KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a homicide in Kansas City and asking the public for help with information to locate a suspect.

At 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police were called to Linwood and Broadway in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

While en route officers were advised there was a person possibly shot inside a vehicle there.&nbsp;On arrival officers were directed to a vehicle near the intersection where they located a male shooting victim unresponsive alone inside the vehicle. 

Officers called for EMS who responded for treatment of the victim. EMS subsequently transported the victim to the hospital where he was ultimately declared deceased by medical personnel.This case is being investigated as a homicide, according to Becchina. 

Preliminary information from callers and people at the scene when officers arrived indicates the victim was inside the vehicle when another vehicle pulled along side his vehicle and shots appear to have been fired from that vehicle into the victim vehicle striking the victim.

This is a heavily traveled area with vehicle and foot traffic at this time of day, detectives are optimistic that there could be multiple very valuable witnesses.

 If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768791564663.png" alt="File photo by Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>File photo by Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a homicide in Kansas City and asking the public for help with information to locate a suspect.At 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police were called to Linwood and Broadway in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.While en route officers were advised there was a person possibly shot inside a vehicle there.&nbsp;On arrival officers were directed to a vehicle near the intersection where they located a male shooting victim unresponsive alone inside the vehicle. Officers called for EMS who responded for treatment of the victim. EMS subsequently transported the victim to the hospital where he was ultimately declared deceased by medical personnel.This case is being investigated as a homicide, according to Becchina. Preliminary information from callers and people at the scene when officers arrived indicates the victim was inside the vehicle when another vehicle pulled along side his vehicle and shots appear to have been fired from that vehicle into the victim vehicle striking the victim.This is a heavily traveled area with vehicle and foot traffic at this time of day, detectives are optimistic that there could be multiple very valuable witnesses. If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline

Police asking for information in fatal KC drive-by shooting

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating five suspects on multiple drug allegations after a drug bust in southeast Kansas.

On January 17, sheriff's deputies executed a narcotics search warrant at a home located at 630 E. 9th Street in Cherryvale, Kansas, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies made contact with the homeowner, identified as 37-year-old Rae Rash, and conducted a search of the residence. During the search, deputies located five additional individuals inside the residence, including one juvenile. All individuals were detained while the search was conducted.

As a result of the search, deputies located and seized approximately 172 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 280 grams of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

The following adult subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where they were booked on the listed charges:

Rae Rash is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of methamphetamine,&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated endangering a child

Jeffrey Mayberry, Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Aggravated endangering a child, Possession of marijuana and Interference with a law enforcement officer.

Clayton Harper, Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of methamphetamine, Distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school,&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated endangering a child, Interference with a law enforcement officer and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Brandy Barnett is jailed on requested charges of Cherryvale on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, Aggravated endangering a child , Interference with a law enforcement officer and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brandi Welch of Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school,&nbsp; Distribution of methamphetamine,&nbsp; Distribution of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated endangering a child.

The juvenile located inside the residence was taken into protective custody for their safety.

Sheriff Ron Wade stated, “Drug distribution, especially in close proximity to schools and involving children, will not be tolerated in Montgomery County. Our deputies will continue to work diligently to protect our communities and ensure the safety of our children.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768961029824.png" alt="Welch-photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Welch-photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating five suspects on multiple drug allegations after a drug bust in southeast Kansas.On January 17, sheriff's deputies executed a narcotics search warrant at a home located at 630 E. 9th Street in Cherryvale, Kansas, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade.Deputies made contact with the homeowner, identified as 37-year-old Rae Rash, and conducted a search of the residence. During the search, deputies located five additional individuals inside the residence, including one juvenile. All individuals were detained while the search was conducted.As a result of the search, deputies located and seized approximately 172 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 280 grams of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.The following adult subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where they were booked on the listed charges:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768960992542.png" alt="Rash photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Rash photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Rae Rash is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of methamphetamine,&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated endangering a child<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768961172607.png" alt="Mayberry photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Mayberry photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Jeffrey Mayberry, Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Aggravated endangering a child, Possession of marijuana and Interference with a law enforcement officer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768961126724.png" alt="Harper photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Harper photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Clayton Harper, Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of methamphetamine, Distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school,&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated endangering a child, Interference with a law enforcement officer and Possession of drug paraphernalia<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768961071258.png" alt="Barnett-photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Barnett-photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Brandy Barnett is jailed on requested charges of Cherryvale on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, Aggravated endangering a child , Interference with a law enforcement officer and Possession of drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768961029824.png" alt="Welch-photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Welch-photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Brandi Welch of Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school,&nbsp; Distribution of methamphetamine,&nbsp; Distribution of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated endangering a child.The juvenile located inside the residence was taken into protective custody for their safety.Sheriff Ron Wade stated, “Drug distribution, especially in close proximity to schools and involving children, will not be tolerated in Montgomery County. Our deputies will continue to work diligently to protect our communities and ensure the safety of our children.”

Sheriff: Suspects were selling drugs from Kan. home where children lived

JACKSON ON COUNTY—On person died in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Jackson County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 BMW X3 driven by a 28-year-old Independence, Mo. man was&nbsp; eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Woods Chapel Road.

The car rear-ended a 2020 Volvo semi driven by a California man.&nbsp; The BMW driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the medical examiner's office. The semi driver was not injured. The MSHP did not have complete seat belt usage details. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

JACKSON ON COUNTY—On person died in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Jackson County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 BMW X3 driven by a 28-year-old Independence, Mo. man was&nbsp; eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Woods Chapel Road.The car rear-ended a 2020 Volvo semi driven by a California man.&nbsp; The BMW driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the medical examiner's office. The semi driver was not injured. The MSHP did not have complete seat belt usage details. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man dies after rear-end crash with a semi

Kansas lawmakers were updated by representatives of the Kansas City Chiefs on the team's move into the state with a new stadium set to be built in 2031. 

Attorney Korb Maxwell led the Chiefs' presentation, highlighting the agreement made without raising taxes on Kansas taxpayers. The STAR bonds package, authorized for 30 years, may be paid off earlier due to development generated by the new stadium being built in Wyandotte County and the team headquarters and practice facility in Olathe. 

Potential developers have shown interest in opportunities near the proposed locations, with unique entertainment opportunities wanting to associate with the NFL and the Chiefs. Opportunities for the metro area and beyond are expected to arise from the move as well.

(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766434608613.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>(By MATT PIKE)Kansas lawmakers were updated by representatives of the Kansas City Chiefs on the team's move into the state with a new stadium set to be built in 2031. Attorney Korb Maxwell led the Chiefs' presentation, highlighting the agreement made without raising taxes on Kansas taxpayers. The STAR bonds package, authorized for 30 years, may be paid off earlier due to development generated by the new stadium being built in Wyandotte County and the team headquarters and practice facility in Olathe. Potential developers have shown interest in opportunities near the proposed locations, with unique entertainment opportunities wanting to associate with the NFL and the Chiefs. Opportunities for the metro area and beyond are expected to arise from the move as well.(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)

Kansas lawmakers updated by Chiefs on stadium move

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced in a social media post Wednesday that he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte brokered a possible agreement on Greenland, though Trump provided few details or a timeline.&nbsp;

Trump’s comments came just hours after he took his case for acquiring the Arctic island to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, urging European leaders to begin negotiations while appearing to rule out a military takeover.&nbsp;

A few hours later, Trump wrote after meeting one-on-one with Rutte that the two “have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region.”&nbsp;

“This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations,” Trump wrote. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st.”

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-people-will-find-out-how-far-hes-willing-go-acquire-greenland" target="_blank">threatened over the weekend</a>&nbsp;to place a 10% tariff on goods coming into the United States from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom if they continued to oppose his attempts to acquire Greenland. Trump wrote he would increase the tariffs to 25% in June if a deal hadn’t been brokered before then.

Trump wrote in his most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115934734335579278" target="_blank">social media post</a>&nbsp;that further negotiations about Greenland will be handled by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and several other officials.&nbsp;

“Additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland,” Trump wrote, referring to a possible missile defense system. “Further information will be made available as discussions progress.”

Asked by reporters if the framework includes U.S. ownership of Greenland, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-comments-on-reported-greenland-deal/672046" target="_blank">declined to say directly</a>.

