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

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate in long-anticipated votes failed to advance legislation Thursday that would have addressed the rising cost of health insurance, leaving lawmakers deadlocked on how to curb a surge in premiums expected next year.&nbsp;

Senators voted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00643.htm" target="_blank">51-48</a>&nbsp;on a Republican bill co-sponsored by Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy and Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo that would have provided funding through Health Savings Accounts for some ACA marketplace enrollees during 2026 and 2027.&nbsp;

They then voted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00644.htm" target="_blank">51-48&nbsp;</a>on a measure from Democrats that would have extended enhanced tax credits for people who purchase their health insurance from the Affordable Care Act Marketplace for three years. A group of Senate Democrats in November&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-advances-bill-end-record-breaking-government-shutdown" target="_blank">agreed</a>&nbsp;to end a government shutdown of historic length in exchange for a commitment by Republicans to hold a vote on extending the enhanced subsidies.

Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Rand Paul of Kentucky voted for the Democrats’ bill. Paul also voted against the GOP bill.&nbsp;

Neither bill received the 60 votes needed to advance under the Senate’s legislative filibuster rule.&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., criticized the ACA marketplace and the subsidies for leading to large increases in the costs of health insurance.&nbsp;

“Under Democrats’ plan insurance premiums will continue to spiral, American taxpayers will find themselves on the hook for ever-increasing subsidy payments,” Thune said. “And don’t think that all those payments are going to go to vulnerable Americans.”

Thune argued Democrats’ bill was only an extension of the “status quo” of a “failed, flawed, fraud program that is increasing costs at three times the rate of inflation.&nbsp;

Thune said the Republican bill from Cassidy and Crapo would “help individuals to meet their out-of-pocket costs and for many individuals who don’t use their insurance or who barely use it, it would allow them to save for health care expenses down the road.”

Schumer calls GOP plan ‘mean and cruel’

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the three-year extension bill was the only option to avoid a spike in costs for people enrolled in ACA marketplace plans.&nbsp;

“By my last count, Republicans are now at nine different health care proposals and counting. And none of them give the American people the one thing they most want — a clean, simple extension of these health care tax credits,” Schumer said. “But our bill does extend these credits cleanly and simply and it’s time for Republicans to join us.”

Schumer referred to the Cassidy-Crapo proposals as “stingy” as well as “mean and cruel.”

“Under the Republican plan, the big idea is essentially to hand people about $80 a month and wish them good luck,” Schumer said. “And even to qualify for that check, listen to how bad this is, Americans would be forced onto bare-bones bronze plans with sky-high deductibles; $7,000 or $10,000 for an individual, tens of thousands for a couple.”

After the votes failed, Schumer outlined some of the guardrails Democrats would put in place regarding negotiations with GOP colleagues.

“They want to talk about health care in general and how to improve it — we’re always open to that, but we do not want what they want — favoring the insurance companies, favoring the drug companies, favoring the special interests and turning their back on the American people,” he said.&nbsp;

The Cassidy-Crapo bill would have the Department of Health and Human Services deposit money into Health Savings Accounts for people enrolled in bronze or catastrophic health insurance plans purchased on the ACA marketplace in 2026 or 2027, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/health_care_freedom_for_patients_act_one-pager.pdf" target="_blank">a summary</a>&nbsp;of the bill.&nbsp;

Health Savings Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts that consumers can use to pay for medical expenses that are not otherwise reimbursed. They are not health insurance products.

ACA marketplace enrollees who select a bronze or catastrophic plan and make up to 700% of the federal poverty level would receive $1,000 annually if they are between the ages of 18 and 49 and $1,500 per year if they are between the ages of 50 and 64.&nbsp;

That would set a threshold of $109,550 in annual income for one person, or $225,050 for a family of four, according to the 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/dd73d4f00d8a819d10b2fdb70d254f7b/detailed-guidelines-2025.pdf" target="_blank">federal poverty guidelines</a>. The numbers are somewhat higher for residents of Alaska and Hawaii.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The funding could not go toward abortion access or gender transitions, according to the Republican bill summary.&nbsp;

Members of Congress have introduced several other health care proposals, including two bipartisan bills in the House that would extend the enhanced ACA marketplace tax credits for at least another year with some modifications.&nbsp;

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has been reluctant to bring either bipartisan bill up for a floor vote, though he may not have the option if&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/DischargePetition/2025121012?Page=2" target="_blank">a discharge petition</a>&nbsp;filed earlier this week garners the 218 signatures needed.&nbsp;

Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick wrote in a statement the legislation represents a “solution that can actually pass—not a political messaging exercise.”

“This bill delivers the urgent help families need now, while giving Congress the runway to keep improving our healthcare system for the long term,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “Responsible governance means securing 80 percent of what families need today, rather than risking 100 percent of nothing tomorrow.”

But Johnson said Wednesday that he will&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-gop-promises-vote-reducing-health-care-premiums-few-specifics-disclosed" target="_blank">put a package of bills on the House floor</a>&nbsp;next week that he believes “​​will actually reduce premiums for 100% of Americans who are on health insurance.” Details of those bills have not been disclosed.

Thune told reporters that if “somebody is successful in getting a discharge petition and a bill out of the House, obviously we’ll take a look at it. But at the moment, you know, we’re focused on the action here in the Senate, which is the side-by-side vote we’re going to have later today.”&nbsp;

Alaska’s Murkowski said lawmakers can find a compromise on health care by next week “if we believe it is possible.”

The issue of affordability and rising health care costs is likely to be central to the November midterm elections, where Democrats hope to flip the House from red to blue and gain additional seats in the Senate.&nbsp;

The Democratic National Committee isn’t waiting to begin those campaigns,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/national-democrats-target-us-senate-gop-incumbents-health-care-votes" target="_blank">placing digital ads in the hometown newspapers</a>&nbsp;of several Republicans up for reelection next year, including Maine’s Collins and Ohio’s Jon Husted.&nbsp;

“Today’s Senate vote to extend the ACA tax credits could be the difference between life and death for many Americans,” DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a press release. “Over 20 million Americans will see their health care premiums skyrocket next year if Susan Collins, John Cornyn, Jon Husted, and Dan Sullivan do not stand with working families and vote to extend these lifesaving credits.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt blasted Senate Democrats’ proposal during Thursday’s press briefing, calling it a “political show vote” meant to provide cover for Democrats, whom she blamed for creating the problem.&nbsp;

Trump and Republicans would “unveil creative ideas and solutions to the health care crisis that was created by Democrats,” she said. “Chuck Schumer is not sincerely interested in lowering health care costs for the American people. He’s putting this vote on the floor knowing that it will fail so he can have another talking point that he can throw around without any real plan or action.”

