioning, Lanier laid out three options of what people can do regarding vulnerable people: help them, ignore them, or “prey upon them and use them for our own ends.” Zuckerberg said he agrees the last option is not what a reasonable company should do, saying, “I think a reasonable company should try to help the people that use its services.”Lanier questioned the Meta CEO extensively about a comment he made during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-tiktok-snap-discord-zuckerberg-testify-senate-00754a6bea92aaad62585ed55f219932">past congressional hearing</a>, where he said Instagram employees are not given goals to increase amount of time people spent on the platform.Lanier presented internal documents that seemed to contradict that statement. Zuckerberg replied that they previously had goals associated with time, but said he and the company made the conscious decision to move away from those goals, focusing instead on utility. He said he believes in the “basic assumption” that “if something is valuable, people will use it more because it’s useful to them.”Lanier also asked Zuckerberg about what he characterized as extensive media training, including for testimonies like the one he was giving in court. Lanier pointed to an internal document about feedback on Zuckerberg's tone of voice on his own social media, imploring him to come off as “authentic, direct, human, insightful and real,” and instructing him to “not try hard, fake, robotic, corporate or cheesy” in his communication.Zuckerberg pushed back against the idea that he’s been coached on how to respond to questions or present himself, saying those offering the advice were “just giving feedback.”Regarding his media appearances and public speaking, Zuckerberg said, “I think I’m actually well known to be sort of bad at this.”The Meta CEO has long been mocked online for appearing robotic and, when he was younger, nervous when speaking publicly. In 2010, during an interview with renowned tech journalists Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg, he was sweating so profusely that Swisher asked him if he wanted to “take off the hoodie” that was his uniform at the time.Lanier spent a considerable stretch of his time with Zuckerberg asking about the company’s age verification policies.“I don’t see why this is so complicated,” Zuckerberg said after a lengthy back-and-forth, reiterating that the company’s policy restricts users under the age of 13 and that they work to detect users who have lied about their ages to bypass restrictions.Zuckerberg mostly stuck to his talking points, referencing his goal of building a platform that is valuable to users and, on multiple occasions, saying he disagreed with Lanier’s “characterization” of his questions or of Zuckerberg’s own comments.As was the case with head of Instagram&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/instagram-social-media-addiction-trial-mosseri-los-angeles-a49f64e21682e8bc1b98fbdf3d061579">Adam Mosseri’s testimony last week</a>, Zuckerberg was grilled about policies relating to cosmetic beauty filters on Instagram. Zuckerberg said he didn’t believe there was enough evidence pointing to harm the filters could cause and said he has a “high bar” for blocking tools or features that would limit people’s expression. Lanier pointed to external experts Meta hired to assess the filters and their potential impacts, saying that all 18 of them raised concerns.Children's advocates slammed Zuckerberg's testimony as disingenuous.“All Mark Zuckerberg accomplished with his testimony today was to prove yet again that he cannot be trusted, especially when it comes to kids’ safety," said Josh Golin, executive director of Fairplay. “Under oath, Meta’s CEO testified that his company does not have an objective to increase users’ time spent on Instagram. But we know Zuckerberg and his fellow executives prevented Instagram from getting rid of features like visible like counts and plastic surgery filters — features that are by their very nature addictive.”Zuckerberg has testified in other trials and answered questions from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-tiktok-snap-discord-zuckerberg-testify-senate-00754a6bea92aaad62585ed55f219932">Congress about youth safety</a>&nbsp;on Meta's platforms. During his 2024 congressional testimony, he apologized to families whose lives had been upended by tragedies they believed were caused by social media. But while he told parents he was “sorry for everything you have all been through,” he stopped short of taking direct responsibility for it. This trial marks the first time Zuckerberg stands before a jury. Once again, bereaved parents are sitting in the courtroom audience.The case, along with two others, has been selected as a bellwether trial, meaning its outcome could impact how thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies are likely to play out.One of Meta's attorneys, Paul Schmidt, said in his opening statement that the company is not disputing that KGM experienced mental health struggles, but rather disputing that Instagram played a substantial factor in those struggles. He pointed to medical records that showed a turbulent home life, and both he and an attorney representing YouTube argue she turned to their platforms as a coping mechanism or a means of escaping her mental health struggles.Meta is also facing a separate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-new-mexico-child-exploitation-trial-19195fc680dba782fb971d68082e11a4">trial in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;that began last week.