“It’s a long-term deal. It’s the ultimate long-term deal. And I think it puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and minerals and everything else,” Trump said, later adding it would last “forever.”&nbsp;

Trump insisted during the 75-minute, wide-ranging speech he gave a few hours before his announcement that Greenland represents “a core national security interest” that “would greatly enhance the security of the entire” NATO alliance if it were fully controlled by the United States.&nbsp;

“I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States,” Trump said. “Just as we have acquired many other territories throughout our history, as many of the European nations have … there’s nothing wrong with it.”

Trump signaled he will likely not use the U.S. military to take over Greenland, saying, “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”

But he indicated any European country that objects to the U.S. making Greenland part of the country will face repercussions.

“You can say ‘yes,’ and we will be very appreciative, or you can say ‘no’ and we will remember,” Trump said.&nbsp;

Greenland would become the site of a missile defense system that Trump refers to as the Golden Dome, which he said could “keep our very energetic and dangerous potential enemies at bay” if the island becomes part of the United States.&nbsp;

Trump repeatedly criticized the other NATO countries during his speech, falsely claiming more than once the United States has never benefited from the military alliance formed following World War II.&nbsp;

“What we have gotten out of NATO is nothing, except to protect Europe from the Soviet Union and now Russia,” Trump said. “I mean, we’ve helped them for so many years.”

The United States is the only country in the history of the alliance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/nato-has-invoked-article-5-only-once-in-its-history" target="_blank">to invoke Article 5</a>, which says that an attack against one is an attack against all.

That led NATO countries to send their military members to fight alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan following the 2001 terrorist attacks. More than 1,000 of those NATO troops died,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.911memorial.org/learn/resources/digital-exhibitions/digital-exhibition-revealed-hunt-bin-laden/international-community-responds" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.&nbsp;

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte sought to reassure Trump of NATO’s security commitment to all of its member countries later in the day, when the two met one-on-one during the forum.&nbsp;

“Let me tell you, they will. And they did in Afghanistan, as you know,” Rutte said, according to audio of the exchange shared by the White House pool.

Rutte noted that for “every two Americans who paid the ultimate price, there was one soldier from another NATO country” or Australia.&nbsp;

“So you can be assured, absolutely, if ever the U.S. will be under attack, your allies will be with you. Absolutely. There’s an absolute guarantee,” Rutte said. “I really want to tell you this, because this is important. It pains me if you think it is not.”

Trump told reporters ahead of his meeting with Rutte that he “could see” paying a price for Greenland, though he did not elaborate. He said he had “no idea” when he might speak directly with leaders of Denmark about trying to acquire Greenland. He said he believes Rutte is “frankly more important.”

Trump focused some of his speech in Davos on domestic issues, talking briefly about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/01/stopping-wall-street-from-competing-with-main-street-homebuyers/" target="_blank">an executive order</a>&nbsp;he signed this week focused on the availability of housing within the United States.&nbsp;

“I have signed an executive order banning large institutional investors from buying single-family homes. It’s just not fair to the public. They’re not able to buy a house,” Trump said. “And I’m calling on Congress to pass that ban into permanent law, and I think they will.”

Trump said he wanted to take steps to help Americans afford homes, but that he didn’t want those actions to reduce the value of homes people already own. He didn’t elaborate on how that would work.&nbsp;

“I am very protective of people that already own a house, of which we have millions and millions and millions. And because we have had such a good run, the house values have gone up tremendously, and these people have become wealthy. They weren’t wealthy. They become wealthy because of their house,” he said. “And every time you make it more and more and more affordable for somebody to buy a house cheaply, you’re actually hurting the value of those houses, obviously, because the one thing works in tandem with the other.”

Trump said if he wanted to, he could “really crush the housing market” and decrease housing prices, though he didn’t say how exactly he would go about doing that if he wanted to.&nbsp;

Trump said he’s ordered “government-backed institutions to purchase up to $200 billion in mortgage bonds,” and that he expects to announce a new Federal Reserve chairman “in the not-too-distant future,” who he believes will decrease interest rates. Trump has been feuding over interest rates with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreservehistory.org/people/jerome-h-powell" target="_blank">Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell</a>, whose term as chair ends in May although Powell can remain as a governor.&nbsp;

Trump also called on Congress to approve legislation that would prevent credit card companies from hiking their interest rates above 10% for one year, saying that would help people save some money that they could use for buying a house.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769004214648.png" alt="President Trump speaking Wednesday at Davos-Photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>President Trump speaking Wednesday at Davos-Photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced in a social media post Wednesday that he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte brokered a possible agreement on Greenland, though Trump provided few details or a timeline.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on Greenland: &quot;The deal is going to be put out pretty soon... it gets us everything we needed to get.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/S3X95XCm1S">pic.twitter.com/S3X95XCm1S</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2014069502615466111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 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/3FM8el4RAe">pic.twitter.com/3FM8el4RAe</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2014057541215408154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 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/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on Greenland: &quot;Well, we have a concept of a deal. I think it’s going to be a very good deal for the United States, also for them, and we&#39;re going to work together on something having to do with the arctic as a whole... it has to do with the security — great security.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/hpCQNmcAjV">pic.twitter.com/hpCQNmcAjV</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2014071312797278380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump’s comments came just hours after he took his case for acquiring the Arctic island to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, urging European leaders to begin negotiations while appearing to rule out a military takeover.&nbsp;A few hours later, Trump wrote after meeting one-on-one with Rutte that the two “have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region.”&nbsp;“This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations,” Trump wrote. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st.”Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-people-will-find-out-how-far-hes-willing-go-acquire-greenland" target="_blank">threatened over the weekend</a>&nbsp;to place a 10% tariff on goods coming into the United States from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom if they continued to oppose his attempts to acquire Greenland. Trump wrote he would increase the tariffs to 25% in June if a deal hadn’t been brokered before then.Trump wrote in his most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115934734335579278" target="_blank">social media post</a>&nbsp;that further negotiations about Greenland will be handled by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and several other officials.&nbsp;“Additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland,” Trump wrote, referring to a possible missile defense system. “Further information will be made available as discussions progress.”Asked by reporters if the framework includes U.S. ownership of Greenland, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-comments-on-reported-greenland-deal/672046" target="_blank">declined to say directly</a>.“It’s a long-term deal. It’s the ultimate long-term deal. And I think it puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and minerals and everything else,” Trump said, later adding it would last “forever.”&nbsp;<h2>‘I don’t have to use force’</h2>Trump insisted during the 75-minute, wide-ranging speech he gave a few hours before his announcement that Greenland represents “a core national security interest” that “would greatly enhance the security of the entire” NATO alliance if it were fully controlled by the United States.&nbsp;“I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States,” Trump said. “Just as we have acquired many other territories throughout our history, as many of the European nations have … there’s nothing wrong with it.”Trump signaled he will likely not use the U.S. military to take over Greenland, saying, “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”But he indicated any European country that objects to the U.S. making Greenland part of the country will face repercussions.“You can say ‘yes,’ and we will be very appreciative, or you can say ‘no’ and we will remember,” Trump said.&nbsp;Greenland would become the site of a missile defense system that Trump refers to as the Golden Dome, which he said could “keep our very energetic and dangerous potential enemies at bay” if the island becomes part of the United States.&nbsp;<h2>Trump bashes NATO</h2>Trump repeatedly criticized the other NATO countries during his speech, falsely claiming more than once the United States has never benefited from the military alliance formed following World War II.&nbsp;“What we have gotten out of NATO is nothing, except to protect Europe from the Soviet Union and now Russia,” Trump said. “I mean, we’ve helped them for so many years.”The United States is the only country in the history of the alliance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/nato-has-invoked-article-5-only-once-in-its-history" target="_blank">to invoke Article 5</a>, which says that an attack against one is an attack against all.That led NATO countries to send their military members to fight alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan following the 2001 terrorist attacks. More than 1,000 of those NATO troops died,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.911memorial.org/learn/resources/digital-exhibitions/digital-exhibition-revealed-hunt-bin-laden/international-community-responds" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.&nbsp;NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte sought to reassure Trump of NATO’s security commitment to all of its member countries later in the day, when the two met one-on-one during the forum.&nbsp;“Let me tell you, they will. And they did in Afghanistan, as you know,” Rutte said, according to audio of the exchange shared by the White House pool.Rutte noted that for “every two Americans who paid the ultimate price, there was one soldier from another NATO country” or Australia.&nbsp;“So you can be assured, absolutely, if ever the U.S. will be under attack, your allies will be with you. Absolutely. There’s an absolute guarantee,” Rutte said. “I really want to tell you this, because this is important. It pains me if you think it is not.”Trump told reporters ahead of his meeting with Rutte that he “could see” paying a price for Greenland, though he did not elaborate. He said he had “no idea” when he might speak directly with leaders of Denmark about trying to acquire Greenland. He said he believes Rutte is “frankly more important.”<h2>Investors and single-family homes</h2>Trump focused some of his speech in Davos on domestic issues, talking briefly about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/01/stopping-wall-street-from-competing-with-main-street-homebuyers/" target="_blank">an executive order</a>&nbsp;he signed this week focused on the availability of housing within the United States.&nbsp;“I have signed an executive order banning large institutional investors from buying single-family homes. It’s just not fair to the public. They’re not able to buy a house,” Trump said. “And I’m calling on Congress to pass that ban into permanent law, and I think they will.”Trump said he wanted to take steps to help Americans afford homes, but that he didn’t want those actions to reduce the value of homes people already own. He didn’t elaborate on how that would work.&nbsp;“I am very protective of people that already own a house, of which we have millions and millions and millions. And because we have had such a good run, the house values have gone up tremendously, and these people have become wealthy. They weren’t wealthy. They become wealthy because of their house,” he said. “And every time you make it more and more and more affordable for somebody to buy a house cheaply, you’re actually hurting the value of those houses, obviously, because the one thing works in tandem with the other.”Trump said if he wanted to, he could “really crush the housing market” and decrease housing prices, though he didn’t say how exactly he would go about doing that if he wanted to.&nbsp;Trump said he’s ordered “government-backed institutions to purchase up to $200 billion in mortgage bonds,” and that he expects to announce a new Federal Reserve chairman “in the not-too-distant future,” who he believes will decrease interest rates. Trump has been feuding over interest rates with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreservehistory.org/people/jerome-h-powell" target="_blank">Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell</a>, whose term as chair ends in May although Powell can remain as a governor.&nbsp;Trump also called on Congress to approve legislation that would prevent credit card companies from hiking their interest rates above 10% for one year, saying that would help people save some money that they could use for buying a house.&nbsp;