Shauneen Miranda and Jacob Fischler contributed to this report.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765480537338.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall sharing his healthcare plan on Senate floor Thursday-image CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall sharing his healthcare plan on Senate floor Thursday-image CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate in long-anticipated votes failed to advance legislation Thursday that would have addressed the rising cost of health insurance, leaving lawmakers deadlocked on how to curb a surge in premiums expected next year.&nbsp;Senators voted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00643.htm" target="_blank">51-48</a>&nbsp;on a Republican bill co-sponsored by Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy and Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo that would have provided funding through Health Savings Accounts for some ACA marketplace enrollees during 2026 and 2027.&nbsp;They then voted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00644.htm" target="_blank">51-48&nbsp;</a>on a measure from Democrats that would have extended enhanced tax credits for people who purchase their health insurance from the Affordable Care Act Marketplace for three years. A group of Senate Democrats in November&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-advances-bill-end-record-breaking-government-shutdown" target="_blank">agreed</a>&nbsp;to end a government shutdown of historic length in exchange for a commitment by Republicans to hold a vote on extending the enhanced subsidies.Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Rand Paul of Kentucky voted for the Democrats’ bill. Paul also voted against the GOP bill.&nbsp;Neither bill received the 60 votes needed to advance under the Senate’s legislative filibuster rule.&nbsp;Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., criticized the ACA marketplace and the subsidies for leading to large increases in the costs of health insurance.&nbsp;“Under Democrats’ plan insurance premiums will continue to spiral, American taxpayers will find themselves on the hook for ever-increasing subsidy payments,” Thune said. “And don’t think that all those payments are going to go to vulnerable Americans.”Thune argued Democrats’ bill was only an extension of the “status quo” of a “failed, flawed, fraud program that is increasing costs at three times the rate of inflation.&nbsp;Thune said the Republican bill from Cassidy and Crapo would “help individuals to meet their out-of-pocket costs and for many individuals who don’t use their insurance or who barely use it, it would allow them to save for health care expenses down the road.”<h2>Schumer calls GOP plan ‘mean and cruel’</h2>Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the three-year extension bill was the only option to avoid a spike in costs for people enrolled in ACA marketplace plans.&nbsp;“By my last count, Republicans are now at nine different health care proposals and counting. And none of them give the American people the one thing they most want — a clean, simple extension of these health care tax credits,” Schumer said. “But our bill does extend these credits cleanly and simply and it’s time for Republicans to join us.”Schumer referred to the Cassidy-Crapo proposals as “stingy” as well as “mean and cruel.”“Under the Republican plan, the big idea is essentially to hand people about $80 a month and wish them good luck,” Schumer said. “And even to qualify for that check, listen to how bad this is, Americans would be forced onto bare-bones bronze plans with sky-high deductibles; $7,000 or $10,000 for an individual, tens of thousands for a couple.”After the votes failed, Schumer outlined some of the guardrails Democrats would put in place regarding negotiations with GOP colleagues.“They want to talk about health care in general and how to improve it — we’re always open to that, but we do not want what they want — favoring the insurance companies, favoring the drug companies, favoring the special interests and turning their back on the American people,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Health Savings Accounts in GOP plan</h2>The Cassidy-Crapo bill would have the Department of Health and Human Services deposit money into Health Savings Accounts for people enrolled in bronze or catastrophic health insurance plans purchased on the ACA marketplace in 2026 or 2027, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/health_care_freedom_for_patients_act_one-pager.pdf" target="_blank">a summary</a>&nbsp;of the bill.&nbsp;Health Savings Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts that consumers can use to pay for medical expenses that are not otherwise reimbursed. They are not health insurance products.ACA marketplace enrollees who select a bronze or catastrophic plan and make up to 700% of the federal poverty level would receive $1,000 annually if they are between the ages of 18 and 49 and $1,500 per year if they are between the ages of 50 and 64.&nbsp;That would set a threshold of $109,550 in annual income for one person, or $225,050 for a family of four, according to the 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/dd73d4f00d8a819d10b2fdb70d254f7b/detailed-guidelines-2025.pdf" target="_blank">federal poverty guidelines</a>. The numbers are somewhat higher for residents of Alaska and Hawaii.&nbsp;&nbsp;The funding could not go toward abortion access or gender transitions, according to the Republican bill summary.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765486716416.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Members of Congress have introduced several other health care proposals, including two bipartisan bills in the House that would extend the enhanced ACA marketplace tax credits for at least another year with some modifications.&nbsp;Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has been reluctant to bring either bipartisan bill up for a floor vote, though he may not have the option if&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/DischargePetition/2025121012?Page=2" target="_blank">a discharge petition</a>&nbsp;filed earlier this week garners the 218 signatures needed.&nbsp;Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick wrote in a statement the legislation represents a “solution that can actually pass—not a political messaging exercise.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765486778315.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“This bill delivers the urgent help families need now, while giving Congress the runway to keep improving our healthcare system for the long term,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “Responsible governance means securing 80 percent of what families need today, rather than risking 100 percent of nothing tomorrow.”But Johnson said Wednesday that he will&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-gop-promises-vote-reducing-health-care-premiums-few-specifics-disclosed" target="_blank">put a package of bills on the House floor</a>&nbsp;next week that he believes “​​will actually reduce premiums for 100% of Americans who are on health insurance.” Details of those bills have not been disclosed.Thune told reporters that if “somebody is successful in getting a discharge petition and a bill out of the House, obviously we’ll take a look at it. But at the moment, you know, we’re focused on the action here in the Senate, which is the side-by-side vote we’re going to have later today.”&nbsp;Alaska’s Murkowski said lawmakers can find a compromise on health care by next week “if we believe it is possible.”<h2>Political costs</h2>The issue of affordability and rising health care costs is likely to be central to the November midterm elections, where Democrats hope to flip the House from red to blue and gain additional seats in the Senate.&nbsp;The Democratic National Committee isn’t waiting to begin those campaigns,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/national-democrats-target-us-senate-gop-incumbents-health-care-votes" target="_blank">placing digital ads in the hometown newspapers</a>&nbsp;of several Republicans up for reelection next year, including Maine’s Collins and Ohio’s Jon Husted.&nbsp;“Today’s Senate vote to extend the ACA tax credits could be the difference between life and death for many Americans,” DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a press release. “Over 20 million Americans will see their health care premiums skyrocket next year if Susan Collins, John Cornyn, Jon Husted, and Dan Sullivan do not stand with working families and vote to extend these lifesaving credits.”White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt blasted Senate Democrats’ proposal during Thursday’s press briefing, calling it a “political show vote” meant to provide cover for Democrats, whom she blamed for creating the problem.&nbsp;Trump and Republicans would “unveil creative ideas and solutions to the health care crisis that was created by Democrats,” she said. “Chuck Schumer is not sincerely interested in lowering health care costs for the American people. He’s putting this vote on the floor knowing that it will fail so he can have another talking point that he can throw around without any real plan or action.”Shauneen Miranda and Jacob Fischler contributed to this report.&nbsp;

US Senate hits stalemate on solution to spiraling health insurance costs

Powerball® is giving players the chance to play for a jackpot estimated at $1 billion this Saturday! The jackpot carries an estimated cash value of $461.3 million, according to a media release from the Multi-State Lottery Association.

Saturday’s jackpot ranks as the seventh-largest in Powerball history. It’s also the second Powerball jackpot to reach $1 billion this year, following the $1.787 billion jackpot won on Sept. 6 in Missouri and Texas.

The Powerball jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 10, 16, 29, 33, 69 and red Powerball 22. The Power Play® multiplier was 3X.

Although the jackpot eluded players, three tickets sold in Maryland, Michigan and New Jersey matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes.

Saturday’s drawing will be the 42nd in the current jackpot run – tying the game record for most consecutive drawings in a single jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.

