KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges against a Kansas City man for allegedly selling vehicles to unsuspecting buyers and then stealing them back.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2802/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet--M-Diallo-compressed-1">Mamadou Diallo</a>, 25,&nbsp;faces six counts of 1st Degree Tampering with a Motor Vehicle and eight counts of Forgery.&nbsp; Each count carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. &nbsp;

According to court records, Kansas City police received eight stolen vehicle reports between May and June last year, all following a similar pattern. In each case, the victim purchased a vehicle through Facebook Marketplace from the same seller who used an alias online and was later identified as the defendant.&nbsp;

After completing each sale in person, the defendant provided what appeared to victims to be a legitimate title and bill of sale. But shortly after the transactions, each buyer reported their newly purchased vehicle stolen.&nbsp;

In an interview with detectives, Diallo denied buying and selling vehicles on Facebook Marketplace.&nbsp; The victims’ combined losses totaled more than $24,000.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond at $30,000 cash only.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769270873531.png" alt="Diallo photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Diallo photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges against a Kansas City man for allegedly selling vehicles to unsuspecting buyers and then stealing them back.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2802/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet--M-Diallo-compressed-1">Mamadou Diallo</a>, 25,&nbsp;faces six counts of 1st Degree Tampering with a Motor Vehicle and eight counts of Forgery.&nbsp; Each count carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. &nbsp;According to court records, Kansas City police received eight stolen vehicle reports between May and June last year, all following a similar pattern. In each case, the victim purchased a vehicle through Facebook Marketplace from the same seller who used an alias online and was later identified as the defendant.&nbsp;After completing each sale in person, the defendant provided what appeared to victims to be a legitimate title and bill of sale. But shortly after the transactions, each buyer reported their newly purchased vehicle stolen.&nbsp;In an interview with detectives, Diallo denied buying and selling vehicles on Facebook Marketplace.&nbsp; The victims’ combined losses totaled more than $24,000.&nbsp;A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond at $30,000 cash only.&nbsp;

KC man accused of selling cars on Facebook, stealing them back

RILEY COUNTY–&nbsp;Law enforcement in Manhattan are investigating an alleged sex crime in Manhattan.

Just after 3p.m. on Friday, police arrested 24-year-old Griffin Day of Manhattan for an alleged rape that was reported to have occurred on Thursday night, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

A 54-year-old woman was listed as the victim, according to the RCPD activity report. Day and the victim are known to each other according to police. Day is being held on a bond of $200, 000 bond.

RILEY COUNTY–&nbsp;Law enforcement in Manhattan are investigating an alleged sex crime in Manhattan.Just after 3p.m. on Friday, police arrested 24-year-old Griffin Day of Manhattan for an alleged rape that was reported to have occurred on Thursday night, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.A 54-year-old woman was listed as the victim, according to the RCPD activity report. Day and the victim are known to each other according to police. Day is being held on a bond of $200, 000 bond.

Police: Kan. man accused of sex crime involving 54-year-old

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' office says his call with President Trump on Monday was "productive."

A Monday morning call between President Donald Trump and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz about fatal shootings by immigration officers appears to have been well-received by both sides.

Walz’ office said the call was “productive.”

“The Governor made the case that we need impartial investigations of the Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents, and that we need to reduce the number of federal agents in Minnesota,” his office wrote in a release.

Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both Minnesota residents and U.S. citizens, were fatally shot and killed by federal immigration officers in separate incidents in Minneapolis.

Trump agreed to talk to the Department of Homeland Security about ensuring the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is able to conduct an independent investigation, Walz’ office said, and also agreed to look into either reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota or working with the state “in a more coordinated fashion on immigration enforcement regarding violent criminals.”

Trump wrote in a social media post earlier Monday that the two “actually” seem to be on the same page in wanting to work together on immigration issues in Minnesota. He said the people the administration is seeking “are any and all Criminals that they have in their possession” and Walz “very respectfully, understood that.”

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' office says his call with President Trump on Monday was "productive."A Monday morning call between President Donald Trump and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz about fatal shootings by immigration officers appears to have been well-received by both sides.Walz’ office said the call was “productive.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The President agreed to look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota and to talk to DHS about ensuring the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is able to conduct an independent investigation, as would ordinarily be the case.&mdash; Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz/status/2015885640911479149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“The Governor made the case that we need impartial investigations of the Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents, and that we need to reduce the number of federal agents in Minnesota,” his office wrote in a release.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/TpRlU7QxUP">pic.twitter.com/TpRlU7QxUP</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2015826728644391063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 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://t.co/2TyyxqUf3A">pic.twitter.com/2TyyxqUf3A</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2015912154889617890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both Minnesota residents and U.S. citizens, were fatally shot and killed by federal immigration officers in separate incidents in Minneapolis.Trump agreed to talk to the Department of Homeland Security about ensuring the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is able to conduct an independent investigation, Walz’ office said, and also agreed to look into either reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota or working with the state “in a more coordinated fashion on immigration enforcement regarding violent criminals.”Trump wrote in a social media post earlier Monday that the two “actually” seem to be on the same page in wanting to work together on immigration issues in Minnesota. He said the people the administration is seeking “are any and all Criminals that they have in their possession” and Walz “very respectfully, understood that.”

Gov. Tim Walz describes his phone call with President Trump

Wichita State University announced a transformative $1 million gift from an anonymous 1958 graduate of the University of Wichita to support need-based scholarships in the W. Frank Barton School of Business, according to a media release from the University.

This gift will directly benefit students who face financial challenges — particularly first-generation students — who make up nearly half of Wichita State’s enrollment. On average, first-generation students receive less financial support from their families and are more likely to rely on private loans to fund their education. Currently, 46% of Wichita State’s undergraduate student population are first-generation college students, highlighting the importance of private financial support.

“Ensuring access and affordability is a promise to our students,” said WSU President Rick Muma. “This gift, alongside the generosity of countless alumni and donors, is a profound reminder that our students’ success goes further with the support of Shocker Nation behind them.”

Private support is critical to realizing Wichita State’s priority to make education accessible and affordable for all Kansans and helps bridge the gap between available public funding and the financial need of students, which averages about $5,600 per undergraduate student.

“In connecting with this individual, the passion to support students who are seeking pathways for stability and opportunity was clear,” said Telly McGaha, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. “When higher education becomes financially out of reach, talented individuals are inadvertently shut out, and I am very grateful for the individuals in the Shocker community opening doors and expanding opportunity for students now and into the future.”

Daily, students share stories of how scholarship support has facilitated their educational ambitions. These life-changing gifts ease the financial pressures of higher education, freeing students to focus on their studies and get engaged on campus. For many students, that support is the difference between finishing their degree and dropping out.&nbsp;

Scholarships based on financial need are awarded using a formula that compares a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to the cost of attendance at Wichita State. If the EFC is less than the total cost, the student qualifies for need-based aid.

