JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —A family lost their home to a fire on Thursday.

Just before 10:30a.m., the&nbsp;Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house fire located at 25098 P. Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The Holton, Mayetta and Solder Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene along with Jackson County EMS and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. 

The&nbsp; fire resulted in the complete loss of the h9ome The residents of the address were not home at the time of the fire. There were no injuries reported. A relief account has been established at the Denison State Bank for the family, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769824887505.png" alt="Photos Jackson County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Jackson County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —A family lost their home to a fire on Thursday.Just before 10:30a.m., the&nbsp;Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house fire located at 25098 P. Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769824865138.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Holton, Mayetta and Solder Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene along with Jackson County EMS and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The&nbsp; fire resulted in the complete loss of the h9ome The residents of the address were not home at the time of the fire. There were no injuries reported. A relief account has been established at the Denison State Bank for the family, according to Morse.

Sheriff: Rural Kansas home destroyed by fire

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cora-lewis">CORA LEWIS</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — Tax filing season is underway, and the IRS expects 164 million people will file returns by April 15.

The average refund last year was $3,167. This year, analysts have projected it could be $1,000 higher, thanks to changes in tax law. More than 165 million individual income tax returns were processed last year, with 94% submitted electronically.

People with straightforward returns should not encounter delays, but because of an exodus of IRS workers since the start of the Trump administration, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-tax-season-taxpayer-advocate-report-cd82286bb60e7e896b5372da25178b1e">national taxpayer advocate has cautioned</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-irs-tax-season-fd379f43d501d064cdad046eb32fb9f6">the 2026 tax filing season</a>&nbsp;is likely to present challenges for those who run into problems filing.

While last year IRS employees were not permitted to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the taxpayer filing deadline, many of those customer service workers have now left. The IRS started 2025 with about 102,000 employees and finished with roughly 74,000 after a series of firings and layoffs led by the Department of Government Efficiency.

If you file electronically, the IRS says it should take 21 days or less to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-season-refund-debt-credit-personal-finance-39412fe2d14f39fc3237e50789c10dc9">receive your refund</a>. If you choose direct deposit, it should take even less time. If you file a paper return, the refund could take four weeks or more, and if your return requires amendments or corrections, it could take longer.

The IRS cautions that taxpayers not rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills.

Taxpayers can use the online tool&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund" target="_blank">Where’s My Refund?</a>&nbsp;to check the status of their refund within 24 hours of e-filing and generally within four weeks of filing a paper return. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool will also provide projected deposit dates for most early EITC/ACTC refund filers by Feb. 21, according to the IRS.

Information related to this tool is updated once daily, overnight. To access the status of your refund, you’ll need:

— Your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)

Taxpayers can also consult the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp" target="_blank">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;app, or their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals" target="_blank">IRS Individual Online Account</a>, to check their refund status.

If you paid more through the year than you owe in tax, due to withholding or other reasons, you should get money back. Even if you didn’t pay excess tax, you may still get a refund if you qualify for a refundable credit, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit. To get your refund, you must file a return, and you have three years to claim a tax refund.

Who qualifies for the Earned Income Tax Credit

To qualify for the EITC, you must have under $11,950 in investment income and earn less than a specific income level from working.

If you’re single with no children, your income level must be $19,104 or below. And if you’re married filing jointly with three or more children, you must make $68,675 or below. To determine if your household qualifies based on your marital status and your number of dependents you can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant" target="_blank">online EITC Assistant tool.</a>

Who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit

If you have a child, you are most likely eligible for the Child Tax Credit. The credit is up to $2,200 per qualifying child. To qualify, a child must:

— Be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild, niece or nephew)

— Not provide more than half of his or her own support for the tax year

— Have lived with you for more than half the tax year

— Be claimed as a dependent on your tax return

— Not file a joint return for the year (or filed the joint return only to claim a refund of taxes withheld or estimated taxes)

— Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or a U.S. resident alien

You qualify for the full amount of the Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child if you meet all eligibility factors and your annual income is not more than $200,000 ($400,000 if filing a joint return).

You qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit if ($1,700 per qualifying child) if you meet these factors and have little or no federal income tax liability. You must have earned income of at least $2,500 to be eligible for the ACTC.

When the tax credits will become available

The IRS expects most refunds for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit to be available in bank accounts or on debit cards by March 2 for taxpayers who choose direct deposit. Some taxpayers may receive their refund earlier, depending on their financial institution.

This year, most taxpayers must provide their routing and account numbers to receive refunds directly deposited into their bank accounts. That’s because the IRS began phasing out paper tax refund checks on Sept. 30 in accordance with an executive order.

The Associated Press receives support from the Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579706571729.jpeg" alt="IRS Form 1040 Page 1" />
 <figcaption>IRS Form 1040 Page 1</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cora-lewis">CORA LEWIS</a>NEW YORK (AP) — Tax filing season is underway, and the IRS expects 164 million people will file returns by April 15.The average refund last year was $3,167. This year, analysts have projected it could be $1,000 higher, thanks to changes in tax law. More than 165 million individual income tax returns were processed last year, with 94% submitted electronically.People with straightforward returns should not encounter delays, but because of an exodus of IRS workers since the start of the Trump administration, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-tax-season-taxpayer-advocate-report-cd82286bb60e7e896b5372da25178b1e">national taxpayer advocate has cautioned</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-irs-tax-season-fd379f43d501d064cdad046eb32fb9f6">the 2026 tax filing season</a>&nbsp;is likely to present challenges for those who run into problems filing.While last year IRS employees were not permitted to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the taxpayer filing deadline, many of those customer service workers have now left. The IRS started 2025 with about 102,000 employees and finished with roughly 74,000 after a series of firings and layoffs led by the Department of Government Efficiency.Here’s what to know:<h2>When refunds will go out</h2>If you file electronically, the IRS says it should take 21 days or less to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-season-refund-debt-credit-personal-finance-39412fe2d14f39fc3237e50789c10dc9">receive your refund</a>. If you choose direct deposit, it should take even less time. If you file a paper return, the refund could take four weeks or more, and if your return requires amendments or corrections, it could take longer.The IRS cautions that taxpayers not rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills.<h2>How to check the status of your refund</h2>Taxpayers can use the online tool&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund" target="_blank">Where’s My Refund?</a>&nbsp;to check the status of their refund within 24 hours of e-filing and generally within four weeks of filing a paper return. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool will also provide projected deposit dates for most early EITC/ACTC refund filers by Feb. 21, according to the IRS.Information related to this tool is updated once daily, overnight. To access the status of your refund, you’ll need:— Your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)Taxpayers can also consult the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp" target="_blank">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;app, or their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals" target="_blank">IRS Individual Online Account</a>, to check their refund status.<h2>How tax refunds work</h2>If you paid more through the year than you owe in tax, due to withholding or other reasons, you should get money back. Even if you didn’t pay excess tax, you may still get a refund if you qualify for a refundable credit, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit. To get your refund, you must file a return, and you have three years to claim a tax refund.<h2>Who qualifies for the Earned Income Tax Credit</h2>To qualify for the EITC, you must have under $11,950 in investment income and earn less than a specific income level from working.If you’re single with no children, your income level must be $19,104 or below. And if you’re married filing jointly with three or more children, you must make $68,675 or below. To determine if your household qualifies based on your marital status and your number of dependents you can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant" target="_blank">online EITC Assistant tool.</a><h2>Who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit</h2>If you have a child, you are most likely eligible for the Child Tax Credit. The credit is up to $2,200 per qualifying child. To qualify, a child must:— Have a Social Security number— Be under age 17 at the end of 2025— Be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild, niece or nephew)— Not provide more than half of his or her own support for the tax year— Have lived with you for more than half the tax year— Be claimed as a dependent on your tax return— Not file a joint return for the year (or filed the joint return only to claim a refund of taxes withheld or estimated taxes)— Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or a U.S. resident alienYou qualify for the full amount of the Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child if you meet all eligibility factors and your annual income is not more than $200,000 ($400,000 if filing a joint return).You qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit if ($1,700 per qualifying child) if you meet these factors and have little or no federal income tax liability. You must have earned income of at least $2,500 to be eligible for the ACTC.<h2>When the tax credits will become available</h2>The IRS expects most refunds for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit to be available in bank accounts or on debit cards by March 2 for taxpayers who choose direct deposit. Some taxpayers may receive their refund earlier, depending on their financial institution.<h2>What’s different this year</h2>This year, most taxpayers must provide their routing and account numbers to receive refunds directly deposited into their bank accounts. That’s because the IRS began phasing out paper tax refund checks on Sept. 30 in accordance with an executive order.___The Associated Press receives support from the Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

