CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5p.m. Saturday in Crawford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1995 Ford F150 driven by Craig&nbsp; Silvey, 37, Cherokee, was westbound on Kansas 126 approximately two and one half miles west of U.S. 69.

The pickup was passing multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed and&nbsp; collided&nbsp; head-on with an eastbound 2023 Chevy Malibu driven by Layla&nbsp; Sharbutt, 16, Girard.&nbsp; After impact the pickup traveled off the&nbsp;roadway to the north and rolled.

Silvey was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Sharbutt and a passenger in the Chevy identified as Heather&nbsp;Burgess, 48, Girard, to Pittsburg Mercy. Silvy was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to the KHP.

CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5p.m. Saturday in Crawford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1995 Ford F150 driven by Craig&nbsp; Silvey, 37, Cherokee, was westbound on Kansas 126 approximately two and one half miles west of U.S. 69.The pickup was passing multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed and&nbsp; collided&nbsp; head-on with an eastbound 2023 Chevy Malibu driven by Layla&nbsp; Sharbutt, 16, Girard.&nbsp; After impact the pickup traveled off the&nbsp;roadway to the north and rolled.Silvey was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Sharbutt and a passenger in the Chevy identified as Heather&nbsp;Burgess, 48, Girard, to Pittsburg Mercy. Silvy was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dead, 16-year-old driver injured after head-on crash

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of killing his estranged wife is going to prison.

This week, 34-year-old Miguel Flores was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for at least 25-year-old, according to the Wyandotte County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

The sentence follows his conviction of first degree murder in the shooting death of his wife 23-year-old Loren Flores on November 21, 2022.

Detectives reported the couple were married, but in the process of a divorce when he shot her outside a residence.

Flores then fled the scene, but was taken into custody a short time later by police.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670279334296.png" alt="Flores photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Flores photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of killing his estranged wife is going to prison.This week, 34-year-old Miguel Flores was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for at least 25-year-old, according to the Wyandotte County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;The sentence follows his conviction of first degree murder in the shooting death of his wife 23-year-old Loren Flores on November 21, 2022.Detectives reported the couple were married, but in the process of a divorce when he shot her outside a residence.Flores then fled the scene, but was taken into custody a short time later by police.&nbsp;

Kansas man going to prison for killing his wife

ROOKS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Saturday in Rooks County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Joseph P.. Plante, 46, Natoma, was westbound on Z Road six miles south of Plainville. The Silverado and a 1999 Ford F250 Super Duty driven by Derek T.&nbsp;Pfannebecker, 25, Norwalk, Iowa, collided in the middle of the road, on a hill just east of 23rd Road.

&nbsp;EMS traansported both driver to the Rooks County Health Center where Plante was pronounced deceased. The drivers were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, according to the KHP..

ROOKS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Saturday in Rooks County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Joseph P.. Plante, 46, Natoma, was westbound on Z Road six miles south of Plainville. The Silverado and a 1999 Ford F250 Super Duty driven by Derek T.&nbsp;Pfannebecker, 25, Norwalk, Iowa, collided in the middle of the road, on a hill just east of 23rd Road.&nbsp;EMS traansported both driver to the Rooks County Health Center where Plante was pronounced deceased. The drivers were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, according to the KHP..

Kansas man dies after pickups collide on a hill

KANSAS CITY– A member of the Los Valerosos Motorcycle Gang, a support club for the Pagan’s Motorcycle Gang, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, for his involvement in an armed assault against a member of rival motorcycle club, according to the United State's Attorneyh.

Graham S. Gattis, also known as “Dro,” 41, of East Ridge, Tn., pleaded guilty this week to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

On Sept. 17, 2022, Gattis and other members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo.&nbsp; Various members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle.&nbsp; Gattis and the others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway and ultimately, the victim was shot seven times, with wounds to his knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks and back of his leg.

Under federal statutes, Gattis is subject to a sentence of not less than five years and up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI,&nbsp;<a></a>the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723844162274.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A member of the Los Valerosos Motorcycle Gang, a support club for the Pagan’s Motorcycle Gang, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, for his involvement in an armed assault against a member of rival motorcycle club, according to the United State's Attorneyh.Graham S. Gattis, also known as “Dro,” 41, of East Ridge, Tn., pleaded guilty this week to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.On Sept. 17, 2022, Gattis and other members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo.&nbsp; Various members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle.&nbsp; Gattis and the others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway and ultimately, the victim was shot seven times, with wounds to his knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks and back of his leg.Under federal statutes, Gattis is subject to a sentence of not less than five years and up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI,&nbsp;<a></a>the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.&nbsp;

Biker gang member admits KC area armed assault against rival

LYON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 11a.m. Friday in Lyon County.

The Lyon County Sheriff's office reported a John Deere tractor driven by 78-year-old Kenneth DeDonder of Reading was eastbound in the 1700 Block of of Road 270 in rural Lyon County. The tractor struck a guardrail and overturned.

First responders&nbsp;located DeDonder still in the cab of the tractor. Emporia EMS was able to extricate him from the cab of the tractor. EMS and LifeSave personnel provided care for him. However, he was pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

LYON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 11a.m. Friday in Lyon County.The Lyon County Sheriff's office reported a John Deere tractor driven by 78-year-old Kenneth DeDonder of Reading was eastbound in the 1700 Block of of Road 270 in rural Lyon County. The tractor struck a guardrail and overturned.First responders&nbsp;located DeDonder still in the cab of the tractor. Emporia EMS was able to extricate him from the cab of the tractor. EMS and LifeSave personnel provided care for him. However, he was pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

Sheriff IDs Kansas man who died in farm tractor accident

NUUK, Greenland (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would charge a 10% import tax starting in February on goods from eight European nations because of their opposition to American control of Greenland.

Trump said in a social media post that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face the tariff and that it would climb to 25% on June 1 if a deal is not in place for “the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” by the United States.

The threat of tariffs was a drastic and potentially dangerous escalation of a showdown between Trump and NATO allies, further straining an alliance that dates to 1949 and provides a collective degree of security to Europe and North America. The Republican president has repeatedly tried to use trade penalties to bend allies and rivals alike to his will, generating investment commitments from some nations and pushback from others such as China, Brazil and India.

It was unclear how Trump could impose the tariffs under U.S. law, though he could cite economic emergency powers that are currently subject to a U.S. Supreme Court challenge.

Trump said in his Truth Social post that his tariffs were retaliation for recent trips to Greenland by representatives from Britain, the Netherlands and Finland and for general opposition to his efforts to purchase the semiautonomous territory of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-greenland-trump-denmark-threat-annex-4907c132b499531d8d5fe6cd549c0beb">NATO ally</a>&nbsp;Denmark. He has Greenland is essential for the “Golden Dome” missile defense system for the U.S., and has argued that Russia and China might try to take over the island.

Resistance has steadily built in Europe to Trump's ambitions, even as several countries on the continent agreed to his 15% tariffs last year in order to preserve an economic and security relationship with Washington.

Earlier Saturday, hundreds of people in Greenland's capital braved near-freezing temperatures, rain and icy streets to march in a rally in support of their own self-governance.

The Greenlanders waved their red-and-white national flags and listened to traditional songs as they walked through Nuuk's small downtown. Some carried signs with messages like “We shape our future,” “Greenland is not for sale” and “Greenland is already GREAT.” They were joined by thousands of others in rallies across the Danish kingdom.

The rallies occurred hours after a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation in Copenhagen sought to reassure Denmark and Greenland of their support.

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/no-such-thing-as-a-better-colonizer-inuit-council-leader-rejects-us-imperialism-over-greenland-12d022b1b63748c2a0587fc132846829">current rhetoric around Greenland</a>&nbsp;was causing concern across the Danish kingdom and that he wanted to de-escalate the situation.

“I hope that the people of the Kingdom of Denmark do not abandon their faith in the American people,” he said in Copenhagen, adding that the U.S. has respect for Denmark and NATO “for all we’ve done together.”

Danish Maj. Gen. Søren Andersen, leader of the Joint Arctic Command, told The Associated Press that Denmark doesn't expect the U.S. military to attack Greenland, or any other NATO ally, and that European troops were recently deployed to Nuuk for Arctic defense training.

He said that the goal isn’t to send a message to the Trump administration, even through the White House hasn’t ruled out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-us-options-takeover-trump-denmark-86790903847fc8ffc27334ccb64985a9">taking the territory by force</a>.

“I will not go into the political part, but I will say that I would never expect a NATO country to attack another NATO country,” he told the AP on Saturday aboard a Danish military vessel docked in Nuuk. “For us, for me, it’s not about signaling. It is actually about training military units, working together with allies.”

The Danish military organized a planning meeting Friday in Greenland with NATO allies, including the U.S., to discuss Arctic security on the alliance’s northern flank in the face of a potential Russian threat. The Americans were also invited to participate in Operation Arctic Endurance in Greenland in the coming days, Andersen said.