Trump announces ‘framework of a deal’ on Greenland, relents on 8-nation tariffs

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City and working to determine how the victim died.

Just after&nbsp;9pm Tuesday, police responded to an apartment in the 2500 block of Benton in Kansas City, Missouri, on an EMS call.

The caller saw a person in a neighboring apartment who appeared to be injured and needed medical attention. On arrival officers were led to an apartment inside the building where they located a man unresponsive with unknown injuries. Officers called for EMS who responded and rendered aid before ultimately declaring the victim deceased at the scene.

Based on the preliminary circumstances Detectives are investigating this case as a homicide. They will be working with crime scene investigators to gather evidence and canvass for any witnesses

Detectives will also work with medical examiners to determine cause and manner of death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769002460203.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City and working to determine how the victim died.Just after&nbsp;9pm Tuesday, police responded to an apartment in the 2500 block of Benton in Kansas City, Missouri, on an EMS call.The caller saw a person in a neighboring apartment who appeared to be injured and needed medical attention. On arrival officers were led to an apartment inside the building where they located a man unresponsive with unknown injuries. Officers called for EMS who responded and rendered aid before ultimately declaring the victim deceased at the scene.Based on the preliminary circumstances Detectives are investigating this case as a homicide. They will be working with crime scene investigators to gather evidence and canvass for any witnessesDetectives will also work with medical examiners to determine cause and manner of death.

Homicide: KCPD working to determine man's cause of death

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kelcie-moseley-morris/">Kelcie Moseley-Morris</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">Anna Spoerre</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Two Missouri women who had abortions 50 years ago testified Tuesday to mental health effects they suffered from the procedure

KANSAS CITY — The first slate of witnesses from the Missouri Attorney General’s office in the fight to uphold statewide abortion regulations offered testimony that professionals and scientific studies have long disputed, including claims about mental health outcomes and abortion medication.&nbsp;

It’s the second week of a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/09/missouri-abortion-regulations-trial-access-trap-laws/">10-day bench trial&nbsp;</a>that will be decided by Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang. Missouri’s Planned Parenthood affiliates, along with the ACLU of Missouri, filed the lawsuit over Missouri’s few dozen&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/12/missouri-abortion-rights-trial-focuses-on-two-decades-of-state-restrictions/">Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers, or TRAP, laws,</a>&nbsp;claiming they are now unconstitutional under the state’s reproductive rights amendment approved by voters in 2024.

Advocates say those laws made abortion almost completely inaccessible in the years leading up to 2022, when a near-total ban was implemented across the state.&nbsp;

The state constitution now prohibits the state from denying, delaying or interfering with abortion access unless it demonstrates “a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”

A majority of the testimony on Tuesday focused on mental health, including two women who took the stand to talk about their own abortions more than 50 years ago.&nbsp;

Linda Raymond, who grew up in St. Louis, said she had an abortion when she was 18 after pressure from her mother, who she said was embarrassed and angry that her daughter had gotten pregnant. Raymond testified that her mother beat her when she discovered she was pregnant.

The nurse and doctors at the Planned Parenthood she went to in 1976 didn’t inform her about the risks or potential complications of abortion, she said, or about the alternatives of adoption or parenting.

“If I had those things in front of me, I would have reconsidered,” Raymond said. “I would have pushed back on my mother.”

Since then, Raymond has become an anti-abortion activist, testifying that she has prayed outside of a Planned Parenthood Great Rivers clinic and tries to talk to people going inside.&nbsp;

“I don’t want other women and families to make the choice that I ultimately made,” she said.

One of the laws at issue requires patients to be given a copy of Missouri’s informed consent booklet prior to an abortion — a<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/families/womenshealth/pregnancyassistance/pdf/Mo.InformedConsentBooklet-Revisedpgs.12-15August2019jkOGCReviewed.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;26-page pamphlet</a>&nbsp;that begins with a statement that human life begins at conception and “abortion will terminate the life of a separate, unique, living human being.”&nbsp;

It also includes information about fetal pain beginning at 16 weeks or earlier, even though the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that a multitude of studies have established that fetuses cannot feel pain until<a href="https://www.acog.org/advocacy/facts-are-important/gestational-development-capacity-for-pain" target="_blank">&nbsp;closer to viability</a>, around 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The law also mandates a 72-hour waiting period between an initial appointment and the procedure, when a doctor or other qualified professional must inform the patient of the “immediate and long-term medical risks to her and possible adverse psychological effects associated with the abortion.”&nbsp;

Attorneys for the state have previously emphasized the need for a “reflection period” for women before they move forward with an abortion. Those who testified for Planned Parenthood last week said it put a huge burden on patients, especially those who had to take time off work, arrange child care or travel long distances to get to the clinic.&nbsp;

Having a wanted abortion isn’t linked to mental health issues, but being denied a wanted abortion is, according to the<a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/09/news-facts-abortion-mental-health" target="_blank">&nbsp;American Psychological Institute.</a>&nbsp;Dr. Daniel Grossman, who was called to testify last week by Planned Parenthood’s attorneys, told the court he regularly reviews literature on abortion and mental health and hasn’t seen any evidence of abortion increasing the risk of mental health problems.

But more recent studies, like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ansirh.org/research/ongoing/turnaway-study" target="_blank">Turnaway Study,</a>&nbsp;paint a better reality, he said. That study, led by one of Grossman’s colleagues at University of California San Francisco, where he serves as ​​director of Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, focused on 1,000 women who sought abortions between 2008 and 2010 years, and then followed them for five years after they either received an abortion or were unable to get one, including because of state laws banning or limiting abortion.

This study, Grossman testified, found anxiety rates were higher among women who had just been denied abortions. But after five years, he said, there was no difference in the mental health of the groups who had abortions versus those turned away. Grossman is also a liaison to Planned Parenthood’s National Medical Committee.

According to Missouri public records, post-abortion complication reports from 2018 to 2022 show no patients with a diagnosable psychiatric condition listed as a complication.

Stephanie Jacobson, who was a Missouri resident until about four years ago, had an abortion when she was 16 in 1978, and another when she was 18. Jacobson went on to have five children, but testified Tuesday that the abortions “ravaged” her and left her with depression and anxiety that lingered until she went through an abortion recovery program less than a decade ago.

Now Jacobson is a coach for an abortion recovery hotline, though she said that has exacerbated her mental health issues.&nbsp;

During her testimony, she recounted one “intense” call from a woman who was panicked and screaming after having a medication abortion at home. Jacobson said while she was trying to talk the woman through what she could do with the fetal remains that were sitting on a cloth on the counter, the woman said her cat started eating them.