Here's when you'll get your tax refund from the IRS

On Friday, Governor Laura Kelly welcomed 35 new Americans as they took the Oath of Allegiance and officially became citizens of the United States—and Kansans during a ceremony at the Statehouse.

On her social media account the Governor wrote, "Today’s Naturalization Ceremony serves as a powerful reminder that our nation is strengthened by those who choose to call it home."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769826102085.png" alt="Photos from the governor's social media account" />
 <figcaption>Photos from the governor's social media account</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, Governor Laura Kelly welcomed 35 new Americans as they took the Oath of Allegiance and officially became citizens of the United States—and Kansans during a ceremony at the Statehouse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769826082001.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>On her social media account the Governor wrote, "Today’s Naturalization Ceremony serves as a powerful reminder that our nation is strengthened by those who choose to call it home."

Governor welcomes 35 new Americans during ceremony at Kan. Statehouse

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement made an arrest after a suspect had a difficult time navigating a fast food restaurant drive-through.

Just before 10:30p.m. January 25, police&nbsp;responded to a report of a vehicle stuck near a fast-food drive-through in the 12000 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway, according to a social media report from the Shawnee, Kansas Police. The driver was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence.

"Driving impaired puts everyone at risk. Please help keep our roads safe by planning responsibly. Use a designated driver, a ride-share service, or food delivery instead of driving under the influence."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769599495942.png" alt="Photos Shawnee Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Shawnee Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement made an arrest after a suspect had a difficult time navigating a fast food restaurant drive-through.Just before 10:30p.m. January 25, police&nbsp;responded to a report of a vehicle stuck near a fast-food drive-through in the 12000 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway, according to a social media report from the Shawnee, Kansas Police. The driver was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769599480143.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Driving impaired puts everyone at risk. Please help keep our roads safe by planning responsibly. Use a designated driver, a ride-share service, or food delivery instead of driving under the influence."

Police: Impaired Kan. driver struck in restaurant drive-through

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a> <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The federal government began a partial shutdown early Saturday, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to negotiate new constraints on immigration enforcement.&nbsp;

The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1192/vote_119_2_00020.htm" target="_blank">voted 71-29</a>&nbsp;on Friday evening to pass the reworked government funding package before a midnight deadline. But the earliest the House could clear it for Trump’s signature is Monday evening, when members return from a recess.

The scheduling problem guarantees the current spending law, which Congress approved in November at the end of the last shutdown, will expire without a replacement.&nbsp;

However, the effects on the nation are not expected to be as dramatic as those during the historic 43-day shutdown last year. Since Congress has already passed half of the dozen annual appropriations bills, this shutdown will only affect part of the government, and possibly with moderate impacts since it may only last a few days until the House acts.

The unexpected hitch in progress toward passing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7148/text" target="_blank">the $1.2 trillion package</a>&nbsp;came about after immigration agents killed a second person in Minneapolis and Senate Democrats demanded reforms be included in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill. Trump has agreed to two weeks of negotiations on the DHS bill, which includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection and other immigration enforcement agencies.

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, said the full-year measures are “fiscally responsible bills that reflect months of hard work and deliberation from members from both parties and both sides of the Capitol.”

“The package also continues funding for the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks to allow us additional time to evaluate further changes in ICE procedures beyond those that we have already included in this bill,” she said.&nbsp;

Once the package becomes law, she said, 96% of government will be funded for the fiscal year that began back on Oct. 1.&nbsp;

Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said approving the five full-year bills and a stopgap for the Homeland Security Department represented “a simple, commonsense path forward.”

“It is good news we have a deal to fund these key programs families count on while work continues on serious DHS accountability over the next two weeks,” Murray said. “It could not be more clear that ICE and CBP are out of control and that we cannot just wait for the same president who caused this mess to address it.”

Senators from North Carolina, South Carolina tangle

South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said in a floor speech several hours before voting began that he would hold up quick consideration of the funding package until leaders agreed to schedule floor votes on two separate proposals.&nbsp;

The first would establish some sort of criminal penalty for local or state officials who do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement agents, often called sanctuary cities. The second would clear the way for conservative organizations to file lawsuits against former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith for his investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.&nbsp;

“What is the right answer when a state or a mayor says, ‘I don’t like this federal law, I’m not going to do it because there’s good politics for me.’ I think you risk going to jail,” Graham said. “We cannot live in a country this way, where you get to pick and choose the laws you don’t like.”

A spokesperson for Graham later confirmed to States Newsroom that the senator didn’t want the votes Friday but “just sometime down the road.” Graham released a statement later in the afternoon that Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., had agreed to schedule floor votes “at a time to be determined.”

North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis spoke directly after Graham and rebuked him for delaying the entire funding package.&nbsp;

Tillis called on senators from both political parties to start negotiations about “common sense sorts of ways to lower the temperature” on immigration enforcement.

He said officials should “hold people accountable when they’re harming ICE agents, and hold ICE agents accountable if they reacted in a way that’s not consistent with their law enforcement training.”

Tillis argued that Graham’s approach to pushing for amendment votes that are unlikely to succeed wouldn’t have any tangible, real-world impacts.&nbsp;

“One senator has a lot of power. And if you use it judiciously, you can be productive and make a difference,” Tillis said. “But if you use it in the heat of the moment, you can make a point that not a damn person is going to remember a month later.”

The departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, State, Transportation and Treasury will all experience the funding lapse. The Executive Office of the President, Supreme Court and judicial branch will also be affected.&nbsp;

All other federal programs will continue uninterrupted, since their spending bills have become law, including those at the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Justice and Veterans Affairs, as well as military construction projects and funding for Congress.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts wrote in a statement earlier this week that “operations would continue using court fees and other available balances through Wednesday, February 4.&nbsp;

“The following day, on February 5, the Judiciary would begin operating under the terms of the Anti-Deficiency Act. Federal courts would continue operating, but would be limited to activities needed to support the exercise of the Judiciary’s constitutional functions and to address emergency circumstances.”

House Democrats demand changes in DHS bill

A spokesperson for the White House budget office said the departments and agencies affected by the funding lapse can use their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/how-federal-shutdown-playing-out-across-government" target="_blank">contingency plans from the last shutdown</a>&nbsp;unless they had “big changes.”

Those documents detail how many employees continue working without pay during a shutdown and how many are furloughed.&nbsp;

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats wouldn’t support the spending bill unless major reforms are made in the way immigration officers conduct enforcement.