In his 2½ years as a commander in Greenland, Andersen said that he hasn't seen any Chinese or Russian combat vessels or warships, despite Trump saying that they were off the island's coast.

But in the unlikely event of American troops using force on Danish soil, Andersen confirmed a Cold War-era law governing Danish rules of engagement.

“But you are right that it is Danish law that a Danish soldier, if attacked, has the obligation to fight back,” he said.

Thousands of people marched through Copenhagen, many of them carrying Greenland’s flag. Others held signs with slogans like “Make America Smart Again” and “Hands Off.”

“This is important for the whole world,” Danish protester Elise Riechie told the AP as she held Danish and Greenlandic flags. “There are many small countries. None of them are for sale.”

Trump has sought to justify his calls for a U.S. takeover by repeatedly saying that China and Russia have their own designs on Greenland, which holds vast untapped reserves of critical minerals.

“There are no current security threats to Greenland,” Coons said.

Trump has insisted for months that the U.S. should control Greenland, and said earlier this week that anything less than the Arctic island being in U.S. hands would be “unacceptable.”

During an unrelated event at the White House about rural health care, he recounted Friday how he had threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals.

“I may do that for Greenland, too,” Trump said.

He had not previously mentioned using tariffs to try to force the issue.

Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met in Washington with Trump's vice president, JD Vance, and secretary of state, Marco Rubio.

That encounter didn’t resolve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-united-states-denmark-trump-vance-rubio-meeting-cc278af4f3daf725029101966ba03568">the deep differences</a>, but did produce an agreement to set up a working group — on whose purpose Denmark and the White House then offered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-united-states-denmark-trump-vance-rubio-meeting-b10f5151008f1f18a788dc0751473c0e">sharply diverging public views</a>.

European leaders have said that it's only for Denmark and Greenland to decide on matters concerning the territory, and Denmark said this week that it was increasing its military presence in Greenland in cooperation with allies.

“There is almost no better ally to the United States than Denmark,” Coons said. “If we do things that cause Danes to question whether we can be counted on as a NATO ally, why would any other country seek to be our ally or believe in our representations?”

Niemann reported from Copenhagen, Denmark, and Boak from West Palm Beach, Fla. Associated Press writer Stefanie Dazio in Berlin contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767822913070.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>NUUK, Greenland (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would charge a 10% import tax starting in February on goods from eight European nations because of their opposition to American control of Greenland.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/zmnMqmqy9V">pic.twitter.com/zmnMqmqy9V</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2012560719217148223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump said in a social media post that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face the tariff and that it would climb to 25% on June 1 if a deal is not in place for “the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” by the United States.The threat of tariffs was a drastic and potentially dangerous escalation of a showdown between Trump and NATO allies, further straining an alliance that dates to 1949 and provides a collective degree of security to Europe and North America. The Republican president has repeatedly tried to use trade penalties to bend allies and rivals alike to his will, generating investment commitments from some nations and pushback from others such as China, Brazil and India.It was unclear how Trump could impose the tariffs under U.S. law, though he could cite economic emergency powers that are currently subject to a U.S. Supreme Court challenge.Trump said in his Truth Social post that his tariffs were retaliation for recent trips to Greenland by representatives from Britain, the Netherlands and Finland and for general opposition to his efforts to purchase the semiautonomous territory of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-greenland-trump-denmark-threat-annex-4907c132b499531d8d5fe6cd549c0beb">NATO ally</a>&nbsp;Denmark. He has Greenland is essential for the “Golden Dome” missile defense system for the U.S., and has argued that Russia and China might try to take over the island.Resistance has steadily built in Europe to Trump's ambitions, even as several countries on the continent agreed to his 15% tariffs last year in order to preserve an economic and security relationship with Washington.Earlier Saturday, hundreds of people in Greenland's capital braved near-freezing temperatures, rain and icy streets to march in a rally in support of their own self-governance.The Greenlanders waved their red-and-white national flags and listened to traditional songs as they walked through Nuuk's small downtown. Some carried signs with messages like “We shape our future,” “Greenland is not for sale” and “Greenland is already GREAT.” They were joined by thousands of others in rallies across the Danish kingdom.The rallies occurred hours after a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation in Copenhagen sought to reassure Denmark and Greenland of their support.U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/no-such-thing-as-a-better-colonizer-inuit-council-leader-rejects-us-imperialism-over-greenland-12d022b1b63748c2a0587fc132846829">current rhetoric around Greenland</a>&nbsp;was causing concern across the Danish kingdom and that he wanted to de-escalate the situation.“I hope that the people of the Kingdom of Denmark do not abandon their faith in the American people,” he said in Copenhagen, adding that the U.S. has respect for Denmark and NATO “for all we’ve done together.”<h2>NATO training exercises</h2>Danish Maj. Gen. Søren Andersen, leader of the Joint Arctic Command, told The Associated Press that Denmark doesn't expect the U.S. military to attack Greenland, or any other NATO ally, and that European troops were recently deployed to Nuuk for Arctic defense training.He said that the goal isn’t to send a message to the Trump administration, even through the White House hasn’t ruled out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-us-options-takeover-trump-denmark-86790903847fc8ffc27334ccb64985a9">taking the territory by force</a>.“I will not go into the political part, but I will say that I would never expect a NATO country to attack another NATO country,” he told the AP on Saturday aboard a Danish military vessel docked in Nuuk. “For us, for me, it’s not about signaling. It is actually about training military units, working together with allies.”The Danish military organized a planning meeting Friday in Greenland with NATO allies, including the U.S., to discuss Arctic security on the alliance’s northern flank in the face of a potential Russian threat. The Americans were also invited to participate in Operation Arctic Endurance in Greenland in the coming days, Andersen said.In his 2½ years as a commander in Greenland, Andersen said that he hasn't seen any Chinese or Russian combat vessels or warships, despite Trump saying that they were off the island's coast.But in the unlikely event of American troops using force on Danish soil, Andersen confirmed a Cold War-era law governing Danish rules of engagement.“But you are right that it is Danish law that a Danish soldier, if attacked, has the obligation to fight back,” he said.<h2>‘Important for the whole world’</h2>Thousands of people marched through Copenhagen, many of them carrying Greenland’s flag. Others held signs with slogans like “Make America Smart Again” and “Hands Off.”“This is important for the whole world,” Danish protester Elise Riechie told the AP as she held Danish and Greenlandic flags. “There are many small countries. None of them are for sale.”Trump has sought to justify his calls for a U.S. takeover by repeatedly saying that China and Russia have their own designs on Greenland, which holds vast untapped reserves of critical minerals.“There are no current security threats to Greenland,” Coons said.Trump has insisted for months that the U.S. should control Greenland, and said earlier this week that anything less than the Arctic island being in U.S. hands would be “unacceptable.”During an unrelated event at the White House about rural health care, he recounted Friday how he had threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals.“I may do that for Greenland, too,” Trump said.He had not previously mentioned using tariffs to try to force the issue.Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met in Washington with Trump's vice president, JD Vance, and secretary of state, Marco Rubio.That encounter didn’t resolve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-united-states-denmark-trump-vance-rubio-meeting-cc278af4f3daf725029101966ba03568">the deep differences</a>, but did produce an agreement to set up a working group — on whose purpose Denmark and the White House then offered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-united-states-denmark-trump-vance-rubio-meeting-b10f5151008f1f18a788dc0751473c0e">sharply diverging public views</a>.European leaders have said that it's only for Denmark and Greenland to decide on matters concerning the territory, and Denmark said this week that it was increasing its military presence in Greenland in cooperation with allies.“There is almost no better ally to the United States than Denmark,” Coons said. “If we do things that cause Danes to question whether we can be counted on as a NATO ally, why would any other country seek to be our ally or believe in our representations?”___Niemann reported from Copenhagen, Denmark, and Boak from West Palm Beach, Fla. Associated Press writer Stefanie Dazio in Berlin contributed to this report.

Trump slaps tariffs against European countries in bid for Greenland

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —One person died in accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in Montgomery County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by&nbsp;Hinman, Dakota Ray&nbsp;Hinman, 34, Parsons, was westbound on&nbsp;County Road 2800. The driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic at U.S. 169. A northbound 2025 Freightliner semi driven by Said&nbsp;Bouchelarm, 43, Lenexa, struck the pickup on the driver's side.

Hinman was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Bouchelarm was not transported for treatment.&nbsp; Hinman was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —One person died in accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in Montgomery County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by&nbsp;Hinman, Dakota Ray&nbsp;Hinman, 34, Parsons, was westbound on&nbsp;County Road 2800. The driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic at U.S. 169. A northbound 2025 Freightliner semi driven by Said&nbsp;Bouchelarm, 43, Lenexa, struck the pickup on the driver's side.Hinman was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Bouchelarm was not transported for treatment.&nbsp; Hinman was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after semi, pickup crash

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alex-veiga">ALEX VEIGA</a> Associated Press

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate is now down to its lowest level in more than three years.