Facebook founder quizzed on kids' social media use in landmark trial

COMANCHE COUNTY —All fires in Comanche County are contained at this time, according to Comanche County Emergency Management.&nbsp; All Barber County firefighters who were assisting have returned to the Barber County.

COMANCHE COUNTY—A grass fire in Comanche County is moving to the north with localized evacuations occurring, according to Barber County Emergency Management.&nbsp;

Multiple fire agencies from Barber County are responding to assist The fire was at Comanche County Hwy 160 just 7 miles East of Coldwater, according to Comanche County Emergency Management. There are no reports of injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771450592716.png" alt="Photos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.brosius.79?__cft__[0]=AZZ0x5kebWoA70WswpH37GaRt4l1zYOjfmPNPCLmyhlxOZvTz2K4EBQRY4UF5Dp6qboVp0EA6CuuVHgX1ROA88Wym67ObWEA5MzUqfZ4RQ6rVmMrldxKxyqB1fr37ZsAeg7ibV1YdtCR_9flaGrFivQ-CemyIRjlh163FC54DrH4ULEDzOh_nrE4HHo2vYvN9V8&amp;__tn__=R-R">Emily Brosius</a>, Comanche County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Photos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.brosius.79?__cft__[0]=AZZ0x5kebWoA70WswpH37GaRt4l1zYOjfmPNPCLmyhlxOZvTz2K4EBQRY4UF5Dp6qboVp0EA6CuuVHgX1ROA88Wym67ObWEA5MzUqfZ4RQ6rVmMrldxKxyqB1fr37ZsAeg7ibV1YdtCR_9flaGrFivQ-CemyIRjlh163FC54DrH4ULEDzOh_nrE4HHo2vYvN9V8&amp;__tn__=R-R">Emily Brosius</a>, Comanche County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure>COMANCHE COUNTY —All fires in Comanche County are contained at this time, according to Comanche County Emergency Management.&nbsp; All Barber County firefighters who were assisting have returned to the Barber County.----------------COMANCHE COUNTY—A grass fire in Comanche County is moving to the north with localized evacuations occurring, according to Barber County Emergency Management.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771450573183.png" alt="Photos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.brosius.79?__cft__[0]=AZZ0x5kebWoA70WswpH37GaRt4l1zYOjfmPNPCLmyhlxOZvTz2K4EBQRY4UF5Dp6qboVp0EA6CuuVHgX1ROA88Wym67ObWEA5MzUqfZ4RQ6rVmMrldxKxyqB1fr37ZsAeg7ibV1YdtCR_9flaGrFivQ-CemyIRjlh163FC54DrH4ULEDzOh_nrE4HHo2vYvN9V8&amp;__tn__=R-R">Emily Brosius</a>, Commanche County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Photos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.brosius.79?__cft__[0]=AZZ0x5kebWoA70WswpH37GaRt4l1zYOjfmPNPCLmyhlxOZvTz2K4EBQRY4UF5Dp6qboVp0EA6CuuVHgX1ROA88Wym67ObWEA5MzUqfZ4RQ6rVmMrldxKxyqB1fr37ZsAeg7ibV1YdtCR_9flaGrFivQ-CemyIRjlh163FC54DrH4ULEDzOh_nrE4HHo2vYvN9V8&amp;__tn__=R-R">Emily Brosius</a>, Commanche County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771450745700.png" alt="Photos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.brosius.79?__cft__[0]=AZZ0x5kebWoA70WswpH37GaRt4l1zYOjfmPNPCLmyhlxOZvTz2K4EBQRY4UF5Dp6qboVp0EA6CuuVHgX1ROA88Wym67ObWEA5MzUqfZ4RQ6rVmMrldxKxyqB1fr37ZsAeg7ibV1YdtCR_9flaGrFivQ-CemyIRjlh163FC54DrH4ULEDzOh_nrE4HHo2vYvN9V8&amp;__tn__=R-R">Emily Brosius</a>, Commanche County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Photos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.brosius.79?__cft__[0]=AZZ0x5kebWoA70WswpH37GaRt4l1zYOjfmPNPCLmyhlxOZvTz2K4EBQRY4UF5Dp6qboVp0EA6CuuVHgX1ROA88Wym67ObWEA5MzUqfZ4RQ6rVmMrldxKxyqB1fr37ZsAeg7ibV1YdtCR_9flaGrFivQ-CemyIRjlh163FC54DrH4ULEDzOh_nrE4HHo2vYvN9V8&amp;__tn__=R-R">Emily Brosius</a>, Commanche County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure>Multiple fire agencies from Barber County are responding to assist The fire was at Comanche County Hwy 160 just 7 miles East of Coldwater, according to Comanche County Emergency Management. There are no reports of injuries.