“We’re going to have to evaluate what the real opportunity is to get dramatic changes at the Department of Homeland Security. It has to be bold,” he said during a morning press conference. “The Senate has to do its thing before we have anything to evaluate.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759315749226.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a> <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The federal government began a partial shutdown early Saturday, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to negotiate new constraints on immigration enforcement.&nbsp;The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1192/vote_119_2_00020.htm" target="_blank">voted 71-29</a>&nbsp;on Friday evening to pass the reworked government funding package before a midnight deadline. But the earliest the House could clear it for Trump’s signature is Monday evening, when members return from a recess.The scheduling problem guarantees the current spending law, which Congress approved in November at the end of the last shutdown, will expire without a replacement.&nbsp;However, the effects on the nation are not expected to be as dramatic as those during the historic 43-day shutdown last year. Since Congress has already passed half of the dozen annual appropriations bills, this shutdown will only affect part of the government, and possibly with moderate impacts since it may only last a few days until the House acts.The unexpected hitch in progress toward passing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7148/text" target="_blank">the $1.2 trillion package</a>&nbsp;came about after immigration agents killed a second person in Minneapolis and Senate Democrats demanded reforms be included in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill. Trump has agreed to two weeks of negotiations on the DHS bill, which includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection and other immigration enforcement agencies.Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, said the full-year measures are “fiscally responsible bills that reflect months of hard work and deliberation from members from both parties and both sides of the Capitol.”“The package also continues funding for the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks to allow us additional time to evaluate further changes in ICE procedures beyond those that we have already included in this bill,” she said.&nbsp;Once the package becomes law, she said, 96% of government will be funded for the fiscal year that began back on Oct. 1.&nbsp;Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said approving the five full-year bills and a stopgap for the Homeland Security Department represented “a simple, commonsense path forward.”“It is good news we have a deal to fund these key programs families count on while work continues on serious DHS accountability over the next two weeks,” Murray said. “It could not be more clear that ICE and CBP are out of control and that we cannot just wait for the same president who caused this mess to address it.”<h2>Senators from North Carolina, South Carolina tangle</h2>South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said in a floor speech several hours before voting began that he would hold up quick consideration of the funding package until leaders agreed to schedule floor votes on two separate proposals.&nbsp;The first would establish some sort of criminal penalty for local or state officials who do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement agents, often called sanctuary cities. The second would clear the way for conservative organizations to file lawsuits against former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith for his investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.&nbsp;“What is the right answer when a state or a mayor says, ‘I don’t like this federal law, I’m not going to do it because there’s good politics for me.’ I think you risk going to jail,” Graham said. “We cannot live in a country this way, where you get to pick and choose the laws you don’t like.”A spokesperson for Graham later confirmed to States Newsroom that the senator didn’t want the votes Friday but “just sometime down the road.” Graham released a statement later in the afternoon that Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., had agreed to schedule floor votes “at a time to be determined.”North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis spoke directly after Graham and rebuked him for delaying the entire funding package.&nbsp;Tillis called on senators from both political parties to start negotiations about “common sense sorts of ways to lower the temperature” on immigration enforcement.He said officials should “hold people accountable when they’re harming ICE agents, and hold ICE agents accountable if they reacted in a way that’s not consistent with their law enforcement training.”Tillis argued that Graham’s approach to pushing for amendment votes that are unlikely to succeed wouldn’t have any tangible, real-world impacts.&nbsp;“One senator has a lot of power. And if you use it judiciously, you can be productive and make a difference,” Tillis said. “But if you use it in the heat of the moment, you can make a point that not a damn person is going to remember a month later.”<h2>Some departments, judiciary affected</h2>The departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, State, Transportation and Treasury will all experience the funding lapse. The Executive Office of the President, Supreme Court and judicial branch will also be affected.&nbsp;All other federal programs will continue uninterrupted, since their spending bills have become law, including those at the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Justice and Veterans Affairs, as well as military construction projects and funding for Congress.&nbsp;A spokesperson for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts wrote in a statement earlier this week that “operations would continue using court fees and other available balances through Wednesday, February 4.&nbsp;“The following day, on February 5, the Judiciary would begin operating under the terms of the Anti-Deficiency Act. Federal courts would continue operating, but would be limited to activities needed to support the exercise of the Judiciary’s constitutional functions and to address emergency circumstances.”<h2>House Democrats demand changes in DHS bill</h2>A spokesperson for the White House budget office said the departments and agencies affected by the funding lapse can use their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/how-federal-shutdown-playing-out-across-government" target="_blank">contingency plans from the last shutdown</a>&nbsp;unless they had “big changes.”Those documents detail how many employees continue working without pay during a shutdown and how many are furloughed.&nbsp;House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats wouldn’t support the spending bill unless major reforms are made in the way immigration officers conduct enforcement.“We’re going to have to evaluate what the real opportunity is to get dramatic changes at the Department of Homeland Security. It has to be bold,” he said during a morning press conference. “The Senate has to do its thing before we have anything to evaluate.”

Partial federal government shutdown begins, amid hopes it won’t last long

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/kimberlee-kruesi">KIMBERLEE KRUESI</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/holly-ramer">HOLLY RAMER</a> Associated Press

Protesters across the U.S. are calling for “no work, no school, no shopping” as part of a nationwide strike on Friday to oppose the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-renee-good-immigration-sweeps-6ae64be5a0d6a718b658a938fb56e567">Trump administration’s immigration crackdown</a>.

The demonstrations are taking place amid widespread outrage over the killing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse</a>&nbsp;who was shot multiple times after he used his cellphone to record Border Patrol officers conducting an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The death heightened scrutiny over the administration’s tactics after the Jan. 7 death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>, who was fatally shot behind the wheel of her vehicle by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.

“The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country — to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” said one of the many websites and social media pages promoting actions in communities around the United States.

Some schools in Arizona, Colorado and other states preemptively canceled classes in anticipation of mass absences. Many other demonstrations were planned for students and others to gather at city centers, statehouses and churches across the country.

Just outside Minneapolis, hundreds gathered in the frigid cold early Friday at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, the site of regular protests in recent weeks.

After speeches from clergy members, demonstrators marched toward the facility’s restricted area, jeering at a line of DHS agents to “quit your jobs” and “get out of Minnesota.” Much of the group later dispersed after they were threatened with arrest by local law enforcement for blocking the road.

Michelle Pasko, a retired communications worker, said she joined the demonstration after witnessing federal agents stopping immigrants at a bus stop near her home in Minnetonka, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis.

“They’re roaming our streets, they’re staying in hotels near our schools,” she said. “Everyone in this country has rights, and the federal government seems to have forgotten that. We’re here to remind them.”

In Michigan, dozens of students walked out of Friday morning classes at Groves High School in Birmingham, north of Detroit. The students braved the zero-degree temperatures and walked about a mile to the closest business district where a number of morning commuters honked horns in support.

“We’re here to protest ICE and what they’re doing all over the country, especially in Minnesota,” said Logan Albritton, a 17-year-old senior at Groves. “It’s not right to treat our neighbors and our fellow Americans this way.”

Abigail Daugherty, 16, organized the walkout at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia, on Friday.

“For years, I have felt powerless, and seeing other schools in the county being able to do this, I wanted to do something,” the sophomore said.

Numerous businesses announced they would be closed during Friday’s “blackout.” Others said they would be staying open, but donating a portion of their proceeds to organizations that support immigrants and provide legal aid to those facing deportation.

Otway Restaurant and its sister Otway Bakery in New York posted on social media that its bakery would stay open and 50% of proceeds would go to the New York Immigration Coalition. The restaurant remained open as well.

“As a small business who already took a huge financial hit this week due to the winter storm closures, we will remain open on Friday,” they posted.