The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate eased to 6.06% this week, down from 6.16% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the rate averaged 7.04%.

The last time the average rate was lower was Sept. 15, 2022, when it was at 6.02%.

Meanwhile, borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also fell this week, dropping to 5.38% from 5.46% last week. A year ago, that average rate was at 6.27%, Freddie Mac said.

Lower mortgage rates boost homebuyers’ purchasing power, good news for home shoppers at a time when the housing market remains in a deep slump after years of soaring prices and elevated mortgage rates have shut out many aspiring homeowners.

Uncertainty over the economy and job market are also keeping many would-be buyers on the sidelines.

Mortgage rates began easing in July in anticipation of a series of Fed rate cuts, which began in September and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-cut-inflation-jobs-e689e1397856aa24ffebdaaefa9762a2">continued last month</a>.

The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but when it cuts its short-term rate that can signal lower inflation or slower economic growth ahead, which can drive investors to buy U.S. government bonds. That can help lower yields on long-term U.S. Treasurys, which can result in lower mortgage rates.

The pullback in mortgage rates helped drive sales of previously occupied U.S. homes higher on a monthly basis the last four months of 2025. Even so,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-d14d4f80bb90d6031292d1f0c377d708">home sales remained stuck at a 30-year low last year,</a>&nbsp;extending the housing market’s slump into its fourth year.

Lower mortgage rates have been helpful for home shoppers who can afford to buy at current rates. The median U.S. monthly housing payment fell to $2,413 in the four weeks ending Jan. 11, according to Redfin. That’s a 5.5% drop from the same period a year earlier and near the lowest level in two years.

The latest drop in rates comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-housing-mortgage-rates-79294cf8eac1579b17430b4cd0708fcd">President Donald Trump announced last week</a>&nbsp;that the federal government would buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds in a bid to reduce mortgage rates.

Lower rates spurred a sharp increase in homeowners seeking to refinance their existing home loan to a lower rate last fall, a trend that has continued into this year.

Applications for mortgage refinancing loans soared 40% last week from the previous week and accounted for 60% of all home loan applications, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Applications for loans to buy a home climbed 16%.

“With mortgage rates much lower than a year ago and edging closer to 6%, MBA expects strong interest from homeowners seeking a refinance and would-be buyers stepping off the sidelines,” said MBA CEO Bob Broeksmit.

Economists generally expect mortgage rates to ease further this year, though most recent forecasts show the average rate on a 30-year mortgage remaining above 6%, about twice what it was six years ago.

Still, rates would have to drop considerably for homeowners, who bought or refinanced when mortgage rates hit rock bottom earlier this decade, to take on a new loan at a far higher rate.

Nearly 69% of U.S. homes with an outstanding mortgage have a fixed-rate of 5% or lower, and slightly more than half have a rate at or below 4%, according to Realtor.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659001075252.jpeg" alt="Photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alex-veiga">ALEX VEIGA</a> Associated PressThe average long-term U.S. mortgage rate is now down to its lowest level in more than three years.The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate eased to 6.06% this week, down from 6.16% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the rate averaged 7.04%.The last time the average rate was lower was Sept. 15, 2022, when it was at 6.02%.Meanwhile, borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also fell this week, dropping to 5.38% from 5.46% last week. A year ago, that average rate was at 6.27%, Freddie Mac said.Lower mortgage rates boost homebuyers’ purchasing power, good news for home shoppers at a time when the housing market remains in a deep slump after years of soaring prices and elevated mortgage rates have shut out many aspiring homeowners.Uncertainty over the economy and job market are also keeping many would-be buyers on the sidelines.Mortgage rates began easing in July in anticipation of a series of Fed rate cuts, which began in September and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-cut-inflation-jobs-e689e1397856aa24ffebdaaefa9762a2">continued last month</a>.The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but when it cuts its short-term rate that can signal lower inflation or slower economic growth ahead, which can drive investors to buy U.S. government bonds. That can help lower yields on long-term U.S. Treasurys, which can result in lower mortgage rates.The pullback in mortgage rates helped drive sales of previously occupied U.S. homes higher on a monthly basis the last four months of 2025. Even so,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-d14d4f80bb90d6031292d1f0c377d708">home sales remained stuck at a 30-year low last year,</a>&nbsp;extending the housing market’s slump into its fourth year.Lower mortgage rates have been helpful for home shoppers who can afford to buy at current rates. The median U.S. monthly housing payment fell to $2,413 in the four weeks ending Jan. 11, according to Redfin. That’s a 5.5% drop from the same period a year earlier and near the lowest level in two years.The latest drop in rates comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-housing-mortgage-rates-79294cf8eac1579b17430b4cd0708fcd">President Donald Trump announced last week</a>&nbsp;that the federal government would buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds in a bid to reduce mortgage rates.Lower rates spurred a sharp increase in homeowners seeking to refinance their existing home loan to a lower rate last fall, a trend that has continued into this year.Applications for mortgage refinancing loans soared 40% last week from the previous week and accounted for 60% of all home loan applications, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Applications for loans to buy a home climbed 16%.“With mortgage rates much lower than a year ago and edging closer to 6%, MBA expects strong interest from homeowners seeking a refinance and would-be buyers stepping off the sidelines,” said MBA CEO Bob Broeksmit.Economists generally expect mortgage rates to ease further this year, though most recent forecasts show the average rate on a 30-year mortgage remaining above 6%, about twice what it was six years ago.Still, rates would have to drop considerably for homeowners, who bought or refinanced when mortgage rates hit rock bottom earlier this decade, to take on a new loan at a far higher rate.Nearly 69% of U.S. homes with an outstanding mortgage have a fixed-rate of 5% or lower, and slightly more than half have a rate at or below 4%, according to Realtor.com.

Average US long-term mortgage rate hits lowest point in more than 3 years

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The city of Wichita took the unprecedented action Friday to address social media statements involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Wichita Police.

On the city's social media page, they wrote, they are aware of circulating posts that claim Mayor Lily Wu directed the Wichita Police to work alongside ICE. 

<a href="https://www.wichita.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31832/Policy-514--Arrest-And-Detention-of-Foreign-Nationals-PDF?fbclid=IwY2xjawPYjvRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKWURCWGVvamNQNzUyRGFkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjOuuW0ENB3dOVjGJWJJOdrhrZHh6XzsQupwxLVexmvcCpPbt_bk7Leu343i_aem_wiV7GHQkO5g_hcN9M1wLAw">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;Wichita Police policy on the arrest and detention of foreign nationals.

1. The Mayor of Wichita does not have the administrative power to direct any City department. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768672710821.png" alt="Photo Department of Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Photo Department of Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The city of Wichita took the unprecedented action Friday to address social media statements involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Wichita Police.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcityofwichita%2Fposts%2Fpfbid023zUG8gaw35vJXwFsrL5EC3q8QD8GVrrxfrfaubpNCWyXPmWMgS8UAyJuYhyszmGrl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="305" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>On the city's social media page, they wrote, they are aware of circulating posts that claim Mayor Lily Wu directed the Wichita Police to work alongside ICE. <a href="https://www.wichita.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31832/Policy-514--Arrest-And-Detention-of-Foreign-Nationals-PDF?fbclid=IwY2xjawPYjvRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKWURCWGVvamNQNzUyRGFkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjOuuW0ENB3dOVjGJWJJOdrhrZHh6XzsQupwxLVexmvcCpPbt_bk7Leu343i_aem_wiV7GHQkO5g_hcN9M1wLAw">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;Wichita Police policy on the arrest and detention of foreign nationals.1. The Mayor of Wichita does not have the administrative power to direct any City department.

City dispels misinformation concerning Wichita police, ICE

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Police investigating a deadly shooting in Lawrence have two suspects in custody.

Just after 2a.m. Saturday, police were called to a reported shooting at the Hawk, 1340 Ohio Street in Lawrence, according to an online report from Lawrence Police.

First responders found two victims with gunshot wounds and several potential witnesses who told officers the suspects took off. While officers on scene tended to the victims, others flooded the surrounding area.  Soon after, officers found a group of people matching the suspects’ descriptions walking just blocks away. 

They were taken to the Lawrence Police Department to be questioned by detectives. Through the course of the investigation, probable cause was developed to suggest requesting charges on one suspect for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated assault and requesting charges on a second suspect of felony murder and aggravated assault. 

Both were booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility.

An 18-year-old boy was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second victim, a 16-year-old boy, was taken to an area trauma center where he remains in critical condition.&nbsp;

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Police are investigating a deadly shooting in Lawrence. 