“Our goal is to prepare students for a business world that values vision, collaboration and innovative problem-solving,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “By easing financial burdens through scholarships, we empower students to fully engage in transformative experiences that build confidence and critical skills for success beyond their time at Wichita State. We are deeply grateful for this generous gift that will provide many opportunities for Barton School students.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769470864970.png" alt="google image" />
 <figcaption>google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State University announced a transformative $1 million gift from an anonymous 1958 graduate of the University of Wichita to support need-based scholarships in the W. Frank Barton School of Business, according to a media release from the University.This gift will directly benefit students who face financial challenges — particularly first-generation students — who make up nearly half of Wichita State’s enrollment. On average, first-generation students receive less financial support from their families and are more likely to rely on private loans to fund their education. Currently, 46% of Wichita State’s undergraduate student population are first-generation college students, highlighting the importance of private financial support.“Ensuring access and affordability is a promise to our students,” said WSU President Rick Muma. “This gift, alongside the generosity of countless alumni and donors, is a profound reminder that our students’ success goes further with the support of Shocker Nation behind them.”Private support is critical to realizing Wichita State’s priority to make education accessible and affordable for all Kansans and helps bridge the gap between available public funding and the financial need of students, which averages about $5,600 per undergraduate student.“In connecting with this individual, the passion to support students who are seeking pathways for stability and opportunity was clear,” said Telly McGaha, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. “When higher education becomes financially out of reach, talented individuals are inadvertently shut out, and I am very grateful for the individuals in the Shocker community opening doors and expanding opportunity for students now and into the future.”Daily, students share stories of how scholarship support has facilitated their educational ambitions. These life-changing gifts ease the financial pressures of higher education, freeing students to focus on their studies and get engaged on campus. For many students, that support is the difference between finishing their degree and dropping out.&nbsp;Scholarships based on financial need are awarded using a formula that compares a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to the cost of attendance at Wichita State. If the EFC is less than the total cost, the student qualifies for need-based aid.“Our goal is to prepare students for a business world that values vision, collaboration and innovative problem-solving,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “By easing financial burdens through scholarships, we empower students to fully engage in transformative experiences that build confidence and critical skills for success beyond their time at Wichita State. We are deeply grateful for this generous gift that will provide many opportunities for Barton School students.”

Wichita State receives anonymous $1 million gift for scholarships

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police are investigating another deadly shooting in Wichita.

Just after 8a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the 900 block of East Indianapolis in Wichita for a reported welfare check after receiving information regarding a man down, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and are following up on multiple leads.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the victim or report any possible suspect information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769461383611.png" alt="Police at the scene early Monday-Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene early Monday-Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police are investigating another deadly shooting in Wichita.Just after 8a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the 900 block of East Indianapolis in Wichita for a reported welfare check after receiving information regarding a man down, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.This is an active and ongoing investigation. Detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and are following up on multiple leads.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the victim or report any possible suspect information.

Police: Man dead in Kansas shooting

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes ticked higher Monday, while other markets made louder moves, including another record-breaking rush for the price of gold.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5% and won back its losses from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-japan-trump-6e894c8ecd7de9e05ad245beed41bd3e">last week’s dip</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 313 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.4%.

Baker Hughes helped lead the way and rose 4.4% after delivering a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The energy technology company said it’s benefiting from strong momentum in demand for liquefied natural gas, among other things.

CoreWeave climbed 5.7% after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-market-cap-net-income-huang-afeadf1bbe79e219f8748832a308b575">Nvidia</a>&nbsp;said it invested $2 billion in the stock and will help accelerate the buildout of CoreWeave’s artificial-intelligence factories, which use Nvidia chips, by 2030 to advance AI adoption. Nvidia slipped 0.6%.

USA Rare Earth rallied 7.9% after saying the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usa-rare-earth-trump-commerce-4c012d70ad172f12d9e3aca24508e766">U.S. government agreed to provide</a>&nbsp;$277 million in federal funding to help the company produce heavy rare earths, minerals and magnets. The Trump administration also agreed to a proposed $1.3 billion loan, while the company separately raised $1.5 billion through private investors.

Much of the rest of Wall Street was relatively quiet. That included mixed performances for airlines, which had to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-cancellations-winter-storm-871ea9cf98ec399bce4dccf0cffa2c01">cancel thousands of flights</a>&nbsp;due to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-snow-ice-power-outages-7ea143995026e68db42ed1b4aec396cb">winter storm</a>&nbsp;that swept much of the United States over the weekend. Delta Air Lines lost 0.7%, and Southwest Airlines added 0.2%.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 34.62 points to 6,950.23. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 313.69 to 49,412.40, and the Nasdaq composite gained 100.11 to 23,601.36.

The action was stronger in the gold market, where the metal’s price rallied another 2.1% and briefly topped $5,100 per ounce for the first time to set another record. Silver surged even more and settled 14% higher.

Prices for precious metals have been soaring as investors look for safer places to park their money amid threats of tariffs, still-high inflation, political strife and mountains of debt for governments worldwide.

The latest worry to pile atop the swelling list was President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carney-trump-trade-canada-united-states-china-11175a5c513730d8a894bdabe70b8c01">100% tariff on goods from Canada</a>&nbsp;if it signs a free trade deal with China.

The U.S. dollar’s value also continued its recent slide against peers. Last week, it was U.S. tariff threats related to Greenland that drove some global investors away from the dollar. This time, it was the Japanese yen leaping sharply because of expectations that officials in both Japan and the United States may intervene in the market to prop up the Japanese currency’s value.

More swings could be ahead for financial markets in a week full of big tests.

The Federal Reserve will announce its latest move on interest rates on Wednesday. It’s been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">lowering its main interest rate</a>&nbsp;and has indicated more cuts may be on the way in 2026 to help shore up the job market and give the economy a boost.

Most economists expect it to hold steady on Wednesday, in part because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-consumers-ac538fd750b4622ee7fa439ef8021783">inflation remains stubbornly above</a>&nbsp;the Fed’s 2% target and lower rates could worsen it. Whatever the Fed decides, comments from its chair, Jerome Powell, following the decision could sway stock and bond markets.

Several of Wall Street’s most influential stocks are also set to deliver their latest earnings reports this week. That includes Meta Platforms, Microsoft and Tesla on Wednesday and Apple on Thursday.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.21% from 4.24% late Friday.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed amid mostly modest movements in Europe following some sharper swings in Asia. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 1.8% for one of the world’s bigger moves. A stronger yen could hurt Japanese exporters, and Toyota Motor fell 4.1%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755116533012.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes ticked higher Monday, while other markets made louder moves, including another record-breaking rush for the price of gold.The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5% and won back its losses from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-japan-trump-6e894c8ecd7de9e05ad245beed41bd3e">last week’s dip</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 313 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.4%.Baker Hughes helped lead the way and rose 4.4% after delivering a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The energy technology company said it’s benefiting from strong momentum in demand for liquefied natural gas, among other things.CoreWeave climbed 5.7% after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-market-cap-net-income-huang-afeadf1bbe79e219f8748832a308b575">Nvidia</a>&nbsp;said it invested $2 billion in the stock and will help accelerate the buildout of CoreWeave’s artificial-intelligence factories, which use Nvidia chips, by 2030 to advance AI adoption. Nvidia slipped 0.6%.USA Rare Earth rallied 7.9% after saying the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usa-rare-earth-trump-commerce-4c012d70ad172f12d9e3aca24508e766">U.S. government agreed to provide</a>&nbsp;$277 million in federal funding to help the company produce heavy rare earths, minerals and magnets. The Trump administration also agreed to a proposed $1.3 billion loan, while the company separately raised $1.5 billion through private investors.Much of the rest of Wall Street was relatively quiet. That included mixed performances for airlines, which had to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-cancellations-winter-storm-871ea9cf98ec399bce4dccf0cffa2c01">cancel thousands of flights</a>&nbsp;due to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-snow-ice-power-outages-7ea143995026e68db42ed1b4aec396cb">winter storm</a>&nbsp;that swept much of the United States over the weekend. Delta Air Lines lost 0.7%, and Southwest Airlines added 0.2%.All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 34.62 points to 6,950.23. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 313.69 to 49,412.40, and the Nasdaq composite gained 100.11 to 23,601.36.The action was stronger in the gold market, where the metal’s price rallied another 2.1% and briefly topped $5,100 per ounce for the first time to set another record. Silver surged even more and settled 14% higher.Prices for precious metals have been soaring as investors look for safer places to park their money amid threats of tariffs, still-high inflation, political strife and mountains of debt for governments worldwide.The latest worry to pile atop the swelling list was President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carney-trump-trade-canada-united-states-china-11175a5c513730d8a894bdabe70b8c01">100% tariff on goods from Canada</a>&nbsp;if it signs a free trade deal with China.The U.S. dollar’s value also continued its recent slide against peers. Last week, it was U.S. tariff threats related to Greenland that drove some global investors away from the dollar. This time, it was the Japanese yen leaping sharply because of expectations that officials in both Japan and the United States may intervene in the market to prop up the Japanese currency’s value.More swings could be ahead for financial markets in a week full of big tests.The Federal Reserve will announce its latest move on interest rates on Wednesday. It’s been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">lowering its main interest rate</a>&nbsp;and has indicated more cuts may be on the way in 2026 to help shore up the job market and give the economy a boost.Most economists expect it to hold steady on Wednesday, in part because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-consumers-ac538fd750b4622ee7fa439ef8021783">inflation remains stubbornly above</a>&nbsp;the Fed’s 2% target and lower rates could worsen it. Whatever the Fed decides, comments from its chair, Jerome Powell, following the decision could sway stock and bond markets.Several of Wall Street’s most influential stocks are also set to deliver their latest earnings reports this week. That includes Meta Platforms, Microsoft and Tesla on Wednesday and Apple on Thursday.In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.21% from 4.24% late Friday.In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed amid mostly modest movements in Europe following some sharper swings in Asia. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 1.8% for one of the world’s bigger moves. A stronger yen could hurt Japanese exporters, and Toyota Motor fell 4.1%.