Attorneys for the plaintiff immediately objected to Jacobson’s testimony as hearsay, and Zhang agreed to strike it from the record. However, the state opted to bring Jacobson back to the stand later in the afternoon to tell the same story again with more detail “on proffer,” which means it won’t be considered as evidence in this trial but could be considered on appeal.

The state also called Dr. Monique Wubbenhorst, who practiced as an OBGYN for more than 30 years but has never performed an abortion and is against abortion in all circumstances except to save the pregnant patient’s life. Her testimony included many of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/19/abortion-safety-missouri-amendment-trial-jackson-county/">same arguments</a>&nbsp;that were already discussed in the first week of the trial, such as the safety of medication abortion.

Wubbenhorst’s testimony will conclude Wednesday morning, and the trial is expected to end on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769022321846.png" alt=" Connie Gerling, with 40 Days for Life, prays outside the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic on March 3, 2025 as the clinic restarted procedural abortions for the first time in years. A sign beside her reads: "We Care. We can Help" (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Connie Gerling, with 40 Days for Life, prays outside the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic on March 3, 2025 as the clinic restarted procedural abortions for the first time in years. A sign beside her reads: "We Care. We can Help" (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kelcie-moseley-morris/">Kelcie Moseley-Morris</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">Anna Spoerre</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>Two Missouri women who had abortions 50 years ago testified Tuesday to mental health effects they suffered from the procedure</h2>KANSAS CITY — The first slate of witnesses from the Missouri Attorney General’s office in the fight to uphold statewide abortion regulations offered testimony that professionals and scientific studies have long disputed, including claims about mental health outcomes and abortion medication.&nbsp;It’s the second week of a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/09/missouri-abortion-regulations-trial-access-trap-laws/">10-day bench trial&nbsp;</a>that will be decided by Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang. Missouri’s Planned Parenthood affiliates, along with the ACLU of Missouri, filed the lawsuit over Missouri’s few dozen&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/12/missouri-abortion-rights-trial-focuses-on-two-decades-of-state-restrictions/">Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers, or TRAP, laws,</a>&nbsp;claiming they are now unconstitutional under the state’s reproductive rights amendment approved by voters in 2024.Advocates say those laws made abortion almost completely inaccessible in the years leading up to 2022, when a near-total ban was implemented across the state.&nbsp;The state constitution now prohibits the state from denying, delaying or interfering with abortion access unless it demonstrates “a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”A majority of the testimony on Tuesday focused on mental health, including two women who took the stand to talk about their own abortions more than 50 years ago.&nbsp;Linda Raymond, who grew up in St. Louis, said she had an abortion when she was 18 after pressure from her mother, who she said was embarrassed and angry that her daughter had gotten pregnant. Raymond testified that her mother beat her when she discovered she was pregnant.The nurse and doctors at the Planned Parenthood she went to in 1976 didn’t inform her about the risks or potential complications of abortion, she said, or about the alternatives of adoption or parenting.“If I had those things in front of me, I would have reconsidered,” Raymond said. “I would have pushed back on my mother.”Since then, Raymond has become an anti-abortion activist, testifying that she has prayed outside of a Planned Parenthood Great Rivers clinic and tries to talk to people going inside.&nbsp;“I don’t want other women and families to make the choice that I ultimately made,” she said.One of the laws at issue requires patients to be given a copy of Missouri’s informed consent booklet prior to an abortion — a<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/families/womenshealth/pregnancyassistance/pdf/Mo.InformedConsentBooklet-Revisedpgs.12-15August2019jkOGCReviewed.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;26-page pamphlet</a>&nbsp;that begins with a statement that human life begins at conception and “abortion will terminate the life of a separate, unique, living human being.”&nbsp;It also includes information about fetal pain beginning at 16 weeks or earlier, even though the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that a multitude of studies have established that fetuses cannot feel pain until<a href="https://www.acog.org/advocacy/facts-are-important/gestational-development-capacity-for-pain" target="_blank">&nbsp;closer to viability</a>, around 24 weeks of pregnancy.The law also mandates a 72-hour waiting period between an initial appointment and the procedure, when a doctor or other qualified professional must inform the patient of the “immediate and long-term medical risks to her and possible adverse psychological effects associated with the abortion.”&nbsp;Attorneys for the state have previously emphasized the need for a “reflection period” for women before they move forward with an abortion. Those who testified for Planned Parenthood last week said it put a huge burden on patients, especially those who had to take time off work, arrange child care or travel long distances to get to the clinic.&nbsp;Having a wanted abortion isn’t linked to mental health issues, but being denied a wanted abortion is, according to the<a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/09/news-facts-abortion-mental-health" target="_blank">&nbsp;American Psychological Institute.</a>&nbsp;Dr. Daniel Grossman, who was called to testify last week by Planned Parenthood’s attorneys, told the court he regularly reviews literature on abortion and mental health and hasn’t seen any evidence of abortion increasing the risk of mental health problems.But more recent studies, like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ansirh.org/research/ongoing/turnaway-study" target="_blank">Turnaway Study,</a>&nbsp;paint a better reality, he said. That study, led by one of Grossman’s colleagues at University of California San Francisco, where he serves as ​​director of Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, focused on 1,000 women who sought abortions between 2008 and 2010 years, and then followed them for five years after they either received an abortion or were unable to get one, including because of state laws banning or limiting abortion.This study, Grossman testified, found anxiety rates were higher among women who had just been denied abortions. But after five years, he said, there was no difference in the mental health of the groups who had abortions versus those turned away. Grossman is also a liaison to Planned Parenthood’s National Medical Committee.According to Missouri public records, post-abortion complication reports from 2018 to 2022 show no patients with a diagnosable psychiatric condition listed as a complication.Stephanie Jacobson, who was a Missouri resident until about four years ago, had an abortion when she was 16 in 1978, and another when she was 18. Jacobson went on to have five children, but testified Tuesday that the abortions “ravaged” her and left her with depression and anxiety that lingered until she went through an abortion recovery program less than a decade ago.Now Jacobson is a coach for an abortion recovery hotline, though she said that has exacerbated her mental health issues.&nbsp;During her testimony, she recounted one “intense” call from a woman who was panicked and screaming after having a medication abortion at home. Jacobson said while she was trying to talk the woman through what she could do with the fetal remains that were sitting on a cloth on the counter, the woman said her cat started eating them.Attorneys for the plaintiff immediately objected to Jacobson’s testimony as hearsay, and Zhang agreed to strike it from the record. However, the state opted to bring Jacobson back to the stand later in the afternoon to tell the same story again with more detail “on proffer,” which means it won’t be considered as evidence in this trial but could be considered on appeal.The state also called Dr. Monique Wubbenhorst, who practiced as an OBGYN for more than 30 years but has never performed an abortion and is against abortion in all circumstances except to save the pregnant patient’s life. Her testimony included many of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/19/abortion-safety-missouri-amendment-trial-jackson-county/">same arguments</a>&nbsp;that were already discussed in the first week of the trial, such as the safety of medication abortion.Wubbenhorst’s testimony will conclude Wednesday morning, and the trial is expected to end on Monday.

Mo. leans on disputed mental health claims in defense of strict abortion laws

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two Fort Riley men for alleged barcode swapping at a store in Salina.

On Monday, security from Target on South 9th Street in Salina took two male suspects into custody for allegedly barcode swapping on trading cards.

Salina Police Department were dispatched to the store and arrested 23, year-old&nbsp;Austin Martin and 24-year-old Colby Flowers, both from Fort Riley, according to a statement from Salina Police.

Martin and Flowers allegedly stole two boxes of sports cards, valued at $100 and two packs of pokemon cards, valued $10. The suspects committed the thefts on January 11 and the 17.

Martin and Flowers were booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charge of Felony Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768920785988.jpeg" alt="Flowers photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Flowers photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two Fort Riley men for alleged barcode swapping at a store in Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769015181676.png" alt="Martin-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Martin-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, security from Target on South 9th Street in Salina took two male suspects into custody for allegedly barcode swapping on trading cards.Salina Police Department were dispatched to the store and arrested 23, year-old&nbsp;Austin Martin and 24-year-old Colby Flowers, both from Fort Riley, according to a statement from Salina Police.Martin and Flowers allegedly stole two boxes of sports cards, valued at $100 and two packs of pokemon cards, valued $10. The suspects committed the thefts on January 11 and the 17.Martin and Flowers were booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charge of Felony Theft.