If a player wins Saturday’s jackpot, they will choose between an annuitized prize estimated at $1 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $461.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on Powerball.com.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

Powerball® is giving players the chance to play for a jackpot estimated at $1 billion this Saturday! The jackpot carries an estimated cash value of $461.3 million, according to a media release from the Multi-State Lottery Association.Saturday’s jackpot ranks as the seventh-largest in Powerball history. It’s also the second Powerball jackpot to reach $1 billion this year, following the $1.787 billion jackpot won on Sept. 6 in Missouri and Texas.The Powerball jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 10, 16, 29, 33, 69 and red Powerball 22. The Power Play® multiplier was 3X.Although the jackpot eluded players, three tickets sold in Maryland, Michigan and New Jersey matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes.Saturday’s drawing will be the 42nd in the current jackpot run – tying the game record for most consecutive drawings in a single jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.If a player wins Saturday’s jackpot, they will choose between an annuitized prize estimated at $1 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $461.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on Powerball.com.The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.Top Ten Powerball® Jackpots<ol>
 <li>$2.04 Billion – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.787 Billion – Sept. 6, 2025 – MO, TX</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.326 Billion – April 6, 2024 – OR</li><li>$1.08 Billion – July 19, 2023 – CA</li><li>$1 Billion est. – Dec 13, 2025</li><li>$842.4 Million – January 1, 2024 – MI</li><li>$768.4 Million – March 27, 2019 – WI</li><li>$758.7 Million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA</li>
 </ol>

Powerball jackpot rises to $1 billion for Saturday drawing

Specialist Sarah Diane Beckstrom of the West Virginia Army National Guard was laid to rest Tuesday with full military honors at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton. Governor Patrick Morrisey released the following statement.&nbsp;

“We are proud to honor one of West Virginia’s finest. The ceremony was deeply moving and reflected the strength, grace, and love of a remarkable young woman and the family and friends who surrounded her. Their strength is West Virginia’s strength.&nbsp;

“Sarah served her state and nation with courage well beyond her years. Taken from us far too soon, she will always be remembered fondly by the West Virginia National Guard and by the people of our state. Yesterday's ceremony was a time to grieve, to stand with those who loved her, and to honor the life she lived. Denise and I will continue to hold her family, her fellow Guardsmen, and all who are mourning her in our prayers.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764267373071.png" alt="Sarah Beckstrom photo released from the Dpt. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Beckstrom photo released from the Dpt. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>Specialist Sarah Diane Beckstrom of the West Virginia Army National Guard was laid to rest Tuesday with full military honors at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton. Governor Patrick Morrisey released the following statement.&nbsp;“We are proud to honor one of West Virginia’s finest. The ceremony was deeply moving and reflected the strength, grace, and love of a remarkable young woman and the family and friends who surrounded her. Their strength is West Virginia’s strength.&nbsp;“Sarah served her state and nation with courage well beyond her years. Taken from us far too soon, she will always be remembered fondly by the West Virginia National Guard and by the people of our state. Yesterday's ceremony was a time to grieve, to stand with those who loved her, and to honor the life she lived. Denise and I will continue to hold her family, her fellow Guardsmen, and all who are mourning her in our prayers.”&nbsp;

Private funeral held for National Guard member shot in DC

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate’s first piece of proposed legislation for 2026 seeks to honor Charlie Kirk.

The Republican resolution proposes establishing “Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day” on Oct. 14, the late right-wing political activist’s birthday. Kirk was shot and killed in September while speaking at a Utah college campus.

The Senate’s resolution is rooted in “honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.” It describes his legacy as an example of the importance of free speech, the First Amendment and civil debate. The resolution also condemns Kirk’s killing and extends condolences to his family.

“We encourage Kansans to celebrate each Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day by exercising their freedom of speech and engaging in civil discourse to honor the memory of Charlie Kirk,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/scr1615_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;reads.

It has the support of all 31 Republican Senators.

And it is the only bill in the Senate that has been filed ahead of the 2026 legislative session, which begins in January. Three bills have been prefiled in the House.

Rep. Bill Rhiley, a Wellington Republican, proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2409/" target="_blank">House Bill 2409</a>, which would shift school start dates after Labor Day.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2410/" target="_blank">House Bill 2410</a>, proposed by Salina Republican Rep. Steven Howe, allows public library districts to withdraw from a regional library system by petitioning the state library board.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2411/" target="_blank">House Bill 2411</a>&nbsp;proposes a remedy for teacher shortages that reduces the amount of time retired teachers must wait following their retirement before a school district can hire them for certain positions. Rep. Kevin Schwertfeger, a Turon Republican, put forth the bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757541376269.png" alt="&nbsp;Founder and executive director of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Founder and executive director of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate’s first piece of proposed legislation for 2026 seeks to honor Charlie Kirk.The Republican resolution proposes establishing “Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day” on Oct. 14, the late right-wing political activist’s birthday. Kirk was shot and killed in September while speaking at a Utah college campus.The Senate’s resolution is rooted in “honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.” It describes his legacy as an example of the importance of free speech, the First Amendment and civil debate. The resolution also condemns Kirk’s killing and extends condolences to his family.“We encourage Kansans to celebrate each Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day by exercising their freedom of speech and engaging in civil discourse to honor the memory of Charlie Kirk,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/scr1615_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;reads.It has the support of all 31 Republican Senators.And it is the only bill in the Senate that has been filed ahead of the 2026 legislative session, which begins in January. Three bills have been prefiled in the House.Rep. Bill Rhiley, a Wellington Republican, proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2409/" target="_blank">House Bill 2409</a>, which would shift school start dates after Labor Day.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2410/" target="_blank">House Bill 2410</a>, proposed by Salina Republican Rep. Steven Howe, allows public library districts to withdraw from a regional library system by petitioning the state library board.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2411/" target="_blank">House Bill 2411</a>&nbsp;proposes a remedy for teacher shortages that reduces the amount of time retired teachers must wait following their retirement before a school district can hire them for certain positions. Rep. Kevin Schwertfeger, a Turon Republican, put forth the bill.

Proposed ‘Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day’ among first bills filed ahead of Kan. 2026 session

2025 was the year when artificial intelligence’s full potential roared into view, and when it became clear that there will be no turning back.

For delivering the age of thinking machines, for wowing and worrying humanity, for transforming the present and transcending the possible, the Architects of AI are TIME’s 2025 Person of the Year. 

2025 was the year when artificial intelligence’s full potential roared into view, and when it became clear that there will be no turning back.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">2025 was the year when artificial intelligence’s full potential roared into view, and when it became clear that there will be no turning back. For delivering the age of thinking machines, for wowing and worrying humanity, for transforming the present and transcending the… <a href="https://t.co/mEIKRiZfLo">pic.twitter.com/mEIKRiZfLo</a>&mdash; TIME (@TIME) <a href="https://twitter.com/TIME/status/1999097617633189955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>For delivering the age of thinking machines, for wowing and worrying humanity, for transforming the present and transcending the possible, the Architects of AI are TIME’s 2025 Person of the Year.

Time magazine reveals unusual person of the year for 2025

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a multi-state theft from Walmart stores and have made an arrest.

Just after 4p.m. Dec. 8, police were notified by another law enforcement agency about two suspects possibly heading towards the Walmart in Harrisonville, Missouri, approximately 39 miles south of Kansas City, according to a media release from the police department.

The suspects had reportedly been involved with an ongoing shoplifting scam from various Walmarts across the United States. The suspects were located by officers and placed under arrest for receiving stolen property. 

The suspects have allegedly stolen over $58,000 worth of merchandise in the last 6 months from Walmarts in at least four different states. 

Both suspects, who are not residents of the state of Missouri, were charged with Receiving Stolen Property (D Felony) and are currently being held at the Cass County jail.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a multi-state theft from Walmart stores and have made an arrest.Just after 4p.m. Dec. 8, police were notified by another law enforcement agency about two suspects possibly heading towards the Walmart in Harrisonville, Missouri, approximately 39 miles south of Kansas City, according to a media release from the police department.The suspects had reportedly been involved with an ongoing shoplifting scam from various Walmarts across the United States. The suspects were located by officers and placed under arrest for receiving stolen property. The suspects have allegedly stolen over $58,000 worth of merchandise in the last 6 months from Walmarts in at least four different states. Both suspects, who are not residents of the state of Missouri, were charged with Receiving Stolen Property (D Felony) and are currently being held at the Cass County jail.