US stocks rise as gold hits another record

SALINE COUNTY—A home is uninhabitable after a fire at a rural Kansas home.

Just after noon January 23, firefighters from Saline County Rural Fire District #5 were sent to a report of a fire at a home home in the 1400 block of N. Marymount Road, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

The 65-year-old owner told investigators she was using space heaters, had a television on and heard a popping sound. Then she smelled smoke. She was able to escape with her pet without injury. The home may be a total loss.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769459058012.png" alt="Photos Saline Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Saline Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—A home is uninhabitable after a fire at a rural Kansas home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769446925719.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Just after noon January 23, firefighters from Saline County Rural Fire District #5 were sent to a report of a fire at a home home in the 1400 block of N. Marymount Road, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.The 65-year-old owner told investigators she was using space heaters, had a television on and heard a popping sound. Then she smelled smoke. She was able to escape with her pet without injury. The home may be a total loss.

Rural Kansas home near total loss after fire

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Real estate investors buying residential buildings in Kansas could be charged a penalty for paying off their mortgages early under proposed changes to the Kansas Contracts and Promises statute.&nbsp;

The statute currently bars lenders from charging prepayment penalties on “any home loan” paid off after six months from the day the loan was taken out, the House Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee heard Monday.&nbsp;It doesn’t specify whether those loans are for individual homeowners or for real estate investors buying properties to rent or lease.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2497/" target="_blank">House Bill 2497</a>&nbsp;would add language that allows lenders to charge prepayment penalties for investment properties but leave the ban in place for consumer personal loans.

Michael Stidham testified for Rocket Mortgage in favor of the bill, which he said would give investors more financing options.&nbsp;

Rocket sets lower interest rates for loans that have a penalty for paying off early versus loans with no prepayment penalties, Stidham said.&nbsp;

“A higher interest rate is always going to be required to offset the potential returns if that loan is paid off earlier than anticipated by the investor,” he said.

Allowing lenders to offer lower interest rates and include a prepayment penalty gives real estate investors flexibility to determine the best option for their financial situations, Stidham said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769453683134.png" alt=" Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, an Edwardsville Republican, questioned a proponent of a bill that would allow lenders to charge a prepayment penalty to real estate investors. (Screen capture from the House Financial Institutes and Pensions Committee)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, an Edwardsville Republican, questioned a proponent of a bill that would allow lenders to charge a prepayment penalty to real estate investors. (Screen capture from the House Financial Institutes and Pensions Committee)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Real estate investors buying residential buildings in Kansas could be charged a penalty for paying off their mortgages early under proposed changes to the Kansas Contracts and Promises statute.&nbsp;The statute currently bars lenders from charging prepayment penalties on “any home loan” paid off after six months from the day the loan was taken out, the House Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee heard Monday.&nbsp;It doesn’t specify whether those loans are for individual homeowners or for real estate investors buying properties to rent or lease.&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2497/" target="_blank">House Bill 2497</a>&nbsp;would add language that allows lenders to charge prepayment penalties for investment properties but leave the ban in place for consumer personal loans.Michael Stidham testified for Rocket Mortgage in favor of the bill, which he said would give investors more financing options.&nbsp;Rocket sets lower interest rates for loans that have a penalty for paying off early versus loans with no prepayment penalties, Stidham said.&nbsp;“A higher interest rate is always going to be required to offset the potential returns if that loan is paid off earlier than anticipated by the investor,” he said.Allowing lenders to offer lower interest rates and include a prepayment penalty gives real estate investors flexibility to determine the best option for their financial situations, Stidham said.&nbsp;

Bill would allow early payoff penalties for Kansas real estate investment loans

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Mo. —Authorities are investigating a drowning on a farm pond in rural Missouri.

Just before 5p.m. January 20, a 5-year-old Steeleville girl identified as<a href="https://www.mizellfh.com/obituaries/ruby-korte"> Ruby Kay Korte, </a>walked out onto a pond at a private residence off Highway M in rural Crawford County, according to a report from he Missouri State Highway Patrol. She fell through the ice.

&nbsp;Steeleville EMS transported Ruby to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan where she was pronounced deceased just before 7p.m. The patrol reported no additional details.&nbsp; A funeral mass for Ruby is scheduled for Tuesday, according to Mizell Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769448840377.png" alt="Ruby Kay Korte-photo courtesy MIzell Funeral Home" />
 <figcaption>Ruby Kay Korte-photo courtesy MIzell Funeral Home</figcaption>
 </figure>CRAWFORD COUNTY, Mo. —Authorities are investigating a drowning on a farm pond in rural Missouri.Just before 5p.m. January 20, a 5-year-old Steeleville girl identified as<a href="https://www.mizellfh.com/obituaries/ruby-korte"> Ruby Kay Korte, </a>walked out onto a pond at a private residence off Highway M in rural Crawford County, according to a report from he Missouri State Highway Patrol. She fell through the ice.&nbsp;Steeleville EMS transported Ruby to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan where she was pronounced deceased just before 7p.m. The patrol reported no additional details.&nbsp; A funeral mass for Ruby is scheduled for Tuesday, according to Mizell Funeral Home.

5-year-old drowns after falling through ice on a pond

JERUSALEM (AP) — The remains of the final hostage in Gaza have been recovered, Israel's military said Monday, clearing the way for the next phase of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/october-7-deaths-israel-hamas-war-707cd188234d3fa5bb3129426cf703c5">ceasefire</a>&nbsp;that paused the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>.

The announcement that the remains of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">Ran Gvili</a>&nbsp;had been found and identified came a day after Israel’s government said the military was conducting a “large-scale operation” in a cemetery in northern Gaza to locate them.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “an incredible achievement” for Israel and its soldiers, telling Israeli media that “I promised we would bring everyone home and we have brought everyone home." He said Gvili, who was killed during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that sparked the war, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">among the first</a>&nbsp;to be taken into Gaza.

The return of all remaining hostages, living or dead, has been a key part of the Gaza ceasefire’s first phase, and Gvili’s family had urged Israel’s government not to enter the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-trump-ceasefire-plan-22d24eb0c279e192e4726b6acb32f005">second phase</a>&nbsp;until his remains were recovered and returned.

Netanyahu’s office said Sunday that Israel would open the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which Palestinians see as their lifeline to the world, once the search for Gvili was finished. It has been largely shut since May 2024, except for a small period in early 2025.

Israel and Hamas had been under pressure from ceasefire mediators including Washington to move into the second phase of the U.S.-brokered truce, which took effect on Oct. 10.