The shooting occurred at approximately 2a.m. Saturday at the Hawk, 1340 Ohio Street, according to a statement from Lawrence police.

 One person is confirmed deceased and another is in critical condition at an area trauma center. Police secured the scene and detectives were questioning those involved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768661951509.png" alt="google image" />
 <figcaption>google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Police investigating a deadly shooting in Lawrence have two suspects in custody.Just after 2a.m. Saturday, police were called to a reported shooting at the Hawk, 1340 Ohio Street in Lawrence, according to an online report from Lawrence Police.First responders found two victims with gunshot wounds and several potential witnesses who told officers the suspects took off. While officers on scene tended to the victims, others flooded the surrounding area. Soon after, officers found a group of people matching the suspects’ descriptions walking just blocks away. They were taken to the Lawrence Police Department to be questioned by detectives. Through the course of the investigation, probable cause was developed to suggest requesting charges on one suspect for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated assault and requesting charges on a second suspect of felony murder and aggravated assault. Both were booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility.An 18-year-old boy was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second victim, a 16-year-old boy, was taken to an area trauma center where he remains in critical condition.&nbsp;-------------DOUGLAS COUNTY —Police are investigating a deadly shooting in Lawrence. The shooting occurred at approximately 2a.m. Saturday at the Hawk, 1340 Ohio Street, according to a statement from Lawrence police. One person is confirmed deceased and another is in critical condition at an area trauma center. Police secured the scene and detectives were questioning those involved.Police released no additional details.

Arrest made in fatal shooting at popular bar near KU campus

USD 465 is celebrating an extraordinary act of generosity that is making a meaningful difference for students and families across the district. During the January 12 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Tricia Reiser shared the exciting news that the district received an unexpected donation totaling $15,432.00, which fully eliminated outstanding debt for unpaid student lunches.

“This generous gift directly supports our families and ensures that students can focus on learning without the burden of meal debt,” said Reiser. “We are incredibly grateful.”

According to Elizabeth Smith, USD 465 Business Manager and Board of Education Treasurer, families will now see negative balances removed from their school meal accounts. Every student in our district will start off the spring semester with a clean slate for their lunch accounts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This donation is truly a blessing,” Smith said. “We thank and bless the person who chose to help our students and families in such a meaningful way.” Smith states, “Every student in the district regardless of whether or not they have a negative balance has the opportunity to be provided a meal; possibly an alternative meal depending on the grade level.&nbsp; We want to ensure every student is fed.”

This year, 1,136 USD 465 students qualify for free or reduced meals, based on family income. This represents more than half of the district’s total enrollment. The donation specifically impacts approximately 450 students who were carrying meal debt. In some cases, the debt may have accrued prior to a student qualifying for free or reduced meals.

Parents are encouraged to apply for free/reduced price meals.&nbsp; KSDE's guidelines to qualify for a family of 5 for free meals are families that earn less than $48,945 and to qualify for reduced less than $69,653.&nbsp; Each additional person in the household adds $7,150 to the earnings to qualify for free and $10,175 to qualify for reduced. USD 465 encourages families to remember that if their financial situation changes at any point during the school year, they may apply or reapply for free or reduced price meal benefits at that time. Applications and assistance are available through the District Office.

USD 465 extends its heartfelt gratitude to the anonymous donor for their compassion and commitment to supporting students and families in the Winfield community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768595981963.png" alt="Photo USD 465" />
 <figcaption>Photo USD 465</figcaption>
 </figure>USD 465USD 465 is celebrating an extraordinary act of generosity that is making a meaningful difference for students and families across the district. During the January 12 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Tricia Reiser shared the exciting news that the district received an unexpected donation totaling $15,432.00, which fully eliminated outstanding debt for unpaid student lunches.“This generous gift directly supports our families and ensures that students can focus on learning without the burden of meal debt,” said Reiser. “We are incredibly grateful.”According to Elizabeth Smith, USD 465 Business Manager and Board of Education Treasurer, families will now see negative balances removed from their school meal accounts. Every student in our district will start off the spring semester with a clean slate for their lunch accounts.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This donation is truly a blessing,” Smith said. “We thank and bless the person who chose to help our students and families in such a meaningful way.” Smith states, “Every student in the district regardless of whether or not they have a negative balance has the opportunity to be provided a meal; possibly an alternative meal depending on the grade level.&nbsp; We want to ensure every student is fed.”This year, 1,136 USD 465 students qualify for free or reduced meals, based on family income. This represents more than half of the district’s total enrollment. The donation specifically impacts approximately 450 students who were carrying meal debt. In some cases, the debt may have accrued prior to a student qualifying for free or reduced meals.Parents are encouraged to apply for free/reduced price meals.&nbsp; KSDE's guidelines to qualify for a family of 5 for free meals are families that earn less than $48,945 and to qualify for reduced less than $69,653.&nbsp; Each additional person in the household adds $7,150 to the earnings to qualify for free and $10,175 to qualify for reduced. USD 465 encourages families to remember that if their financial situation changes at any point during the school year, they may apply or reapply for free or reduced price meal benefits at that time. Applications and assistance are available through the District Office.USD 465 extends its heartfelt gratitude to the anonymous donor for their compassion and commitment to supporting students and families in the Winfield community.

Anonymous donor pays off Kan. district's school-lunch debt 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday night in east Wichita during a reported home invasion robbery.

At 7:30 p.m., officers assigned to Patrol East heard several gunshots and then received a Gunshot Detection System (GSD) alert in the 5300 block of E. Funston, according to a media release from Wichita Police. Officers arrived before 911 calls came in.

When officers arrived, they found a 22-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers began life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived. EMS transported the man to a local hospital, where he remains in serious but stable condition.

“ Our officers heard the gunshots, and our Gunshot Detection System immediately pinpointed the area before the first 911 calls came in. That combination helped us get to the exact location fast, start medical aid right away, and get EMS there quickly. It potentially saved the suspect’s life. And it also allowed us to secure the scene, take the suspect into custody, and move this case forward. Technology like this continues to strengthen our ability to respond quickly and protect our community.”&nbsp;

Three people, later determined to be victims, were detained for interviews. After speaking with investigators, all three were released.

Detectives learned a 21-year-old Wichita woman was inside her home in the 5300 block of E. Funston when three armed suspects kicked in the door and robbed her.

During the incident, her boyfriend, a 23-year-old Wichita man, arrived with a 22-year-old friend.

As the boyfriend approached the home, one suspect exited through the front door, pointed a gun at him, and ordered him to get on the ground. A struggle over the firearm followed. As the 22-year-old friend got out of the vehicle, an exchange of gunfire occurred, and the 22-year-old suspect was shot. The other two suspects fled the scene and remain at large.

The suspect who was shot remains in police custody at the hospital. Once released, he will be booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated assault. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday night in east Wichita during a reported home invasion robbery.At 7:30 p.m., officers assigned to Patrol East heard several gunshots and then received a Gunshot Detection System (GSD) alert in the 5300 block of E. Funston, according to a media release from Wichita Police. Officers arrived before 911 calls came in.When officers arrived, they found a 22-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers began life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived. EMS transported the man to a local hospital, where he remains in serious but stable condition.“ Our officers heard the gunshots, and our Gunshot Detection System immediately pinpointed the area before the first 911 calls came in. That combination helped us get to the exact location fast, start medical aid right away, and get EMS there quickly. It potentially saved the suspect’s life. And it also allowed us to secure the scene, take the suspect into custody, and move this case forward. Technology like this continues to strengthen our ability to respond quickly and protect our community.”&nbsp;Three people, later determined to be victims, were detained for interviews. After speaking with investigators, all three were released.Detectives learned a 21-year-old Wichita woman was inside her home in the 5300 block of E. Funston when three armed suspects kicked in the door and robbed her.During the incident, her boyfriend, a 23-year-old Wichita man, arrived with a 22-year-old friend.As the boyfriend approached the home, one suspect exited through the front door, pointed a gun at him, and ordered him to get on the ground. A struggle over the firearm followed. As the 22-year-old friend got out of the vehicle, an exchange of gunfire occurred, and the 22-year-old suspect was shot. The other two suspects fled the scene and remain at large.The suspect who was shot remains in police custody at the hospital. Once released, he will be booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated assault. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.