Police: Two Kansas men accused of barcode swapping

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

Just before 4a.m. January 19, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a white 2005 Cadillac SUV near SW 17th Street and SW Washburn Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp; It was determined that the driver did not have a valid driver’s license. He also had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located.

Quamell C-C Eteeyan, 30, Topeka was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia and traffic violations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768950271191.png" alt="Eteeyan-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Eteeyan-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before 4a.m. January 19, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a white 2005 Cadillac SUV near SW 17th Street and SW Washburn Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp; It was determined that the driver did not have a valid driver’s license. He also had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located.Quamell C-C Eteeyan, 30, Topeka was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia and traffic violations.

Kan. man without a driver's license was transporting drugs

Repeated budget items in state calculations led Gov. Mike Kehoe’s office to originally project an ending balance of less than $5 million for the coming fiscal year

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri’s budget picture brightened slightly this week with the discovery of a $250 million error in state projections, though lawmakers were warned Tuesday the change isn’t enough to take tight controls off state spending.

State Budget Director Dan Haug told the House Budget Committee that more than $100 million in disaster relief appropriations were mistakenly counted in next year’s spending and in the current year.

As a result, instead of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/13/missouri-revenue-surplus-nearly-gone-as-gov-mike-kehoe-unveils-his-budget-plan/">$4.7 million ending balance</a>&nbsp;in the coming fiscal year, Missouri’s general revenue fund will hold $261 million. That new projection, if accurate, would still be the lowest general revenue balance to end a fiscal year since 2018.

“While that does make our bottom line better, it does not change the fundamental issue that our ongoing expenditures are more than our ongoing revenues,” Haug said. “It doesn’t change either of those two numbers.”

The state treasury held $4.3 billion of general revenue on June 30, the final day of fiscal 2025. That is down from a historic high of $5.7 billion at the end of fiscal 2023 as lawmakers have spent more than taxes for general revenue have generated over the past two years.

The current budget continues that trend. With supplemental items requested by Gov. Mike Kehoe, the state will budget $16.2 billion of general revenue in the current year, about $3.1 billion more than is expected in revenue.&nbsp;

As a result, $2 billion will remain on June 30, the governor’s budget projects.

Kehoe’s budget for the next fiscal year, delivered to lawmakers Jan. 13, anticipates general revenue appropriations to total $16.3 billion, with revenues expected to be $13.6 billion.

The extra money revealed by correcting the calculation error will make it easier for the state to keep up with current bills in future years but isn’t enough to add any spending beyond Kehoe’s budget proposal, said House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel.

“It didn’t change anything, because really, $4 million wasn’t a good place to be,” Deaton said.

The variables in the forecast, which will determine the actual fund balance, are how fast the state will complete $1.3 billion of multi-year construction projects and how close the state is on estimating operating budgets.

More than $900 million set aside for state operations in fiscal 2025 was unspent, but the budget anticipates that figure will be only $350 million in the coming fiscal year and uses that money to balance spending and revenues.

The updated forecast can be debated but it is not far off, Deaton said.

“I could come up with one a little different, and reasonable people could probably argue about it,” Deaton said. “I can’t point to anything and say this is ridiculous.”

The updated forecast gives Democrats ammunition to push for their spending priorities, said state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee.

There should be more money available, Fogle said. She noted that the state Board of Education requested a $190 million boost to the foundation formula, the state’s main source of public school funding, that Kehoe did not recommend.

“What that changes is the governor signaled that he was comfortable spending down to $4.7 million, and I find it somewhat ironic that now he’s saying he needs to keep this additional $260 million on the bottom line as well, when there are things that I would argue we could be doing,” she said.

Republicans who hold all the state offices and a legislative supermajority have said for years the state should sock away money for lean times, Fogle said. But now that a budget crunch is here, she said, there’s no money to defer cuts.

Kehoe’s budget anticipates he will have to limit spending on almost $300 million in spending included his budget to produce the $261 million fund balance. The message from Kehoe and Haug is that there is no room for increases, Fogle said.

“It has been made clear by both the State of the State (address) and director Haug’s comments today,” Fogle said, “that there’s absolutely no appetite to add any spending from the governor’s original recommendations.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769003628532.png" alt="Missouri budget director Dan Haug said Tuesday that a calculation error is why the state general revenue balance was originally projected to be $4.7 million in fiscal 2027. He is shown speaking during the 2024 legislative session to the House Budget Committee (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri budget director Dan Haug said Tuesday that a calculation error is why the state general revenue balance was originally projected to be $4.7 million in fiscal 2027. He is shown speaking during the 2024 legislative session to the House Budget Committee (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Repeated budget items in state calculations led Gov. Mike Kehoe’s office to originally project an ending balance of less than $5 million for the coming fiscal year</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri’s budget picture brightened slightly this week with the discovery of a $250 million error in state projections, though lawmakers were warned Tuesday the change isn’t enough to take tight controls off state spending.State Budget Director Dan Haug told the House Budget Committee that more than $100 million in disaster relief appropriations were mistakenly counted in next year’s spending and in the current year.As a result, instead of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/13/missouri-revenue-surplus-nearly-gone-as-gov-mike-kehoe-unveils-his-budget-plan/">$4.7 million ending balance</a>&nbsp;in the coming fiscal year, Missouri’s general revenue fund will hold $261 million. That new projection, if accurate, would still be the lowest general revenue balance to end a fiscal year since 2018.“While that does make our bottom line better, it does not change the fundamental issue that our ongoing expenditures are more than our ongoing revenues,” Haug said. “It doesn’t change either of those two numbers.”The state treasury held $4.3 billion of general revenue on June 30, the final day of fiscal 2025. That is down from a historic high of $5.7 billion at the end of fiscal 2023 as lawmakers have spent more than taxes for general revenue have generated over the past two years.The current budget continues that trend. With supplemental items requested by Gov. Mike Kehoe, the state will budget $16.2 billion of general revenue in the current year, about $3.1 billion more than is expected in revenue.&nbsp;As a result, $2 billion will remain on June 30, the governor’s budget projects.Kehoe’s budget for the next fiscal year, delivered to lawmakers Jan. 13, anticipates general revenue appropriations to total $16.3 billion, with revenues expected to be $13.6 billion.The extra money revealed by correcting the calculation error will make it easier for the state to keep up with current bills in future years but isn’t enough to add any spending beyond Kehoe’s budget proposal, said House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel.“It didn’t change anything, because really, $4 million wasn’t a good place to be,” Deaton said.The variables in the forecast, which will determine the actual fund balance, are how fast the state will complete $1.3 billion of multi-year construction projects and how close the state is on estimating operating budgets.More than $900 million set aside for state operations in fiscal 2025 was unspent, but the budget anticipates that figure will be only $350 million in the coming fiscal year and uses that money to balance spending and revenues.The updated forecast can be debated but it is not far off, Deaton said.“I could come up with one a little different, and reasonable people could probably argue about it,” Deaton said. “I can’t point to anything and say this is ridiculous.”The updated forecast gives Democrats ammunition to push for their spending priorities, said state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee.There should be more money available, Fogle said. She noted that the state Board of Education requested a $190 million boost to the foundation formula, the state’s main source of public school funding, that Kehoe did not recommend.“What that changes is the governor signaled that he was comfortable spending down to $4.7 million, and I find it somewhat ironic that now he’s saying he needs to keep this additional $260 million on the bottom line as well, when there are things that I would argue we could be doing,” she said.Republicans who hold all the state offices and a legislative supermajority have said for years the state should sock away money for lean times, Fogle said. But now that a budget crunch is here, she said, there’s no money to defer cuts.Kehoe’s budget anticipates he will have to limit spending on almost $300 million in spending included his budget to produce the $261 million fund balance. The message from Kehoe and Haug is that there is no room for increases, Fogle said.“It has been made clear by both the State of the State (address) and director Haug’s comments today,” Fogle said, “that there’s absolutely no appetite to add any spending from the governor’s original recommendations.”

Missouri discovers $250M budget mistake, but officials warn spending squeeze remains

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Over the past week, the Kansas City Police Vice Squad, in coordination with the Kansas City, Missouri's Multidisciplinary Public Safety Task Force, conducted an illegal gaming machine operation at three businesses in Kansas City.
&nbsp;
Two stores are now closed. Altogether, the KCPD&nbsp; Vice Squad issued 23 citations, according to a social media report from the KCPD.

