The Supreme Court struck down&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s global tariffs&nbsp;on Friday. A significant loss for his economic agenda.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771612720731.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>The Supreme Court struck down&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s global tariffs&nbsp;on Friday. A significant loss for his economic agenda.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;The Supreme Court&#39;s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing and I&#39;m ashamed of certain members of the Court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what&#39;s right for our country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Ei07ATVDE9">pic.twitter.com/Ei07ATVDE9</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2024913944805032063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;In actuality, while I am sure that they did not mean to do so, the Supreme Court&#39;s decision today made a president&#39;s ability to both regulate trade and impose tariffs more powerful and more crystal clear rather than less.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/mekPEzDgEU">pic.twitter.com/mekPEzDgEU</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2024916771686244639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Effective immediately all National Security tariffs under Section 232 and existing Section 301 tariffs...remain in place, fully in place and in full force and effect. Today, I will sign an order to impose a 10% global tariff under Section 122, over and above our normal tariffs.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/XzOZxR2RYT">pic.twitter.com/XzOZxR2RYT</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2024917513897672712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;The good news is that there are methods, practices, statutes and authorities as recognized by the entire court... that are even stronger than the IEEPA tariffs available to me as President of the United States.&quot; - President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/v2juxmYHiR">pic.twitter.com/v2juxmYHiR</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2024919657782694316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! <a href="https://t.co/5UudUfHe42">https://t.co/5UudUfHe42</a> <a href="https://t.co/un5zFbSEJl">pic.twitter.com/un5zFbSEJl</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2024921307855417373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump reacts to Supreme Court decision on tariffs

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is attempting to identify the suspects who were involved in a shooting that occurred in the 300 Block of Westport Road on February 8 at 08:54p.m., according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Police released no additional details on the crime.

If you can identify the suspects, please contact the Assault Squad at 816-234-5227 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771609590416.png" alt="Photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is attempting to identify the suspects who were involved in a shooting that occurred in the 300 Block of Westport Road on February 8 at 08:54p.m., according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.Police released no additional details on the crime.If you can identify the suspects, please contact the Assault Squad at 816-234-5227 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

KCPD asks for help to ID shooting suspects

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.

"The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity. Clear and consistent trade policy is essential for economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for American families. We urge the lower court to ensure a&nbsp;seamless&nbsp;process to refund the tariffs to U.S. importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their&nbsp;employees&nbsp;and their customers."

The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.&nbsp;<a href="https://nrf.com/">nrf.com</a>

National Retail FederationWASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771606912161.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity. Clear and consistent trade policy is essential for economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for American families. We urge the lower court to ensure a&nbsp;seamless&nbsp;process to refund the tariffs to U.S. importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their&nbsp;employees&nbsp;and their customers."About NRFThe National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.&nbsp;<a href="https://nrf.com/">nrf.com</a>

National Retail Federation responds to Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;struck down President Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-economy-liberation-day-d3458da225c1fdfade97ed494b23e868">far-reaching global tariffs</a>&nbsp;on Friday, handing him a significant loss on an issue crucial to his economic agenda.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the ruling</a>

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-1287">Click here to listen to oral arguments</a> before court on Nov. 5, 2025

The decision centers on tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, including the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs he levied on nearly every other country.

It's the first major piece of Trump's broad agenda to come squarely before the nation's highest court, which he helped shape with the appointments of three conservative jurists in his first term.

The Republican president has been vocal about the case, calling it one of the most important in U.S. history and saying a ruling against him would be an economic body blow to the country. But legal opposition crossed the political spectrum, including libertarian and pro-business groups that are typically aligned with the GOP. Polling has found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-trump-economy-approval-immigration-border-crime-373766302cde6d45624d6bb738b16231">tariffs aren't broadly popular</a>&nbsp;with the public, amid wider voter concern about affordability.

The Supreme Court ruling comes despite a series of short-term wins on the court's emergency docket that have allowed Trump to push ahead with extraordinary flexes of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-democracy-autocrats-authoritarian-constitution-threat-542ac437a58880e81c052f8f2df1643f">executive power</a>&nbsp;on issues ranging from high-profile firings to major federal funding cuts.

The tariffs decision doesn't stop Trump from imposing duties under other laws. While those have more limitations on the speed and severity of Trump's actions, top administration officials have said they expect to keep the tariff framework in place under other authorities.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to levy tariffs. But the Trump administration argued that a 1977 law allowing the president to regulate importation during emergencies also allows him to set tariffs. Other presidents have used the law dozens of times, often to impose sanctions, but Trump was the first president to invoke it for import taxes.

Trump set what he called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-china-recession-deals-e8e54a68397e6829e1d27552a1d7bfb9">"reciprocal" tariffs</a>&nbsp;on most countries in April 2025 to address trade deficits that he declared a national emergency. Those came after he imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/trump-plans-tariffs-on-mexico-and-canada-for-tuesday-while-doubling-existing-10-tariffs-on-china/">duties on Canada, China and Mexico</a>, ostensibly to address a drug trafficking emergency.

A series of lawsuits followed, including a case from a dozen largely Democratic-leaning states and others from small businesses selling everything from plumbing supplies to educational toys to women’s cycling apparel.

The challengers argued the emergency powers law doesn’t even mention tariffs and Trump's use of it fails several legal tests, including one that doomed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tariffs-7c44eedbf32bec35fc638e9953db2aeb">then-President Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;$500 billion student loan forgiveness program.

The economic impact of Trump's tariffs has been estimated at some $3 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The Treasury has collected more than $133 billion from the import taxes the president has imposed under the emergency powers law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/trade">federal data</a>&nbsp;from December shows. Many companies, including the big-box warehouse chain Costco, have already lined up in court to demand refunds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743626000304.png" alt="President Trump announced his tariff plan in April -photo White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump announced his tariff plan in April -photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;struck down President Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-economy-liberation-day-d3458da225c1fdfade97ed494b23e868">far-reaching global tariffs</a>&nbsp;on Friday, handing him a significant loss on an issue crucial to his economic agenda.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the ruling</a><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-1287">Click here to listen to oral arguments</a> before court on Nov. 5, 2025<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771601035444.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The decision centers on tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, including the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs he levied on nearly every other country.It's the first major piece of Trump's broad agenda to come squarely before the nation's highest court, which he helped shape with the appointments of three conservative jurists in his first term.The Republican president has been vocal about the case, calling it one of the most important in U.S. history and saying a ruling against him would be an economic body blow to the country. But legal opposition crossed the political spectrum, including libertarian and pro-business groups that are typically aligned with the GOP. Polling has found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-trump-economy-approval-immigration-border-crime-373766302cde6d45624d6bb738b16231">tariffs aren't broadly popular</a>&nbsp;with the public, amid wider voter concern about affordability.The Supreme Court ruling comes despite a series of short-term wins on the court's emergency docket that have allowed Trump to push ahead with extraordinary flexes of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-democracy-autocrats-authoritarian-constitution-threat-542ac437a58880e81c052f8f2df1643f">executive power</a>&nbsp;on issues ranging from high-profile firings to major federal funding cuts.The tariffs decision doesn't stop Trump from imposing duties under other laws. While those have more limitations on the speed and severity of Trump's actions, top administration officials have said they expect to keep the tariff framework in place under other authorities.The Constitution gives Congress the power to levy tariffs. But the Trump administration argued that a 1977 law allowing the president to regulate importation during emergencies also allows him to set tariffs. Other presidents have used the law dozens of times, often to impose sanctions, but Trump was the first president to invoke it for import taxes.Trump set what he called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-china-recession-deals-e8e54a68397e6829e1d27552a1d7bfb9">"reciprocal" tariffs</a>&nbsp;on most countries in April 2025 to address trade deficits that he declared a national emergency. Those came after he imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/trump-plans-tariffs-on-mexico-and-canada-for-tuesday-while-doubling-existing-10-tariffs-on-china/">duties on Canada, China and Mexico</a>, ostensibly to address a drug trafficking emergency.A series of lawsuits followed, including a case from a dozen largely Democratic-leaning states and others from small businesses selling everything from plumbing supplies to educational toys to women’s cycling apparel.The challengers argued the emergency powers law doesn’t even mention tariffs and Trump's use of it fails several legal tests, including one that doomed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tariffs-7c44eedbf32bec35fc638e9953db2aeb">then-President Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;$500 billion student loan forgiveness program.The economic impact of Trump's tariffs has been estimated at some $3 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The Treasury has collected more than $133 billion from the import taxes the president has imposed under the emergency powers law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/trade">federal data</a>&nbsp;from December shows. Many companies, including the big-box warehouse chain Costco, have already lined up in court to demand refunds.___

Read the ruling: Supreme Court strikes down Trump's global tariffs

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith admitted in federal court Thursday that he used the organization’s credit card for personal expenses and authorized payments for a co-defendant’s fraudulent invoices.