Israel had repeatedly accused Hamas of dragging its feet in the recovery of the final hostage. Hamas said it had provided all the information it had about Gvili’s remains, and accused Israel of obstructing efforts to search for them in areas of Gaza under Israeli military control.

Israel’s military had said the large-scale operation to locate Gvili’s remains was “in the area of the Yellow Line” that divides the territory.

The Oct. 7, 2023 attack killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer known affectionately as “Rani,” was killed while fighting Hamas militants.

Before Gvili’s remains were recovered, 20 living hostages and the remains of 27 others had been returned to Israel since the ceasefire, most recently in early December. Israel in exchange has released the bodies of hundreds Palestinians to Gaza.

The next phase of the 20-point ceasefire plan has called for creating an international stabilization force, forming a technocratic Palestinian government and disarming Hamas.

Israeli forces on Monday fatally shot a man in Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood, according to Shifa Hospital, which received the body. The man was close to an area where the military has launched the search operation for Gvili, the hospital said.

Another man was killed in the eastern side of Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital, which received his body. The circumstances of his death were not immediately clear.

More than 480 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire since Oct. 10, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts.

Israel's top court considers petition to open Gaza for international journalists

The Foreign Press Association on Monday asked Israel’s Supreme Court to allow journalists to enter Gaza freely and independently.

The FPA, which represents dozens of global news organizations, has been fighting for more than two years for independent media access to Gaza. Israel has barred reporters from entering Gaza independently since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which triggered the war, saying entry could put both journalists and soldiers at risk.

The army has offered journalists brief, occasional visits under strict military supervision.

FPA lawyers told the three judge panel that the restrictions are not justified and that with aid workers moving in and out of Gaza, journalists should be allowed in as well. They also said the tightly controlled embeds with the military are no substitute for independent access. The judges are expected to rule in the coming days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769439333098.png" alt="Gvili photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum" />
 <figcaption>Gvili photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — The remains of the final hostage in Gaza have been recovered, Israel's military said Monday, clearing the way for the next phase of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/october-7-deaths-israel-hamas-war-707cd188234d3fa5bb3129426cf703c5">ceasefire</a>&nbsp;that paused the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">There are officially no more hostages in captivity in Gaza.&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/2015784460394913944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The announcement that the remains of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">Ran Gvili</a>&nbsp;had been found and identified came a day after Israel’s government said the military was conducting a “large-scale operation” in a cemetery in northern Gaza to locate them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769439455931.png" alt="&nbsp;Photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “an incredible achievement” for Israel and its soldiers, telling Israeli media that “I promised we would bring everyone home and we have brought everyone home." He said Gvili, who was killed during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that sparked the war, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-netanyahu-ran-gvili-594f8faf7514f49750756de52f5c5f95">among the first</a>&nbsp;to be taken into Gaza.The return of all remaining hostages, living or dead, has been a key part of the Gaza ceasefire’s first phase, and Gvili’s family had urged Israel’s government not to enter the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-trump-ceasefire-plan-22d24eb0c279e192e4726b6acb32f005">second phase</a>&nbsp;until his remains were recovered and returned.Netanyahu’s office said Sunday that Israel would open the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which Palestinians see as their lifeline to the world, once the search for Gvili was finished. It has been largely shut since May 2024, except for a small period in early 2025.Israel and Hamas had been under pressure from ceasefire mediators including Washington to move into the second phase of the U.S.-brokered truce, which took effect on Oct. 10.Israel had repeatedly accused Hamas of dragging its feet in the recovery of the final hostage. Hamas said it had provided all the information it had about Gvili’s remains, and accused Israel of obstructing efforts to search for them in areas of Gaza under Israeli military control.Israel’s military had said the large-scale operation to locate Gvili’s remains was “in the area of the Yellow Line” that divides the territory.The Oct. 7, 2023 attack killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer known affectionately as “Rani,” was killed while fighting Hamas militants.Before Gvili’s remains were recovered, 20 living hostages and the remains of 27 others had been returned to Israel since the ceasefire, most recently in early December. Israel in exchange has released the bodies of hundreds Palestinians to Gaza.The next phase of the 20-point ceasefire plan has called for creating an international stabilization force, forming a technocratic Palestinian government and disarming Hamas.<h2>Palestinians killed in Gaza</h2>Israeli forces on Monday fatally shot a man in Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood, according to Shifa Hospital, which received the body. The man was close to an area where the military has launched the search operation for Gvili, the hospital said.Another man was killed in the eastern side of Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital, which received his body. The circumstances of his death were not immediately clear.More than 480 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire since Oct. 10, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts.<h2>Israel's top court considers petition to open Gaza for international journalists</h2>The Foreign Press Association on Monday asked Israel’s Supreme Court to allow journalists to enter Gaza freely and independently.The FPA, which represents dozens of global news organizations, has been fighting for more than two years for independent media access to Gaza. Israel has barred reporters from entering Gaza independently since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which triggered the war, saying entry could put both journalists and soldiers at risk.The army has offered journalists brief, occasional visits under strict military supervision.FPA lawyers told the three judge panel that the restrictions are not justified and that with aid workers moving in and out of Gaza, journalists should be allowed in as well. They also said the tightly controlled embeds with the military are no substitute for independent access. The judges are expected to rule in the coming days.___ Magdy reported from Cairo.___

843 days: Remains of final hostage in Gaza are recovered

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump announced on Monday he's spoken with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

And the president said the two “actually” seem to be on the same page in wanting to work together as it relates to immigration issues in Minnesota.

Trump said the people the administration is seeking “are any and all Criminals that they have in their possession” and Walz “very respectfully, understood that.”

“He was happy that Tom Homan was going to Minnesota, and so am I!” Trump wrote in a social media post which was notable for its warm and collaborative tone toward Minnesota’s governor, whom Trump frequently derides.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768610962226.png" alt="File photo Minnesota Gov. Walz-from his social media page" />
 <figcaption>File photo Minnesota Gov. Walz-from his social media page</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump announced on Monday he's spoken with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.And the president said the two “actually” seem to be on the same page in wanting to work together as it relates to immigration issues in Minnesota.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Governor Tim Walz called me with the request to work together with respect to Minnesota. It was a very good call, and we, actually, seemed to be on a similar wavelength... Crime is way down, but both Governor Walz and I want to make it better!&quot; - President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ZjrSDU8uAz">pic.twitter.com/ZjrSDU8uAz</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2015831102095491330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump said the people the administration is seeking “are any and all Criminals that they have in their possession” and Walz “very respectfully, understood that.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I spoke to the President earlier. We had a productive conversation and I explained to him that his staff doesn’t have their facts straight about Minnesota. My thoughts in the Wall Street Journal:<a href="https://t.co/Prlt2mu8Bx">https://t.co/Prlt2mu8Bx</a> <a href="https://t.co/XFJyv6V1yH">pic.twitter.com/XFJyv6V1yH</a>&mdash; Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz/status/2015853141661454605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 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://t.co/1INsSU22rR">pic.twitter.com/1INsSU22rR</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2015780108733235225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“He was happy that Tom Homan was going to Minnesota, and so am I!” Trump wrote in a social media post which was notable for its warm and collaborative tone toward Minnesota’s governor, whom Trump frequently derides.

President Trump shares details of phone call from Gov. Tim Walz

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The jury trial of a Kansas man charged in the death of his pregnant girlfriend is scheduled to begin Monday.

Earlier this month, Judge Jeffrey Goering determined there was enough evidence in the case for 20-year-old Matthew Wayne Criscenzo to face a&nbsp; trial,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In September, Criscenzo pleaded not guilty to charges of 1st degree murder and aggravated battery, in the shooting death of 20-year-old Naomi Oglesby.