Suspects arrested in $58,000 multi-state Walmart theft

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is hitting the Kansas City metro, Lawrence and surrounding areas hard right now, according to a media release from Operation Wildlife.

The organization reports fielding 15 or more calls per day with birds -mostly waterfowl - ducks, geese etc. exhibiting symptoms.

Symptoms include:-Neurological impairment: Birds may lack coordination, appear confused or disoriented, have tremors, seizures, or have a twisted neck.

Difficulty breathing: open mouth, wheezing-Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing: Birds may have blood-tinged discharge

Sudden death: Without any prior signs of illness 

Swelling: Of the eyelids, head-Other symptoms: Birds may stumble or fall down, have diarrhea, have a hunched appearance, or have ruffled feathers and die within a few hours or a day of intake.

Birds with HPAI may have additional injuries such as a broken leg or broken wing, sustained from falling from the sky from exhaustion during flight.

HPAI is not treatable and is a fatal disease for the bird.

Birds with this disease need to be humanely euthanized and properly disposed of to limit spread of disease.

HPAI is highly contagious to other birds, felines, and potentially to humans and other species. If you come across a bird you suspect is affected contact Operation Wildlife by email opwildlife@aol.com or 785-542-3625 and they can advise you on how to proceed.

In SOME cities, animal control is assisting by dispatching the bird in the field and removing it for cremation. For residents of cities that do not provide this service, Operation Wildlife are able to assist with euthanasia and cremation. The organization asks that you make a donation to help them offset these costs.

 It’s important to note that Operation Wildlife operates like a veterinary clinic, run by volunteers and funded by donations so we ARE NOT able to report out to pick these birds up. If you are bringing a sick bird to Operation Wildlife for these services please notify them ahead of time and do not bring the bird into the facility. They will meet you out on the driveway so as not to expose the birds in their care.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.htmld">Click here for more </a>information from the CDC.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765451927513.png" alt="Photo Operation Wildlife" />
 <figcaption>Photo Operation Wildlife</figcaption>
 </figure>Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is hitting the Kansas City metro, Lawrence and surrounding areas hard right now, according to a media release from Operation Wildlife.The organization reports fielding 15 or more calls per day with birds -mostly waterfowl - ducks, geese etc. exhibiting symptoms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747978622.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Symptoms include:-Neurological impairment: Birds may lack coordination, appear confused or disoriented, have tremors, seizures, or have a twisted neck.Difficulty breathing: open mouth, wheezing-Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing: Birds may have blood-tinged dischargeSudden death: Without any prior signs of illness Swelling: Of the eyelids, head-Other symptoms: Birds may stumble or fall down, have diarrhea, have a hunched appearance, or have ruffled feathers and die within a few hours or a day of intake.Birds with HPAI may have additional injuries such as a broken leg or broken wing, sustained from falling from the sky from exhaustion during flight.HPAI is not treatable and is a fatal disease for the bird.Birds with this disease need to be humanely euthanized and properly disposed of to limit spread of disease.HPAI is highly contagious to other birds, felines, and potentially to humans and other species. If you come across a bird you suspect is affected contact Operation Wildlife by email opwildlife@aol.com or 785-542-3625 and they can advise you on how to proceed.In SOME cities, animal control is assisting by dispatching the bird in the field and removing it for cremation. For residents of cities that do not provide this service, Operation Wildlife are able to assist with euthanasia and cremation. The organization asks that you make a donation to help them offset these costs. It’s important to note that Operation Wildlife operates like a veterinary clinic, run by volunteers and funded by donations so we ARE NOT able to report out to pick these birds up. If you are bringing a sick bird to Operation Wildlife for these services please notify them ahead of time and do not bring the bird into the facility. They will meet you out on the driveway so as not to expose the birds in their care.<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.htmld">Click here for more </a>information from the CDC.

Operation Wildlife warns deadly bird flu spreading across KC metro

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War, executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. For multiple… <a href="https://t.co/dNr0oAGl5x">pic.twitter.com/dNr0oAGl5x</a>&mdash; Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/1998875795151024337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: “As you probably know, we just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela — a large tanker, very large.” <a href="https://t.co/I51NenxoIP">pic.twitter.com/I51NenxoIP</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1998852863817064906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 Q: What happens to the oil on the tanker you seized near Venezuela? PRESIDENT TRUMP: We keep the oil, I guess! 🤣 Q: Where does it go? TRUMP: You&#39;re a good news man. Just get a helicopter and go follow the tanker! He is the best 😭😭 <a href="https://t.co/Dp9duwUxT7">pic.twitter.com/Dp9duwUxT7</a>&mdash; Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1998860261915242721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Video shows US commandos storm oil tanker off Venezuela coast

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are&nbsp;&nbsp;still looking for a driver who crashed into a van then a house, and took off on foot leaving three people injured in Lawrence, according to a media release.

The crash happened about 11:30 Tuesday night near 9th and Missouri. It appears the driver of a Volkswagen Jetta was heading north on Missouri Street, ran a stop sign and hit a van traveling east on 9th. 

 The impact sent the car into the porch of a nearby home. The driver took off and the passenger of that car ended up being transferred to an area trauma center with severe injuries. 

The two people in the van were also taken to the hospital but their injuries weren’t severe.

Officers conducted an extensive search of the area including launching a drone to help look for the driver of the Jetta, but were unable to locate him&nbsp; The homeowner was not home at the time of the crash. No one was injured there.&nbsp;

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are&nbsp;&nbsp;still looking for a driver who crashed into a van then a house, and took off on foot leaving three people injured in Lawrence, according to a media release.The crash happened about 11:30 Tuesday night near 9th and Missouri. It appears the driver of a Volkswagen Jetta was heading north on Missouri Street, ran a stop sign and hit a van traveling east on 9th. The impact sent the car into the porch of a nearby home. The driver took off and the passenger of that car ended up being transferred to an area trauma center with severe injuries. The two people in the van were also taken to the hospital but their injuries weren’t severe.Officers conducted an extensive search of the area including launching a drone to help look for the driver of the Jetta, but were unable to locate him&nbsp; The homeowner was not home at the time of the crash. No one was injured there.&nbsp;

Police: Kansas driver fled after crash into van, house

JOHNSON COUNTY, Mo. —A suspect is in custody following an investigation into the online possession of child sexual abuse material.

In October, the Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children (WMICAC) Task Force received a cyber tip that prompted a joint investigation involving police, according to a media release from the Warrensburg Police Department.

 Detectives went to a residence in the corporate city limits of Warrensburg to contact their suspect identified as 20-year-old Noah Mclean Rogers.

Police took Rogers into custody on a warrant on requested charged of Possession of Child Pornography and Promotion of Child Pornography.

The court has set a bond at $75,000 cash only. Rogers is currently being held in the Johnson County Jail pending further legal proceedings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765330158669.png" alt="Rogers photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Rogers photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY, Mo. —A suspect is in custody following an investigation into the online possession of child sexual abuse material.In October, the Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children (WMICAC) Task Force received a cyber tip that prompted a joint investigation involving police, according to a media release from the Warrensburg Police Department. Detectives went to a residence in the corporate city limits of Warrensburg to contact their suspect identified as 20-year-old Noah Mclean Rogers.Police took Rogers into custody on a warrant on requested charged of Possession of Child Pornography and Promotion of Child Pornography.The court has set a bond at $75,000 cash only. Rogers is currently being held in the Johnson County Jail pending further legal proceedings.