Kan. home invasion robbery suspect wounded in gunfight

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

TOPEKA — A bipartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/07/kansas-lawmakers-want-statewide-k-12-cell-phone-ban-by-next-school-year/">Kansas bill</a>&nbsp;that aims to implement a bell-to-bell cellphone ban beginning next school year would override local rules and establish one of the nation’s most restrictive policies.&nbsp;

The bill already has garnered a two-thirds supermajority of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/07/kansas-lawmakers-want-statewide-k-12-cell-phone-ban-by-next-school-year/">support</a>&nbsp;from the Kansas Senate, as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/13/full-transcript-of-kansas-gov-laura-kellys-2026-state-of-the-state-speech/">support</a>&nbsp;of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.&nbsp;

Supporters of the bill say students would be mentally and physically safer, while opponents argue it’s an overreach of power that asks too much of students and schools.&nbsp;

More than 20 people testified on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb302/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 302</a>&nbsp;on Thursday before the Senate Education Committee, including Timothy Graham from the Kansas National Education Association, which represents 22,000 educators.&nbsp;

“Our members are all over the place on this issue,” Graham said. “Understandably so.”

Ngoc Vuong, a school board member for Wichita Public Schools and a community psychology PhD candidate, told the committee he researches the academic effects of cellphones in schools.

“While multiple factors are responsible for causing and exacerbating the ongoing youth mental health, literacy, and numeracy crises, the evidence increasingly points to the advent and proliferation of a screen-based childhood, the immense power and influence of Big Tech companies over our society, culture, and education system, and the unhealthy relationships many children and adolescents have with smartphones and social media as central drivers of these problematic outcomes,” Vuong said.&nbsp;

In his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_s_ed_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_s_ed_1_20260115_13_testimony.html" target="_blank">written</a>&nbsp;testimony, Vuong linked cellphone use to poor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1524645/full" target="_blank">academic performance</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2024/5592994" target="_blank">attention</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763424000411?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">executive functioning</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032724014265?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">sleep</a>, and physical and mental health.&nbsp;

Gretchen Shanahan, a parent from Overland Park, referenced a National Association of School Resource Officers statement supporting a bell-to-bell cellphone ban.&nbsp;

“Access to phones during the school day reduces student safety in normal and especially emergency situations,” Shanahan said. “During an emergency such as a school shooting, students must be completely focused on lifesaving instructions. Phones can easily distract students from hearing, understanding and reacting appropriately — even when students use the phones to communicate with their parents.”

Kevin Cronister, a retired detective with the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, said that based on his experience, a cellphone ban would mitigate the risk of predators contacting students. Cronister said predators often target students during the school day, when they are away from their parents, and may ask students to introduce them to classmates.&nbsp;

Several proponents criticized the Kansas State Board of Education’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/13/kansas-board-of-education-accepts-policy-report-recommending-phone-bans-sends-to-local-districts/">directive</a>&nbsp;allowing each school district to craft its own policies around cellphone use, urging lawmakers to instead adopt a statewide ban.

Cathy Hopkins and Beryl New, legislative liaisons for the Kansas State Board of Education, testified neutrally on the bill. They pointed to the Blue Ribbon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Portals/0/Commissioner/Blue-Ribbon-Task-Force-on-Student-Screen-Time-Report.pdf?ver=2024-12-12-131410-427" target="_blank">Task Force</a>&nbsp;on Screen Time in 2024 that led to the state board’s directive, and said districts that developed policies in collaboration with their community have seen the strongest results.&nbsp;

Topeka Democrat Ann Mah, a former state representative, served on the board of education when it sent out the directive allowing for local control.&nbsp;

“It should be clear that these discussions belong at (the district) level,” Mah said. “It should also be clear the Legislature has no role here. When you have school districts that range from fewer than one hundred students to more than 45,000 students, there is no way the Legislature can create a one-size-fits-all solution.&nbsp;

“Besides that, I’m fairly certain that the 2,000 or so locally elected school board members are in a better position than you to make that call. What message are you sending your local board members? They likely already have a policy, but you think you know better? Seriously?”&nbsp;

Kailey Howell, a senior at Spring Hill High School, said her cellphone has never distracted her from schoolwork.&nbsp;

“While I understand that this is not the case for all students, I am confused as to why I am now having to bear the weight of consequences that were never meant for me,” Howell said. “Education has always been what students choose to make of it. Students with positive attitudes and a desire to learn will do so. Students who purposely avoid learning at every cost will not learn. Removing phones doesn’t change a student’s attitude. It only gives them another avenue to find another distraction.”

In his neutral testimony, Graham from the Kansas National Education Association — who also mentioned that teachers are divided on this bill — brought up the lack of funding.&nbsp;

Multiple proponents acknowledged that schools would need dedicated storage for cellphones. Along with the storage, Graham said, districts would need to train staff, enforce compliance, and report to the state — all without additional funding.&nbsp;

Eighteen&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/states-banning-cellphones-schools/story?id=125515186" target="_blank">states</a>&nbsp;— including Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands — have banned cellphones and other wireless communication devices for the entire instructional day, the bell-to-bell policy.&nbsp;

Neighboring&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/gov-pillen-ne-lawmakers-take-aim-at-social-media-and-school-time-cell-phone-use-by-youths/" target="_blank">Nebraska</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-lawmakers-pass-ban-on-cell-phones-in-public-school-classrooms/" target="_blank">Missouri</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/2025/05/06/oklahoma-governor-signs-mandatory-one-year-school-cellphone-ban-into-law/" target="_blank">Oklahoma</a>&nbsp;are part of that mix, and pushed similar bills forward last year.&nbsp;

Preliminary data shows that strict school cellphone bans, like what’s being proposed in Kansas, have led to more more focused students, according to a University of Pennsylvania&nbsp;<a href="https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/angela-duckworth-over-20000-educators-share-insights-school-cell-phone-policies" target="_blank">survey</a>&nbsp;of 20,000 teachers.&nbsp;

Florida was the first state to entirely ban cellphones in schools in 2023. A National Bureau of Economic Research&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w34388" target="_blank">paper</a>&nbsp;found there was an adjustment period in 2024, the first year the ban took effect, with an increase in suspensions in the short-term — especially among Black students. By the second year, suspensions had dissipated, test scores increased, and there were fewer unexcused absences.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768608886311.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has already signaled her support of a tough new cellphone ban for K-12 schools. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has already signaled her support of a tough new cellphone ban for K-12 schools. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A bipartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/07/kansas-lawmakers-want-statewide-k-12-cell-phone-ban-by-next-school-year/">Kansas bill</a>&nbsp;that aims to implement a bell-to-bell cellphone ban beginning next school year would override local rules and establish one of the nation’s most restrictive policies.&nbsp;The bill already has garnered a two-thirds supermajority of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/07/kansas-lawmakers-want-statewide-k-12-cell-phone-ban-by-next-school-year/">support</a>&nbsp;from the Kansas Senate, as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/13/full-transcript-of-kansas-gov-laura-kellys-2026-state-of-the-state-speech/">support</a>&nbsp;of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.&nbsp;Supporters of the bill say students would be mentally and physically safer, while opponents argue it’s an overreach of power that asks too much of students and schools.&nbsp;More than 20 people testified on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb302/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 302</a>&nbsp;on Thursday before the Senate Education Committee, including Timothy Graham from the Kansas National Education Association, which represents 22,000 educators.&nbsp;“Our members are all over the place on this issue,” Graham said. “Understandably so.”<h2>‘Problematic outcomes’</h2>Ngoc Vuong, a school board member for Wichita Public Schools and a community psychology PhD candidate, told the committee he researches the academic effects of cellphones in schools.“While multiple factors are responsible for causing and exacerbating the ongoing youth mental health, literacy, and numeracy crises, the evidence increasingly points to the advent and proliferation of a screen-based childhood, the immense power and influence of Big Tech companies over our society, culture, and education system, and the unhealthy relationships many children and adolescents have with smartphones and social media as central drivers of these problematic outcomes,” Vuong said.&nbsp;In his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_s_ed_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_s_ed_1_20260115_13_testimony.html" target="_blank">written</a>&nbsp;testimony, Vuong linked cellphone use to poor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1524645/full" target="_blank">academic performance</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2024/5592994" target="_blank">attention</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763424000411?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">executive functioning</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032724014265?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">sleep</a>, and physical and mental health.&nbsp;Gretchen Shanahan, a parent from Overland Park, referenced a National Association of School Resource Officers statement supporting a bell-to-bell cellphone ban.&nbsp;“Access to phones during the school day reduces student safety in normal and especially emergency situations,” Shanahan said. “During an emergency such as a school shooting, students must be completely focused on lifesaving instructions. Phones can easily distract students from hearing, understanding and reacting appropriately — even when students use the phones to communicate with their parents.”Kevin Cronister, a retired detective with the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, said that based on his experience, a cellphone ban would mitigate the risk of predators contacting students. Cronister said predators often target students during the school day, when they are away from their parents, and may ask students to introduce them to classmates.&nbsp;Several proponents criticized the Kansas State Board of Education’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/13/kansas-board-of-education-accepts-policy-report-recommending-phone-bans-sends-to-local-districts/">directive</a>&nbsp;allowing each school district to craft its own policies around cellphone use, urging lawmakers to instead adopt a statewide ban.<h2>District level decision</h2>Cathy Hopkins and Beryl New, legislative liaisons for the Kansas State Board of Education, testified neutrally on the bill. They pointed to the Blue Ribbon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Portals/0/Commissioner/Blue-Ribbon-Task-Force-on-Student-Screen-Time-Report.pdf?ver=2024-12-12-131410-427" target="_blank">Task Force</a>&nbsp;on Screen Time in 2024 that led to the state board’s directive, and said districts that developed policies in collaboration with their community have seen the strongest results.&nbsp;Topeka Democrat Ann Mah, a former state representative, served on the board of education when it sent out the directive allowing for local control.&nbsp;“It should be clear that these discussions belong at (the district) level,” Mah said. “It should also be clear the Legislature has no role here. When you have school districts that range from fewer than one hundred students to more than 45,000 students, there is no way the Legislature can create a one-size-fits-all solution.&nbsp;“Besides that, I’m fairly certain that the 2,000 or so locally elected school board members are in a better position than you to make that call. What message are you sending your local board members? They likely already have a policy, but you think you know better? Seriously?”&nbsp;Kailey Howell, a senior at Spring Hill High School, said her cellphone has never distracted her from schoolwork.&nbsp;“While I understand that this is not the case for all students, I am confused as to why I am now having to bear the weight of consequences that were never meant for me,” Howell said. “Education has always been what students choose to make of it. Students with positive attitudes and a desire to learn will do so. Students who purposely avoid learning at every cost will not learn. Removing phones doesn’t change a student’s attitude. It only gives them another avenue to find another distraction.”In his neutral testimony, Graham from the Kansas National Education Association — who also mentioned that teachers are divided on this bill — brought up the lack of funding.&nbsp;Multiple proponents acknowledged that schools would need dedicated storage for cellphones. Along with the storage, Graham said, districts would need to train staff, enforce compliance, and report to the state — all without additional funding.&nbsp;<h2>The big picture&nbsp;</h2>Eighteen&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/states-banning-cellphones-schools/story?id=125515186" target="_blank">states</a>&nbsp;— including Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands — have banned cellphones and other wireless communication devices for the entire instructional day, the bell-to-bell policy.&nbsp;Neighboring&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/gov-pillen-ne-lawmakers-take-aim-at-social-media-and-school-time-cell-phone-use-by-youths/" target="_blank">Nebraska</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-lawmakers-pass-ban-on-cell-phones-in-public-school-classrooms/" target="_blank">Missouri</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/2025/05/06/oklahoma-governor-signs-mandatory-one-year-school-cellphone-ban-into-law/" target="_blank">Oklahoma</a>&nbsp;are part of that mix, and pushed similar bills forward last year.&nbsp;Preliminary data shows that strict school cellphone bans, like what’s being proposed in Kansas, have led to more more focused students, according to a University of Pennsylvania&nbsp;<a href="https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/angela-duckworth-over-20000-educators-share-insights-school-cell-phone-policies" target="_blank">survey</a>&nbsp;of 20,000 teachers.&nbsp;Florida was the first state to entirely ban cellphones in schools in 2023. A National Bureau of Economic Research&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w34388" target="_blank">paper</a>&nbsp;found there was an adjustment period in 2024, the first year the ban took effect, with an increase in suspensions in the short-term — especially among Black students. By the second year, suspensions had dissipated, test scores increased, and there were fewer unexcused absences.