On May 25, police arrested&nbsp; Criscenzo in the 700 Block of Laura Street in Wichita in connection with the shooting death. At the time of the incident,&nbsp;Oglesby was pregnant, according to Wichita Police Officer Rick Pena. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, she was pronounced deceased.

Doctors were able to deliver her infant who was transported to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a Wichita hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Criscenzo remains jailed on bond totaling over $700,000, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748340707658.png" alt="Naomi Oglesby-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Naomi Oglesby-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — The jury trial of a Kansas man charged in the death of his pregnant girlfriend is scheduled to begin Monday.Earlier this month, Judge Jeffrey Goering determined there was enough evidence in the case for 20-year-old Matthew Wayne Criscenzo to face a&nbsp; trial,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748259337812.png" alt="CRISCENZO -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>CRISCENZO -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>In September, Criscenzo pleaded not guilty to charges of 1st degree murder and aggravated battery, in the shooting death of 20-year-old Naomi Oglesby.On May 25, police arrested&nbsp; Criscenzo in the 700 Block of Laura Street in Wichita in connection with the shooting death. At the time of the incident,&nbsp;Oglesby was pregnant, according to Wichita Police Officer Rick Pena. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, she was pronounced deceased.Doctors were able to deliver her infant who was transported to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a Wichita hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;Criscenzo remains jailed on bond totaling over $700,000, according to online jail records.

Trial to begin for Kansas man in death of pregnant girlfriend

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

A partial federal government shutdown appeared Sunday to unexpectedly be on the horizon, after another fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis led key U.S. Senate Democrats to say they will oppose a spending package that includes immigration enforcement funds.

Senators have until a Friday deadline to clear a package of six House-passed funding measures, including the $64.4 billion Homeland Security appropriations bill that includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol.

Republicans hold a majority in the chamber but would need at least seven Democrats to join them in voting for the package in order to clear the chamber’s 60-vote threshold to advance legislation.&nbsp;

The agreement had appeared to be on track for easy passage by the Senate by Friday, when a stopgap spending law expires.&nbsp;

But after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-agents-shoot-and-kill-man-minneapolis-rousing-more-demonstrations" target="_blank">Saturday’s killing of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti,</a>&nbsp;the second by Homeland Security Department officers in Minneapolis this month, key moderate Democrats, appropriators and leaders said they would not support the package if it includes the Homeland Security legislation in its current form.&nbsp;

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also said his caucus would not provide the votes needed, citing the killings of Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, and called for the DHS bill to be split from the five spending bills with broad bipartisan support.

“Senate Democrats will not allow the current DHS funding bill to move forward,” Schumer said in a Sunday statement. “The appalling murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti on the streets of Minneapolis must lead Republicans to join Democrats in overhauling ICE and CBP to protect the public. People should be safe from abuse by their own government.

“Senate Republicans must work with Democrats to advance the other five funding bills while we work to rewrite the DHS bill,” he added. “This is (the) best course of action, and the American people are on our side.”

A complicating factor is the DHS bill also includes funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, even as a major winter storm swept through a large swath of the nation Saturday and Sunday, triggering disaster declarations in multiple states.

President Donald Trump and key administration officials committed to a robust media strategy over the weekend, defending the officers involved and smearing Pretti, despite contradictory evidence in available video.

Some elected Republicans backed the administration’s account, but an unusual number of GOP members of Congress and at least one governor called for accountability.

Five of the eight Democrats and independents who voted with Republicans to end a shutdown in November have said they will not support the package if it includes DHS funding.

Maine independent Angus King, who caucuses with Democrats, said on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” that he would vote against the package.

“I hate shutdowns,” King said in a video interview on the Sunday morning show. “I’m one of the people that helped negotiate the solution to the end of the last shutdown, but I can’t vote for a bill that includes ICE funding under these circumstances.”

Nevada Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto, a former federal prosecutor, criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and called for blocking the funding package.

“The Trump administration and Kristi Noem are putting undertrained, combative federal agents on the streets with no accountability,” she said. “They are oppressing Americans and are at odds with local law enforcement. This is clearly not about keeping Americans safe, it’s brutalizing U.S. citizens and law-abiding immigrants. I will not support the current Homeland Security funding bill.”

Cortez Masto called for the DHS bill to be split off from the rest of the package.&nbsp;

“We have bipartisan agreement on 96% of the budget. We’ve already passed six funding bills,” she said. “Let’s pass the remaining five bipartisan bills and fund essential agencies while we continue to fight for a Department of Homeland Security that respects Americans’ constitutional rights and preserves federal law enforcement’s essential role to keep us safe.”&nbsp;

Fellow Nevada Democrat Jacky Rosen, who also voted to end the shutdown in November, said “enough is enough” and that she would oppose a funding package that did not “rein in ICE’s out-of-control conduct.”

“As a member of the U.S. Senate, I have the responsibility to hold the Trump Administration accountable when I see abuses of power — like we are seeing from ICE right now,” she said. “That is why I’ll be voting against any government funding package that contains the bill that funds this agency, until we have guardrails in place to curtail these abuses of power and ensure more accountability and transparency.

“My personal guiding principle has always been ‘agree where you can and fight where you must,’” she added. “And I believe this is a time when we must fight back.”

Virginia’s Tim Kaine said in a Friday statement — before Pretti’s killing — that he would oppose the package for several reasons, including as a check on ICE.

“We are not living in normal times,” he said. “The President is acting chaotically and unlawfully and we shouldn’t give his deranged decisions the imprimatur of congressional approval by passing this legislation without significant amendment.”

Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois also said after Pretti’s killing early Saturday — the third shooting by immigration officers in Minneapolis in three weeks — that he would vote against the package. Durbin is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.

The House last week&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/many-dems-refuse-vote-fund-ice-us-house-passes-4-spending-bills" target="_blank">passed the DHS funding bill</a>, with seven Democrats voting to approve it, and a separate package of three other appropriations bills that passed with broad bipartisan support. House members passed two other funding bills the week before.

The fiscal 2026 Homeland Security spending bill cuts funding for Customs and Border Protection by $1.3 billion, and maintains flat funding for ICE at $10 billion.

The bill attempts to put guardrails around immigration enforcement by allocating $20 million for body cameras for ICE and CBP officers.&nbsp;

But even if the funding bill doesn’t pass or gets held up, the immigration enforcement agencies are still flush with cash after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that Republicans passed last year allocated $190 billion for DHS. ICE is slated to receive about $75 billion over four years, or $18.7 billion a year.

Any Senate amendment to the House-passed package would require another House vote. The House is scheduled to be out this week and the chamber, narrowly controlled by Republicans, may be unwilling to cooperate with Senate changes.

Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, a Maine Republican up for reelection this year in one of the nation’s most closely watched races, did not dismiss the possibility of changes in the spending bill package, telling The New York Times on Saturday she was “exploring all options” for passage.

The major winter storm also hit Washington, D.C., and could further complicate the Senate vote or potential House consideration. All flights into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were canceled Sunday as snow and sleet covered the region.&nbsp;

A handful of GOP officials, including Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska called for more scrutiny into Pretti’s killing and ICE’s conduct more generally.&nbsp;

“There must be a thorough and impartial investigation into yesterday’s Minneapolis shooting, which is the basic standard that law enforcement and the American people expect following any officer-involved shooting,” Tillis<a href="https://x.com/SenThomTillis/status/2015435983316189686" target="_blank">&nbsp;said on social media.</a>

“For this specific incident, that requires cooperation and transparency between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump’s legacy.”

Cassidy&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenBillCassidy/status/2015247523003162922" target="_blank">posted on social media</a>: “The events in Minneapolis are incredibly disturbing. The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake. There must be a full joint federal and state investigation. We can trust the American people with the truth.”

Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican who is a former chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said on social media he was “troubled by the events that have unfolded in Minneapolis.”

“As an attorney and former federal prosecutor, I believe a thorough investigation is necessary—both to get to the bottom of these incidents and to maintain Americans’ confidence in our justice system,” he said.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, was among those who said he was troubled by the shooting.

“I think the death of Americans, what we’re seeing on TV, it’s causing deep concerns over federal tactics and accountability,” Stitt said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Americans don’t like what they’re seeing right now.”

Administration, some allies defend shooting&nbsp;

Many others, including Republican senators and Trump administration officials speaking on Sunday talk shows — Noem, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche — defended the agents involved and blamed Pretti and state and local Democrats in Minneapolis.&nbsp;

“Democrats are now backing out of a bipartisan agreement to fund DHS, which makes sure our border is secure and our immigration laws are enforced,” Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/2015428526829133864" target="_blank">wrote on social media.</a>

“This is reckless and quite frankly, very disappointing. It appears that Democrats are so wedded to supporting people carrying guns trying to interfere with a lawful arrest that they will shut down the government.”

Patel, on “Sunday Morning Futures” on Fox News, said DHS is investigating the shooting but the FBI is processing physical evidence. “No one who wants to be peaceful shows up in a protest with a firearm that is loaded with two full magazines,” Patel said, referring to reports that Pretti was carrying a handgun for which he had a concealed carry license, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.

Spokespeople for Collins, Schumer and Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota did not return messages seeking comment Sunday. Senate Democrats were set to meet virtually on Sunday night, according to multiple media reports.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769276764745.png" alt="Photo of the weapon seized in shooting- photo DHS" />
 <figcaption>Photo of the weapon seized in shooting- photo DHS</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>A partial federal government shutdown appeared Sunday to unexpectedly be on the horizon, after another fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis led key U.S. Senate Democrats to say they will oppose a spending package that includes immigration enforcement funds.Senators have until a Friday deadline to clear a package of six House-passed funding measures, including the $64.4 billion Homeland Security appropriations bill that includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">What’s happening in Minnesota is appalling—and unacceptable in any American city. Democrats sought common sense reforms in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill, but because of Republicans’ refusal to stand up to President Trump, the DHS bill is woefully inadequate to…&mdash; Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer/status/2015211069493350505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans hold a majority in the chamber but would need at least seven Democrats to join them in voting for the package in order to clear the chamber’s 60-vote threshold to advance legislation.&nbsp;The agreement had appeared to be on track for easy passage by the Senate by Friday, when a stopgap spending law expires.&nbsp;But after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-agents-shoot-and-kill-man-minneapolis-rousing-more-demonstrations" target="_blank">Saturday’s killing of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti,</a>&nbsp;the second by Homeland Security Department officers in Minneapolis this month, key moderate Democrats, appropriators and leaders said they would not support the package if it includes the Homeland Security legislation in its current form.&nbsp;Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also said his caucus would not provide the votes needed, citing the killings of Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, and called for the DHS bill to be split from the five spending bills with broad bipartisan support.“Senate Democrats will not allow the current DHS funding bill to move forward,” Schumer said in a Sunday statement. “The appalling murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti on the streets of Minneapolis must lead Republicans to join Democrats in overhauling ICE and CBP to protect the public. People should be safe from abuse by their own government.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695393380394.jpeg" alt=" The U.S. Capitol. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption> The U.S. Capitol. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Senate Republicans must work with Democrats to advance the other five funding bills while we work to rewrite the DHS bill,” he added. “This is (the) best course of action, and the American people are on our side.”A complicating factor is the DHS bill also includes funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, even as a major winter storm swept through a large swath of the nation Saturday and Sunday, triggering disaster declarations in multiple states.President Donald Trump and key administration officials committed to a robust media strategy over the weekend, defending the officers involved and smearing Pretti, despite contradictory evidence in available video.Some elected Republicans backed the administration’s account, but an unusual number of GOP members of Congress and at least one governor called for accountability.<h2>Latest shooting a turning point</h2>Five of the eight Democrats and independents who voted with Republicans to end a shutdown in November have said they will not support the package if it includes DHS funding.Maine independent Angus King, who caucuses with Democrats, said on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” that he would vote against the package.“I hate shutdowns,” King said in a video interview on the Sunday morning show. “I’m one of the people that helped negotiate the solution to the end of the last shutdown, but I can’t vote for a bill that includes ICE funding under these circumstances.”Nevada Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto, a former federal prosecutor, criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and called for blocking the funding package.“The Trump administration and Kristi Noem are putting undertrained, combative federal agents on the streets with no accountability,” she said. “They are oppressing Americans and are at odds with local law enforcement. This is clearly not about keeping Americans safe, it’s brutalizing U.S. citizens and law-abiding immigrants. I will not support the current Homeland Security funding bill.”Cortez Masto called for the DHS bill to be split off from the rest of the package.&nbsp;“We have bipartisan agreement on 96% of the budget. We’ve already passed six funding bills,” she said. “Let’s pass the remaining five bipartisan bills and fund essential agencies while we continue to fight for a Department of Homeland Security that respects Americans’ constitutional rights and preserves federal law enforcement’s essential role to keep us safe.”&nbsp;Fellow Nevada Democrat Jacky Rosen, who also voted to end the shutdown in November, said “enough is enough” and that she would oppose a funding package that did not “rein in ICE’s out-of-control conduct.”“As a member of the U.S. Senate, I have the responsibility to hold the Trump Administration accountable when I see abuses of power — like we are seeing from ICE right now,” she said. “That is why I’ll be voting against any government funding package that contains the bill that funds this agency, until we have guardrails in place to curtail these abuses of power and ensure more accountability and transparency.“My personal guiding principle has always been ‘agree where you can and fight where you must,’” she added. “And I believe this is a time when we must fight back.”Virginia’s Tim Kaine said in a Friday statement — before Pretti’s killing — that he would oppose the package for several reasons, including as a check on ICE.“We are not living in normal times,” he said. “The President is acting chaotically and unlawfully and we shouldn’t give his deranged decisions the imprimatur of congressional approval by passing this legislation without significant amendment.”Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois also said after Pretti’s killing early Saturday — the third shooting by immigration officers in Minneapolis in three weeks — that he would vote against the package. Durbin is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.<h2>DHS funding</h2>The House last week&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/many-dems-refuse-vote-fund-ice-us-house-passes-4-spending-bills" target="_blank">passed the DHS funding bill</a>, with seven Democrats voting to approve it, and a separate package of three other appropriations bills that passed with broad bipartisan support. House members passed two other funding bills the week before.The fiscal 2026 Homeland Security spending bill cuts funding for Customs and Border Protection by $1.3 billion, and maintains flat funding for ICE at $10 billion.The bill attempts to put guardrails around immigration enforcement by allocating $20 million for body cameras for ICE and CBP officers.&nbsp;But even if the funding bill doesn’t pass or gets held up, the immigration enforcement agencies are still flush with cash after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that Republicans passed last year allocated $190 billion for DHS. ICE is slated to receive about $75 billion over four years, or $18.7 billion a year.<h2>Path forward</h2>Any Senate amendment to the House-passed package would require another House vote. The House is scheduled to be out this week and the chamber, narrowly controlled by Republicans, may be unwilling to cooperate with Senate changes.Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, a Maine Republican up for reelection this year in one of the nation’s most closely watched races, did not dismiss the possibility of changes in the spending bill package, telling The New York Times on Saturday she was “exploring all options” for passage.The major winter storm also hit Washington, D.C., and could further complicate the Senate vote or potential House consideration. All flights into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were canceled Sunday as snow and sleet covered the region.&nbsp;A handful of GOP officials, including Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska called for more scrutiny into Pretti’s killing and ICE’s conduct more generally.&nbsp;“There must be a thorough and impartial investigation into yesterday’s Minneapolis shooting, which is the basic standard that law enforcement and the American people expect following any officer-involved shooting,” Tillis<a href="https://x.com/SenThomTillis/status/2015435983316189686" target="_blank">&nbsp;said on social media.</a>“For this specific incident, that requires cooperation and transparency between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump’s legacy.”Cassidy&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenBillCassidy/status/2015247523003162922" target="_blank">posted on social media</a>: “The events in Minneapolis are incredibly disturbing. The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake. There must be a full joint federal and state investigation. We can trust the American people with the truth.”Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican who is a former chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said on social media he was “troubled by the events that have unfolded in Minneapolis.”“As an attorney and former federal prosecutor, I believe a thorough investigation is necessary—both to get to the bottom of these incidents and to maintain Americans’ confidence in our justice system,” he said.Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, was among those who said he was troubled by the shooting.“I think the death of Americans, what we’re seeing on TV, it’s causing deep concerns over federal tactics and accountability,” Stitt said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Americans don’t like what they’re seeing right now.”<h2>Administration, some allies defend shooting&nbsp;</h2>Many others, including Republican senators and Trump administration officials speaking on Sunday talk shows — Noem, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche — defended the agents involved and blamed Pretti and state and local Democrats in Minneapolis.&nbsp;“Democrats are now backing out of a bipartisan agreement to fund DHS, which makes sure our border is secure and our immigration laws are enforced,” Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/2015428526829133864" target="_blank">wrote on social media.</a>“This is reckless and quite frankly, very disappointing. It appears that Democrats are so wedded to supporting people carrying guns trying to interfere with a lawful arrest that they will shut down the government.”Patel, on “Sunday Morning Futures” on Fox News, said DHS is investigating the shooting but the FBI is processing physical evidence. “No one who wants to be peaceful shows up in a protest with a firearm that is loaded with two full magazines,” Patel said, referring to reports that Pretti was carrying a handgun for which he had a concealed carry license, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.Spokespeople for Collins, Schumer and Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota did not return messages seeking comment Sunday. Senate Democrats were set to meet virtually on Sunday night, according to multiple media reports.