Tip led to arrest for online possession of child sexual abuse material

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run incident involving a police vehicle in Manhattan.

Just before 3 a.m. on Dec. 10 in the 1600 block of Fair Lane, victims including&nbsp;a 37-year-old man, a 42-year-old man, a 41-year-old man and D &amp; I Rentals reported two suspects attempted to strike two officers with their 2014 Chevy Silverado before reversing and driving into an occupied patrol unit during a traffic stop, according to the Riley County Police Department Activity Report.

The suspects are wanted for allegedly fleeing or attempting to elude, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, interference with a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, criminal damage to property, possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute, possession of paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, according to the RCPD.

The suspects, identified as two 41-year-old men and a 42-year-old woman&nbsp; fled the scene. Anyone with information, contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run incident involving a police vehicle in Manhattan.Just before 3 a.m. on Dec. 10 in the 1600 block of Fair Lane, victims including&nbsp;a 37-year-old man, a 42-year-old man, a 41-year-old man and D &amp; I Rentals reported two suspects attempted to strike two officers with their 2014 Chevy Silverado before reversing and driving into an occupied patrol unit during a traffic stop, according to the Riley County Police Department Activity Report.The suspects are wanted for allegedly fleeing or attempting to elude, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, interference with a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, criminal damage to property, possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute, possession of paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, according to the RCPD.The suspects, identified as two 41-year-old men and a 42-year-old woman&nbsp; fled the scene. Anyone with information, contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000

3 wanted for hit-and-run crash into Kan. police vehicle

DENT COUNTY —A child died in an accident just after 7a.m. Wednesday in Dent County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevrolet Spark driven by a 60-year-old Salem man was eastbound on Highway 72 near County Road 2300.&nbsp; The car crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2015 Dodge Charger driven by a 31-year-old Salem woman.

The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. Salem Ambulance transported the driver of the Dodge and two passengers including a 1-year-old girl and an infant girl to Salem Memorial Hospital. Just before 8:30a.m., the infant was. pronounced deceased. The occupants of the Dodge were properly restrained. The driver of the car was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DENT COUNTY —A child died in an accident just after 7a.m. Wednesday in Dent County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevrolet Spark driven by a 60-year-old Salem man was eastbound on Highway 72 near County Road 2300.&nbsp; The car crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2015 Dodge Charger driven by a 31-year-old Salem woman.The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. Salem Ambulance transported the driver of the Dodge and two passengers including a 1-year-old girl and an infant girl to Salem Memorial Hospital. Just before 8:30a.m., the infant was. pronounced deceased. The occupants of the Dodge were properly restrained. The driver of the car was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Baby, Missouri man killed in 2-vehicle crash

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republicans announced Tuesday they will hold a vote on their own health care proposal later this week to counter a Democratic bill that would extend enhanced tax credits for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans for three more years.

<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/health_care_freedom_for_patients_act.pdf">Click here to read</a> the bill

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/health_care_freedom_for_patients_act.pdf" target="_blank">32-page GOP bill</a>&nbsp;would not address the expiring ACA marketplace tax credits but would send payments to certain Americans through Health Savings Accounts to cover some of the cost of health care.&nbsp;

Neither measure has the 60 votes needed to advance under that chamber’s rules. That would leave the ACA marketplace subsidies to expire at the end of the year and dramatically spike the cost of health insurance for the millions of people enrolled in those plans.&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Democrats’ bill to simply extend the enhanced ACA marketplace tax credits to offset the costs Americans pay for that insurance was unacceptable.&nbsp;

“The way that the program is structured, the money goes straight to the insurance companies,” Thune said. “And the way that we think this ought to work is you ought to come up with a way in which you can deliver the benefit to the patients and not to the insurance companies.”

Thune said the Democratic bill lacks an income cap for ACA marketplace tax credits and allows $0 premiums for health insurance plans — guaranteeing the measure will fail.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, called the GOP proposal a “nonstarter” that would lead to “junk insurance.” He said the only way to avoid a dramatic increase in health insurance costs next year is to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits.&nbsp;

“Their phony proposal is dead on arrival,” Schumer said. “The bill not only fails to extend the tax credits, it increases costs, adds tons of new abortion restrictions for women, expands junk fees and permanently funds cost-sharing reductions.”

Senate Republicans have debated for weeks whether to hold a vote on a GOP plan to show the party has something to offer toward reducing health care costs. Thune promised Democrats a vote on a health care bill of their choosing in exchange for votes to end the government shutdown.&nbsp;

Schumer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/health-subsidies-would-continue-3-years-under-dem-bill-be-voted-us-senate" target="_blank">announced last week</a>&nbsp;that Democrats would hold the vote on a three-year extension of the enhanced ACA tax credits as they exist now.&nbsp;

Several GOP senators, including Maine’s Susan Collins and Ohio’s Bernie Moreno, have released plans that would include an extension of the expiring tax credits while beginning to transition away from those subsidies.&nbsp;

But Republican leaders ultimately decided to hold a vote on a proposal released earlier this week by Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho.&nbsp;

The Cassidy-Crapo legislation would have the Department of Health and Human Services deposit money into Health Savings Accounts for people enrolled in bronze or catastrophic health insurance plans purchased on the ACA marketplace in 2026 or 2027, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/health_care_freedom_for_patients_act_one-pager.pdf" target="_blank">a summary</a>&nbsp;of the bill.&nbsp;

Cassidy and Crapo outlined how their proposal would work during afternoon floor speeches, where they also aired their grievances with how the Affordable Care Act has affected Americans’ health care costs.&nbsp;

Crapo rebuked Democrats for establishing the enhanced ACA marketplace tax credits during the coronavirus pandemic and scheduling them to sunset at the end of this year.&nbsp;

“The pattern has become clear: Democrats respond to rising premiums by throwing taxpayer dollars at the problem,” Crapo said. “Their supposedly short-term fixes only drive premiums higher and make the problem harder to solve. Leaving us with apparently no choice other than to do the same thing again and again and again.”

The GOP plan, he said, was modeled off President Donald Trump’s request to send funding directly to Americans to spend on their health care.&nbsp;

“Families can use that money to cover costs not handled by their insurance policy without having to wait for insurance companies to approve their treatment decisions,” Crapo said. “Because families want the best value for their money, they will seek out the most appropriate treatment. Over time this will result in lower health care costs as providers compete for patients.”