South central Kansas wildfire fire now contained

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Agrochemical maker Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement Tuesday to resolve thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn people that its popular weedkiller Roundup could cause cancer.

The proposed settlement comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-bayer-roundup-glyphosate-cancer-2e8e03708f125a84999259e624fb695c">preparing to hear arguments</a>&nbsp;on Bayer's assertion that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of Roundup without a cancer warning should invalidate claims filed in state courts. That case would not be affected by the proposed settlement.

But the settlement would eliminate some of the risk from an eventual and uncertain Supreme Court ruling — both for Bayer and for patients seeking damages.

Germany-based Bayer, which acquired Roundup maker Monsanto in 2018, disputes the assertion that the weedkiller's key ingredient, glyphosate, can cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But the company has warned that mounting legal costs are threatening its ability to continue selling the product in U.S. agricultural markets.

“Litigation uncertainly has plagued the company for years, and this settlement gives the company a road to closure,” Bayer CEO Bill Anderson said Tuesday.

The proposed settlement was filed in St. Louis Circuit Court in Missouri, home to Bayer's North America crop science division and the state where many of the lawsuits have been brought. The settlement still needs the court's approval.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593022262288.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Agrochemical maker Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement Tuesday to resolve thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn people that its popular weedkiller Roundup could cause cancer.The proposed settlement comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-bayer-roundup-glyphosate-cancer-2e8e03708f125a84999259e624fb695c">preparing to hear arguments</a>&nbsp;on Bayer's assertion that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of Roundup without a cancer warning should invalidate claims filed in state courts. That case would not be affected by the proposed settlement.But the settlement would eliminate some of the risk from an eventual and uncertain Supreme Court ruling — both for Bayer and for patients seeking damages.Germany-based Bayer, which acquired Roundup maker Monsanto in 2018, disputes the assertion that the weedkiller's key ingredient, glyphosate, can cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But the company has warned that mounting legal costs are threatening its ability to continue selling the product in U.S. agricultural markets.“Litigation uncertainly has plagued the company for years, and this settlement gives the company a road to closure,” Bayer CEO Bill Anderson said Tuesday.The proposed settlement was filed in St. Louis Circuit Court in Missouri, home to Bayer's North America crop science division and the state where many of the lawsuits have been brought. The settlement still needs the court's approval.

Bayer agrees to $7 billion settlement in Roundup cancer lawsuits

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 — Kansans will soon be required to use the bathroom of their biological sex at birth in all government buildings after the House joined the Senate Wednesday to override Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">House Substitute for Senate Bill 244</a>&nbsp;will go into effect immediately after paperwork is filed at the Secretary of State’s office. Along with the public facilities regulations, the bill requires Kansans to use the gender marker of their biological sex at birth on their driver’s licenses and birth certificates. It invalidates documents that were issued to transgender people previously.&nbsp;

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20260218120124_975402/" target="_blank">vote was 87 to 37</a>, with Republican Rep. Mark Schreiber joining all Democrats present in opposing the bill. It passed the Senate on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Kelly said in a statement after her veto was overridden that the bill was poorly drafted and will cost taxpayers millions of dollars to comply.&nbsp;

“It is nothing short of ridiculous that the Legislature is forcing the entire state, every city and town, every school district, every public university to spend taxpayer money on a manufactured problem,” she said. “Kansans elected them to focus on education, job creation, housing, and grocery costs.”