Municipal ordinance 50-16 prohibits the operation and maintenance of certain electronic gaming machines that offer a monetary prize to the user.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768877644221.png" alt="Photo from KCPD video" />
 <figcaption>Photo from KCPD video</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Over the past week, the Kansas City Police Vice Squad, in coordination with the Kansas City, Missouri's Multidisciplinary Public Safety Task Force, conducted an illegal gaming machine operation at three businesses in Kansas City.
&nbsp;
Two stores are now closed. Altogether, the KCPD&nbsp; Vice Squad issued 23 citations, according to a social media report from the KCPD.Municipal ordinance 50-16 prohibits the operation and maintenance of certain electronic gaming machines that offer a monetary prize to the user.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police released no additional details.

Police shut down 2 KC businesses in illegal gaming crackdown

Through Operation Souther Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard,Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department.&nbsp; 

Tuesday morning, U.S. military forces, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended Motor Vessel Sagitta without incident, according to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command. 

"The apprehension of another tanker operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean demonstrates our resolve to ensure that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully."

"As the joint force operates in the Western Hemisphere, we reaffirm that the security of the American people is paramount, demonstrating our commitment to safety and stability.

These operations are backed by the full power our elite joint force team deployed in the Caribbean."

Through Operation Souther Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard,Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department.&nbsp; <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Through <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OpSouthernSpear?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OpSouthernSpear</a>, the <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofWar</a> is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with <a href="https://twitter.com/USCG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USCG</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHSgov</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheJusticeDept</a>. This morning, U.S. military forces, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended… <a href="https://t.co/UPADtiw681">pic.twitter.com/UPADtiw681</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2013718812424630376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Tuesday morning, U.S. military forces, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended Motor Vessel Sagitta without incident, according to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command. "The apprehension of another tanker operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean demonstrates our resolve to ensure that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully.""As the joint force operates in the Western Hemisphere, we reaffirm that the security of the American people is paramount, demonstrating our commitment to safety and stability.

These operations are backed by the full power our elite joint force team deployed in the Caribbean."

🎥 US forces seize another oil tanker linked to Venezuela 

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a high speed chase in a stolen vehicle.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Friday at around

Just after 3 p.m. January 16, a sheriff's deputy was in the area of the 10,000 block of South 81 observed a 2027 KIA sedan traveling 68mph in a 55 mph zone, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.&nbsp; .

The driver fled northbound and pursuit ensued. The vehicle turned east on Water Well Road, with top speeds at approximately 120 mph, according to Soldan.

As the vehicle, which deputies confirmed was stolen from a Salina neighborhood January 12, continued east on Water Well and as it approached the intersection of Holmes Road, the car went airborne, leaving the roadway on the north side of the travel lanes and crashed into an area of trees behind a home in the area of Water Well Road.

Two occupants in the vehicle ran from the crash.

Law enforcement then received a call from a residence on S. Holmes Road about hearing the noise of the crash and spotting a woman run across their yard. Several deputies, along with officers from the Salina Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol arrived to the scene.

As they searched the area, they observed a man identified as 30-year-old Phoenix Leonard of Salina, on top of the roof of a home in the area of S. Holmes. Leonard voiced to officers that he was armed and refused to come down from the roof.

Officers set a perimeter around the home, as they were also actively searching for the other suspect.

Shortly after, a deputy noticed movement in a dog house in the area of the home. Deputies then discovered 23-year-old Katherine Lynn of Salina, as the other occupant of the vehicle who fled, and took her into custody.

With Leonard still on the roof, officers shot pepperballs in an attempt to get him off. Leonard was about to get off the roof and surrender, but noticed officers stopped shooting pepperballs and decided to stay on the roof.

Leonard then walked across the roof and fell through a skylight on an attached garage.&nbsp;

The homeowners gave officers the garage door opener, and officers opened the garage. Highway Patrol then released a K9 towards Leonard and the K9 bit him, as officers took him into custody. The pursuit, search and standoff for the suspects lasted until about 6:30 pm according to Soldan.

Leonard was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for injuries he sustained and was later&nbsp;booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Felony Flee and Elude, Interference w Law Enforcement, Aggravated Burglary, Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Trespassing, Driving While Suspended, several Traffic Infractions and Kidnapping.

Lynn was booked on requested charges of Interference with Law Enforcement, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Trespassing.&nbsp;

Leonard was placed on a Kidnapping requested charge, because Lynn stated she wanted out of the vehicle during the chase but Leonard refused, according to Soldan.&nbsp; Leonard and Lynn are well acquainted according to Soldan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768686620220.jpeg" alt="Leonard -photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Leonard -photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a high speed chase in a stolen vehicle.According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Friday at aroundJust after 3 p.m. January 16, a sheriff's deputy was in the area of the 10,000 block of South 81 observed a 2027 KIA sedan traveling 68mph in a 55 mph zone, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.&nbsp; .<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768686694235.jpeg" alt="Lynn photo Saline COunty" />
 <figcaption>Lynn photo Saline COunty</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver fled northbound and pursuit ensued. The vehicle turned east on Water Well Road, with top speeds at approximately 120 mph, according to Soldan.As the vehicle, which deputies confirmed was stolen from a Salina neighborhood January 12, continued east on Water Well and as it approached the intersection of Holmes Road, the car went airborne, leaving the roadway on the north side of the travel lanes and crashed into an area of trees behind a home in the area of Water Well Road.Two occupants in the vehicle ran from the crash.Law enforcement then received a call from a residence on S. Holmes Road about hearing the noise of the crash and spotting a woman run across their yard. Several deputies, along with officers from the Salina Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol arrived to the scene.As they searched the area, they observed a man identified as 30-year-old Phoenix Leonard of Salina, on top of the roof of a home in the area of S. Holmes. Leonard voiced to officers that he was armed and refused to come down from the roof.Officers set a perimeter around the home, as they were also actively searching for the other suspect.Shortly after, a deputy noticed movement in a dog house in the area of the home. Deputies then discovered 23-year-old Katherine Lynn of Salina, as the other occupant of the vehicle who fled, and took her into custody.With Leonard still on the roof, officers shot pepperballs in an attempt to get him off. Leonard was about to get off the roof and surrender, but noticed officers stopped shooting pepperballs and decided to stay on the roof.Leonard then walked across the roof and fell through a skylight on an attached garage.&nbsp;The homeowners gave officers the garage door opener, and officers opened the garage. Highway Patrol then released a K9 towards Leonard and the K9 bit him, as officers took him into custody. The pursuit, search and standoff for the suspects lasted until about 6:30 pm according to Soldan.Leonard was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for injuries he sustained and was later&nbsp;booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Felony Flee and Elude, Interference w Law Enforcement, Aggravated Burglary, Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Trespassing, Driving While Suspended, several Traffic Infractions and Kidnapping.Lynn was booked on requested charges of Interference with Law Enforcement, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Trespassing.&nbsp;Leonard was placed on a Kidnapping requested charge, because Lynn stated she wanted out of the vehicle during the chase but Leonard refused, according to Soldan.&nbsp; Leonard and Lynn are well acquainted according to Soldan.

Suspect who ran from Kan. stolen car chase was hiding in dog house

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768960159653.png" alt="<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">Vice President JD Vance</a>&nbsp;and his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usha-vance-attorney-jd-vance-wife-vp-63406da4f6739546391ed7797fc1fef2">second lady Usha Vance</a>&nbsp;photo from the Vice President's social media page" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">Vice President JD Vance</a>&nbsp;and his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usha-vance-attorney-jd-vance-wife-vp-63406da4f6739546391ed7797fc1fef2">second lady Usha Vance</a>&nbsp;photo from the Vice President's social media page</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’re very happy to share some exciting news. Our family is growing! <a href="https://t.co/0RohEBYXM7">pic.twitter.com/0RohEBYXM7</a>&mdash; Second Lady Usha Vance (@SLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/SLOTUS/status/2013712959608946721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Vice President JD Vance and his wife make a special announcement

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Missouri man pleaded guilty in federal court to drug and gun charges arising out of a May 2025 search warrant, during which two sheriff's deputies were injured.

James Joseph Elsea, 62, Marshall, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, discharging and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing firearms after a prior felony conviction, according to the United State's Attorney/

In a plea agreement filed with the court after the hearing, Elsea admitted that while Pettis County Sheriff’s Office deputies were executing a no-knock search warrant at his home on May 2, 2025, Elsea fired shots from inside the residence, hitting and injuring two deputies. 