Cassidy said the bill would not subsidize health insurance premiums but would help some Americans pay for doctor exams, dentist visits, glasses and prescriptions.&nbsp;

Once eligible ACA marketplace enrollees receive that funding in their Health Savings Accounts, he said, they will shop around for better prices, including on x-rays, which are often used to determine if someone has broken a bone.&nbsp;

“She’s going to say, ‘Wait a second, the x-ray is $150 here and $500 there. I’m going to where it’s cheaper, not more expensive,’” Cassidy said, giving an example. “And I can tell you when that begins to happen, the people who are more expensive begin to lower their price.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765375617920.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Jennifer ShuttWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republicans announced Tuesday they will hold a vote on their own health care proposal later this week to counter a Democratic bill that would extend enhanced tax credits for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans for three more years.<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/health_care_freedom_for_patients_act.pdf">Click here to read</a> the billThe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/health_care_freedom_for_patients_act.pdf" target="_blank">32-page GOP bill</a>&nbsp;would not address the expiring ACA marketplace tax credits but would send payments to certain Americans through Health Savings Accounts to cover some of the cost of health care.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765375587504.png" alt=" Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., answers questions from reporters after chairing a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Sept. 17 (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption> Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., answers questions from reporters after chairing a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Sept. 17 (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>Neither measure has the 60 votes needed to advance under that chamber’s rules. That would leave the ACA marketplace subsidies to expire at the end of the year and dramatically spike the cost of health insurance for the millions of people enrolled in those plans.&nbsp;Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Democrats’ bill to simply extend the enhanced ACA marketplace tax credits to offset the costs Americans pay for that insurance was unacceptable.&nbsp;“The way that the program is structured, the money goes straight to the insurance companies,” Thune said. “And the way that we think this ought to work is you ought to come up with a way in which you can deliver the benefit to the patients and not to the insurance companies.”Thune said the Democratic bill lacks an income cap for ACA marketplace tax credits and allows $0 premiums for health insurance plans — guaranteeing the measure will fail.Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, called the GOP proposal a “nonstarter” that would lead to “junk insurance.” He said the only way to avoid a dramatic increase in health insurance costs next year is to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits.&nbsp;“Their phony proposal is dead on arrival,” Schumer said. “The bill not only fails to extend the tax credits, it increases costs, adds tons of new abortion restrictions for women, expands junk fees and permanently funds cost-sharing reductions.”<h2>Multiple plans</h2>Senate Republicans have debated for weeks whether to hold a vote on a GOP plan to show the party has something to offer toward reducing health care costs. Thune promised Democrats a vote on a health care bill of their choosing in exchange for votes to end the government shutdown.&nbsp;Schumer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/health-subsidies-would-continue-3-years-under-dem-bill-be-voted-us-senate" target="_blank">announced last week</a>&nbsp;that Democrats would hold the vote on a three-year extension of the enhanced ACA tax credits as they exist now.&nbsp;Several GOP senators, including Maine’s Susan Collins and Ohio’s Bernie Moreno, have released plans that would include an extension of the expiring tax credits while beginning to transition away from those subsidies.&nbsp;But Republican leaders ultimately decided to hold a vote on a proposal released earlier this week by Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho.&nbsp;The Cassidy-Crapo legislation would have the Department of Health and Human Services deposit money into Health Savings Accounts for people enrolled in bronze or catastrophic health insurance plans purchased on the ACA marketplace in 2026 or 2027, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/health_care_freedom_for_patients_act_one-pager.pdf" target="_blank">a summary</a>&nbsp;of the bill.&nbsp;Health Savings Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts that consumers can use to pay for medical expenses that are not otherwise reimbursed. They are not health insurance products.ACA marketplace enrollees who select a bronze or catastrophic plan and make up to 700% of the federal poverty level would receive $1,000 annually if they are between the ages of 18 and 49 and $1,500 per year if they are between the ages of 50 and 64.&nbsp;That would set a threshold of $109,550 in annual income for one person, or $225,050 for a family of four, according to the 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/dd73d4f00d8a819d10b2fdb70d254f7b/detailed-guidelines-2025.pdf" target="_blank">federal poverty guidelines</a>. The numbers are somewhat higher for residents of Alaska and Hawaii.&nbsp;&nbsp;The funding could not go toward abortion access or gender transitions, according to the Republican bill summary.&nbsp;<h2>Proposal modeled on Trump comments</h2>Cassidy and Crapo outlined how their proposal would work during afternoon floor speeches, where they also aired their grievances with how the Affordable Care Act has affected Americans’ health care costs.&nbsp;Crapo rebuked Democrats for establishing the enhanced ACA marketplace tax credits during the coronavirus pandemic and scheduling them to sunset at the end of this year.&nbsp;“The pattern has become clear: Democrats respond to rising premiums by throwing taxpayer dollars at the problem,” Crapo said. “Their supposedly short-term fixes only drive premiums higher and make the problem harder to solve. Leaving us with apparently no choice other than to do the same thing again and again and again.”The GOP plan, he said, was modeled off President Donald Trump’s request to send funding directly to Americans to spend on their health care.&nbsp;“Families can use that money to cover costs not handled by their insurance policy without having to wait for insurance companies to approve their treatment decisions,” Crapo said. “Because families want the best value for their money, they will seek out the most appropriate treatment. Over time this will result in lower health care costs as providers compete for patients.”Cassidy said the bill would not subsidize health insurance premiums but would help some Americans pay for doctor exams, dentist visits, glasses and prescriptions.&nbsp;Once eligible ACA marketplace enrollees receive that funding in their Health Savings Accounts, he said, they will shop around for better prices, including on x-rays, which are often used to determine if someone has broken a bone.&nbsp;“She’s going to say, ‘Wait a second, the x-ray is $150 here and $500 there. I’m going to where it’s cheaper, not more expensive,’” Cassidy said, giving an example. “And I can tell you when that begins to happen, the people who are more expensive begin to lower their price.”

Read the bill: US Senate GOP  health care plan fails to extend premium subsidies

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 3100 block of Kensington, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. 911 received a call to the location asking for help.

First responders contacted people in the area that heard the sound of a disturbance followed by what they thought was possible gunfire.&nbsp;Officers checked the area and located a man unresponsive on the ground next to a residence.&nbsp;

Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS took over treatment and declared the victim deceased at the scene, according to Becchina.

Preliminary investigation indicates the victim appears to have been shot. Investigation further appears the victim had an interaction at the location with unknown suspect(s) that led to gunfire striking the victim.&nbsp;

Homicide detectives were at the scene and investigating this case as a homicide. Police released no additional details early Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765389300809.png" alt="Photo sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 3100 block of Kensington, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. 911 received a call to the location asking for help.First responders contacted people in the area that heard the sound of a disturbance followed by what they thought was possible gunfire.&nbsp;Officers checked the area and located a man unresponsive on the ground next to a residence.&nbsp;Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS took over treatment and declared the victim deceased at the scene, according to Becchina.Preliminary investigation indicates the victim appears to have been shot. Investigation further appears the victim had an interaction at the location with unknown suspect(s) that led to gunfire striking the victim.&nbsp;Homicide detectives were at the scene and investigating this case as a homicide. Police released no additional details early Wednesday.

Homicide: Man found dead outside Kansas City home

TOPEKA– A Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was sentenced to 20 years in prison for violently attacking a federal law enforcement agent, the maximum punishment allowed under the statute, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

According to court documents, Diego Barron-Esquivel, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault of a federal officer.&nbsp;

On February 28, 2025, Barron-Esquivel intentionally assaulted and strangled an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deportation officer who was in Wichita performing his official duties, causing bodily injury to the officer. &nbsp;

“Violence against law enforcement is completely unacceptable and will be dealt with very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Our society would cease to function without brave officers enforcing the law. We owe these officers our thanks and our respect. This sentence shows how egregious the conduct was in this case.”

“This sentencing is a victory for justice and a clear warning to anyone who thinks they can assault law enforcement officers without consequences,” said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito. “We are grateful to the Honorable Judge John Broomes for handing down a sentence that reflects the seriousness of this crime. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten the safety of our officers and the rule of law are held accountable.”