Kansas legislators hear divided testimony on proposed school cellphone ban

On Friday, President Donald J. Trump congratulated the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a vital step forward in implementing Phase Two of his Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict—a 20-point roadmap for lasting peace, stability, reconstruction, and prosperity in the region, according to statement from the White House.

The NCAG will be led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, a widely respected technocratic leader who will oversee the restoration of core public services, the rebuilding of civil institutions, and the stabilization of daily life in Gaza, while laying the foundation for long-term, self-sustaining governance. Dr. Sha’ath brings deep experience in public administration, economic development, and international engagement, and is widely respected for his pragmatic, technocratic leadership and understanding of Gaza’s institutional realities.

This milestone perfectly aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), which endorsed President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan and welcomed the establishment of the Board of Peace. The Board of Peace will play an essential role in fulfilling all 20 points of the President’s plan, providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.

To operationalize the Board of Peace’s vision—under the chairmanship of President Donald J. Trump—a founding Executive Board has been formed, composed of leaders with experience across diplomacy, development, infrastructure, and economic strategy. The appointed members are:

Each Executive Board member will oversee a defined portfolio critical to Gaza’s stabilization and long-term success, including, but not limited to, governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale funding, and capital mobilization.

In support of this operating model, the Chairman has appointed Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum as senior advisors to the Board of Peace, charged with leading day-to-day strategy and operations, and translating the Board’s mandate and diplomatic priorities into disciplined execution.

H.E. Nickolay Mladenov, an Executive Board member, will serve as the High Representative for Gaza. In this capacity, he will act as the on-the-ground link between the Board of Peace and the NCAG. He will support the Board’s oversight of all aspects of Gaza’s governance, reconstruction, and development, while ensuring coordination across civilian and security pillars.

To establish security, preserve peace, and establish a durable terror-free environment, Major General Jasper Jeffers has been appointed Commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), where he will lead security operations, support comprehensive demilitarization, and enable the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials.

In support of the Office of the High Representative and the NCAG, a Gaza Executive Board is being established. The Board will help support effective governance and the delivery of best-in-class services that advance peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of Gaza. The appointed members are:

The United States remains fully committed to supporting this transitional framework, working in close partnership with Israel, key Arab nations, and the international community to achieve the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. The President calls on all parties to cooperate fully with the NCAG, the Board of Peace, and the International Stabilization Force to ensure the swift and successful implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.

Additional Executive Board and Gaza Executive Board members will be announced over the coming weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768660024282.png" alt="File photo Jared Kushner-photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo Jared Kushner-photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, President Donald J. Trump congratulated the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a vital step forward in implementing Phase Two of his Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict—a 20-point roadmap for lasting peace, stability, reconstruction, and prosperity in the region, according to statement from the White House.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768659635415.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The NCAG will be led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, a widely respected technocratic leader who will oversee the restoration of core public services, the rebuilding of civil institutions, and the stabilization of daily life in Gaza, while laying the foundation for long-term, self-sustaining governance. Dr. Sha’ath brings deep experience in public administration, economic development, and international engagement, and is widely respected for his pragmatic, technocratic leadership and understanding of Gaza’s institutional realities.This milestone perfectly aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), which endorsed President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan and welcomed the establishment of the Board of Peace. The Board of Peace will play an essential role in fulfilling all 20 points of the President’s plan, providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.To operationalize the Board of Peace’s vision—under the chairmanship of President Donald J. Trump—a founding Executive Board has been formed, composed of leaders with experience across diplomacy, development, infrastructure, and economic strategy. The appointed members are:<ul>
 <li>Secretary Marco Rubio</li><li>Steve Witkoff</li><li>Jared Kushner</li><li>Sir Tony Blair</li><li>Marc Rowan</li><li>Ajay Banga</li><li>Robert Gabriel</li>
 </ul>Each Executive Board member will oversee a defined portfolio critical to Gaza’s stabilization and long-term success, including, but not limited to, governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale funding, and capital mobilization.In support of this operating model, the Chairman has appointed Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum as senior advisors to the Board of Peace, charged with leading day-to-day strategy and operations, and translating the Board’s mandate and diplomatic priorities into disciplined execution.H.E. Nickolay Mladenov, an Executive Board member, will serve as the High Representative for Gaza. In this capacity, he will act as the on-the-ground link between the Board of Peace and the NCAG. He will support the Board’s oversight of all aspects of Gaza’s governance, reconstruction, and development, while ensuring coordination across civilian and security pillars.To establish security, preserve peace, and establish a durable terror-free environment, Major General Jasper Jeffers has been appointed Commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), where he will lead security operations, support comprehensive demilitarization, and enable the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials.In support of the Office of the High Representative and the NCAG, a Gaza Executive Board is being established. The Board will help support effective governance and the delivery of best-in-class services that advance peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of Gaza. The appointed members are:<ul>
 <li>Steve Witkoff</li><li>Jared Kushner</li><li>Minister Hakan Fidan</li><li>Ali Al-Thawadi</li><li>General Hassan Rashad</li><li>Sir Tony Blair</li><li>Marc Rowan</li><li>Minister Reem Al-Hashimy</li><li>Nickolay Mladenov</li><li>Yakir Gabay</li><li>Sigrid Kaag</li>
 </ul>The United States remains fully committed to supporting this transitional framework, working in close partnership with Israel, key Arab nations, and the international community to achieve the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. The President calls on all parties to cooperate fully with the NCAG, the Board of Peace, and the International Stabilization Force to ensure the swift and successful implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.Additional Executive Board and Gaza Executive Board members will be announced over the coming weeks.