In Maine, where Republican Sen. Susan Collins&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-maine-immigration-arrests-collins-ff774636a6e9825fb957e70a10c9ab01">announced that ICE is ending its surge</a>, people gathered outside a Portland church on Friday morning, holding signs that said “No ICE for ME,” a play on the state’s postal code.

Grace Valenzuela, an administrator with Portland Public Schools, decried an “enforcement system that treats our presence as suspect.” She said ICE’s actions brought “daily trauma” to the school system.

“Schools are meant to be places of learning, safety and belonging. ICE undermines that mission every time it destabilizes a family,” Valenzuela said.

Portland Mayor Mark Dion, a Democrat, spoke about the importance of speaking out in the wake of ICE’s actions in the city.

“Dissent is Democratic. Dissent is American. It’s the cornerstone of our democracy,” Dion said.

Associated Press reporters Emilie Megnien in Atlanta, Mae Anderson in New York, Jake Offenhartz in Minneapolis, Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine, and Corey Williams in Detroit contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769824719346.jpeg" alt="People gather during a protest on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)" />
 <figcaption>People gather during a protest on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/kimberlee-kruesi">KIMBERLEE KRUESI</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/holly-ramer">HOLLY RAMER</a> Associated PressProtesters across the U.S. are calling for “no work, no school, no shopping” as part of a nationwide strike on Friday to oppose the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-renee-good-immigration-sweeps-6ae64be5a0d6a718b658a938fb56e567">Trump administration’s immigration crackdown</a>.The demonstrations are taking place amid widespread outrage over the killing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse</a>&nbsp;who was shot multiple times after he used his cellphone to record Border Patrol officers conducting an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The death heightened scrutiny over the administration’s tactics after the Jan. 7 death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>, who was fatally shot behind the wheel of her vehicle by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.“The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country — to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” said one of the many websites and social media pages promoting actions in communities around the United States.Some schools in Arizona, Colorado and other states preemptively canceled classes in anticipation of mass absences. Many other demonstrations were planned for students and others to gather at city centers, statehouses and churches across the country.Just outside Minneapolis, hundreds gathered in the frigid cold early Friday at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, the site of regular protests in recent weeks.After speeches from clergy members, demonstrators marched toward the facility’s restricted area, jeering at a line of DHS agents to “quit your jobs” and “get out of Minnesota.” Much of the group later dispersed after they were threatened with arrest by local law enforcement for blocking the road.Michelle Pasko, a retired communications worker, said she joined the demonstration after witnessing federal agents stopping immigrants at a bus stop near her home in Minnetonka, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis.“They’re roaming our streets, they’re staying in hotels near our schools,” she said. “Everyone in this country has rights, and the federal government seems to have forgotten that. We’re here to remind them.”In Michigan, dozens of students walked out of Friday morning classes at Groves High School in Birmingham, north of Detroit. The students braved the zero-degree temperatures and walked about a mile to the closest business district where a number of morning commuters honked horns in support.“We’re here to protest ICE and what they’re doing all over the country, especially in Minnesota,” said Logan Albritton, a 17-year-old senior at Groves. “It’s not right to treat our neighbors and our fellow Americans this way.”Abigail Daugherty, 16, organized the walkout at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia, on Friday.“For years, I have felt powerless, and seeing other schools in the county being able to do this, I wanted to do something,” the sophomore said.Numerous businesses announced they would be closed during Friday’s “blackout.” Others said they would be staying open, but donating a portion of their proceeds to organizations that support immigrants and provide legal aid to those facing deportation.Otway Restaurant and its sister Otway Bakery in New York posted on social media that its bakery would stay open and 50% of proceeds would go to the New York Immigration Coalition. The restaurant remained open as well.“As a small business who already took a huge financial hit this week due to the winter storm closures, we will remain open on Friday,” they posted.In Maine, where Republican Sen. Susan Collins&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-maine-immigration-arrests-collins-ff774636a6e9825fb957e70a10c9ab01">announced that ICE is ending its surge</a>, people gathered outside a Portland church on Friday morning, holding signs that said “No ICE for ME,” a play on the state’s postal code.Grace Valenzuela, an administrator with Portland Public Schools, decried an “enforcement system that treats our presence as suspect.” She said ICE’s actions brought “daily trauma” to the school system.“Schools are meant to be places of learning, safety and belonging. ICE undermines that mission every time it destabilizes a family,” Valenzuela said.Portland Mayor Mark Dion, a Democrat, spoke about the importance of speaking out in the wake of ICE’s actions in the city.“Dissent is Democratic. Dissent is American. It’s the cornerstone of our democracy,” Dion said.___Associated Press reporters Emilie Megnien in Atlanta, Mae Anderson in New York, Jake Offenhartz in Minneapolis, Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine, and Corey Williams in Detroit contributed to this report.

Protesters call for nationwide strike against Trump's immigration policies

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.&nbsp;

Just before 10:30p.m. Thursday Kansas City Fire Department companies were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 300 block of NE 86th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan. On arrival, crews reported fire showing from a single-story house, and advanced 2 hose lines on an offensive fire attack.

Searches were performed and were all clear. The fire was brought under control at 10:42 p.m.&nbsp; Dangerous Buildings and City Planning were requested to the scene. There were no injuries have been reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769811354565.png" alt="Photo KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769811330200.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10:30p.m. Thursday Kansas City Fire Department companies were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 300 block of NE 86th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan. On arrival, crews reported fire showing from a single-story house, and advanced 2 hose lines on an offensive fire attack.Searches were performed and were all clear. The fire was brought under control at 10:42 p.m.&nbsp; Dangerous Buildings and City Planning were requested to the scene. There were no injuries have been reported.

Cause of Kansas City house fire under investigation

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Sinaloa, Mexico man was sentenced in federal court on Jan. 27, 2026, for his involvement in a fentanyl drug conspiracy.

Raymundo Guadalupe Felix-Perez, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 20 years’ imprisonment without parole, 5 years supervised release, and a money judgment of $80,000.&nbsp; Felix-Perez previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, between Oct. 27, 2020, and Jan. 24, 2023, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering in the Western District of Missouri.

Beginning the fall of 2020, Felix-Perez sold M30 fentanyl pills to a co-conspirator in the Western District of Missouri.&nbsp; The initial indictment in this matter included two defendants that were charged, Troy Lee Palmer and Dallas W. Hughs, in a six-count indictment including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.&nbsp; During the initial investigation, other members of the conspiracy were identified, including Craig Troester, Dakota Morris, Cassidie Bumgarner, Lucas Coltrain, and Jessica Moody.&nbsp; The final superseding indictment charged Felix-Perez, Joshua Stramel, and Kaden Bernard with the conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl. All members of the conspiracy have been previously sentenced with Felix-Perez being the last.