Approximately nine minutes after the shots were fired, Elsea made a 911 call reporting that he believed he had shot someone. Later, after the officers arrested Elsea and made entry into his residence, they found evidence that Elsea had discarded methamphetamine down the toilet, leaving loose methamphetamine on the bathroom floor, around and underneath the toilet, on the toilet seat, and in the toilet bowl. Firearms were also found within the home.&nbsp;

According to a federal affidavit, the SWAT team arrived at the rural property around 5:45 a.m. Officers used a saw to cut into the reinforced front door of the house.

The document shows Elsea fired four gunshots at the front door when he heard the noise. Elsea then grabbed a phone and called 911 to report he shot someone according to the affidavit. The 911 operator informed Elsea that police were at his door.

One of the deputies was shot above the knee. The bullet shattered his femur. A bullet hit another deputy in the lower leg. Both deputies were treated at hospitals and released.

Officers arrested Elsea as he tried to climb out a window of the house.

Elsea has prior felony convictions and is not permitted to possess a gun.

Under federal statutes, Elsea is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and up to 15 years for his possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction. He is also subject to a sentence of not less than 10 years for possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which must be consecutive to any other sentence imposed in the case. These maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes, but Elsea’s ultimate sentence will be determined by the court based on advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768947387900.png" alt="Elsea photo Pettis County" />
 <figcaption>Elsea photo Pettis County</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Missouri man pleaded guilty in federal court to drug and gun charges arising out of a May 2025 search warrant, during which two sheriff's deputies were injured.James Joseph Elsea, 62, Marshall, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, discharging and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing firearms after a prior felony conviction, according to the United State's Attorney/In a plea agreement filed with the court after the hearing, Elsea admitted that while Pettis County Sheriff’s Office deputies were executing a no-knock search warrant at his home on May 2, 2025, Elsea fired shots from inside the residence, hitting and injuring two deputies. Approximately nine minutes after the shots were fired, Elsea made a 911 call reporting that he believed he had shot someone. Later, after the officers arrested Elsea and made entry into his residence, they found evidence that Elsea had discarded methamphetamine down the toilet, leaving loose methamphetamine on the bathroom floor, around and underneath the toilet, on the toilet seat, and in the toilet bowl. Firearms were also found within the home.&nbsp;According to a federal affidavit, the SWAT team arrived at the rural property around 5:45 a.m. Officers used a saw to cut into the reinforced front door of the house.The document shows Elsea fired four gunshots at the front door when he heard the noise. Elsea then grabbed a phone and called 911 to report he shot someone according to the affidavit. The 911 operator informed Elsea that police were at his door.One of the deputies was shot above the knee. The bullet shattered his femur. A bullet hit another deputy in the lower leg. Both deputies were treated at hospitals and released.Officers arrested Elsea as he tried to climb out a window of the house.Elsea has prior felony convictions and is not permitted to possess a gun.The document shows Elsea fired four gunshots at the front door when he heard the noise. Elsea then grabbed a phone and called 911 to report he shot someone according to the affidavit. The 911 operator informed Elsea that police were at his door.Under federal statutes, Elsea is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and up to 15 years for his possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction. He is also subject to a sentence of not less than 10 years for possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which must be consecutive to any other sentence imposed in the case. These maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes, but Elsea’s ultimate sentence will be determined by the court based on advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Drug dealer admits shooting 2 Mo. deputies during drug bust

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

TOPEKA — The Satanic Grotto delivered a complaint to the Kansas Department of Administration Capitol events coordinator for allowing Abortion is Murder — a Christian group known for protesting with graphic signs — to protest inside the Statehouse, and plans to counterprotest.

Satanic Grotto president Michael Stewart said the grotto plans to be at the Statehouse on Jan. 27, the day of&nbsp;<a href="https://aimks.org/rally/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPToVxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR5S0_6vMmkI4xggb68XylLYF_18w0kfreT9atALAa4P5Qd-W1bf7kEuv-SYBQ_aem_-XBHAIdm3ymtiOJXP2-8Og" target="_blank">the AIM protest</a>, with or without permit approval. Stewart said the approval of AIM’s permit is unfair because the state, which restricted a planned grotto protest over the summer, is applying different standards about obscenity and violence to the two groups.

The grotto identifies its complaint as a “formal notice of liability” for discrimination.

Stewart invited people to join the grotto in counterprotesting AIM, offering free kazoos as an incentive. Stewart said he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/853248430955373/?post_id=854983640781852&amp;view=permalink" target="_blank">submitted&nbsp;</a>a permit for the protest Jan.15, and it has yet to be approved or denied. Stewart said the Department of Administration uses silence as a “disruption tactic.”

Samir Arif, the chief of staff and director of public affairs for the Department of Administration, said the agency wouldn’t comment on ongoing legal issues.

As of Jan. 20, about 50 people were “interested” in or going to the grotto’s counterprotest, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BrGRjt3AC/?mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank">Facebook event listing</a>.

Stewart said the Grotto’s permit application is for the south steps outside of the Statehouse. AIM’s permit is for the second floor rotunda inside.

“Our actions at the Capitol will be in direct response to the government’s decisions,” Stewart said. “If the government fulfills their duties, then the grotto will be committed to having a peaceful celebration of bodily autonomy and educating anyone who shows up about their personal constitutional rights outside, right along AIM.

“If we are institutionally oppressed, or if they show a viewpoint discrimination favoring AIM, then we will absolutely escalate our actions to an interior counterprotest. The grotto doesn’t want the conflict. The grotto wants equal treatment in the same space.”

Stewart said grotto artists have made a “poignant gore piece” to bring to the counterprotest. The 9-foot-tall sculpture has been named “zombie Jesus” by members.

He said the rules for permits are unfairly applied. Before the grotto’s own protest in March — a “<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/28/loud-boisterous-rival-protests-of-religious-freedom-among-catholics-and-satanists-turn-violent/">black mass</a>” that drew thousands of Christian counterprotesters and ended with a handful of arrests — legislators&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/kansas-legislators-archbishop-take-action-against-satanists-and-their-planned-black-mass/">denounced</a>&nbsp;their plans with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hr6016/" target="_blank">House Resolution 6016</a>, which called the plan “blasphemous.” Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/12/kansas-satanists-plan-to-defy-governor-with-therapeutic-blasphemy-in-black-mass-at-statehouse/">banned</a>&nbsp;the satanists from entering the Statehouse, but they ignored her ban.

The black mass turned violent as Christian counterprotesters clashed with Satanic Grotto members. Stewart and a counterprotester were arrested.