Just four Democratic opponents were able to debate the bill before Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, made a motion of the previous question, which means all debate stops and a vote is immediately taken.

Rep. Heather Meyer, an Overland Park Democrat, said the legislation was discriminatory and “paints a bullseye” on the backs of legislative colleagues who are trans women, including Rep. Abi Boatman, D-Wichita, and former representative Stephanie Byers, a Democrat from Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I feel safer in a restroom with those representatives than I do or would with some people here, including women, and I’m not even joking about that,” she said.&nbsp;

Rep. Alexis Simmons, D-Topeka, said she took issue with a statement that the bill codifies societal norms.&nbsp;

“We used to also have a law that women were subjugated to pregnancy and marriage because that was considered the societal norm,” she said. “Societal norms also would have included slavery and Jim Crow and other horrific stains on our nation’s history.”

Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, said evidence shows that bills like SB 244 negatively impact the mental health of trans people and cause “hateful stereotypes.”&nbsp;

“Attempting to legislate away the rights of people who are different from you has played out in history time and again,” she said. “So I want to ask which side of history does this body want to be on today?”

After debate was shut down, many Democratic opponents used the one-minute opportunity to explain their vote to show support for trans people and their frustration with the bill.&nbsp;

Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, R-Edwardsville, supported the bill and voted to overturn the veto.&nbsp;

“Our young women deserve to have restrooms and locker rooms where they can undress without men in the room. This bill protects girls and women, the ones feminists used to claim to stand for,” she said.&nbsp;

Along with opposing the bill, several Democrats talked about the fact that debate was cut short Wednesday, and that the process allowed no public input on the bathroom restrictions.&nbsp;

“Statesmanship requires the willingness to listen to those you disagree with, to care when you are exhausted, and to respect when you are not willing to,” said Rep. Kirk Haskins, D-Topeka. “Trans women are women. Trans men are men. They deserve our protection, even if we don’t want to listen to them.”

Rep. Lynn Melton, D-Kansas City, said lawmakers were silenced during the debate on SB 244.&nbsp;

“Kansans want tax relief and affordability,” she said. “Fourteen voices were silenced today that represent thousands of people who deserve to be heard. Shame on this chamber.”

Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said in a statement that SB 244 protects privacy and safety.&nbsp;

“While the Governor fearmongers and muddies the water with her misleading veto message, our position remains steady: This isn’t about scoring political points, but doing what’s right for women and girls across our communities,” he said. “Kansans expect clarity, not confusion.”

Advocacy groups joined in a written statement criticizing the passage of SB 244 and raising concerns about its effects.&nbsp;

“This discriminatory bill undermines our state’s strong constitutional protections against government overreach and persecution,” said Micah&nbsp; Kubic, executive director of ACLU of Kansas.

Michael Poppa, executive director of Mainstream Coalition, said the legislativesupermajority was targeting an already marginalized community.&nbsp;

“Kansas families are being crushed by rising housing and healthcare costs. Small businesses face workforce shortages,” he said. “Rural communities are losing hospitals and struggling with failing infrastructure. These are the issues that demand action.”