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742909861775.png" alt="Barron-Esquivel -photo Butler Co." />
 <figcaption>Barron-Esquivel -photo Butler Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA– A Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was sentenced to 20 years in prison for violently attacking a federal law enforcement agent, the maximum punishment allowed under the statute, according to the United State's Attorney's office.According to court documents, Diego Barron-Esquivel, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault of a federal officer.&nbsp;On February 28, 2025, Barron-Esquivel intentionally assaulted and strangled an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deportation officer who was in Wichita performing his official duties, causing bodily injury to the officer. &nbsp;“Violence against law enforcement is completely unacceptable and will be dealt with very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Our society would cease to function without brave officers enforcing the law. We owe these officers our thanks and our respect. This sentence shows how egregious the conduct was in this case.”“This sentencing is a victory for justice and a clear warning to anyone who thinks they can assault law enforcement officers without consequences,” said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito. “We are grateful to the Honorable Judge John Broomes for handing down a sentence that reflects the seriousness of this crime. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten the safety of our officers and the rule of law are held accountable.”Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.

Prison: Mexican man living illegally in Kansas attacked ICE officer 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765328781902.png" alt="Photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump Delivers Remarks on the Economy <a href="https://t.co/tLnc8ycDNo">https://t.co/tLnc8ycDNo</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1998545515139461327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our nation is STRONG, America is respected again, and the United States is BACK. 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/7gM8MlRZ9u">pic.twitter.com/7gM8MlRZ9u</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1998578042801893532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">📍 MOUNT POCONO, PENNSYLVANIA RALLY STYLE! <a href="https://t.co/VvCJRArvB3">pic.twitter.com/VvCJRArvB3</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1998547587054404045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</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> in PA: &quot;I&#39;m thrilled to be back in this incredible Commonwealth, with so many proud, hardworking American patriots... Let me begin by wishing each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas!&quot; 🎄❤️ <a href="https://t.co/cfUwmgUmzI">pic.twitter.com/cfUwmgUmzI</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1998547681736798287?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</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>: &quot;Since my inauguration, we&#39;ve created nearly 60,000 new Pennsylvania jobs, including 4,000 Pennsylvania manufacturing jobs...more than 40,000 Pennsylvanians have been lifted off food stamps...we&#39;ve secured commitments for nearly $100 billion dollars of investment in… <a href="https://t.co/I19jU8XGyX">pic.twitter.com/I19jU8XGyX</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1998550149875081608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</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>: &quot;We&#39;re right now drilling more oil than we&#39;ve ever done — ever before... It was just reported that four states had $1.99 a gallon.&quot; 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/ltvNEbYkwo">pic.twitter.com/ltvNEbYkwo</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1998551735363842073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</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>: &quot;Under Biden, real wages plummeted by $3,000 a year. Under Trump, the typical factory worker has seen their wages increase by more than $1,300... For construction workers, it’s $1,800 up... For miners, their wages went up $3,300.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/C8CDUDGhCy">pic.twitter.com/C8CDUDGhCy</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1998552530130031024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump Dance in Pennsylvania! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/wPlzM36v87">pic.twitter.com/wPlzM36v87</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1998571525461639242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Highlights of President Trump's rally on the economy, affordability worries

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

TOPEKA — Joe Ceballos, a Kansas man who made national news after being charged with voting illegally, resigned his position as mayor of Coldwater.

The Coldwater City Council announced Monday that it had accepted Ceballos’ resignation.

“We will continue with the daily work of the city ensuring that all services and operations move forward without interruption,” a statement said. “Our priority is keeping the community informed and maintaining stability during this transition.”

The council swore in Britt Lenertz, president of the city council, as the town’s mayor. She will serve out the rest of Ceballos’ term, Lenertz said.

Ceballos was elected to his second term as mayor one day before Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/05/small-town-kansas-mayor-charged-with-alleged-voter-fraud-state-leader-says-hundreds-more-cases-expected/">announced at a November news conference</a>&nbsp;that Ceballos had been arrested for multiple felonies. Ceballos has a green card, which means he is a legal permanent resident of the United States, but he did not apply for citizenship until February,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/11/13/dhs-reveals-new-records-criminal-alien-who-voted-multiple-times-kansas-elections" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security</a>.

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Ceballos will be “placed in removal proceedings” if he is convicted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762377337825.png" alt="-Joe Ceballos resigned Monday as mayor of Coldwater. A legal resident who&nbsp;is not a U.S. citizen, he faces election fraud charges. (City of Coldwater)" />
 <figcaption>-Joe Ceballos resigned Monday as mayor of Coldwater. A legal resident who&nbsp;is not a U.S. citizen, he faces election fraud charges. (City of Coldwater)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Joe Ceballos, a Kansas man who made national news after being charged with voting illegally, resigned his position as mayor of Coldwater.The Coldwater City Council announced Monday that it had accepted Ceballos’ resignation.“We will continue with the daily work of the city ensuring that all services and operations move forward without interruption,” a statement said. “Our priority is keeping the community informed and maintaining stability during this transition.”The council swore in Britt Lenertz, president of the city council, as the town’s mayor. She will serve out the rest of Ceballos’ term, Lenertz said.Ceballos was elected to his second term as mayor one day before Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/05/small-town-kansas-mayor-charged-with-alleged-voter-fraud-state-leader-says-hundreds-more-cases-expected/">announced at a November news conference</a>&nbsp;that Ceballos had been arrested for multiple felonies. Ceballos has a green card, which means he is a legal permanent resident of the United States, but he did not apply for citizenship until February,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/11/13/dhs-reveals-new-records-criminal-alien-who-voted-multiple-times-kansas-elections" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security</a>.Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Ceballos will be “placed in removal proceedings” if he is convicted.

Kansas man charged with election fraud resigns his position as mayor

NEMAHA COUNTY —A Kansas man died in a residential fire Friday in Nemaha County.

Just after 7:30p.m. Friday, the Wetmore Fire Chief noticed smoke in the valley near the community and&nbsp; eventually found a trailer fully involved in fire in the 300 Block of 1st Street, according to the Kansas Fire Marshal's office.

 Wetmore Fire Department, Nemaha County Fire District #3, and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the fire incident.

The occupant was known to be homebound and believed to be in the residence. Special Agents arrived at the scene, and the victim, identified as 65-year-old Randall Nott, was soon located inside the residence deceased. He was a user of Home Oxygen Therapy and a known smoker.

&nbsp;The Kansas State Fire Marshal (KSFM) Investigation Division was requested to assist with the investigation.&nbsp;Three Special Agents/Certified Fire Investigators from the KSFM responded to assist with the investigation.&nbsp;

The fire incident is classified as undetermined.

NEMAHA COUNTY —A Kansas man died in a residential fire Friday in Nemaha County.Just after 7:30p.m. Friday, the Wetmore Fire Chief noticed smoke in the valley near the community and&nbsp; eventually found a trailer fully involved in fire in the 300 Block of 1st Street, according to the Kansas Fire Marshal's office. Wetmore Fire Department, Nemaha County Fire District #3, and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the fire incident.The occupant was known to be homebound and believed to be in the residence. Special Agents arrived at the scene, and the victim, identified as 65-year-old Randall Nott, was soon located inside the residence deceased. He was a user of Home Oxygen Therapy and a known smoker.&nbsp;The Kansas State Fire Marshal (KSFM) Investigation Division was requested to assist with the investigation.&nbsp;Three Special Agents/Certified Fire Investigators from the KSFM responded to assist with the investigation.&nbsp;The fire incident is classified as undetermined.

Kansas man dies in trailer house fire

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas CIty man faces several felony charges in connection with a shooting that injured two people last month.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2767/BankstonMarquise-Complaint-PC-Red">Marquise Bankston</a>, 29, faces two counts of 1st Degree Assault, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Dangerous Felon/Prior Conviction, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

On Nov. 5, Kansas City police responded to a shooting and located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Nearby surveillance footage showed a vehicle stopping at an intersection. The driver exited the vehicle and began firing shots toward the victims as they were walking down the street. The victims began firing back. The vehicle then fled.