Prior to his indictment, Felix-Perez returned to Sinaloa, Mexico, where he continued to distribute fentanyl to co-conspirators in Missouri, Iowa, Arizona, and Idaho.&nbsp; On June 30, 2024, Felix-Perez was arrested after attempting to enter the United States in the Southern District of California.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657637560252.jpeg" alt="Beginning the fall of 2020, Felix-Perez sold M30 fentanyl pills to a co-conspirator in the Kansas City area." />
 <figcaption>Beginning the fall of 2020, Felix-Perez sold M30 fentanyl pills to a co-conspirator in the Kansas City area.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Sinaloa, Mexico man was sentenced in federal court on Jan. 27, 2026, for his involvement in a fentanyl drug conspiracy.Raymundo Guadalupe Felix-Perez, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 20 years’ imprisonment without parole, 5 years supervised release, and a money judgment of $80,000.&nbsp; Felix-Perez previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, between Oct. 27, 2020, and Jan. 24, 2023, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering in the Western District of Missouri.Beginning the fall of 2020, Felix-Perez sold M30 fentanyl pills to a co-conspirator in the Western District of Missouri.&nbsp; The initial indictment in this matter included two defendants that were charged, Troy Lee Palmer and Dallas W. Hughs, in a six-count indictment including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.&nbsp; During the initial investigation, other members of the conspiracy were identified, including Craig Troester, Dakota Morris, Cassidie Bumgarner, Lucas Coltrain, and Jessica Moody.&nbsp; The final superseding indictment charged Felix-Perez, Joshua Stramel, and Kaden Bernard with the conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl. All members of the conspiracy have been previously sentenced with Felix-Perez being the last.Prior to his indictment, Felix-Perez returned to Sinaloa, Mexico, where he continued to distribute fentanyl to co-conspirators in Missouri, Iowa, Arizona, and Idaho.&nbsp; On June 30, 2024, Felix-Perez was arrested after attempting to enter the United States in the Southern District of California.

Prison: Mexican man sold fentanyl in Kansas City

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate voted Friday to fund most of the government through the end of September after President Donald Trump made a deal with Democrats to carve out Homeland Security funding and allow Congress to debate new restrictions on federal immigration raids across the country.

With a weekend shutdown looming, Trump made the rare deal with Senate Democrats on Thursday in the wake of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-ice-b0cec9d1c5bae4b62469011775082300">deaths of two protesters</a>&nbsp;at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis. Under the agreement, the Homeland Security money will continue at current levels for two weeks while lawmakers consider Democratic demands to unmask agents, require more warrants and allow local authorities to help investigate any incidents.

The bill passed in a 71-29 vote. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.

The bill will now head to the House, which is not due back until Monday. That means the government could be in a partial shutdown temporarily over the weekend until they pass it.

As lawmakers in both parties called for investigations into the fatal shootings by federal agents, Trump said he didn’t want a shutdown and encouraged members of both parties to cast a “much needed Bipartisan ‘YES’ vote.”

The president's concessions to Democrats prompted pushback from some Senate Republicans, delaying the final votes and providing a preview of the coming debate over the next two weeks. In a fiery floor speech, Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina warned that Republicans should not give away too much.

“To the Republican party, where have you been?” Graham said, adding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Border Patrol agents have been “slandered and smeared."

Still, some Republicans said they believe that changes to ICE’s operations were necessary, even as they were unlikely to agree to all of the Democrats’ requests.

“I think the last couple of days have been an improvement,” said Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. “I think the rhetoric has been dialed down a little bit, in Minnesota.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protest-alex-pretti-minneapolis-immigration-0b34386da0bb3eeac939d9f934680b6c">Irate Democrats</a>&nbsp;say that they won't vote again to fund the Department of Homeland Security until Congress puts new curbs on ICE and other federal agencies conducting the raids.

“These are not radical demands,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. “They’re basic standards the American people already expect from law enforcement.”

Democrats have asked the White House to “end roving patrols” in cities and coordinate with local law enforcement on immigration arrests, including requiring tighter rules for warrants.

They also want an enforceable code of conduct so agents are held accountable when they violate rules. Schumer said agents should be required to have “masks off, body cameras on” and carry proper identification, as is common practice in most law enforcement agencies.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>, a 37 year-old ICU nurse, was killed by a border patrol agent on Jan. 24, two weeks after protester&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>&nbsp;was killed by an ICE officer. Administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, originally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-alex-pretti-their-own-words-27b7233380c68306a64317b3bf2aa4a3">said that Pretti had aggressively approached officers</a>, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-ice-alex-pretti-videos-immigration-809506eb23f44a3e8f6e53b9fda7b700">multiple videos</a>&nbsp;contradicted that claim.

Republicans countered with their own demands, including restrictions on so-called “sanctuary cities” that they say do not do enough to enforce illegal immigration.

“There no way in hell we’re going to let Democrats knee cap law enforcement and stop deportations in exchange for funding DHS,” said Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., ahead of the vote.

Graham held the spending bills up until Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., agreed to give him a vote on his sanctuary cities bill at a later date.

Separately, Graham was also protesting a repeal of a new law giving senators the ability to sue the government for millions of dollars if their personal or office data is accessed without their knowledge — as happened to him and other senators as part of the so-called Arctic Frost investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack by Trump supporters at the Capitol.

The spending bill, which was passed by the House last week, would repeal that law. But Graham said that Thune had agreed to consider a separate bill that would allow “groups and private citizens” who were caught up in Jack Smith's probe to sue.

The unusual bipartisan talks between Trump and Schumer, his frequent adversary, came after Pretti's death. Schumer called it “a moment of truth.”

The standoff threatened to plunge the country into another shutdown, just two months after Democrats blocked a spending bill over expiring federal health care subsidies. That dispute closed the government for 43 days as Republicans refused to negotiate.

That shutdown ended when a small group of moderate Democrats broke away to strike a deal with Republicans. But Democrats are more unified this time after the fatal shootings of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Pretti</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-alex-pretti-their-own-words-27b7233380c68306a64317b3bf2aa4a3">federal agents</a>.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said he was opposed to breaking up the funding package, but “if it is broken up, we will have to move it as quickly as possible. We can’t have the government shut down.”

Johnson said he might have some “tough decisions” to make about when to bring the House back to Washington to approve the bills separated by the Senate.

House Republicans have said they do not want any changes to their bill.

“The package will not come back through the House without funding for the Department of Homeland Security,” members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus wrote Trump.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters that any change in the homeland bill needs to be “meaningful and it needs to be transformative.”

Absent “dramatic change,” Jeffries said, “Republicans will get another shutdown.”

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Joey Cappelletti, Seung Min Kim, Michelle L. Price and Darlene Superville contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769820803076.png" alt="Photo White House" />
 <figcaption>Photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate voted Friday to fund most of the government through the end of September after President Donald Trump made a deal with Democrats to carve out Homeland Security funding and allow Congress to debate new restrictions on federal immigration raids across the country.With a weekend shutdown looming, Trump made the rare deal with Senate Democrats on Thursday in the wake of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-ice-b0cec9d1c5bae4b62469011775082300">deaths of two protesters</a>&nbsp;at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis. Under the agreement, the Homeland Security money will continue at current levels for two weeks while lawmakers consider Democratic demands to unmask agents, require more warrants and allow local authorities to help investigate any incidents.The bill passed in a 71-29 vote. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759315749226.png" alt="The bill will now head to the House, which is not due back until Monday. That means the government could be in a partial shutdown temporarily over the weekend until they pass it.&nbsp; photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The bill will now head to the House, which is not due back until Monday. That means the government could be in a partial shutdown temporarily over the weekend until they pass it.&nbsp; photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The bill will now head to the House, which is not due back until Monday. That means the government could be in a partial shutdown temporarily over the weekend until they pass it.As lawmakers in both parties called for investigations into the fatal shootings by federal agents, Trump said he didn’t want a shutdown and encouraged members of both parties to cast a “much needed Bipartisan ‘YES’ vote.”The president's concessions to Democrats prompted pushback from some Senate Republicans, delaying the final votes and providing a preview of the coming debate over the next two weeks. In a fiery floor speech, Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina warned that Republicans should not give away too much.“To the Republican party, where have you been?” Graham said, adding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Border Patrol agents have been “slandered and smeared."Still, some Republicans said they believe that changes to ICE’s operations were necessary, even as they were unlikely to agree to all of the Democrats’ requests.“I think the last couple of days have been an improvement,” said Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. “I think the rhetoric has been dialed down a little bit, in Minnesota.”<h2>Democrats demand change</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protest-alex-pretti-minneapolis-immigration-0b34386da0bb3eeac939d9f934680b6c">Irate Democrats</a>&nbsp;say that they won't vote again to fund the Department of Homeland Security until Congress puts new curbs on ICE and other federal agencies conducting the raids.“These are not radical demands,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. “They’re basic standards the American people already expect from law enforcement.”Democrats have asked the White House to “end roving patrols” in cities and coordinate with local law enforcement on immigration arrests, including requiring tighter rules for warrants.They also want an enforceable code of conduct so agents are held accountable when they violate rules. Schumer said agents should be required to have “masks off, body cameras on” and carry proper identification, as is common practice in most law enforcement agencies.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>, a 37 year-old ICU nurse, was killed by a border patrol agent on Jan. 24, two weeks after protester&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>&nbsp;was killed by an ICE officer. Administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, originally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-alex-pretti-their-own-words-27b7233380c68306a64317b3bf2aa4a3">said that Pretti had aggressively approached officers</a>, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-ice-alex-pretti-videos-immigration-809506eb23f44a3e8f6e53b9fda7b700">multiple videos</a>&nbsp;contradicted that claim.<h2>Republican pushback</h2>Republicans countered with their own demands, including restrictions on so-called “sanctuary cities” that they say do not do enough to enforce illegal immigration.“There no way in hell we’re going to let Democrats knee cap law enforcement and stop deportations in exchange for funding DHS,” said Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., ahead of the vote.Graham held the spending bills up until Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., agreed to give him a vote on his sanctuary cities bill at a later date.Separately, Graham was also protesting a repeal of a new law giving senators the ability to sue the government for millions of dollars if their personal or office data is accessed without their knowledge — as happened to him and other senators as part of the so-called Arctic Frost investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack by Trump supporters at the Capitol.The spending bill, which was passed by the House last week, would repeal that law. But Graham said that Thune had agreed to consider a separate bill that would allow “groups and private citizens” who were caught up in Jack Smith's probe to sue.<h2>Rare bipartisan talks</h2>The unusual bipartisan talks between Trump and Schumer, his frequent adversary, came after Pretti's death. Schumer called it “a moment of truth.”The standoff threatened to plunge the country into another shutdown, just two months after Democrats blocked a spending bill over expiring federal health care subsidies. That dispute closed the government for 43 days as Republicans refused to negotiate.That shutdown ended when a small group of moderate Democrats broke away to strike a deal with Republicans. But Democrats are more unified this time after the fatal shootings of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Pretti</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-alex-pretti-their-own-words-27b7233380c68306a64317b3bf2aa4a3">federal agents</a>.<h2>Uncertainty in the House</h2>House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said he was opposed to breaking up the funding package, but “if it is broken up, we will have to move it as quickly as possible. We can’t have the government shut down.”Johnson said he might have some “tough decisions” to make about when to bring the House back to Washington to approve the bills separated by the Senate.House Republicans have said they do not want any changes to their bill.“The package will not come back through the House without funding for the Department of Homeland Security,” members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus wrote Trump.House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters that any change in the homeland bill needs to be “meaningful and it needs to be transformative.”Absent “dramatic change,” Jeffries said, “Republicans will get another shutdown.”___Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Joey Cappelletti, Seung Min Kim, Michelle L. Price and Darlene Superville contributed to this report.

Moran, Marshall help Senate pass Trump's government funding deal

NEW YORK (AP) — The Justice Department on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-justice-department-trump-ed743598c320b94bd9d91631618678d9">released many more records</a>&nbsp;from its investigative files on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, resuming disclosures under a law intended to reveal what the government knew about the millionaire financier’s sexual abuse of young girls and his interactions with the rich and powerful.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here t</a>o view the latest files

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the department was releasing more than 3 million pages of documents in the latest Epstein disclosure, as well as more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images. The files, posted to the department’s website, include some of the several million pages of records that officials said were withheld from an initial release of documents in December.

Congressional Democrats, who have been key to pushing for the release of case files on Epstein, are arguing that Friday’s release is only about half of the files that have been collected.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-release-justice-department-32cbc21a6ae8189dccd00455dc83d2be">The Epstein Files Transparency Act</a>, a law enacted after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-e1fa3b7cb64b6c678073744c7744c4a9">months of public and political pressure</a>, requires the government to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-release-justice-department-32cbc21a6ae8189dccd00455dc83d2be">open its files</a>&nbsp;on the convicted sex offender as well as his confidant and onetime girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell. Epstein killed himself in a New York jail cell in August 2019, a month after he was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges.

Justice Department didn’t fully redact all documents

At least one of the files appears to show personal information that was meant to be kept from the public.

It’s an email exchange that appears to be marked for redactions but leaves names and telephone numbers visible. The December 2019 emails captured officials discussing missing surveillance video from the New York jail where Epstein&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a104be68ede71c99f26c4e765d244e0e">survived an apparent suicide attempt</a>&nbsp;earlier that year.

Epstein advised Democrats to stop demonizing Trump

During Trump’s first term, Epstein emailed Kathy Ruemmler, a lawyer and former Obama White House official, to warn that Democrats should stop demonizing Trump as a Mafia-type figure even as he derided the president as a “maniac.”

“you might want to tell your dem friends that treatin= trump like a mafia don , ignores the fact that he has great dangerous pow.r..” Epstein wrote in a typo-filled email. “tightening the noose too slowly, risks a very bad =ituation.. gambino was never the commander in chief.”

Epstein supported Trump’s first-term efforts to oust Fed chair

In a 2018 exchange, Epstein and Trump advisor Steve Bannon discussed the president’s threats to oust Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, whom he had named to the post just the year prior.

“should have been done months ago too old!!!!” Epstein wrote.

“Can u get rid of Powell or really get rid of mnuchin,” Bannon replied, referring to then-Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.

“no, mnuchin is ok,” Epstein replied.

Trump on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warsh-trump-federal-reserve-chair-6b4441263c1b7ecb40b96adf17adeea2">named Kevin Warsh</a>&nbsp;to succeed Powell after spending the past year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-4821bb5d0baa9980c4c69ab26fab3ab4">assailing him</a>&nbsp;for not cutting interest rates quickly enough.

Some documents are related to Epstein’s incarceration and suicide

Others center around Ghislaine Maxwell’s incarceration and her grievances related to her imprisonment conditions.

The records contain emails between investigators that discuss Epstein’s death, including his last note — with the email stating that it does not appear to be a suicide note.

Thousands of pages of documents related to Epstein’s jail suicide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">have already been</a>&nbsp;released.

The House Oversight Committee has also issued a separate subpoena to Attorney General Pam Bondi for the files without redactions, but that has not been fulfilled. Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the oversight panel, called the limited release of documents “outrageous and incredibly concerning.”

Congressional Democrats criticize DOJ’s release as incomplete

Congressional Democrats who have been key to pushing for the release of case files on Epstein are arguing that Friday’s release by the Department of Justice is only about half of the files that have been collected.

“The DOJ said it identified over 6 million potentially responsive pages but is releasing only about 3.5 million after review and redactions. This raises questions as to why the rest are being withheld,” said Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat who sponsored the bill that mandated the disclosure.

Khanna said he was looking to see whether the files released Friday included FBI interviews with victims, a draft indictment and information prosecutors collected during a 2007 investigation into Epstein in Florida.

The House Oversight Committee has also issued a separate subpoena to Attorney General Pam Bondi for the files without redactions, but that has not been fulfilled.

Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the oversight panel, called the limited release of documents “outrageous and incredibly concerning.”