Who is on Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza?

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/hannah-schoenbaum">HANNAH SCHOENBAUM</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matthew-brown">MATTHEW BROWN</a>

PROVO, Utah (AP) — The Utah man charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;returned to court Friday as his attorneys seek to disqualify prosecutors because an adult child of a deputy county attorney involved in the case attended the rally where Kirk was shot.

Defense attorneys say the relationship represents a conflict of interest after prosecutors said they intend to seek the death penalty against Tyler Robinson for aggravated murder.

Robinson, 22, has pleaded not guilty in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Sept. 10 shooting</a>&nbsp;of Kirk on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-police-charlie-kirk-d7d464c949ec9d4abad0eb3910d6a96b">Utah Valley University</a>&nbsp;campus in Orem, just a few miles north of the Provo courthouse.

The 18-year-old child who attended the event -- and whose name was redacted from court filings -- later texted with their father in the Utah County Attorney’s Office to describe the chaotic events around the shooting, the filings from prosecutors and defense lawyers state.

Robinson’s attorneys say that personal relationship is a conflict of interest that “raises serious concerns about past and future prosecutorial decision-making in this case,” according to court documents. They also argue that the “rush” to seek the death penalty against Robinson is evidence of “strong emotional reactions” by the prosecution and merits the disqualification of the entire team.

Defense attorney Richard Novak urged Judge Tony Graf on Friday to bring in the state attorney general’s office in place of Utah County prosecutors to address the conflict of interest. Novak said it was problematic for county prosecutors to litigate on behalf of the state while defending their aptness to remain on the case.

Utah County Attorney Richard Gray replied that Novak’s last-minute request was aimed at delaying the case against Robinson.

“This is ambush and another stalling tactic to delay these proceedings,” Gray said.

The director of a state council that trains prosecutors said he was not aware of any other major case where attorneys had been disqualified for bias.

“I would bet against the defense winning this motion,” Utah Prosecution Council Director Robert Church said. “They’ve got to a show a substantial amount of prejudice and bias.”

Several thousand people attended the outdoor rally where Kirk, a co-founder of Turning Point USA who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">helped mobilize young people</a>&nbsp;to vote for President Donald Trump, was shot as he took questions from the audience. The adult child of the deputy county attorney did not see the shooting, according to an affidavit submitted by prosecutors.

“While the second person in line was speaking with Charlie, I was looking around the crowd when I heard a loud sound, like a pop. Someone yelled, ‘he’s been shot,’ ” the child stated in the affidavit.

The child later texted a family group chat to say “CHARLIE GOT SHOT.” In the aftermath of the shooting, the child did not miss classes or other activities, and reported no lasting trauma “aside from being scared at the time,” the affidavit said.

Prosecutors have asked Judge Graf to deny the disqualification request.

“Under these circumstances, there is virtually no risk, let alone a significant risk, that it would arouse such emotions in any father-prosecutor as to render him unable to fairly prosecute the case,” county attorney Gray said in a filing.

Gray also said the child was “neither a material witness nor a victim in the case” and that “nearly everything” the person knows about the actual homicide is mere hearsay.

If the Utah county prosecutors were disqualified, the case would likely be picked up by prosecutors in a county with enough resources to handle a big case. That could be Salt Lake City, or possibly even the state attorney general’s office, said prosecution council director Church. The judge would have the final say, he said.

Prosecutors have said text messages and DNA evidence connect Robinson to the killing. Robinson reportedly texted his romantic partner that he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred.”

At the school where the shooting took place, university president Astrid Tuminez announced Wednesday that she will be stepping down from her role after the semester ends in May.

The state university has been working to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-police-charlie-kirk-d7d464c949ec9d4abad0eb3910d6a96b">expand its police force</a>&nbsp;and add security managers after it was criticized for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-security-utah-valley-university-85cefc5ef2a64d3c33ebea6a444e0c52">lack of key safety measures</a>&nbsp;on the day of the shooting.

Prosecutors are expected to lay out their case against Robinson at a preliminary hearing scheduled to begin May 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765490146270.jpeg" alt="File photo -Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool)" />
 <figcaption>File photo -Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/hannah-schoenbaum">HANNAH SCHOENBAUM</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matthew-brown">MATTHEW BROWN</a>PROVO, Utah (AP) — The Utah man charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;returned to court Friday as his attorneys seek to disqualify prosecutors because an adult child of a deputy county attorney involved in the case attended the rally where Kirk was shot.Defense attorneys say the relationship represents a conflict of interest after prosecutors said they intend to seek the death penalty against Tyler Robinson for aggravated murder.Robinson, 22, has pleaded not guilty in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Sept. 10 shooting</a>&nbsp;of Kirk on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-police-charlie-kirk-d7d464c949ec9d4abad0eb3910d6a96b">Utah Valley University</a>&nbsp;campus in Orem, just a few miles north of the Provo courthouse.The 18-year-old child who attended the event -- and whose name was redacted from court filings -- later texted with their father in the Utah County Attorney’s Office to describe the chaotic events around the shooting, the filings from prosecutors and defense lawyers state.Robinson’s attorneys say that personal relationship is a conflict of interest that “raises serious concerns about past and future prosecutorial decision-making in this case,” according to court documents. They also argue that the “rush” to seek the death penalty against Robinson is evidence of “strong emotional reactions” by the prosecution and merits the disqualification of the entire team.Defense attorney Richard Novak urged Judge Tony Graf on Friday to bring in the state attorney general’s office in place of Utah County prosecutors to address the conflict of interest. Novak said it was problematic for county prosecutors to litigate on behalf of the state while defending their aptness to remain on the case.Utah County Attorney Richard Gray replied that Novak’s last-minute request was aimed at delaying the case against Robinson.“This is ambush and another stalling tactic to delay these proceedings,” Gray said.The director of a state council that trains prosecutors said he was not aware of any other major case where attorneys had been disqualified for bias.“I would bet against the defense winning this motion,” Utah Prosecution Council Director Robert Church said. “They’ve got to a show a substantial amount of prejudice and bias.”Several thousand people attended the outdoor rally where Kirk, a co-founder of Turning Point USA who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">helped mobilize young people</a>&nbsp;to vote for President Donald Trump, was shot as he took questions from the audience. The adult child of the deputy county attorney did not see the shooting, according to an affidavit submitted by prosecutors.“While the second person in line was speaking with Charlie, I was looking around the crowd when I heard a loud sound, like a pop. Someone yelled, ‘he’s been shot,’ ” the child stated in the affidavit.The child later texted a family group chat to say “CHARLIE GOT SHOT.” In the aftermath of the shooting, the child did not miss classes or other activities, and reported no lasting trauma “aside from being scared at the time,” the affidavit said.Prosecutors have asked Judge Graf to deny the disqualification request.“Under these circumstances, there is virtually no risk, let alone a significant risk, that it would arouse such emotions in any father-prosecutor as to render him unable to fairly prosecute the case,” county attorney Gray said in a filing.Gray also said the child was “neither a material witness nor a victim in the case” and that “nearly everything” the person knows about the actual homicide is mere hearsay.If the Utah county prosecutors were disqualified, the case would likely be picked up by prosecutors in a county with enough resources to handle a big case. That could be Salt Lake City, or possibly even the state attorney general’s office, said prosecution council director Church. The judge would have the final say, he said.Prosecutors have said text messages and DNA evidence connect Robinson to the killing. Robinson reportedly texted his romantic partner that he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred.”At the school where the shooting took place, university president Astrid Tuminez announced Wednesday that she will be stepping down from her role after the semester ends in May.The state university has been working to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-police-charlie-kirk-d7d464c949ec9d4abad0eb3910d6a96b">expand its police force</a>&nbsp;and add security managers after it was criticized for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-security-utah-valley-university-85cefc5ef2a64d3c33ebea6a444e0c52">lack of key safety measures</a>&nbsp;on the day of the shooting.Prosecutors are expected to lay out their case against Robinson at a preliminary hearing scheduled to begin May 18.___Brown reported from Billings, Montana.

Shocking request of judge from accused Charlie Kirk killer  

The Kansas Supreme Court has unanimously affirmed the convictions of a man found guilty of killing two people in Reno County, rejecting arguments that errors during the trial warranted a new proceeding.

A jury previously convicted Hardwick of two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. On direct appeal, Hardwick argued that the Reno County District Court erred by failing to instruct jurors on imperfect self-defense and by allowing evidence related to his post-arrest silence, which he said violated his Fifth Amendment rights.

In a unanimous opinion authored by Melissa Standridge, the court upheld the convictions, concluding that any error related to jury instructions was harmless in light of the overwhelming evidence presented at trial.

The court determined that even if an imperfect self-defense instruction should have been given, the absence of that instruction did not affect the outcome of the case because the evidence supporting the jury’s verdict was substantial.

The justices also rejected Hardwick’s claim regarding his post-arrest silence. The court ruled that the admission of this evidence did not violate constitutional protections because Hardwick “opened the door” through his own testimony by suggesting a willingness to cooperate with law enforcement that was inconsistent with his actual silence after arrest.

Additionally, the court found that prosecutors used the evidence narrowly and appropriately for impeachment purposes, rather than to suggest guilt, which the court said is constitutionally permissible.

As a result of the ruling, Hardwick’s convictions and sentences remain in place.

Hardwick was sentenced in April of 2023 to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates, 56, and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine, 58, both of Hutchinson. Concurrent with his life convictions, Hardwick was sentenced to eight months for his third alternative count of theft and seven months for solicitation of perjury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768579108852.jpeg" alt="Kyle V. Hardwick -Photo Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Kyle V. Hardwick -Photo Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;The Kansas Supreme Court has unanimously affirmed the convictions of a man found guilty of killing two people in Reno County, rejecting arguments that errors during the trial warranted a new proceeding.A jury previously convicted Hardwick of two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. On direct appeal, Hardwick argued that the Reno County District Court erred by failing to instruct jurors on imperfect self-defense and by allowing evidence related to his post-arrest silence, which he said violated his Fifth Amendment rights.In a unanimous opinion authored by Melissa Standridge, the court upheld the convictions, concluding that any error related to jury instructions was harmless in light of the overwhelming evidence presented at trial.The court determined that even if an imperfect self-defense instruction should have been given, the absence of that instruction did not affect the outcome of the case because the evidence supporting the jury’s verdict was substantial.The justices also rejected Hardwick’s claim regarding his post-arrest silence. The court ruled that the admission of this evidence did not violate constitutional protections because Hardwick “opened the door” through his own testimony by suggesting a willingness to cooperate with law enforcement that was inconsistent with his actual silence after arrest.Additionally, the court found that prosecutors used the evidence narrowly and appropriately for impeachment purposes, rather than to suggest guilt, which the court said is constitutionally permissible.As a result of the ruling, Hardwick’s convictions and sentences remain in place.Hardwick was sentenced in April of 2023 to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates, 56, and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine, 58, both of Hutchinson. Concurrent with his life convictions, Hardwick was sentenced to eight months for his third alternative count of theft and seven months for solicitation of perjury.

Kansas Supreme Court affirms conviction for double murder

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Justice Department is investigating whether Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have impeded federal immigration enforcement through public statements they have made, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The investigation focused on potential violation of a conspiracy statute, the people said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768610962226.png" alt="Minnesoty Gov. Tim Walz-photo from video provided by the governor's office" />
 <figcaption>Minnesoty Gov. Tim Walz-photo from video provided by the governor's office</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Justice Department is investigating whether Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have impeded federal immigration enforcement through public statements they have made, according to two people familiar with the matter.The investigation focused on potential violation of a conspiracy statute, the people said.The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a pending investigation by name.CBS News first reported the investigation.In response to reports of the investigation, Walz said in a statement: “Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic.”Senators Kelly and Slotkin, U.S. senators Arizona and Michigan, are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/slotkin-trump-investigation-democrats-video-illegal-orders-a4714c0008e4b48b2baf260470096812">under investigation</a>&nbsp;from the Trump administration after appearing with other Democratic lawmakers in a video urging members of the military to resist “illegal orders,” while the administration has launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-subpoena-bf4fc6c690fa248fbc531bc9bc7f1758">criminal investigation</a>&nbsp;of Powell, the federal reserve chair.Walz’s office said it has not received any notice of an investigation.Frey described the investigation as an attempt to intimidate him for “standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement, and our residents against the chaos and danger this Administration has brought to our streets.”“I will not be intimidated,” he added. "My focus will remain where it’s always been: keeping our city safe.The investigation comes during a weekslong immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and St. Paul that the Department of Homeland Security has called its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-ice-noem-minnesota-somali-db661df6de1131a034da2bda4bb3d817">largest enforcement operation</a>, resulting in more than 2,500 arrests.The operation has become more confrontational since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">fatal shooting of Renee Good on Jan. 7</a>. State and local officials have repeatedly told protesters to remain peaceful.The U.S. attorney’s office in Minneapolis did not immediately comment.In a post on the social media platform X following reports of the investigation,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pam-bondi">Attorney General Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;said: “A reminder to all those in Minnesota: No one is above the law.” She did not specifically mention the investigation.<h2>State calls for peaceful protests</h2>State authorities, meanwhile, had a message for any weekend protests against the Trump administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-protests-immigration-agents-crowd-control-policing-ice-dhs-bd9335c2b0b793a3bff5c51287a80819">unprecedented immigration sweep</a>&nbsp;in the Twin Cities: avoid confrontation.“While peaceful expression is protected, any actions that harm people, destroy property or jeopardize public safety will not be tolerated,” said Commissioner Bob Jacobson of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.His comments came after President Donald Trump backed off a bit from his threat a day earlier to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-act-history-fdr-minneapolis-901631b98c96a425dc0c9b10a041bdac">invoke an 1807 law</a>, the Insurrection Act, to send troops to suppress demonstrations.“I don’t think there’s any reason right now to use it, but if I needed it, I’d use it,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.<h2>Detention whiplash</h2>A Liberian man who has been shuttled in and out of custody since immigration agents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-protests-shootings-minneapolis-portland-3f9db36657dda5bfebf9c240b6011ee5">broke down his door</a>&nbsp;with a battering ram was released again Friday, hours after a routine check-in with authorities led to his second arrest.The dramatic initial arrest of Garrison Gibson last weekend was captured on video. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-arrest-judge-orders-release-garrison-gibson-0d584d5efa50661ee920fda57a401a2f">ruled the arrest unlawful</a>&nbsp;Thursday and freed him, but Gibson was detained again Friday when he appeared at an immigration office.A few hours later, Gibson was free again, attorney Marc Prokosch said.“In the words of my client, he said that somebody at ICE said they bleeped up and so they re-released him this afternoon and so he’s out of custody,” Prokosch said, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.Gibson, 37, who fled the civil war in his West African home country as a child, had been ordered removed from the U.S., apparently because of a 2008 drug conviction that was later dismissed. He has remained in the country legally under what’s known as an order of supervision, Prokosch said, and complied with the requirement that he meet regularly with immigration authorities.In his Thursday order, the judge agreed that officials violated regulations by not giving Gibson enough notice that his supervision status had been revoked. Prokosch said he was told by ICE that they are “now going through their proper channels" to revoke the order.<h2>Native Americans urged to carry IDs</h2>Meanwhile, tribal leaders and Native American rights organizations are advising anyone with a tribal ID to carry it with them when out in public in case they are approached by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.Native Americans across the U.S. have reported being stopped or detained by ICE, and tribal leaders are asking members to report these contacts.Democratic members of Congress held a local meeting Friday to hear from people who say they've had aggressive encounters with immigration agents. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, who is Hmong American, said people are walking around with their passports in case they are challenged, and she has received reports of ICE agents going from door to door “asking where the Asian people live.” Thousands of Hmong people, largely from the Southeast Asian nation of Laos, have settled in the United States since the 1970s.<h2>911 caller: Good was shot ‘point blank’</h2>Minneapolis authorities released police and fire dispatch logs and transcripts of 911 calls, all related to the fatal shooting of Good. Firefighters found what appeared to be two gunshot wounds in her right chest, one in her left forearm and a possible gunshot wound on the left side of her head, records show.“They shot her, like, cause she wouldn’t open her car door,” a caller said. “Point blank range in her car.”Good, 37, was at the wheel of her Honda Pilot, which was partially blocking a street. Video showed an officer approached the SUV, demanded that she open the door and grabbed the handle.Good began to pull forward and turned the vehicle's wheel to the right. Another ICE officer, Jonathan Ross, pulled his gun and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-shooting-lethal-force-ice-vehicle-924518502d8dd9ad3cb03a476a278818">fired at close range</a>, jumping back as the SUV moved past him. DHS claims the agent shot Good in self-defense.<h2>Arrest in FBI vehicle incident</h2>FBI Director Kash Patel said at least one person has been arrested for stealing property from an FBI vehicle in Minneapolis. The SUV was among government vehicles whose windows were broken Wednesday evening. Attorney General Pam Bondi said body armor and weapons were stolen.The destruction occurred when agents were responding to a shooting during an immigration arrest. Trump subsequently said on social media that he would invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials don’t stop the “professional agitators and insurrectionists” there.Minnesota’s attorney general responded by saying he would sue if the president acts.___Richer and Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press reporters Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Ed White and Corey Williams in Detroit; Graham Lee Brewer in Oklahoma City; Jesse Bedayn in Denver; Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu; Hallie Golden in Seattle; and Ben Finley in Washington contributed.