Detectives began using investigative leads, including license plate readers, location data from the vehicle, which was discovered to be stolen, and surveillance footage to identify Bankston and connect him to the shooting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764970947269.png" alt="Bankston photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Bankston photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas CIty man faces several felony charges in connection with a shooting that injured two people last month.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2767/BankstonMarquise-Complaint-PC-Red">Marquise Bankston</a>, 29, faces two counts of 1st Degree Assault, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Dangerous Felon/Prior Conviction, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.On Nov. 5, Kansas City police responded to a shooting and located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.Nearby surveillance footage showed a vehicle stopping at an intersection. The driver exited the vehicle and began firing shots toward the victims as they were walking down the street. The victims began firing back. The vehicle then fled.Detectives began using investigative leads, including license plate readers, location data from the vehicle, which was discovered to be stolen, and surveillance footage to identify Bankston and connect him to the shooting.&nbsp;

Kansas City man jailed for gunfight that injured two

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>

Roughly 300,000 signatures demanding Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">gerrymandered congressional map</a>&nbsp;be placed on the 2026 ballot were submitted to the secretary of state’s office Tuesday morning —&nbsp; more than two and a half times the number needed.&nbsp;

The political action committee behind the effort, People Not Politicians, called the campaign an “unprecedented show of grassroots power.”

The petition pages filled 691 boxes and, after initial processing, each page will be scanned and images delivered to local election authorities for signature verification, Director of Elections Chrissy Peters said.

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, a first-term Republican, will oversee the verification process. Under the Missouri Constitution, the law establishing new districts will not take effect on Thursday and will remain in limbo until voters can decide its fate at the ballot box or Hoskins determines the signature threshold was not reached.

Several questions swirl around the signatures.

First, Hoskins has previously stated he won’t accept any signatures collected before Gov. Mike Kehoe signed the bill on Sept. 29. That decision impacts around 92,000 signatures.

Testifying in a Cole County courtroom on Monday in a lawsuit challenging Hoskins’ decision, Peters said the cut-off date the office will use is Oct. 14, because that is the day that Hoskins approved the form of the referendum petition.

Signatures before that date will be be separated, scanned for preservation, but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/08/federal-judge-rejects-missouri-ags-push-to-block-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">not distributed to county election officials for verification</a>&nbsp;until Judge Chris Limbaugh rules on whether Hoskins must accept them, Peters said.

Some pages contain signatures gathered before Oct. 14 and on or after that date, Peters said in an interview Tuesday. How those will be processed is uncertain, she said.

“We were made aware today verbally by the petitioner that there could be mixed pages like that,” Peters said. “So we will make that determination after I have a chance to review it.”

Second, a Trump-appointed federal judge threw out a lawsuit Monday that argued a referendum on redistricting was unconstitutional. In the ruling, the judge said state court was the proper venue if Hoskins believes the referendum violates the constitution. That could set the stage for yet another legal showdown over the power of voters to overturn the actions of the legislature.&nbsp;

Missouri has eight congressional districts, with six currently represented by Republicans.&nbsp;

The 5th District, based in Kansas City and represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver since 2005, is carved up under the new map with portions attached to the 4th and 6th Districts. Heavily Republican areas stretching along the Missouri River to Boone County would be added to the remaining Kansas City portions.

The intended result is a map where Republicans hold seven of the state’s eight seats.&nbsp;

The day lawmakers passed the new map, People Not Politicians submitted paperwork with the secretary of state’s office for a referendum. Of the 27 times a referendum has been placed on the Missouri ballot, voters have rejected the General Assembly’s actions all but twice — including overturning a congressional map in 1922.

The last time a referendum campaign was deployed was in 2019, when the secretary of state’s office used procedural maneuvers to successfully derail a push to overturn newly-passed restrictions on abortion. The move sparked a lawsuit, and in 2022 the Missouri Supreme Court ruled the laws the secretary of state used to obstruct the citizen-initiated referendum process were unconstitutional.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765304429176.png" alt=" Missouri Capitol Police officers conduct security checks Tuesday on the 691 boxes of petitions filed by People Not Politicians to force a referendum on the gerrymandered Congressional district map passed by lawmakers in September. Of the 27 times a referendum has been placed on the Missouri ballot, voters have rejected the General Assembly’s actions all but twice. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> Missouri Capitol Police officers conduct security checks Tuesday on the 691 boxes of petitions filed by People Not Politicians to force a referendum on the gerrymandered Congressional district map passed by lawmakers in September. Of the 27 times a referendum has been placed on the Missouri ballot, voters have rejected the General Assembly’s actions all but twice. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure>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>Roughly 300,000 signatures demanding Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">gerrymandered congressional map</a>&nbsp;be placed on the 2026 ballot were submitted to the secretary of state’s office Tuesday morning —&nbsp; more than two and a half times the number needed.&nbsp;The political action committee behind the effort, People Not Politicians, called the campaign an “unprecedented show of grassroots power.”The petition pages filled 691 boxes and, after initial processing, each page will be scanned and images delivered to local election authorities for signature verification, Director of Elections Chrissy Peters said.Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, a first-term Republican, will oversee the verification process. Under the Missouri Constitution, the law establishing new districts will not take effect on Thursday and will remain in limbo until voters can decide its fate at the ballot box or Hoskins determines the signature threshold was not reached.Several questions swirl around the signatures.First, Hoskins has previously stated he won’t accept any signatures collected before Gov. Mike Kehoe signed the bill on Sept. 29. That decision impacts around 92,000 signatures.Testifying in a Cole County courtroom on Monday in a lawsuit challenging Hoskins’ decision, Peters said the cut-off date the office will use is Oct. 14, because that is the day that Hoskins approved the form of the referendum petition.Signatures before that date will be be separated, scanned for preservation, but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/08/federal-judge-rejects-missouri-ags-push-to-block-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">not distributed to county election officials for verification</a>&nbsp;until Judge Chris Limbaugh rules on whether Hoskins must accept them, Peters said.Some pages contain signatures gathered before Oct. 14 and on or after that date, Peters said in an interview Tuesday. How those will be processed is uncertain, she said.“We were made aware today verbally by the petitioner that there could be mixed pages like that,” Peters said. “So we will make that determination after I have a chance to review it.”Second, a Trump-appointed federal judge threw out a lawsuit Monday that argued a referendum on redistricting was unconstitutional. In the ruling, the judge said state court was the proper venue if Hoskins believes the referendum violates the constitution. That could set the stage for yet another legal showdown over the power of voters to overturn the actions of the legislature.&nbsp;Missouri has eight congressional districts, with six currently represented by Republicans.&nbsp;The 5th District, based in Kansas City and represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver since 2005, is carved up under the new map with portions attached to the 4th and 6th Districts. Heavily Republican areas stretching along the Missouri River to Boone County would be added to the remaining Kansas City portions.The intended result is a map where Republicans hold seven of the state’s eight seats.&nbsp;The day lawmakers passed the new map, People Not Politicians submitted paperwork with the secretary of state’s office for a referendum. Of the 27 times a referendum has been placed on the Missouri ballot, voters have rejected the General Assembly’s actions all but twice — including overturning a congressional map in 1922.The last time a referendum campaign was deployed was in 2019, when the secretary of state’s office used procedural maneuvers to successfully derail a push to overturn newly-passed restrictions on abortion. The move sparked a lawsuit, and in 2022 the Missouri Supreme Court ruled the laws the secretary of state used to obstruct the citizen-initiated referendum process were unconstitutional.