Other organizations included in the statement were&nbsp;Equality Kansas, Kansas Interfaith Action, Loud Light Civic Action and Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771449237283.png" alt=" Rep. Heather Meyer debates the “bathroom bill” that passed the House Feb. 18, 2026. She says it paints a “bullseye” on trans people. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Heather Meyer debates the “bathroom bill” that passed the House Feb. 18, 2026. She says it paints a “bullseye” on trans people. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/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 — Kansans will soon be required to use the bathroom of their biological sex at birth in all government buildings after the House joined the Senate Wednesday to override Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto.&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">House Substitute for Senate Bill 244</a>&nbsp;will go into effect immediately after paperwork is filed at the Secretary of State’s office. Along with the public facilities regulations, the bill requires Kansans to use the gender marker of their biological sex at birth on their driver’s licenses and birth certificates. It invalidates documents that were issued to transgender people previously.&nbsp;The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20260218120124_975402/" target="_blank">vote was 87 to 37</a>, with Republican Rep. Mark Schreiber joining all Democrats present in opposing the bill. It passed the Senate on Tuesday.&nbsp;Kelly said in a statement after her veto was overridden that the bill was poorly drafted and will cost taxpayers millions of dollars to comply.&nbsp;“It is nothing short of ridiculous that the Legislature is forcing the entire state, every city and town, every school district, every public university to spend taxpayer money on a manufactured problem,” she said. “Kansans elected them to focus on education, job creation, housing, and grocery costs.”Just four Democratic opponents were able to debate the bill before Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, made a motion of the previous question, which means all debate stops and a vote is immediately taken.Rep. Heather Meyer, an Overland Park Democrat, said the legislation was discriminatory and “paints a bullseye” on the backs of legislative colleagues who are trans women, including Rep. Abi Boatman, D-Wichita, and former representative Stephanie Byers, a Democrat from Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I feel safer in a restroom with those representatives than I do or would with some people here, including women, and I’m not even joking about that,” she said.&nbsp;Rep. Alexis Simmons, D-Topeka, said she took issue with a statement that the bill codifies societal norms.&nbsp;“We used to also have a law that women were subjugated to pregnancy and marriage because that was considered the societal norm,” she said. “Societal norms also would have included slavery and Jim Crow and other horrific stains on our nation’s history.”Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, said evidence shows that bills like SB 244 negatively impact the mental health of trans people and cause “hateful stereotypes.”&nbsp;“Attempting to legislate away the rights of people who are different from you has played out in history time and again,” she said. “So I want to ask which side of history does this body want to be on today?”After debate was shut down, many Democratic opponents used the one-minute opportunity to explain their vote to show support for trans people and their frustration with the bill.&nbsp;Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, R-Edwardsville, supported the bill and voted to overturn the veto.&nbsp;“Our young women deserve to have restrooms and locker rooms where they can undress without men in the room. This bill protects girls and women, the ones feminists used to claim to stand for,” she said.&nbsp;Along with opposing the bill, several Democrats talked about the fact that debate was cut short Wednesday, and that the process allowed no public input on the bathroom restrictions.&nbsp;“Statesmanship requires the willingness to listen to those you disagree with, to care when you are exhausted, and to respect when you are not willing to,” said Rep. Kirk Haskins, D-Topeka. “Trans women are women. Trans men are men. They deserve our protection, even if we don’t want to listen to them.”Rep. Lynn Melton, D-Kansas City, said lawmakers were silenced during the debate on SB 244.&nbsp;“Kansans want tax relief and affordability,” she said. “Fourteen voices were silenced today that represent thousands of people who deserve to be heard. Shame on this chamber.”Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said in a statement that SB 244 protects privacy and safety.&nbsp;“While the Governor fearmongers and muddies the water with her misleading veto message, our position remains steady: This isn’t about scoring political points, but doing what’s right for women and girls across our communities,” he said. “Kansans expect clarity, not confusion.”Advocacy groups joined in a written statement criticizing the passage of SB 244 and raising concerns about its effects.&nbsp;“This discriminatory bill undermines our state’s strong constitutional protections against government overreach and persecution,” said Micah&nbsp; Kubic, executive director of ACLU of Kansas.Michael Poppa, executive director of Mainstream Coalition, said the legislativesupermajority was targeting an already marginalized community.&nbsp;“Kansas families are being crushed by rising housing and healthcare costs. Small businesses face workforce shortages,” he said. “Rural communities are losing hospitals and struggling with failing infrastructure. These are the issues that demand action.”Other organizations included in the statement were&nbsp;Equality Kansas, Kansas Interfaith Action, Loud Light Civic Action and Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes.

Kan. House overrides veto; ‘bathroom bill’ limiting access to facilities will become law 

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A silver Nissan Altima was eastbound on Interstate 70 approaching Stadium Drive in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver failed to stop for congested traffic ahead. The Nissan Altima rear-ended a black Nissan full-size van, resulting in a four-vehicle collision. 

Two individuals were transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. EMS pronounced one passenger deceased at the scene. This is fatality #9 in KCMO in 2026, according to Gonzalez.