Records include unsubstantiated tips sent to investigators

Over the years, prosecutors received tips from people with wild stories about being sexually abused by famous figures. In some instances, FBI investigators diligently reached out to these tipsters and alleged victims and listened to their implausible sounding stories — some involving the occult and human sacrifice — then wrote dry reports summarizing what the people had to say and sent them to their superiors.

Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor says even more documents will be released

Attorney Jay Clayton told New York federal court judges overseeing records in the sex trafficking cases against Epstein and Maxwell that some documents are being withheld temporarily while the government awaits further guidance from civil and criminal courts.

In a letter to the judges, Clayton says his office continues to engage with victims and their lawyers, including during a call Thursday. He said the Justice Department has invited victims to reach out if they believe anything has been published that should be redacted.

Some of the documents we’ve seen so far

The huge cache of documents included email correspondence between prosecutors, printouts of thousands of emails that Epstein either sent or received, news clippings, and reports written by FBI agents summarizing their interviews with witnesses and alleged victims in the investigation.

As was the case with many previous releases of documents related to Epstein, much material was blacked out. Some of the reports on FBI interviews had entire pages blacked out, along with the name of the person who was being interviewed.

Blanche defends DOJ handling of Epstein release

The deputy U.S. attorney general also responded to criticism about the Justice Department’s handling of the files’ release.

He said federal attorneys had to review all 6 million pages to ensure no victim information is released, and couldn’t do so within the 30-day timeline set by the law. He noted various exemptions under the law, but said no material was being withheld under a national security or foreign policy exemption.

“There’s not some tranche of super-secret documents about Jeffrey Epstein that we’re withholding,” he said about redactions in the files.

Blanche acknowledges extensive redactions

Justice Department lawyers made extensive redactions to the released files, including victim information that included their medical files.

They redacted images and videos, including removing any woman depicted in videos except for Ghislaine Maxwell.

Lawyers also withheld child sex abuse materials or anything depicting images of death, physical abuse or injury, as well as anything that would hurt an ongoing federal investigation, Blanche said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769812323594.png" alt="Image released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday" />
 <figcaption>Image released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The Justice Department on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-justice-department-trump-ed743598c320b94bd9d91631618678d9">released many more records</a>&nbsp;from its investigative files on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, resuming disclosures under a law intended to reveal what the government knew about the millionaire financier’s sexual abuse of young girls and his interactions with the rich and powerful.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here t</a>o view the latest files<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769817863085.png" alt="Email exchange from Elon Musk in the files released Friday" />
 <figcaption>Email exchange from Elon Musk in the files released Friday</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the department was releasing more than 3 million pages of documents in the latest Epstein disclosure, as well as more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images. The files, posted to the department’s website, include some of the several million pages of records that officials said were withheld from an initial release of documents in December.Congressional Democrats, who have been key to pushing for the release of case files on Epstein, are arguing that Friday’s release is only about half of the files that have been collected.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-release-justice-department-32cbc21a6ae8189dccd00455dc83d2be">The Epstein Files Transparency Act</a>, a law enacted after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-e1fa3b7cb64b6c678073744c7744c4a9">months of public and political pressure</a>, requires the government to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-release-justice-department-32cbc21a6ae8189dccd00455dc83d2be">open its files</a>&nbsp;on the convicted sex offender as well as his confidant and onetime girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell. Epstein killed himself in a New York jail cell in August 2019, a month after he was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges.Here's the latest:<h2>Justice Department didn’t fully redact all documents</h2>At least one of the files appears to show personal information that was meant to be kept from the public.It’s an email exchange that appears to be marked for redactions but leaves names and telephone numbers visible. The December 2019 emails captured officials discussing missing surveillance video from the New York jail where Epstein&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a104be68ede71c99f26c4e765d244e0e">survived an apparent suicide attempt</a>&nbsp;earlier that year.<h2>Epstein advised Democrats to stop demonizing Trump</h2>During Trump’s first term, Epstein emailed Kathy Ruemmler, a lawyer and former Obama White House official, to warn that Democrats should stop demonizing Trump as a Mafia-type figure even as he derided the president as a “maniac.”“you might want to tell your dem friends that treatin= trump like a mafia don , ignores the fact that he has great dangerous pow.r..” Epstein wrote in a typo-filled email. “tightening the noose too slowly, risks a very bad =ituation.. gambino was never the commander in chief.”<h2>Epstein supported Trump’s first-term efforts to oust Fed chair</h2>In a 2018 exchange, Epstein and Trump advisor Steve Bannon discussed the president’s threats to oust Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, whom he had named to the post just the year prior.“should have been done months ago too old!!!!” Epstein wrote.“Can u get rid of Powell or really get rid of mnuchin,” Bannon replied, referring to then-Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.“no, mnuchin is ok,” Epstein replied.Trump on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warsh-trump-federal-reserve-chair-6b4441263c1b7ecb40b96adf17adeea2">named Kevin Warsh</a>&nbsp;to succeed Powell after spending the past year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-4821bb5d0baa9980c4c69ab26fab3ab4">assailing him</a>&nbsp;for not cutting interest rates quickly enough.<h2>Some documents are related to Epstein’s incarceration and suicide</h2>Others center around Ghislaine Maxwell’s incarceration and her grievances related to her imprisonment conditions.The records contain emails between investigators that discuss Epstein’s death, including his last note — with the email stating that it does not appear to be a suicide note.Thousands of pages of documents related to Epstein’s jail suicide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">have already been</a>&nbsp;released.<h2>House committee wants more from Bondi</h2>The House Oversight Committee has also issued a separate subpoena to Attorney General Pam Bondi for the files without redactions, but that has not been fulfilled. Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the oversight panel, called the limited release of documents “outrageous and incredibly concerning.”<h2>Congressional Democrats criticize DOJ’s release as incomplete</h2>Congressional Democrats who have been key to pushing for the release of case files on Epstein are arguing that Friday’s release by the Department of Justice is only about half of the files that have been collected.“The DOJ said it identified over 6 million potentially responsive pages but is releasing only about 3.5 million after review and redactions. This raises questions as to why the rest are being withheld,” said Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat who sponsored the bill that mandated the disclosure.Khanna said he was looking to see whether the files released Friday included FBI interviews with victims, a draft indictment and information prosecutors collected during a 2007 investigation into Epstein in Florida.The House Oversight Committee has also issued a separate subpoena to Attorney General Pam Bondi for the files without redactions, but that has not been fulfilled.Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the oversight panel, called the limited release of documents “outrageous and incredibly concerning.”<h2>Records include unsubstantiated tips sent to investigators</h2>Over the years, prosecutors received tips from people with wild stories about being sexually abused by famous figures. In some instances, FBI investigators diligently reached out to these tipsters and alleged victims and listened to their implausible sounding stories — some involving the occult and human sacrifice — then wrote dry reports summarizing what the people had to say and sent them to their superiors.<h2>Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor says even more documents will be released</h2>Attorney Jay Clayton told New York federal court judges overseeing records in the sex trafficking cases against Epstein and Maxwell that some documents are being withheld temporarily while the government awaits further guidance from civil and criminal courts.In a letter to the judges, Clayton says his office continues to engage with victims and their lawyers, including during a call Thursday. He said the Justice Department has invited victims to reach out if they believe anything has been published that should be redacted.<h2>Some of the documents we’ve seen so far</h2>The huge cache of documents included email correspondence between prosecutors, printouts of thousands of emails that Epstein either sent or received, news clippings, and reports written by FBI agents summarizing their interviews with witnesses and alleged victims in the investigation.As was the case with many previous releases of documents related to Epstein, much material was blacked out. Some of the reports on FBI interviews had entire pages blacked out, along with the name of the person who was being interviewed.<h2>Blanche defends DOJ handling of Epstein release</h2>The deputy U.S. attorney general also responded to criticism about the Justice Department’s handling of the files’ release.He said federal attorneys had to review all 6 million pages to ensure no victim information is released, and couldn’t do so within the 30-day timeline set by the law. He noted various exemptions under the law, but said no material was being withheld under a national security or foreign policy exemption.“There’s not some tranche of super-secret documents about Jeffrey Epstein that we’re withholding,” he said about redactions in the files.<h2>Blanche acknowledges extensive redactions</h2>Justice Department lawyers made extensive redactions to the released files, including victim information that included their medical files.They redacted images and videos, including removing any woman depicted in videos except for Ghislaine Maxwell.Lawyers also withheld child sex abuse materials or anything depicting images of death, physical abuse or injury, as well as anything that would hurt an ongoing federal investigation, Blanche said.