Then he pleaded guilty to a single charge of wire fraud for a $6,909.73 credit card payment.

Smith led the foster care organization from 2014 to 2020, where the Episcopal priest was known as Father Bobby.&nbsp;Federal authorities gathered evidence that Smith and William&nbsp;Whymark, who provided IT services, engaged in a scheme to bilk the organization of more than $4.7 million through inflated invoices. Smith also used the organization’s credit card for family travels, fine clothes, meals at five-star restaurants and cash withdrawals.

Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">first reported on the financial irregularities</a>&nbsp;shortly after Smith resigned in 2020.

Whymark&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Whymark-plea.pdf">pleaded guilty on Nov. 18</a>&nbsp;to two charges of wire fraud totaling more than $2 million, admitting his role in the scheme. He has yet to be sentenced.

The 54-year-old Smith faced 20 charges for crimes including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. By pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will remain free until sentencing, which is set for July 15.

Danielle Thomas, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas, said&nbsp;“the discretion on whether to dismiss or proceed on the remaining charges remains.”

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse gripped and spun a baseball in his hands Thursday as Smith affirmed for the judge that he understood the charges against him, that he would lose the right to vote, hold office or own a gun, that he received adequate counsel from defense attorney Sarah Hess, and that the judge alone would determine the length of his prison term.

“Does it remain your desire to plead guilty today?” Crouse asked.

Prosecutor Sara Walton then presented evidence that would be brought against Smith if the case were to go to trial. The evidence included Smith’s approval of fraudulent invoices, as well as the personal credit card expenses that he failed to report or reimburse. The count to which Smith agreed to plead guilty was a credit card payment from March 3, 2018.

Smith admitted for the record that the evidence was accurate. He sat stoically with hands folded on the defendant’s table as Crouse accepted the plea.

Bishop Paula Clark of the Diocese of Chicago, where Smith was ordained, said in a statement that the church would respond to his guilty plea by initiating a disciplinary process.

“I ask you to please pray for the Rev. Smith, his family, and all who are affected by this situation,” Clark said.

Saint Francis, a faith-based nonprofit, was the state’s largest foster care contractor, serving 3,100 children and 600 homes, when Smith resigned in November 2020. The organization nearly became insolvent under Smith’s management, which included severely underbidding a foster care contract in Nebraska.

Among other questionable purchases, Smith claimed he purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/22/former-ceo-of-foster-care-provider-defends-travel-charges-cubs-tickets/">$65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs tickets</a>&nbsp;so he could flip them for a profit on the secondary market. Nebraska’s governor at the time, Pete Ricketts, who is now a U.S. senator, is part-owner of the Cubs.

Smith also invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in his wife’s plans to harvest a “miracle” food in El Salvador. An internal Saint Francis investigation later discovered a project manager in El Salvador had asked for a Visa card that could be used for cash bribes for government officials there.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families, after conducting its own investigation, required Saint Francis to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/kansas-foster-care-provider-to-repay-9-4m-in-unused-tax-dollars/">repay $9.4 million</a>. The state also replaced Saint Francis as the contractor for the Wichita area, but continues to contract with Saint Francis in other parts of the state.

“For more than 80 years Saint Francis Ministries has provided healing and hope to children and families and that remains our focus,” said Denny Marlin, spokesman for Saint Francis. “We trust the judicial process and remain committed to serving the children and families who rely on our care.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705958001381.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Robert Smith, who led Saint Francis Ministries from 2014 to 2020, pleaded guilty Thursday to wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Robert Smith, who led Saint Francis Ministries from 2014 to 2020, pleaded guilty Thursday to wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith admitted in federal court Thursday that he used the organization’s credit card for personal expenses and authorized payments for a co-defendant’s fraudulent invoices.Then he pleaded guilty to a single charge of wire fraud for a $6,909.73 credit card payment.Smith led the foster care organization from 2014 to 2020, where the Episcopal priest was known as Father Bobby.&nbsp;Federal authorities gathered evidence that Smith and William&nbsp;Whymark, who provided IT services, engaged in a scheme to bilk the organization of more than $4.7 million through inflated invoices. Smith also used the organization’s credit card for family travels, fine clothes, meals at five-star restaurants and cash withdrawals.Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">first reported on the financial irregularities</a>&nbsp;shortly after Smith resigned in 2020.Whymark&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Whymark-plea.pdf">pleaded guilty on Nov. 18</a>&nbsp;to two charges of wire fraud totaling more than $2 million, admitting his role in the scheme. He has yet to be sentenced.The 54-year-old Smith faced 20 charges for crimes including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. By pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will remain free until sentencing, which is set for July 15.Danielle Thomas, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas, said&nbsp;“the discretion on whether to dismiss or proceed on the remaining charges remains.”U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse gripped and spun a baseball in his hands Thursday as Smith affirmed for the judge that he understood the charges against him, that he would lose the right to vote, hold office or own a gun, that he received adequate counsel from defense attorney Sarah Hess, and that the judge alone would determine the length of his prison term.“Does it remain your desire to plead guilty today?” Crouse asked.Smith answered: “Yes.”Prosecutor Sara Walton then presented evidence that would be brought against Smith if the case were to go to trial. The evidence included Smith’s approval of fraudulent invoices, as well as the personal credit card expenses that he failed to report or reimburse. The count to which Smith agreed to plead guilty was a credit card payment from March 3, 2018.Smith admitted for the record that the evidence was accurate. He sat stoically with hands folded on the defendant’s table as Crouse accepted the plea.Bishop Paula Clark of the Diocese of Chicago, where Smith was ordained, said in a statement that the church would respond to his guilty plea by initiating a disciplinary process.“I ask you to please pray for the Rev. Smith, his family, and all who are affected by this situation,” Clark said.Saint Francis, a faith-based nonprofit, was the state’s largest foster care contractor, serving 3,100 children and 600 homes, when Smith resigned in November 2020. The organization nearly became insolvent under Smith’s management, which included severely underbidding a foster care contract in Nebraska.Among other questionable purchases, Smith claimed he purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/22/former-ceo-of-foster-care-provider-defends-travel-charges-cubs-tickets/">$65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs tickets</a>&nbsp;so he could flip them for a profit on the secondary market. Nebraska’s governor at the time, Pete Ricketts, who is now a U.S. senator, is part-owner of the Cubs.Smith also invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in his wife’s plans to harvest a “miracle” food in El Salvador. An internal Saint Francis investigation later discovered a project manager in El Salvador had asked for a Visa card that could be used for cash bribes for government officials there.The Kansas Department for Children and Families, after conducting its own investigation, required Saint Francis to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/kansas-foster-care-provider-to-repay-9-4m-in-unused-tax-dollars/">repay $9.4 million</a>. The state also replaced Saint Francis as the contractor for the Wichita area, but continues to contract with Saint Francis in other parts of the state.“For more than 80 years Saint Francis Ministries has provided healing and hope to children and families and that remains our focus,” said Denny Marlin, spokesman for Saint Francis. “We trust the judicial process and remain committed to serving the children and families who rely on our care.”

Former Kansas foster care leader pleads guilty to wire fraud, admits personal charges

During the recent wildfires in southwest Kansas and Oklahoma, several firefighters sustained injuries, including two who were transported to the burn unit at St Francis for medical treatment.

On Thursday, Josh Griffin and the team at Wichita Fire Department 2B arranged for the son of one of the firefighters to visit his father through the window via the bucket, according to a social media report from the Kansas Firefighter's Museum.

This was undoubtedly an incredible moment. Well done, gentlemen. Furthermore, we are thrilled to report that both firefighters are recovering exceptionally well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771585782994.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas FIrefighter's Museum" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas FIrefighter's Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>During the recent wildfires in southwest Kansas and Oklahoma, several firefighters sustained injuries, including two who were transported to the burn unit at St Francis for medical treatment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771585726945.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas FIrefighter's Museum" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas FIrefighter's Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, Josh Griffin and the team at Wichita Fire Department 2B arranged for the son of one of the firefighters to visit his father through the window via the bucket, according to a social media report from the Kansas Firefighter's Museum.This was undoubtedly an incredible moment. Well done, gentlemen. Furthermore, we are thrilled to report that both firefighters are recovering exceptionally well.

Fire truck lifts boy to see his father who was injured fighting wildfire

JACKSON COUNTY, MO.—Law enforcement are investigating a fatal dog attack in the Kansas City suburb of Independence.

Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a home&nbsp; near E. Bundschu Road and N. Jones Road, according to a media release.

A dog was attacking the victim when officers arrived at the home. Because the dog was so aggressive and the victim's injuries were so severe, one officer shot the dog.

The dog then became aggressive toward the officers, and the officers shot the dog a second time and killed it.

Officers provided emergency treatment to the victim, later identified as 41-year-old&nbsp;Tyler Brennan, until an ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital.&nbsp; Medical staff pronounced Brennan deceased. There were no other injuries.

JACKSON COUNTY, MO.—Law enforcement are investigating a fatal dog attack in the Kansas City suburb of Independence.Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a home&nbsp; near E. Bundschu Road and N. Jones Road, according to a media release.A dog was attacking the victim when officers arrived at the home. Because the dog was so aggressive and the victim's injuries were so severe, one officer shot the dog.The dog then became aggressive toward the officers, and the officers shot the dog a second time and killed it.Officers provided emergency treatment to the victim, later identified as 41-year-old&nbsp;Tyler Brennan, until an ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital.&nbsp; Medical staff pronounced Brennan deceased. There were no other injuries.

KC area man dies from injuries in dog attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he’s directing the Pentagon and other government agencies to identify and release files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs because of “tremendous interest.”

Trump made the announcement in a social media post hours after he accused former President Barack Obama of disclosing “classified information” when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/obama-aliens-podcast-area-51-a23f03ebb1b4c3009415b20bec3df26b">Obama recently suggested in a podcast interview</a>&nbsp;that aliens were real.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “I don’t know if they’re real or not,” and said of Obama, “I may get him out of trouble by declassifying.”

In a post on his social media platform Thursday night, Trump said he was directing government agencies to release files related “to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters.”

Obama, who made his comments in a podcast appearance over the weekend, later clarified that he had not seen evidence that aliens “have made contact with us,” but said, “statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771554285454.png" alt="President Trump during a rally in Georgia- White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during a rally in Georgia- White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he’s directing the Pentagon and other government agencies to identify and release files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs because of “tremendous interest.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨👽 <a href="https://t.co/YvlvECEuIK">pic.twitter.com/YvlvECEuIK</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2024653706273112379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/pdoocy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pdoocy</a>: &quot;Obama said that aliens are real. Have you seen any evidence of non-human visitors to Earth?&quot; President Trump: &quot;He gave classified information. He&#39;s not supposed to be doing that.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4zUHOdT5dS">pic.twitter.com/4zUHOdT5dS</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2024578635097571670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump made the announcement in a social media post hours after he accused former President Barack Obama of disclosing “classified information” when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/obama-aliens-podcast-area-51-a23f03ebb1b4c3009415b20bec3df26b">Obama recently suggested in a podcast interview</a>&nbsp;that aliens were real.Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “I don’t know if they’re real or not,” and said of Obama, “I may get him out of trouble by declassifying.”In a post on his social media platform Thursday night, Trump said he was directing government agencies to release files related “to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters.”Obama, who made his comments in a podcast appearance over the weekend, later clarified that he had not seen evidence that aliens “have made contact with us,” but said, “statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there.”

Trump orders Pentagon to release files related to UFOs and aliens

By Dewey Terrill JC Post / Little Apple Post

Firefighters responded to a blaze at 1810 Caroline Ave. Building "O" in Junction City Thursday afternoon. There were no any injuries. Residents of 17 apartments were displaced.

The cause of the blaze is still undetermined. Fire Chief Jason Lankas reported that about one-quarter of the building was destroyed. A damage estimate has not yet been determined. Investigators from the State Fire Marshall's Office and Junction City Fire Department were brought in to work on the case.

Junction City and Geary County firefighters responded along with a ladder truck from Fort Riley. The military and Red Cross responded to the scene to help those who were displaced. Most of those people were members of the military and everyone has been taken care of.&nbsp; The fire call came in at 2:04 p.m.

This is the fourth building fire at the Bluffs since the complex opened many years ago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771550654784.jpeg" alt="Photo - Junction City Fire Department&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo - Junction City Fire Department&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey Terrill JC Post / Little Apple PostFirefighters responded to a blaze at 1810 Caroline Ave. Building "O" in Junction City Thursday afternoon. There were no any injuries. Residents of 17 apartments were displaced.The cause of the blaze is still undetermined. Fire Chief Jason Lankas reported that about one-quarter of the building was destroyed. A damage estimate has not yet been determined. Investigators from the State Fire Marshall's Office and Junction City Fire Department were brought in to work on the case.Junction City and Geary County firefighters responded along with a ladder truck from Fort Riley. The military and Red Cross responded to the scene to help those who were displaced. Most of those people were members of the military and everyone has been taken care of.&nbsp; The fire call came in at 2:04 p.m.This is the fourth building fire at the Bluffs since the complex opened many years ago.

Residents of 17 apartments displaced after Kansas fire

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations anfter

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;responded to the 600 block of N 10th Street in Salina for subject refusing to leave property in the area, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

 Officers located a subject identified as 38-year-old, Raymond Lawrence of Salina. He was under the influence of an unknown substance and was acting erratically, according to Feldman.

 Officers learned that Lawrence attempted to confront a person, he did not know, in the area wanting to fight. No fight occurred and when Lawrence went towards the person he tripped and fell on his own hitting his head on the ground. 

As officers were speaking with Lawrence he spit on an officer and yelled he was going to kill the officer. Officers placed Lawrence under arrest. As Lawrence was being walked to a vehicle, he kicked an officer. 

Medics were called to check on Lawrence’s injuries and transport him to the hospital. In the ambulance, Lawrence again spit on an officer. While at the hospital, Lawrence attempted to kick hospital personnel and also threatened to kill hospital personnel. 

 Once Lawrence was cleared by the hospital he was transported to the Saline County Jail where he continued to be combative towards officers and jail personnel and threatened to kill jail personnel. 