Police released no additional details including the name of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771446345811.png" alt="Image from KC Scout camera" />
 <figcaption>Image from KC Scout camera</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.A silver Nissan Altima was eastbound on Interstate 70 approaching Stadium Drive in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver failed to stop for congested traffic ahead. The Nissan Altima rear-ended a black Nissan full-size van, resulting in a four-vehicle collision. Two individuals were transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. EMS pronounced one passenger deceased at the scene. This is fatality #9 in KCMO in 2026, according to Gonzalez.Police released no additional details including the name of the victims.

KCPD: One dead after 4-vehicle I-70 crash

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

TOPEKA — Cellphones are one step closer to disappearing from Kansas classrooms after the House passed a bill that would require a daytime device ban to public and private schools.

Social connection, phone addiction and parental choice came into play in an hours-long debate Monday that involved Republicans and Democrats crossing the aisle to ultimately support a bill that would apply to public and private schools.

The bipartisan ban proposes a bell-to-bell prohibition on cellphone use, requiring schools to craft detailed policies to ensure devices are turned off and stored away during the school day and to enact disciplinary measures for students who violate a ban.

A cascade of changes as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb281/" target="_blank">House Substitute for Senate Bill 281</a>&nbsp;made its way through committee resulted in a bill that only mandated a ban in public schools and merely suggested one for private schools.

Republican Rep. Jill Ward of Wichita added a provision Monday to apply the mandate to both public and nonpublic schools. The bill itself drew mixed reactions from each party, and so did Ward’s amendment.

​​“These kids’ lives are just as negatively impacted by phones as those that attend public schools,” Ward said.

Students wouldn’t be allowed under the bill to use cellphones or other electronic communication devices, smartwatches and earbuds during the school day, which includes passing period and lunch time, unless the student is allowed to leave school grounds during lunch.

Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican, said private schools should receive the same funding as public schools if the same rules must apply. She said she agreed with the need to address devices and their connection to mental health issues in children, but she said the bill, with Ward’s amendment, would be equivalent to a de facto state operation of private, religious schools.

She said many parents choose private schools because they don’t want to deal with state mandates.

Ward’s amendment passed with 68 voting in favor and 55 against.

Some Democrats opposed the bill entirely, favoring phones in school in the event of emergencies such as natural disasters or school shootings. Others didn’t think a one-size-fits-all policy was appropriate for schools with unique needs.

Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, a Republican from Edwardsville, attempted to strip the bill, re-adding language to make bans optional for private schools.

Some, like Republican Rep. Sean Tarwater of Stilwell, were torn. He said Monday that he couldn’t support Caiharr’s amendment, arguing that all children matter.

“In my opinion, children are children, mental health is mental health and suicide is suicide, no matter what school you go to,” Tarwater said. “Are we trying to help some children or all children here?”

Caiharr said Kansas has a long tradition of respecting educational diversity and removing private schools from the bill maintains that tradition.

Sixty seven representatives opposed her amendment, and 54 voted in favor, retaining the inclusion of private and public schools. The House voted on the bill Tuesday with 76 in favor and 45 against, forwarding it to the Senate.

The Senate unanimously passed a previous version of the bill, which applied to both public and private schools, but it must vote again in the wake of House changes.

Rep. Angela Martinez, a Wichita Democrat, said Tuesday a phone-free school day restores focus and encourages relationship building. Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican, said a cellphone ban restores human connection and slackens the grip big tech companies have exercised over kids’ attention.

Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall, a Paola Republican, said the bill leaves students helpless, eliminating a tool used to document bullying and removing a piece of parents’ rights.

Williams said Tuesday decisions for private school students should be up to parents and individual schools, not the state.