After the black mass, Adam Proffitt, the secretary of administration,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/07/kansas-officials-dash-satanists-plans-for-witching-hour-protest-at-statehouse/">denied</a>&nbsp;the grotto’s application for another protest over the summer. Proffitt said the grotto could have a permit if someone other than Stewart filed for it, and as long as the protest didn’t go past sundown. The group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1252570246006347/" target="_blank">obliged</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768946477298.png" alt=" Satanic Grotto president Michael Stewart punches counterprotester Marcus Schroeder after Schroeder attempted to take Stewart’s prayer materials during a March 28, 2025, black mass inside the Kansas Capitol. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Satanic Grotto president Michael Stewart punches counterprotester Marcus Schroeder after Schroeder attempted to take Stewart’s prayer materials during a March 28, 2025, black mass inside the Kansas Capitol. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Satanic Grotto delivered a complaint to the Kansas Department of Administration Capitol events coordinator for allowing Abortion is Murder — a Christian group known for protesting with graphic signs — to protest inside the Statehouse, and plans to counterprotest.Satanic Grotto president Michael Stewart said the grotto plans to be at the Statehouse on Jan. 27, the day of&nbsp;<a href="https://aimks.org/rally/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPToVxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR5S0_6vMmkI4xggb68XylLYF_18w0kfreT9atALAa4P5Qd-W1bf7kEuv-SYBQ_aem_-XBHAIdm3ymtiOJXP2-8Og" target="_blank">the AIM protest</a>, with or without permit approval. Stewart said the approval of AIM’s permit is unfair because the state, which restricted a planned grotto protest over the summer, is applying different standards about obscenity and violence to the two groups.The grotto identifies its complaint as a “formal notice of liability” for discrimination.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768946412182.png" alt="Nicholas Heald, of Wichita, holds a sign demonstrating his anti-abortion views on April 10, 2025, at the third floor center railing between the House and Senate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Nicholas Heald, of Wichita, holds a sign demonstrating his anti-abortion views on April 10, 2025, at the third floor center railing between the House and Senate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Stewart invited people to join the grotto in counterprotesting AIM, offering free kazoos as an incentive. Stewart said he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/853248430955373/?post_id=854983640781852&amp;view=permalink" target="_blank">submitted&nbsp;</a>a permit for the protest Jan.15, and it has yet to be approved or denied. Stewart said the Department of Administration uses silence as a “disruption tactic.”Samir Arif, the chief of staff and director of public affairs for the Department of Administration, said the agency wouldn’t comment on ongoing legal issues.As of Jan. 20, about 50 people were “interested” in or going to the grotto’s counterprotest, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BrGRjt3AC/?mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank">Facebook event listing</a>.Stewart said the Grotto’s permit application is for the south steps outside of the Statehouse. AIM’s permit is for the second floor rotunda inside.“Our actions at the Capitol will be in direct response to the government’s decisions,” Stewart said. “If the government fulfills their duties, then the grotto will be committed to having a peaceful celebration of bodily autonomy and educating anyone who shows up about their personal constitutional rights outside, right along AIM.“If we are institutionally oppressed, or if they show a viewpoint discrimination favoring AIM, then we will absolutely escalate our actions to an interior counterprotest. The grotto doesn’t want the conflict. The grotto wants equal treatment in the same space.”Stewart said grotto artists have made a “poignant gore piece” to bring to the counterprotest. The 9-foot-tall sculpture has been named “zombie Jesus” by members.He said the rules for permits are unfairly applied. Before the grotto’s own protest in March — a “<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/28/loud-boisterous-rival-protests-of-religious-freedom-among-catholics-and-satanists-turn-violent/">black mass</a>” that drew thousands of Christian counterprotesters and ended with a handful of arrests — legislators&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/kansas-legislators-archbishop-take-action-against-satanists-and-their-planned-black-mass/">denounced</a>&nbsp;their plans with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hr6016/" target="_blank">House Resolution 6016</a>, which called the plan “blasphemous.” Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/12/kansas-satanists-plan-to-defy-governor-with-therapeutic-blasphemy-in-black-mass-at-statehouse/">banned</a>&nbsp;the satanists from entering the Statehouse, but they ignored her ban.The black mass turned violent as Christian counterprotesters clashed with Satanic Grotto members. Stewart and a counterprotester were arrested.After the black mass, Adam Proffitt, the secretary of administration,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/07/kansas-officials-dash-satanists-plans-for-witching-hour-protest-at-statehouse/">denied</a>&nbsp;the grotto’s application for another protest over the summer. Proffitt said the grotto could have a permit if someone other than Stewart filed for it, and as long as the protest didn’t go past sundown. The group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1252570246006347/" target="_blank">obliged</a>.

Kansas Satanic Grotto files complaint about abortion rally permit approval, plans counterprotest

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Proposed bills would increase penalties for child trafficking and buying sex. Lawmakers also discussed legislation that would establish the crime of ‘grooming a minor’

Missouri lawmakers are considering a package of bills they hope will curb child sex trafficking, train first responders to recognize signs of sex trafficking and shift punishment away from survivors.

The bills would also establish the crime of “grooming a minor,” defined in the legislation as a pattern of behavior by an adult intended to prime a child to be sexually exploited. That behavior would not have to include a sexual act and could consist entirely of verbal or digital communication.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768945603931.png" alt=" Christine McDonald, right, testifies before the Missouri House Committee on Children and Families in Jefferson City on Jan. 16, 2026 (Steph Quinn/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Christine McDonald, right, testifies before the Missouri House Committee on Children and Families in Jefferson City on Jan. 16, 2026 (Steph Quinn/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>Proposed bills would increase penalties for child trafficking and buying sex. Lawmakers also discussed legislation that would establish the crime of ‘grooming a minor’</h2>Missouri lawmakers are considering a package of bills they hope will curb child sex trafficking, train first responders to recognize signs of sex trafficking and shift punishment away from survivors.The bills would also establish the crime of “grooming a minor,” defined in the legislation as a pattern of behavior by an adult intended to prime a child to be sexually exploited. That behavior would not have to include a sexual act and could consist entirely of verbal or digital communication.State Rep. Holly Jones, a Republican from Eureka and chair of the House Children and Families Committee, told The Independent the bills resulted from collaboration between the various sponsors that date back several years.“Child abuse, familial abuse, trafficking, all of that is bipartisan,” Jones said.&nbsp;Lawmakers expressed broad support for the bills during a hearing of the committee Tuesday but signaled they would further discuss how the legislation defines “grooming” and the possibility of adding training to help parents and educators identify predatory behavior toward young people.The package consists of two pairs of identical bills. Two anti-trafficking bills, sponsored by Republican state&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2273&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">Reps. Ed Lewis</a>&nbsp;of Moberly and&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1946&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">Jeff Myers</a>&nbsp;ofWarren, are similar to&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1464&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;that passed in the House last year and advanced out of committee in the Senate.Bills that would criminalize predatory behavior toward children that stops short of sex are sponsored by Republican state&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2551&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">Reps. Burt Whaley</a>&nbsp;of Clever and&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1814&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">Christopher Warwick</a>&nbsp;of Bolivar.<h2>Human trafficking</h2>Under the bills sponsored by Lewis and Myers, trafficking of a child by their parent or guardian would carry a penalty of life imprisonment. Survivors of child sex trafficking would have up to 20 years after turning 21 to claim damages for their abuse rather than 10.That legislation would also allow any Missourian convicted of prostitution to apply to a court to clear their records. Currently, only those who were under 18 at the time of the sexual conduct can apply for expungement.Christine McDonald testified last week to the House committee that she was trafficked in Kansas and Oklahoma before being “bought and sold for 17 years,” from the age of 17, in Missouri. The first person who trafficked her was her mother.McDonald, who was convicted of felony prostitution, asked lawmakers to confirm that the legislation would allow trafficking survivors to apply for expungement.“Am I correct that’s part of this piece of legislation?” she asked, initially to silence, each refrain more insistent. “Am I correct? Am I correct?”McDonald said that after she escaped her trafficker, the felony on her record followed her as she worked to build a new life.“Do you understand how hard it was to find services, to find any place to give me a job?” she asked. “I had never had a job in my life. Do you know how hard it was for me to find a place to live? Nobody would rent to me. Do you know how hard it was to face anybody in the community and in church because I was a felony prostitute?”Lawmakers said proposed legislation would move away from blaming people who are coerced into sexual encounters.All 58 mentions of “child pornography” in current law would change to “child sexual abuse material.”“Child sexual abuse material’ indicates what it is,” Lewis said. “If a person is under the age of 18, if they’re 17 and under, they cannot provide consent.”The law would seek to quash demand by making it a felony to pay for sex. The maximum penalty for buying sex with a teen aged 15 to 18 would increase from four to seven years in prison. Buying sex with someone under 15 carries a sentence of five to 15 years.Myers highlighted the importance of the training his bill would mandate for first responders. He said anti-trafficking training he took as a state trooper made him realize cases he might have missed.“I realized I had cases like these before,” Myers said. “I just didn’t realize what I was looking at.”Under the bill, emergency medical technicians, peace officers, social workers, prosecuting attorneys and juvenile officers would have to complete annual training on sex and human trafficking.<h2>Protecting young people</h2>More than one lawmaker teared up as survivors and family members testified about how adults they had trusted manipulated and abused them or their loved ones.Jeff Dixon carried a thick binder to the witness table containing “a third of the 17,000 text messages” he said were sent to his two teen daughters by their Taekwondo instructor. The messages included photographs showing the results of a “bruising game” the man used to engage in with the young women, Dixon said.Evelyn Dixon spoke about how the instructor cultivated her trust, complimenting her martial arts technique and confiding about his personal life before pressuring her to run away with him to Florida.“I wasn’t able to process anything, and the things that would usually send me running didn’t seem to matter anymore,” she said.Her father said state law should punish adults whose exploitation of minors doesn’t include sex.“That’s why this bill is important, is because everything he did, because there was no rape, there’s no dirty pictures, there’s no sex, everything he did was legal,” Dixon said.Missouri law already includes the crime of “<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=566.151" target="_blank">enticement of a child</a>” through words, actions or communication “for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct.”Warwick said the intent of the proposed legislation is to more explicitly lay out what constitutes a predatory pattern of behavior. While current law “takes care of once a sexual act is actually committed against a minor,” he said, “what’s not being done is content that is being introduced.”The proposed legislation would make it a felony to engage in “grooming,” with a minimum sentence of five years in prison.State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, expressed lawmakers’ support for survivors who testified.“We have your back on this committee,” she said. “We don’t play at all.”