Lawrence was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges that include 3 counts of Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Threat, and Disorderly Conduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771509831590.png" alt="Lawrence photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Lawrence photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations anfterJust before 8p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;responded to the 600 block of N 10th Street in Salina for subject refusing to leave property in the area, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. Officers located a subject identified as 38-year-old, Raymond Lawrence of Salina. He was under the influence of an unknown substance and was acting erratically, according to Feldman. Officers learned that Lawrence attempted to confront a person, he did not know, in the area wanting to fight. No fight occurred and when Lawrence went towards the person he tripped and fell on his own hitting his head on the ground. As officers were speaking with Lawrence he spit on an officer and yelled he was going to kill the officer. Officers placed Lawrence under arrest. As Lawrence was being walked to a vehicle, he kicked an officer. Medics were called to check on Lawrence’s injuries and transport him to the hospital. In the ambulance, Lawrence again spit on an officer. While at the hospital, Lawrence attempted to kick hospital personnel and also threatened to kill hospital personnel. Once Lawrence was cleared by the hospital he was transported to the Saline County Jail where he continued to be combative towards officers and jail personnel and threatened to kill jail personnel. Lawrence was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges that include 3 counts of Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Threat, and Disorderly Conduct.

Police: Kansas man threatened to kill officers, hospital staff

MILAN (AP) — On a night of American comebacks at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Games</a>, Alysa Liu delivered the U.S. its first women’s figure skating Olympic gold medal in 24 years.

The 20-year-old Liu performed a near-flawless free skate Thursday to upstage Japanese rivals Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai. She finished with a career-best 226.79 points. Nakai and Sakamoto each made a mistake on a combination sequence.

Liu had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-usa-328f4469f6ea79776df47c27afac710a">walked away from the sport</a>&nbsp;after the 2022 Beijing Games only to launch a remarkable comeback.

It was the first individual gold medal for an American woman figure skater since 2002, when Sarah Hughes won in Salt Lake City, and it was the second gold for Liu at these Games. She helped the Americans win team gold.

Sakamoto scored 224.90 points to earn a silver. Nakai finished third with 219.16 points.

Liu was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-women-us-0870a87177fc4cb07e2a0474fa708fa0">third after the short program</a>&nbsp;two nights earlier, though within range of gold.

US beats Canada in OT for women's hockey gold

The U.S. women's hockey team delivered an Olympic comeback for the ages by beating Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal.

With her team trailing 1-0, American captain Hilary Knight forced overtime by tipping in Laila Edwards’ shot with 2:04 remaining in regulation.

Megan Keller then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">scored 4:07 into overtime</a>&nbsp;to hand the U.S. its third Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey.

It was the seventh time the two powerhouses faced off for Olympic gold since women’s hockey debuted at the 1998 Nagano Games. In the 2022 Beijing final,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-womens-hockey-canada-gold-d3850710a59523b92693ba57c0111160">Canada beat the Americans</a>&nbsp;in the final.

With the sides playing 3-on-3 in overtime, Keller broke up the left wing and pushed past Claire Thompson. Driving to the net, Keller got off a backhander that beat Ann-Renee Desbiens.

Kristin O’Neill scored a short-handed goal for Canada in the second period.

Earlier Thursday, Alina Muller scored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/switzerland-sweden-womens-hockey-olympic-bronze-cf85aec375145aa20294037d1094cd56">the bronze medal-winning goal in overtime</a>&nbsp;in Switzerland’s 2-1 victory over Sweden. It came 12 years after Muller&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alina-muller-switzerland-womens-hockey-6019a6844f1a9f72e60049f01ef45270">scored the clinching goal</a>&nbsp;to deliver the Swiss their first Olympic medal in women’s hockey — a bronze at the 2014 Sochi Games.

U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz’s late push wasn’t enough.

The American star settled for silver in the 1,500 meters, missing a chance to secure a third gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games.

China’s Ning Zhongyan won Thursday’s race in an Olympic-record time of 1 minute, 41.98 seconds. The 21-year-old Stolz, who won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-stolz-olympics-speedskating-339ceb92acbc3450ca973e0fa277403f">gold medals in the 500 and 1,000</a>&nbsp;at these Games, crossed 0.77 seconds later.

As Stolz glided by, hands on his knees, Ning raised his country’s flag aloft with both hands and started a victory lap.

Stolz, a Wisconsin native, will participate in the mass start on Saturday.

Dutch skater Kjeld Nuis, who won the 1,500 at the past two Olympics, took bronze.

Eileen Gu advances to halfpipe final despite fall

Defending Olympic champion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/eileen-gu">Eileen Gu</a>&nbsp;shook off a fall during her opening run to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eileen-gu-halfpipe-freeski-winter-olympics-f5ee0364425f639c22b2502a3850706e">advance to Saturday's final</a>&nbsp;in freeski halfpipe. The 22-year-old Gu was born in the United States and competes for China.

She clipped the lip of the halfpipe on the third trick of her first run, knocking her left ski off and sending her skittering to the bottom of the course.

That set up a pressure-packed second attempt that run earned 86.50 points, good enough to place fifth among the 12 skiers who advanced to the final.

US and Canada reach women’s curling semifinals

The United States and Canada&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/curling-milan-cortina-olympics-canada-switzerland-sweden-414e619b93b4bad79e3a45a5f1af31d2">advanced to the women’s curling semifinals</a>.

The Americans, skipped by Tabitha Peterson, beat Switzerland 7-6 in a match that went to an extra end. The teams will square off again in Friday’s semifinals.

Peterson threw the decisive rock and her teammates swept it into position, just a hair closer to the button than the Swiss’ nearest stone.

Canada beat South Korea 10-7 and will play Sweden on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771551838494.jpeg" alt="Gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States celebrates her medal after competing in the women's free skate program in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)" />
 <figcaption>Gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States celebrates her medal after competing in the women's free skate program in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)</figcaption>
 </figure>MILAN (AP) — On a night of American comebacks at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Games</a>, Alysa Liu delivered the U.S. its first women’s figure skating Olympic gold medal in 24 years.The 20-year-old Liu performed a near-flawless free skate Thursday to upstage Japanese rivals Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai. She finished with a career-best 226.79 points. Nakai and Sakamoto each made a mistake on a combination sequence.Liu had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-usa-328f4469f6ea79776df47c27afac710a">walked away from the sport</a>&nbsp;after the 2022 Beijing Games only to launch a remarkable comeback.It was the first individual gold medal for an American woman figure skater since 2002, when Sarah Hughes won in Salt Lake City, and it was the second gold for Liu at these Games. She helped the Americans win team gold.Sakamoto scored 224.90 points to earn a silver. Nakai finished third with 219.16 points.Liu was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-women-us-0870a87177fc4cb07e2a0474fa708fa0">third after the short program</a>&nbsp;two nights earlier, though within range of gold.<h2>US beats Canada in OT for women's hockey gold</h2>The U.S. women's hockey team delivered an Olympic comeback for the ages by beating Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal.With her team trailing 1-0, American captain Hilary Knight forced overtime by tipping in Laila Edwards’ shot with 2:04 remaining in regulation.Megan Keller then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">scored 4:07 into overtime</a>&nbsp;to hand the U.S. its third Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey.It was the seventh time the two powerhouses faced off for Olympic gold since women’s hockey debuted at the 1998 Nagano Games. In the 2022 Beijing final,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-womens-hockey-canada-gold-d3850710a59523b92693ba57c0111160">Canada beat the Americans</a>&nbsp;in the final.With the sides playing 3-on-3 in overtime, Keller broke up the left wing and pushed past Claire Thompson. Driving to the net, Keller got off a backhander that beat Ann-Renee Desbiens.Kristin O’Neill scored a short-handed goal for Canada in the second period.Earlier Thursday, Alina Muller scored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/switzerland-sweden-womens-hockey-olympic-bronze-cf85aec375145aa20294037d1094cd56">the bronze medal-winning goal in overtime</a>&nbsp;in Switzerland’s 2-1 victory over Sweden. It came 12 years after Muller&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alina-muller-switzerland-womens-hockey-6019a6844f1a9f72e60049f01ef45270">scored the clinching goal</a>&nbsp;to deliver the Swiss their first Olympic medal in women’s hockey — a bronze at the 2014 Sochi Games.<h2>Jordan Stolz stunned in 1,500 meters</h2>U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz’s late push wasn’t enough.The American star settled for silver in the 1,500 meters, missing a chance to secure a third gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games.China’s Ning Zhongyan won Thursday’s race in an Olympic-record time of 1 minute, 41.98 seconds. The 21-year-old Stolz, who won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-stolz-olympics-speedskating-339ceb92acbc3450ca973e0fa277403f">gold medals in the 500 and 1,000</a>&nbsp;at these Games, crossed 0.77 seconds later.As Stolz glided by, hands on his knees, Ning raised his country’s flag aloft with both hands and started a victory lap.Stolz, a Wisconsin native, will participate in the mass start on Saturday.Dutch skater Kjeld Nuis, who won the 1,500 at the past two Olympics, took bronze.<h2>Eileen Gu advances to halfpipe final despite fall</h2>Defending Olympic champion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/eileen-gu">Eileen Gu</a>&nbsp;shook off a fall during her opening run to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eileen-gu-halfpipe-freeski-winter-olympics-f5ee0364425f639c22b2502a3850706e">advance to Saturday's final</a>&nbsp;in freeski halfpipe. The 22-year-old Gu was born in the United States and competes for China.She clipped the lip of the halfpipe on the third trick of her first run, knocking her left ski off and sending her skittering to the bottom of the course.That set up a pressure-packed second attempt that run earned 86.50 points, good enough to place fifth among the 12 skiers who advanced to the final.<h2>US and Canada reach women’s curling semifinals</h2>The United States and Canada&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/curling-milan-cortina-olympics-canada-switzerland-sweden-414e619b93b4bad79e3a45a5f1af31d2">advanced to the women’s curling semifinals</a>.The Americans, skipped by Tabitha Peterson, beat Switzerland 7-6 in a match that went to an extra end. The teams will square off again in Friday’s semifinals.Peterson threw the decisive rock and her teammates swept it into position, just a hair closer to the button than the Swiss’ nearest stone.Canada beat South Korea 10-7 and will play Sweden on Friday.___