“This bill opens a door we should keep closed,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771439449816.jpeg" alt=" Republican Reps. Kristey Williams, of Augusta, and Sean Tarwater, of Stilwell, are on opposing sides of a bill to ban cellphones in all public and accredited nonpublic schools. They appear here on the House floor on April 6, 2023, in Topeka, Kansas. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Republican Reps. Kristey Williams, of Augusta, and Sean Tarwater, of Stilwell, are on opposing sides of a bill to ban cellphones in all public and accredited nonpublic schools. They appear here on the House floor on April 6, 2023, in Topeka, Kansas. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/"></a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Cellphones are one step closer to disappearing from Kansas classrooms after the House passed a bill that would require a daytime device ban to public and private schools.Social connection, phone addiction and parental choice came into play in an hours-long debate Monday that involved Republicans and Democrats crossing the aisle to ultimately support a bill that would apply to public and private schools.The bipartisan ban proposes a bell-to-bell prohibition on cellphone use, requiring schools to craft detailed policies to ensure devices are turned off and stored away during the school day and to enact disciplinary measures for students who violate a ban.A cascade of changes as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb281/" target="_blank">House Substitute for Senate Bill 281</a>&nbsp;made its way through committee resulted in a bill that only mandated a ban in public schools and merely suggested one for private schools.Republican Rep. Jill Ward of Wichita added a provision Monday to apply the mandate to both public and nonpublic schools. The bill itself drew mixed reactions from each party, and so did Ward’s amendment.​​“These kids’ lives are just as negatively impacted by phones as those that attend public schools,” Ward said.Students wouldn’t be allowed under the bill to use cellphones or other electronic communication devices, smartwatches and earbuds during the school day, which includes passing period and lunch time, unless the student is allowed to leave school grounds during lunch.Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican, said private schools should receive the same funding as public schools if the same rules must apply. She said she agreed with the need to address devices and their connection to mental health issues in children, but she said the bill, with Ward’s amendment, would be equivalent to a de facto state operation of private, religious schools.She said many parents choose private schools because they don’t want to deal with state mandates.Ward’s amendment passed with 68 voting in favor and 55 against.Some Democrats opposed the bill entirely, favoring phones in school in the event of emergencies such as natural disasters or school shootings. Others didn’t think a one-size-fits-all policy was appropriate for schools with unique needs.Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, a Republican from Edwardsville, attempted to strip the bill, re-adding language to make bans optional for private schools.Some, like Republican Rep. Sean Tarwater of Stilwell, were torn. He said Monday that he couldn’t support Caiharr’s amendment, arguing that all children matter.“In my opinion, children are children, mental health is mental health and suicide is suicide, no matter what school you go to,” Tarwater said. “Are we trying to help some children or all children here?”Caiharr said Kansas has a long tradition of respecting educational diversity and removing private schools from the bill maintains that tradition.Sixty seven representatives opposed her amendment, and 54 voted in favor, retaining the inclusion of private and public schools. The House voted on the bill Tuesday with 76 in favor and 45 against, forwarding it to the Senate.The Senate unanimously passed a previous version of the bill, which applied to both public and private schools, but it must vote again in the wake of House changes.Rep. Angela Martinez, a Wichita Democrat, said Tuesday a phone-free school day restores focus and encourages relationship building. Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican, said a cellphone ban restores human connection and slackens the grip big tech companies have exercised over kids’ attention.Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall, a Paola Republican, said the bill leaves students helpless, eliminating a tool used to document bullying and removing a piece of parents’ rights.Williams said Tuesday decisions for private school students should be up to parents and individual schools, not the state.“This bill opens a door we should keep closed,” she said.

Kansas cellphone ban applying to both public and private schools clears House 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 22, was sentenced on Tuesday for the July 2023 shooting deaths of two people in an Old Town parking garage in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

During a hearing before Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, Ramirez was sentenced to two consecutive "hard 25" life sentences. He also received 61 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections and six months in jail for additional counts, to be served concurrently with the life sentences.

In Kansas, a "hard 25" sentence is a mandatory life term that requires a defendant to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. Because the court ordered the sentences to be served consecutively, Ramirez must serve at least 50 years before he is eligible for release.

The sentencing follows an April 2024 trial in which a Sedgwick County jury convicted Ramirez of several charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery, and two counts of battery. The case had been pending sentencing while the court considered the outcome of several post-trial motions.

The charges stem from an incident on July 27, 2023. At approximately 4 a.m., Wichita police responded to a parking garage in the 300 block of North Moore after a street sweeper operator discovered two victims inside a vehicle. Josephina Lerma-Dominguez, 20, and Bryan Lara-Hernandez, 21, both of Wichita, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators used surveillance footage and the FLOCK license plate reader system to identify and apprehend Ramirez shortly after the shooting.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jason Roach and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Jameson.

"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Wichita Police Department for their thorough and diligent work on this investigation," the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. "Their commitment to the case ensured that justice could be served for the victims and their families."

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man convicted&nbsp; of killing two people in a parking garage in&nbsp;Old Town in Wichita is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.

&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 21, will appear at a sentencing hearing in Judge Jeffry Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In April of 2024, a jury found him guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery and two counts of battery in the deaths of 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita, according to the district attorney's office.

Just before&nbsp; 4a.m. July 27, 2023, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

EMS&nbsp; arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez died at the scene.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771350885552.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation in 2023-courtesy KWCH " />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation in 2023-courtesy KWCH </figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 22, was sentenced on Tuesday for the July 2023 shooting deaths of two people in an Old Town parking garage in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.During a hearing before Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, Ramirez was sentenced to two consecutive "hard 25" life sentences. He also received 61 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections and six months in jail for additional counts, to be served concurrently with the life sentences.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690507120194.png" alt="Ramirez photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ramirez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>In Kansas, a "hard 25" sentence is a mandatory life term that requires a defendant to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. Because the court ordered the sentences to be served consecutively, Ramirez must serve at least 50 years before he is eligible for release.The sentencing follows an April 2024 trial in which a Sedgwick County jury convicted Ramirez of several charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery, and two counts of battery. The case had been pending sentencing while the court considered the outcome of several post-trial motions.The charges stem from an incident on July 27, 2023. At approximately 4 a.m., Wichita police responded to a parking garage in the 300 block of North Moore after a street sweeper operator discovered two victims inside a vehicle. Josephina Lerma-Dominguez, 20, and Bryan Lara-Hernandez, 21, both of Wichita, were pronounced dead at the scene.Investigators used surveillance footage and the FLOCK license plate reader system to identify and apprehend Ramirez shortly after the shooting.The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jason Roach and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Jameson."We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Wichita Police Department for their thorough and diligent work on this investigation," the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. "Their commitment to the case ensured that justice could be served for the victims and their families."--------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man convicted&nbsp; of killing two people in a parking garage in&nbsp;Old Town in Wichita is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 21, will appear at a sentencing hearing in Judge Jeffry Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In April of 2024, a jury found him guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery and two counts of battery in the deaths of 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita, according to the district attorney's office.Just before&nbsp; 4a.m. July 27, 2023, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.EMS&nbsp; arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez died at the scene.&nbsp;

Maximum sentence for killing Kansas couple in parking garage

CLARK COUNTY— The wild fire in southwest Kansas is contained but not out, according to Clark County Attorney Clay Kuhns. Approximately 150,000 acres have burned and the fire continues along the state line in Clark County.&nbsp; Two injured firefighter were transported to Wichita for treatment, according to Kuhns.

Earlier Wednesday, evacuation orders for residents in Englewood and Ashland were lifted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday night, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and his team traveled to Ashland to deliver water and thank first responders for their work protecting homes, ranches, and livestock.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771434448501.png" alt="Clark County google map" />
 <figcaption>Clark County google map</figcaption>
 </figure>CLARK COUNTY— The wild fire in southwest Kansas is contained but not out, according to Clark County Attorney Clay Kuhns. Approximately 150,000 acres have burned and the fire continues along the state line in Clark County.&nbsp; Two injured firefighter were transported to Wichita for treatment, according to Kuhns.Earlier Wednesday, evacuation orders for residents in Englewood and Ashland were lifted.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Last night, my team and I traveled to Ashland to deliver water and thank first responders for their work protecting homes, ranches, and livestock. This fire is serious and causing significant damage. If you’re in the area, stay alert and follow the guidance of local authorities. <a href="https://t.co/Sbl0yMHUFj">pic.twitter.com/Sbl0yMHUFj</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/2024122310869885273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On Tuesday night, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and his team traveled to Ashland to deliver water and thank first responders for their work protecting homes, ranches, and livestock.