Deadly shooting in Minneapolis could lead to partial government shutdown over ICE funding

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department are investigating the death of a juvenile in the 700 block of Pacific Avenue.

Just before 5p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a home on a report of an unresponsive juvenile. The juvenile was transported to the University of Kansas Medical&nbsp; Center where they were pronounced deceased. 

&nbsp;The KCKPD Major Case Unit is in charge of the investigation. Police released no additional details including the age and name of the child.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department are investigating the death of a juvenile in the 700 block of Pacific Avenue.Just before 5p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a home on a report of an unresponsive juvenile. The juvenile was transported to the University of Kansas Medical&nbsp; Center where they were pronounced deceased. &nbsp;The KCKPD Major Case Unit is in charge of the investigation. Police released no additional details including the age and name of the child.

Police investigate death of child at Kansas home

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– A General Court-Martial is scheduled to begin on Monday at McConnell Air Force Base.

According to a statement from the base, Senior Airman Randall Moore, 22nd&nbsp;Maintenance Squadron, faces one charge and two specifications of violating Article 120b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), sexual abuse of a child; one charge and two specification specifications of violating Article 131b of the UCMJ, obstruction of justice; and one charge and five specifications of violating Article 134 of the UCMJ, child pornography and indecent conduct.

If convicted of all charges and specifications, Moore faces a maximum sentence of 15 years if served concurrent or 70 years if served consecutive, as well as a Dishonorable Discharge, reduction in rank to the grade of Airman Basic, and total forfeiture of all pay and allowances.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769363527717.png" alt="Photo McConnell Air Force base" />
 <figcaption>Photo McConnell Air Force base</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– A General Court-Martial is scheduled to begin on Monday at McConnell Air Force Base.According to a statement from the base, Senior Airman Randall Moore, 22nd&nbsp;Maintenance Squadron, faces one charge and two specifications of violating Article 120b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), sexual abuse of a child; one charge and two specification specifications of violating Article 131b of the UCMJ, obstruction of justice; and one charge and five specifications of violating Article 134 of the UCMJ, child pornography and indecent conduct.If convicted of all charges and specifications, Moore faces a maximum sentence of 15 years if served concurrent or 70 years if served consecutive, as well as a Dishonorable Discharge, reduction in rank to the grade of Airman Basic, and total forfeiture of all pay and allowances.

Court-Martial: Kansas airman charged with child sex crimes

While Department of Homeland Security officials and others investigate after a&nbsp;U.S. Border Patrol agent&nbsp;fatally&nbsp;shot a man on Saturday in Minneapolis, two former Presidents of the United States have shared their thoughts on the tragedy and accountability.

Meanwhile President Donald Trump is calling on Democrat governors to enforce the nation's laws rather than resist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769291527848.png" alt="Image of the shooting from a bystander video obtained by the Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Image of the shooting from a bystander video obtained by the Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>While Department of Homeland Security officials and others investigate after a&nbsp;U.S. Border Patrol agent&nbsp;fatally&nbsp;shot a man on Saturday in Minneapolis, two former Presidents of the United States have shared their thoughts on the tragedy and accountability.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault. <a href="https://t.co/0JmEsJ1QFW">pic.twitter.com/0JmEsJ1QFW</a>&mdash; Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/2015479691147149747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Over the course of a lifetime, we face only a few moments where the decisions we make and the actions we take will shape our history for years to come. This is one of them. <a href="https://t.co/fr4TclLBZd">pic.twitter.com/fr4TclLBZd</a>&mdash; Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillClinton/status/2015562744993350135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Meanwhile President Donald Trump is calling on Democrat governors to enforce the nation's laws rather than resist.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/IOdPh1oPtL">pic.twitter.com/IOdPh1oPtL</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2015555047447236872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

2 former U.S. Presidents speak out on fatal Minneapolis shooting

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

In the early morning Saturday before the snow started to fall, troopers initiated a traffic stop for a traffic violation, and the driver fled, according to a social media report from the Kansas Highway Patrol. 

After a short pursuit, the vehicle came to a stop. The driver was arrested, and troopers located drugs inside the vehicle. The Patrol did not report the name of the suspect or possible charges involved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769396371290.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769381029087.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>In the early morning Saturday before the snow started to fall, troopers initiated a traffic stop for a traffic violation, and the driver fled, according to a social media report from the Kansas Highway Patrol. After a short pursuit, the vehicle came to a stop. The driver was arrested, and troopers located drugs inside the vehicle. The Patrol did not report the name of the suspect or possible charges involved.

KHP: Drug suspect captured after running from traffic stop

LYON COUNTY —The Emporia Police Department, with the assistance of K9 Daisy and her team from Search &amp; Rescue of Kansas, have recovered the body of a missing woman approximately 300 yards from the area 28-year-old Rebecca Rauber was last seen on video, according to a statement from Emporia Police Captain Lisa Hayes.

Just after 1a.m. Saturday, Emporia Police received a report of a missing woman identified as&nbsp;

The report indicated that Rebecca Rauber, a school teacher from Emporia, had left the Town Royal bar in the 400 block of Commercial Street, on foot without her purse, phone, or jacket.

Officers began searching for Rebecca immediately and utilized business surveillance cameras in the area. Rebecca was observed walking alone westbound on West 5th Avenue. Video footage from a residence showed Rebecca walking north on Neosho Street from West 5th Avenue at approximately 11:37 p.m. on Friday, January 22.

Several additional videos from the intersection of 6th Avenue and Neosho Street were reviewed; however, Rebecca did not appear to cross 6th Avenue at that location.