U.S. wins first women’s figure skating Olympic gold medal in 24 years.

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.– Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop. 

Jusst before 9:30 p.m. February 17,, a Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze on U.S. Highway 75 near 134th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the traffic stop, deputies discovered illegal contraband.  The driver, Jason Green, 49, of Warsaw, Missouri, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container, driving while license suspended, improper driving on laned roadway, and failure to provide vehicle insurance. 

The passenger Shannen Leeviy Price, 45, of Warsaw, Missouri, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container and criminal use of weapons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771448573068.png" alt="Green-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Green-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.– Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop. Jusst before 9:30 p.m. February 17,, a Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze on U.S. Highway 75 near 134th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771448533168.png" alt="Price-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Price-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>During the traffic stop, deputies discovered illegal contraband. The driver, Jason Green, 49, of Warsaw, Missouri, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container, driving while license suspended, improper driving on laned roadway, and failure to provide vehicle insurance. The passenger Shannen Leeviy Price, 45, of Warsaw, Missouri, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container and criminal use of weapons.

2 Missouri men caught transporting drugs in Kansas

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/meg-kinnard">MEG KINNARD</a> Associated Press

The Federal Communications Commission is investigating ABC’s “The View” over possible violations of the requirement that broadcast stations give&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-james-talarico-equal-time-6cd29992ae2170ab6d10c3ddca92ec98">equal time</a>&nbsp;to political candidates when they appear on-air, according to the head of the agency that oversees U.S. broadcast airwaves.

“The FCC has an enforcement action underway on that,” Chairman Brendan Carr told reporters after an agency meeting Wednesday, in response to a question about whether there were an investigation into the daytime series over potential violations of the “equal time” rule. “And we’re taking a look at it.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-talarico-cornyn-paxton-us-senate-texas-1826fe4d6aa162f0bdb8059c58987aa9">James Talarico</a>, a Democratic candidate for the Senate in Texas, appeared on “The View” on Feb. 2. U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-senate-race-colin-allred-jasmine-crockett-5849d3ca44a733ce016300070788eec3">Jasmine Crockett</a>, who is running against Talarico for the nomination, has also been on the show.

The Trump administration has taken steps to clamp down on talk shows, which the FCC has suggested may be “motivated by partisan purposes.” Earlier in the week, late-night host Stephen Colbert said CBS executives had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-james-talarico-donald-trump-fcc-806845facffd3ab3e30142971be16add">pulled an appearance</a>&nbsp;by Talarico on his program over fears it ran afoul of equal time provisions.

The FCC issued&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-68A1.pdf" target="_blank">new guidance</a>&nbsp;in January to late-night and daytime hosts that they needed to give political candidates equal time. There are exceptions to the rule, including for newscasts, “bona fide” interview programs, and coverage of live events or documentaries. Carr has raised questions about the talk show exemption and whether it should stand.

“The FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption,” according to the agency’s public notice last month.

Carr, a Trump appointee, suggested last year that investigating “The View,” whose hosts have frequently been critical of the Republican president, might be “worthwhile.”

The FCC has not responded to a message seeking comment on “The View” or Colbert’s show.

On Wednesday, Carr said watching the fallout from Colbert’s characterization of what happened with Talarico “was probably one of the most fun days I’ve had in the job,” adding that the candidate “took advantage” of media attention ”apparently for the purpose of raising money and getting clicks.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-james-talarico-equal-time-6cd29992ae2170ab6d10c3ddca92ec98">equal time provision applies</a>&nbsp;only to broadcast, not streaming or internet programs. Colbert later posted the Talarico interview to YouTube, where it’s been viewed more than 7.5 million times — several times what the comic’s CBS program draws each night.

Talarico reported that he had raised $2.5 million in campaign donations in the 24 hours after the Colbert interview.

A spokesperson for “The View” on Thursday declined to comment on Carr’s statement.

CBS says Colbert was provided “legal guidance” that broadcasting the interview with Talarico could trigger the equal time rule. Colbert&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colbert-talarico-cbs-trump-fcc-014a0531715f098fbcd7902476a22590">said on his show Tuesday night</a>&nbsp;that while Carr said in January he was thinking about getting rid of the exemption for late-night talk shows, “CBS generously did it for him.”

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/meg-kinnard">MEG KINNARD</a> Associated PressThe Federal Communications Commission is investigating ABC’s “The View” over possible violations of the requirement that broadcast stations give&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-james-talarico-equal-time-6cd29992ae2170ab6d10c3ddca92ec98">equal time</a>&nbsp;to political candidates when they appear on-air, according to the head of the agency that oversees U.S. broadcast airwaves.“The FCC has an enforcement action underway on that,” Chairman Brendan Carr told reporters after an agency meeting Wednesday, in response to a question about whether there were an investigation into the daytime series over potential violations of the “equal time” rule. “And we’re taking a look at it.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-talarico-cornyn-paxton-us-senate-texas-1826fe4d6aa162f0bdb8059c58987aa9">James Talarico</a>, a Democratic candidate for the Senate in Texas, appeared on “The View” on Feb. 2. U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-senate-race-colin-allred-jasmine-crockett-5849d3ca44a733ce016300070788eec3">Jasmine Crockett</a>, who is running against Talarico for the nomination, has also been on the show.The Trump administration has taken steps to clamp down on talk shows, which the FCC has suggested may be “motivated by partisan purposes.” Earlier in the week, late-night host Stephen Colbert said CBS executives had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-james-talarico-donald-trump-fcc-806845facffd3ab3e30142971be16add">pulled an appearance</a>&nbsp;by Talarico on his program over fears it ran afoul of equal time provisions.The FCC issued&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-68A1.pdf" target="_blank">new guidance</a>&nbsp;in January to late-night and daytime hosts that they needed to give political candidates equal time. There are exceptions to the rule, including for newscasts, “bona fide” interview programs, and coverage of live events or documentaries. Carr has raised questions about the talk show exemption and whether it should stand.“The FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption,” according to the agency’s public notice last month.Carr, a Trump appointee, suggested last year that investigating “The View,” whose hosts have frequently been critical of the Republican president, might be “worthwhile.”The FCC has not responded to a message seeking comment on “The View” or Colbert’s show.On Wednesday, Carr said watching the fallout from Colbert’s characterization of what happened with Talarico “was probably one of the most fun days I’ve had in the job,” adding that the candidate “took advantage” of media attention ”apparently for the purpose of raising money and getting clicks.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-james-talarico-equal-time-6cd29992ae2170ab6d10c3ddca92ec98">equal time provision applies</a>&nbsp;only to broadcast, not streaming or internet programs. Colbert later posted the Talarico interview to YouTube, where it’s been viewed more than 7.5 million times — several times what the comic’s CBS program draws each night.Talarico reported that he had raised $2.5 million in campaign donations in the 24 hours after the Colbert interview.A spokesperson for “The View” on Thursday declined to comment on Carr’s statement.CBS says Colbert was provided “legal guidance” that broadcasting the interview with Talarico could trigger the equal time rule. Colbert&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colbert-talarico-cbs-trump-fcc-014a0531715f098fbcd7902476a22590">said on his show Tuesday night</a>&nbsp;that while Carr said in January he was thinking about getting rid of the exemption for late-night talk shows, “CBS generously did it for him.”___

FCC chair: Agency investigating ABC's 'The View' over equal time rule

BEAVER COUNTY —On Tuesday, troopers in Troop I of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to an overturned Rosston fire truck during the Ranger Road wildfire between Rosston and Englewood, Kansas, according to a statement from the patrol.. 

Three firefighters were on board. Two were riding on the back of the truck as they navigated a smoke-filled pasture with extremely limited visibility.

The driver, unable to see through the dense smoke, drove into a burning canyon. The truck overturned, trapping the driver and ejecting the two firefighters who were riding on the rear.

After noticing a missing fire truck, fellow first responders searched for the fireman as every second counted. Once located, all three men were rescued from the burning canyon and transported by ambulance to a hospital. Each sustained serious injuries. The trapped driver suffered second-degree burns to his upper body.

"We are grateful for the fellow first responders who, like these brave Rosston firefighters, came from across the state to assist Oklahomans as this massive wildfire spread. They pushed flames back from homes, evacuated residents, and moved livestock for people they may never meet." the OHP wrote.

"Please keep these three firefighters in your thoughts as they recover, along with the men and women who continue responding to the ongoing wildfire threat."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771519113307.png" alt="-283,000 acres up in flames in 24 hours-image State Fire Marshal of Kansas" />
 <figcaption>-283,000 acres up in flames in 24 hours-image State Fire Marshal of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>BEAVER COUNTY —On Tuesday, troopers in Troop I of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to an overturned Rosston fire truck during the Ranger Road wildfire between Rosston and Englewood, Kansas, according to a statement from the patrol.. Three firefighters were on board. Two were riding on the back of the truck as they navigated a smoke-filled pasture with extremely limited visibility.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771533718848.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, unable to see through the dense smoke, drove into a burning canyon. The truck overturned, trapping the driver and ejecting the two firefighters who were riding on the rear.After noticing a missing fire truck, fellow first responders searched for the fireman as every second counted. Once located, all three men were rescued from the burning canyon and transported by ambulance to a hospital. Each sustained serious injuries. The trapped driver suffered second-degree burns to his upper body.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771519060774.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We are grateful for the fellow first responders who, like these brave Rosston firefighters, came from across the state to assist Oklahomans as this massive wildfire spread. They pushed flames back from homes, evacuated residents, and moved livestock for people they may never meet." the OHP wrote."Please keep these three firefighters in your thoughts as they recover, along with the men and women who continue responding to the ongoing wildfire threat."

Injured firefighters rescued after crash in burning canyon

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks fell Thursday, while oil prices rose with worries about a potential conflict&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-russia-drill-nuclear-talks-aircraft-carrier-0456903e0d7a24cfcdc33d53732dee2f">between the United States and Iran</a>.

The S&amp;P 500 slipped 0.3% for its first loss in four days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 267 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.3%.

Booking Holdings dropped 6.1% for one of the market’s sharper losses, even though the company behind the Booking.com, Priceline and OpenTable brands reported a profit for the latest quarter that edged past analysts’ expectations.

Its stock has been under pressure because of worries that competitors powered by artificial-intelligence technology could upend its industry and take away customers. Booking’s stock has lost roughly a quarter of its value so far this year already.

Such&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-fed-jobs-profit-45f8d8df807d4b7ed9127afc4b5809c9">worries have been rolling through Wall Street</a>, hitting industries as far flung as software and legal services and trucking logistics. Investors have been punishing stocks of companies seen as under threat by AI so suddenly and aggressively that analysts have likened it to a “shoot first-ask questions later” mentality.

The doubts are hurting not just companies seen as potential victims of AI but also the private-credit companies that have lent them money. Blue Owl Capital fell 5.9% to bring its loss for the year so far to 22.5%, for example. Apollo Global Management dropped 5.2%, and Ares Management sank 3.1%.

Carvana sank 7.9% even though the retailer reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Investors may have been paying more attention to how much profit the auto retailer made per vehicle sold, which was lower than expected.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-fourth-quarter-earnings-economy-c0381d22cb2182a0f5a1242cbb12a9ca">Walmart</a>, meanwhile, pushed and pulled on the market after jumping to an early gain of 2.7% and then flipping to a loss. The retail giant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-fourth-quarter-earnings-economy-c0381d22cb2182a0f5a1242cbb12a9ca">delivered stronger results</a>&nbsp;for the latest quarter than analysts expected, but it gave a profit forecast for the upcoming year that fell short of estimates. It finished the day with a loss of 1.4%.

Helping to limit the market’s losses was Deere, which jumped 11.6% after the machinery maker reported a higher profit than analysts expected. CEO John May said it’s seeing a continued recovery in demand from construction and smaller agricultural customers, though its global, large agricultural customers are still feeling pressure.

Some of the bigger gains in the S&amp;P 500 came from stocks of oil companies, which climbed with the price of crude. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 1.9% to $66.43, while Brent added 1.9% to $71.66 per barrel.

Oil prices rose with worries about a possible military confrontation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-russia-drill-nuclear-talks-aircraft-carrier-0456903e0d7a24cfcdc33d53732dee2f">between the United States and Iran</a>. President Donald Trump has been raising the pressure on Iran, which is home to some of the world’s largest oil reserves, because of its disputed nuclear program. If a conflict were to break out, it could constrict the global flow of oil.

Occidental Petroleum jumped 9.4% after it also reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 19.42 points to 6,861.89. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 267.50 to 49,395.16, and the Nasdaq composite lost 70.91 to 22,682.73.

In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-77f64caa00f49af45d52e7e909cd4f79">number of U.S. workers applying for unemployment benefits eased</a>&nbsp;last week. That could be a signal that the pace of layoffs is slowing.

A solid job market, in turn, could keep the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-powell-inflation-c13913c9e007981f075fb3b22d4a4cec">Federal Reserve on hold</a>&nbsp;for longer before it resumes its cuts to interest rates. Fed officials said at their last meeting that they want to see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jobs-fed-trump-d7aabc066d5a3a330022963289abc0c0">inflation fall further</a>&nbsp;before they would support cutting rates further this year.

If oil prices keep rising, that would push upward on inflation.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.07% from 4.09% late Wednesday.

Other U.S. economic reports said that growth for manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region is accelerating, but potential homebuyers across the country didn’t sign as many contracts in January to purchase. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trade-deficit-tariffs-china-9eb6bd10ff635d63e46ee99d34ce1d05">U.S. trade deficit</a>&nbsp;also widened in December by more than economists expected.

In stock markets abroad, indexes fell in Europe following better performances in Asia.

South Korea’s Kospi jumped 3.1% as trading resumed following a Lunar New Year holiday. Markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai remained closed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Image Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks fell Thursday, while oil prices rose with worries about a potential conflict&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-russia-drill-nuclear-talks-aircraft-carrier-0456903e0d7a24cfcdc33d53732dee2f">between the United States and Iran</a>.The S&amp;P 500 slipped 0.3% for its first loss in four days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 267 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.3%.Booking Holdings dropped 6.1% for one of the market’s sharper losses, even though the company behind the Booking.com, Priceline and OpenTable brands reported a profit for the latest quarter that edged past analysts’ expectations.Its stock has been under pressure because of worries that competitors powered by artificial-intelligence technology could upend its industry and take away customers. Booking’s stock has lost roughly a quarter of its value so far this year already.Such&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-fed-jobs-profit-45f8d8df807d4b7ed9127afc4b5809c9">worries have been rolling through Wall Street</a>, hitting industries as far flung as software and legal services and trucking logistics. Investors have been punishing stocks of companies seen as under threat by AI so suddenly and aggressively that analysts have likened it to a “shoot first-ask questions later” mentality.The doubts are hurting not just companies seen as potential victims of AI but also the private-credit companies that have lent them money. Blue Owl Capital fell 5.9% to bring its loss for the year so far to 22.5%, for example. Apollo Global Management dropped 5.2%, and Ares Management sank 3.1%.Carvana sank 7.9% even though the retailer reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Investors may have been paying more attention to how much profit the auto retailer made per vehicle sold, which was lower than expected.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-fourth-quarter-earnings-economy-c0381d22cb2182a0f5a1242cbb12a9ca">Walmart</a>, meanwhile, pushed and pulled on the market after jumping to an early gain of 2.7% and then flipping to a loss. The retail giant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-fourth-quarter-earnings-economy-c0381d22cb2182a0f5a1242cbb12a9ca">delivered stronger results</a>&nbsp;for the latest quarter than analysts expected, but it gave a profit forecast for the upcoming year that fell short of estimates. It finished the day with a loss of 1.4%.Helping to limit the market’s losses was Deere, which jumped 11.6% after the machinery maker reported a higher profit than analysts expected. CEO John May said it’s seeing a continued recovery in demand from construction and smaller agricultural customers, though its global, large agricultural customers are still feeling pressure.Some of the bigger gains in the S&amp;P 500 came from stocks of oil companies, which climbed with the price of crude. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 1.9% to $66.43, while Brent added 1.9% to $71.66 per barrel.Oil prices rose with worries about a possible military confrontation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-russia-drill-nuclear-talks-aircraft-carrier-0456903e0d7a24cfcdc33d53732dee2f">between the United States and Iran</a>. President Donald Trump has been raising the pressure on Iran, which is home to some of the world’s largest oil reserves, because of its disputed nuclear program. If a conflict were to break out, it could constrict the global flow of oil.Occidental Petroleum jumped 9.4% after it also reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 19.42 points to 6,861.89. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 267.50 to 49,395.16, and the Nasdaq composite lost 70.91 to 22,682.73.In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-77f64caa00f49af45d52e7e909cd4f79">number of U.S. workers applying for unemployment benefits eased</a>&nbsp;last week. That could be a signal that the pace of layoffs is slowing.A solid job market, in turn, could keep the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-powell-inflation-c13913c9e007981f075fb3b22d4a4cec">Federal Reserve on hold</a>&nbsp;for longer before it resumes its cuts to interest rates. Fed officials said at their last meeting that they want to see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jobs-fed-trump-d7aabc066d5a3a330022963289abc0c0">inflation fall further</a>&nbsp;before they would support cutting rates further this year.If oil prices keep rising, that would push upward on inflation.The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.07% from 4.09% late Wednesday.Other U.S. economic reports said that growth for manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region is accelerating, but potential homebuyers across the country didn’t sign as many contracts in January to purchase. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trade-deficit-tariffs-china-9eb6bd10ff635d63e46ee99d34ce1d05">U.S. trade deficit</a>&nbsp;also widened in December by more than economists expected.In stock markets abroad, indexes fell in Europe following better performances in Asia.South Korea’s Kospi jumped 3.1% as trading resumed following a Lunar New Year holiday. Markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai remained closed.___

Oil prices climb on mounting US-Iran tensions

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a panel made up of President Donald Trump's appointees, on Thursday approved his proposal to build a ballroom larger than the White House itself where the East Wing once stood.

The seven-member panel is one of two federal agencies that must approve Trump's plans for the ballroom. The National Capital Planning Commission, which has jurisdiction over construction and major renovation to government buildings in the region, is also reviewing the project.

Members of the fine arts commission originally had been scheduled to discuss and vote on the design after a follow-up presentation by the architect, and had planned to vote on final approval at next month's meeting. But after the 6-0 vote on the design, the panel's chairman, Rodney Mims Cook Jr., unexpectedly made another motion to vote on final approval.

Six of the seven commissioners — all appointed by the Republican president in January — voted once more in favor. Commissioner James McCrery did not participate in the discussion or the votes because he was the initial architect on the project before Trump replaced him.

The ballroom will be built on the site of the former East Wing, which Trump had demolished in October with little public notice. That drew an outcry from lawmakers, historians and preservationists who argued that the president should not have taken that step until the two federal agencies and Congress had reviewed and approved the project, and the public had a chance to provide comment.

The 90,000-square-foot ballroom would be nearly twice the size of the White House, which is 55,000-square-feet, and would accommodate about 1,000 people, Trump has said. The East Room, currently the largest room in the White House, can fit just over 200 people at most.

Commissioners offered mostly complimentary comments before the votes.

Cook echoed one of Trump's main arguments for adding a larger entertaining space to the White House: It would end the long-standing practice of erecting temporary structures on the South Lawn that Trump describes as tents to host visiting dignitaries for state dinners and other functions.

“Our sitting president has actually designed a very beautiful structure,” Cook said. “The United States just should not be entertaining the world in tents.”

The panel received mainly negative comments from the public

Members of the public were asked to submit written comment by a Wednesday afternoon deadline. Thomas Leubke, the panel’s secretary, said “over 99%” of the more than 2,000 messages it received in the past week from around the country were in opposition to the project.

Leubke tried to summarize the comments for the commissioners.

Some comments cited concerns about Trump’s decision to unilaterally tear down the East Wing, as well as the lack of transparency about who is paying for the ballroom or how contracts were awarded, Leubke said. Comments in support referenced concerns for the image of the United States on the world stage and the need for a larger entertaining space at the White House.

Trump has defended the ballroom in a recent series of social media posts that included drawings of the building. He said in one January post that most of the material needed to build it had been ordered “and there is no practical or reasonable way to go back. IT IS TOO LATE!”

The commission met Thursday over Zoom and heard from Shalom Baranes, the lead architect, and Rick Parisi, the landscape architect. Both described a series of images and sketches of the ballroom and the grounds as they would appear after the project is completed.

Trump has said the ballroom would cost about $400 million and be paid for with private donations. To date, the White House has only released an incomplete list of donors.

A lawsuit against the project is still pending

The National Trust for Historic Preservation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-sued-preservationists-76dc3bbea28257e79f8becd487d2c4d7">has sued</a>&nbsp;in federal court to halt construction. A ruling in the case is pending.

In comments it submitted to the commission, the privately funded group recommended that the size of the ballroom be reduced to “accommodate and respect the primary historic importance of the original Executive Residence.”

At&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-48c6630d2e81adad1793e25f8e447117">the commission's January meeting</a>, some commissioners had questioned Baranes, Trump's architect, about the “immense” design and scale of the project even as they broadly endorsed Trump's vision. On Thursday, Baranes described changes he has since made to the design, and the commissioners said they welcomed the adjustments.

The ballroom project is scheduled for additional discussion at a March 5 meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission, which is led by a top White House aide. This panel heard an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-commission-review-3dd5e3c1b2475d1f39843b9193572576">initial presentation about the project</a>&nbsp;in January.

This story has been corrected to reflect that the ballroom was approved by six of the seven commissioners and that one commission did not vote because he was the initial architect on the project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771522704150.png" alt="Image White House" />
 <figcaption>Image White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a panel made up of President Donald Trump's appointees, on Thursday approved his proposal to build a ballroom larger than the White House itself where the East Wing once stood.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“Will be the Greatest Ballroom ever built, now rising at the site of the White House — Fully paid for by American Patriot Donors. ZERO cost to our United States Taxpayers!” - President Donald J. Trump <a href="https://t.co/DXxsO1fOpx">pic.twitter.com/DXxsO1fOpx</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2024234457243238795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The seven-member panel is one of two federal agencies that must approve Trump's plans for the ballroom. The National Capital Planning Commission, which has jurisdiction over construction and major renovation to government buildings in the region, is also reviewing the project.Members of the fine arts commission originally had been scheduled to discuss and vote on the design after a follow-up presentation by the architect, and had planned to vote on final approval at next month's meeting. But after the 6-0 vote on the design, the panel's chairman, Rodney Mims Cook Jr., unexpectedly made another motion to vote on final approval.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753991748963.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>Six of the seven commissioners — all appointed by the Republican president in January — voted once more in favor. Commissioner James McCrery did not participate in the discussion or the votes because he was the initial architect on the project before Trump replaced him.The ballroom will be built on the site of the former East Wing, which Trump had demolished in October with little public notice. That drew an outcry from lawmakers, historians and preservationists who argued that the president should not have taken that step until the two federal agencies and Congress had reviewed and approved the project, and the public had a chance to provide comment.The 90,000-square-foot ballroom would be nearly twice the size of the White House, which is 55,000-square-feet, and would accommodate about 1,000 people, Trump has said. The East Room, currently the largest room in the White House, can fit just over 200 people at most.Commissioners offered mostly complimentary comments before the votes.Cook echoed one of Trump's main arguments for adding a larger entertaining space to the White House: It would end the long-standing practice of erecting temporary structures on the South Lawn that Trump describes as tents to host visiting dignitaries for state dinners and other functions.“Our sitting president has actually designed a very beautiful structure,” Cook said. “The United States just should not be entertaining the world in tents.”<h2>The panel received mainly negative comments from the public</h2>Members of the public were asked to submit written comment by a Wednesday afternoon deadline. Thomas Leubke, the panel’s secretary, said “over 99%” of the more than 2,000 messages it received in the past week from around the country were in opposition to the project.Leubke tried to summarize the comments for the commissioners.Some comments cited concerns about Trump’s decision to unilaterally tear down the East Wing, as well as the lack of transparency about who is paying for the ballroom or how contracts were awarded, Leubke said. Comments in support referenced concerns for the image of the United States on the world stage and the need for a larger entertaining space at the White House.Trump has defended the ballroom in a recent series of social media posts that included drawings of the building. He said in one January post that most of the material needed to build it had been ordered “and there is no practical or reasonable way to go back. IT IS TOO LATE!”The commission met Thursday over Zoom and heard from Shalom Baranes, the lead architect, and Rick Parisi, the landscape architect. Both described a series of images and sketches of the ballroom and the grounds as they would appear after the project is completed.Trump has said the ballroom would cost about $400 million and be paid for with private donations. To date, the White House has only released an incomplete list of donors.<h2>A lawsuit against the project is still pending</h2>The National Trust for Historic Preservation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-sued-preservationists-76dc3bbea28257e79f8becd487d2c4d7">has sued</a>&nbsp;in federal court to halt construction. A ruling in the case is pending.In comments it submitted to the commission, the privately funded group recommended that the size of the ballroom be reduced to “accommodate and respect the primary historic importance of the original Executive Residence.”At&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-48c6630d2e81adad1793e25f8e447117">the commission's January meeting</a>, some commissioners had questioned Baranes, Trump's architect, about the “immense” design and scale of the project even as they broadly endorsed Trump's vision. On Thursday, Baranes described changes he has since made to the design, and the commissioners said they welcomed the adjustments.The ballroom project is scheduled for additional discussion at a March 5 meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission, which is led by a top White House aide. This panel heard an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-commission-review-3dd5e3c1b2475d1f39843b9193572576">initial presentation about the project</a>&nbsp;in January.___This story has been corrected to reflect that the ballroom was approved by six of the seven commissioners and that one commission did not vote because he was the initial architect on the project.

 Commission OKs Trump's White House ballroom plan

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

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

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

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

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

The City of Hutchinson’s Downtown Revitalization Director was arrested twice this week, according to Reno County booking and court records.&nbsp;

Reno County Detention Center records show that Scott Andrew Cooley was first booked Sunday, Feb. 15, on requested charges of driving under the influence, second conviction; incapable of safely driving; and&nbsp;operating&nbsp;a motor vehicle without a required ignition interlock device during a restriction.&nbsp;

Cooley was booked again Wednesday after a probation arrest and detain warrant was issued. Court documents&nbsp;indicate&nbsp;the warrant was filed by his court services officer following the Feb. 15 arrest. The order alleges Cooley violated the terms of his probation by being arrested for DUI and by&nbsp;possessing&nbsp;a bottle of Seagram’s gin.&nbsp;

Cooley’s probation stemmed from a municipal appeal of a Dec. 12, 2023, conviction in Hutchinson Municipal Court, where he was found guilty of driving under the influence.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771469140311.png" alt="Scott Andrew Cooley-Photo Reno County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Scott Andrew Cooley-Photo Reno County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Hutchinson’s Downtown Revitalization Director was arrested twice this week, according to Reno County booking and court records.&nbsp;Reno County Detention Center records show that Scott Andrew Cooley was first booked Sunday, Feb. 15, on requested charges of driving under the influence, second conviction; incapable of safely driving; and&nbsp;operating&nbsp;a motor vehicle without a required ignition interlock device during a restriction.&nbsp;Cooley was booked again Wednesday after a probation arrest and detain warrant was issued. Court documents&nbsp;indicate&nbsp;the warrant was filed by his court services officer following the Feb. 15 arrest. The order alleges Cooley violated the terms of his probation by being arrested for DUI and by&nbsp;possessing&nbsp;a bottle of Seagram’s gin.&nbsp;Cooley’s probation stemmed from a municipal appeal of a Dec. 12, 2023, conviction in Hutchinson Municipal Court, where he was found guilty of driving under the influence.&nbsp;According to Reno County District Court records, Cooley entered into a plea agreement on Sept. 17, 2025. He was sentenced on Sept. 19,&nbsp;2025&nbsp;to&nbsp;90 days&nbsp;in the custody of the Reno County Detention Center, with five days to be served before probation due to a medical condition. The court also imposed a $1,250 fine&nbsp;for the charge&nbsp;and an&nbsp;additional&nbsp;$100 fine for interference with law enforcement. He was serving six months of probation at the time of the recent arrest.&nbsp;The City of Hutchinson announced in January that Cooley had joined the city as its Downtown Revitalization Manager, effective Jan. 5. The position was created to provide focused leadership for the downtown area and to advance implementation of the city’s Downtown Master Plan.&nbsp;In that role, Cooley&nbsp;was responsible for&nbsp;leading day-to-day downtown revitalization efforts, including business support, redevelopment, coordination and oversight of the city’s Kansas Main Street Program.&nbsp;Hutch Post has requested the status of Cooly’s employment.&nbsp;City officials tell us that Cooley is no longer employed by the City of Hutchinson.&nbsp;