View the latest release of millions of pages of Epstein file documents

Panel rejects trial judge’s sanction against KHP for using ‘Kansas Two-Step’

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</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 — The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a federal district court decision that the Kansas Highway Patrol engaged in unconstitutional targeting of out-of-state motorists, but it decided an injunction issued by the trial judge against the state law enforcement agency went too far.

On Thursday, the 10th Circuit affirmed the Kansas district court’s decision requiring KHP to alter trooper training related to targeting of motorists so those procedures adhered to the Fourth Amendment standard in the U.S. Constitution regarding searches and seizures. However, the appellate panel reviewing the outcome of Shaw v. Jones directed U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Vratil to revise her injunction imposing further restraints on KHP.

Monica Bennett, legal director of the ACLU of Kansas, said the result was KHP must retrain its troopers to “observe and respect the rights of all people traveling Kansas highways.”

“Motorists in Kansas and across the country are entitled to expect law enforcement to comply with the Constitution,” said Patrick McInerney, a partner at the Spencer Fane law firm. “The court’s decision today demands it, and we are proud to have been part of the effort to hold the KHP accountable.”

The lawsuit was filed in 2020 by ACLU of Kansas and Spencer Fane to challenge KHP’s policy of homing in on motorists with out-of-state license plates. Under this KHP practice, troopers on Interstate 70 focused on vehicles traveling to or from Colorado, which allows recreational sales of marijuana.

Under the 2016 decision in Vasquez v. Lewis, the 10th Circuit previously held “a driver’s state of residency is a completely innocuous factor in determining whether a driver is suspicious.”

KHP declined to incorporate the Vasquez ruling into its training programs and continued to rely on a person’s residency for the basis of traffic stops along I-70. The reality of the 2016 Court of Appeals decision didn’t become part of KHP training materials until after plaintiffs in the case filed the lawsuit.

Statistical evidence presented during trial found out-of-state drivers comprised 35% of drivers on the I-70, but made up 77% of KHP traffic stops and 90% of KHP canine searches.

“Despite repeated warnings from the 10th Circuit, the Kansas Highway Patrol has continued to unconstitutionally target out-of-state drivers for suspicionless roadside detentions,” said Brian Hauss, deputy director of the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy and Technology Project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586208701830.png" alt="The 10th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals published an opinion affirming a Kansas judge's conclusion the Kansas Highway Patrol engaged in unconstitutional traffic stops by targeting out-of-state motorists, but reversing a majority of sanctions imposed on the law enforcement agency for its controversial "Kansas Two-Step" approach to extending traffic stops to justify vehicle searches.-photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>The 10th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals published an opinion affirming a Kansas judge's conclusion the Kansas Highway Patrol engaged in unconstitutional traffic stops by targeting out-of-state motorists, but reversing a majority of sanctions imposed on the law enforcement agency for its controversial "Kansas Two-Step" approach to extending traffic stops to justify vehicle searches.-photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Panel rejects trial judge’s sanction against KHP for using ‘Kansas Two-Step’</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</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 — The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a federal district court decision that the Kansas Highway Patrol engaged in unconstitutional targeting of out-of-state motorists, but it decided an injunction issued by the trial judge against the state law enforcement agency went too far.On Thursday, the 10th Circuit affirmed the Kansas district court’s decision requiring KHP to alter trooper training related to targeting of motorists so those procedures adhered to the Fourth Amendment standard in the U.S. Constitution regarding searches and seizures. However, the appellate panel reviewing the outcome of Shaw v. Jones directed U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Vratil to revise her injunction imposing further restraints on KHP.Monica Bennett, legal director of the ACLU of Kansas, said the result was KHP must retrain its troopers to “observe and respect the rights of all people traveling Kansas highways.”“Motorists in Kansas and across the country are entitled to expect law enforcement to comply with the Constitution,” said Patrick McInerney, a partner at the Spencer Fane law firm. “The court’s decision today demands it, and we are proud to have been part of the effort to hold the KHP accountable.”The lawsuit was filed in 2020 by ACLU of Kansas and Spencer Fane to challenge KHP’s policy of homing in on motorists with out-of-state license plates. Under this KHP practice, troopers on Interstate 70 focused on vehicles traveling to or from Colorado, which allows recreational sales of marijuana.Under the 2016 decision in Vasquez v. Lewis, the 10th Circuit previously held “a driver’s state of residency is a completely innocuous factor in determining whether a driver is suspicious.”KHP declined to incorporate the Vasquez ruling into its training programs and continued to rely on a person’s residency for the basis of traffic stops along I-70. The reality of the 2016 Court of Appeals decision didn’t become part of KHP training materials until after plaintiffs in the case filed the lawsuit.Statistical evidence presented during trial found out-of-state drivers comprised 35% of drivers on the I-70, but made up 77% of KHP traffic stops and 90% of KHP canine searches.“Despite repeated warnings from the 10th Circuit, the Kansas Highway Patrol has continued to unconstitutionally target out-of-state drivers for suspicionless roadside detentions,” said Brian Hauss, deputy director of the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy and Technology Project.The lawsuit’s plaintiffs also sought to stop KHP officers from using a roadside tactic, referred to as the “Kansas Two-Step.” It involves KHP troopers taking a couple of steps toward a patrol vehicle to leave the impression of terminating traffic stops before reengaging drivers in a conversation designed to develop reasonable suspicion of drug trafficking and prompt a vehicle search for contraband.Vratil’s injunction, put in place for up to four years, required KHP to reform its training to address the nonresident motorist problem.She also forbid use by KHP of the two-step strategy for motorists on I-70, I-35, U.S. Route 54 or U.S. Route 36. She ordered KHP to alter its training curriculum so troopers informed drivers of their right to refuse whenever asked for consent to search their vehicle. She mandated a driver’s consent had to be documented in writing by KHP.In addition, Vratil ordered KHP to collect data on traffic stops and seizures. She directed KHP to create video and audio recordings of all traffic stops and mandated KHP supervisors review the recordings within 72 hours for policy infractions.After the district court ruled against KHP and ordered the agency to reform enforcement practices, KHP Superintendent Eric Smith appealed to the Court of Appeals.The appellate judges considering the Kansas case agreed KHP should have long ago abandoned the “pretense that state citizenship is a permissible basis upon which to justify the detention and search of out-of-state motorists.”The Court of Appeals also held the “district court abused its discretion by granting injunctive relief beyond ordering further training regarding the irrelevance of a driver’s state of origin.”Specifically, the Court of Appeals faulted Vratil’s comprehensive injunction for inhibiting KHP’s use of the controversial two-step approach when engaged in traffic stops.“This circuit has never held that this practice has violated a driver’s constitutional rights and has repeatedly upheld that practice in specific cases,” the appeals court said.The KHP didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about the decision of the federal Court of Appeals.