 During the investigation on Sunday, an additional video showed Rebecca in the 700 block of W. 4th Ave. at approximately 11:44 p.m on January 23rd.  Rebecca's body was found approximately 300 yards south of West 4th Avenue, where she was last seen on video.  Rebecca was located in a wooded area. At this time, it appears, Rebecca may have succumbed to hypothermia early on in her disappearance as she was covered in snow due to the snowstorm that became heavy on Saturday.

Police detectives were processing the scene and the investigation is still continuing, according to Hayes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769383202081.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY —The Emporia Police Department, with the assistance of K9 Daisy and her team from Search &amp; Rescue of Kansas, have recovered the body of a missing woman approximately 300 yards from the area 28-year-old Rebecca Rauber was last seen on video, according to a statement from Emporia Police Captain Lisa Hayes.Just after 1a.m. Saturday, Emporia Police received a report of a missing woman identified as&nbsp;The report indicated that Rebecca Rauber, a school teacher from Emporia, had left the Town Royal bar in the 400 block of Commercial Street, on foot without her purse, phone, or jacket.Officers began searching for Rebecca immediately and utilized business surveillance cameras in the area. Rebecca was observed walking alone westbound on West 5th Avenue. Video footage from a residence showed Rebecca walking north on Neosho Street from West 5th Avenue at approximately 11:37 p.m. on Friday, January 22.Several additional videos from the intersection of 6th Avenue and Neosho Street were reviewed; however, Rebecca did not appear to cross 6th Avenue at that location. During the investigation on Sunday, an additional video showed Rebecca in the 700 block of W. 4th Ave. at approximately 11:44 p.m on January 23rd. Rebecca's body was found approximately 300 yards south of West 4th Avenue, where she was last seen on video. Rebecca was located in a wooded area. At this time, it appears, Rebecca may have succumbed to hypothermia early on in her disappearance as she was covered in snow due to the snowstorm that became heavy on Saturday.Police detectives were processing the scene and the investigation is still continuing, according to Hayes.

Police: Body of missing Kansas teacher found in wooded area

DOUGAS COUNTY —It was supposed to be a traffic stop, but the driver didn’t – and ended up crashing into five parked cars and narrowly escaping serious injury of his own and that of his passenger, according to a social media report from police in Lawrence.

Just after 1:30a.m. Jan. 21, a&nbsp; patrol officer noticed a car run through a red light at a high rate of speed at 11th and Tennessee in Lawrence. The officer activated his lights, but the driver didn’t stop.  The car continued south on Tennessee at more than 50 miles per hour until he wasn’t able to navigate the lanes and swiped through five parked cars.

He crashed near 19th Street, got out, and ran. Officers caught up with him between nearby houses.  His passenger was trapped in the wreckage.  Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical responded to get the passenger out of the crumpled metal.  Both the driver and the passenger refused further medical treatment.

The 22-year-old driver, whose name was not released, was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility suspected of several crimes including Possession of Drugs, Possession of a Firearm under the Influence, Driving Under the Influence, Flee and Elude, and additional traffic violations.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769382286563.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGAS COUNTY —It was supposed to be a traffic stop, but the driver didn’t – and ended up crashing into five parked cars and narrowly escaping serious injury of his own and that of his passenger, according to a social media report from police in Lawrence.Just after 1:30a.m. Jan. 21, a&nbsp; patrol officer noticed a car run through a red light at a high rate of speed at 11th and Tennessee in Lawrence. The officer activated his lights, but the driver didn’t stop. The car continued south on Tennessee at more than 50 miles per hour until he wasn’t able to navigate the lanes and swiped through five parked cars.He crashed near 19th Street, got out, and ran. Officers caught up with him between nearby houses. His passenger was trapped in the wreckage. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical responded to get the passenger out of the crumpled metal. Both the driver and the passenger refused further medical treatment.The 22-year-old driver, whose name was not released, was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility suspected of several crimes including Possession of Drugs, Possession of a Firearm under the Influence, Driving Under the Influence, Flee and Elude, and additional traffic violations.&nbsp;

Kan. driver left passenger in wreckage after police chase, crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a chase and arrest with a stolen vehicle.

Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;1:30 a.m. Jan. 22, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a gray 2025 Ford SUV, that was recently reported stolen through the City of Topeka, near Interstate 70&nbsp; and SE Adams Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The driver refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. The vehicle pursuit ended in the 1900 block of South Kansas Avenue and the driver fled the scene on foot. A K-9 Unit located the suspect exiting a nearby creek and wooded area. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Joshua S. Bessette, 45, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Jail on requested charges of Flee or attempt to elude; operate a stolen vehicle, Possession of stolen property; value $25,000 to $100,000 and Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768950010459.png" alt="Bessette-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Bessette-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a chase and arrest with a stolen vehicle.Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;1:30 a.m. Jan. 22, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a gray 2025 Ford SUV, that was recently reported stolen through the City of Topeka, near Interstate 70&nbsp; and SE Adams Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The driver refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. The vehicle pursuit ended in the 1900 block of South Kansas Avenue and the driver fled the scene on foot. A K-9 Unit located the suspect exiting a nearby creek and wooded area. He was taken into custody without further incident.Joshua S. Bessette, 45, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Jail on requested charges of Flee or attempt to elude; operate a stolen vehicle, Possession of stolen property; value $25,000 to $100,000 and Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case.

Sheriff's K9 helps track down Kansas stolen car suspect 

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — American rock climber Alex Honnold ascended the Taipei 101 skyscraper on Sunday without any ropes or protective equipment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769376200893.jpeg" alt="Rock climber Alex Honnold, of the U.S., performs a free solo climb of the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan, Sunday, Jan. 25. 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)" />
 <figcaption>Rock climber Alex Honnold, of the U.S., performs a free solo climb of the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan, Sunday, Jan. 25. 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)</figcaption>
 </figure>TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — American rock climber Alex Honnold ascended the Taipei 101 skyscraper on Sunday without any ropes or protective equipment.Cheers erupted from a street-level crowd as he reached the top of the spire of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower about 90 minutes after he started. Wearing a red short-sleeve shirt, Honnold waved his arms back and forth over his head.“It was like what a view, it’s incredible, what a beautiful day,” he said afterward. “It was very windy, so I was like, don’t fall off the spire. I was trying to balance nicely. But it was, what an incredible position, what a beautiful way to see Taipei.”Honnold, known for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/movies-travel-ff106c6b8ad54702bdcaab40988b0ad7">his ropeless ascent</a>&nbsp;up Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan, climbed up one corner of Taipei 101 using small L-shaped outcroppings as footholds. Periodically, he had to maneuver around and clamber up the sides of large ornamental structures that jut out from the tower, pulling himself up with his bare hands.The building has 101 floors, with the hardest part being the 64 floors of the middle section — the “bamboo boxes” that give the building its signature look. Divided into eight, each segment has eight floors of steep, overhanging climbing followed by balconies, where he took short rests as he made his way upward.Honnold's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alex-honnold-taipei-101-climb-netflix-0709f4d062923a09ff6da3786131fdd0">free solo climb of the iconic building</a>&nbsp;in Taiwan's capital city was broadcast live on Netflix with a 10-second delay. The ascent, originally scheduled for Saturday, was delayed for 24 hours due to rain.Having a cheering crowd was unusual and a bit unnerving at first for Honnold, whose climbs are usually in remote areas.“When I was leaving the ground, you're like oh it’s kind of intense, there’s so many people watching,” he said. “But then honestly, they’re all wishing me well. I mean basically it just makes the whole experience feel almost more festive, all these nice people are out supporting me and having a good time.”The climb drew both excitement and concern over the ethical implications of attempting such a high-risk endeavor on live broadcast.Honnold isn't the first climber to ascend Taipei 101, but he is the first to do so without a rope. French rock climber Alain Robert scaled the building on Christmas Day in 2004 as part of the grand opening of what was then the world’s tallest building.___Associated Press video journalist Taijing Wu and writer Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed.