State education commissioner lauds improvement but notes there is ‘work to do’

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

Missouri public schools showed continued improvement in annual performance reports released by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Thursday, with 56% of districts and charter schools raising their scores.

The state is in its fourth year of the Missouri School Improvement Program 6, which education officials deem “more rigorous” than the previous iteration of the program. In 2022, the system’s pilot year, 112 school districts and charters scored lower than 70% — the score required to be fully accredited by the education department.

Accreditation decisions based on the MSIP6 scores are a year away, but the number of districts at risk for a lower classification has decreased dramatically in four years.

Based on districts’ three-year composite scores, which the department will use to determine accreditation, 29 school districts are in range to be provisionally accredited. None scored below 50%, which would put them at risk for being unaccredited.

Three charter schools scored below 50% and 29 scored below 70%, but these scores will not be part of next year’s classification decisions. Despite MSIP6 being used to score charters, they have separate methods of accreditation.

“I am so proud of our educators and students,” Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger said in a press conference Thursday afternoon. “You must take some time to celebrate the good, but we also know there is room for improvement.”

The scores include a variety of factors, like standardized test scores, student growth and career readiness. Student performance comprises 70% of the score. The other 30% is based on continuous improvement measures.

Of the 553 districts and charter schools in the state, 152 raised their score by at least 5% this year. Some showed dramatic improvement.

Neosho School District boosted its score from 61.5% in 2024 to 85.5% this year. Superintendent Jim Davis, who took the role in August 2024, told The Independent that the improvement is largely because of a district-wide focus on proficiency and literacy.

“There was a lot of work that was put into it to get us to take that jump,” he said, “but we’re proud of that, and we’re expecting to continue moving up with the systems that we built here.”

Classroom instruction in Neosho is expected to meet grade-level standards, he said, which pushes struggling students to catch up.

“Students expedite their academic growth when they are given grade-level content,” Davis said. “So the more time that we spend in grade-level content, the faster they’re going to move.”

The district is one of 32 districts and charter schools in&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/curriculum/comprehensive-literacy-state-development-program/participating" target="_blank">Missouri’s Comprehensive Literacy State Development program</a>, a grant program which provides literacy resources and professional development among other assets.

The district received top scores for student growth in reading, math and science and received 50% of the points possible for social studies growth among the full student population. It got a quarter of the points possible for social studies growth in student groups&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/msip-6-comprehensive-guide" target="_blank">deemed “historically underperforming” by the education department</a>, such as low-income students and English-language learners.

“We want to create success,” Davis said. “But also we have got to continue developing our team so that, moving forward, all students can be successful.”

The Southern Boone School District in Ashland also showed dramatic improvement, going from 78.9% in 2024 to 95.9% this year. It is one of 22 school districts with a score of at least 90%.

“You can contribute our growth to continued work with our teams of teachers and administrators on our curriculum development and making sure that we’ve got the right resources for kids and teachers to use, along with making sure that our teachers are well-prepared,” Superintendent Tim Roth told The Independent.

The district has invested in new textbooks and software to bolster curriculum. At the middle school level, the district has instituted an assessment system that gives continuous checks on student achievement. Teachers review the results regularly and brainstorm ways to improve in small-group settings, Roth said.

The district received 100% for student growth on standardized tests across subject areas. It also earned top scores in attendance.

“Something that stands out for us is just the value that our parents and community put on education,” Roth said. “With our students being here on a regular basis, we’re very happy that we have that support and that learning is a priority.”

Eslinger told reporters that attendance and literacy are a focus for the department.

“We are on the right track,” she said. “Our data points are showing improvement, but we still have work to do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762465018762.png" alt="Missouri Education Commissioner Karla Eslinger speaks to reporters Thursday about the 2025 annual performance report scores in a press conference in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offices in Jefferson City. She pointed to an increase in scores statewide but acknowledged there is more improvement to be had (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Education Commissioner Karla Eslinger speaks to reporters Thursday about the 2025 annual performance report scores in a press conference in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offices in Jefferson City. She pointed to an increase in scores statewide but acknowledged there is more improvement to be had (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>State education commissioner lauds improvement but notes there is ‘work to do’</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri public schools showed continued improvement in annual performance reports released by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Thursday, with 56% of districts and charter schools raising their scores.The state is in its fourth year of the Missouri School Improvement Program 6, which education officials deem “more rigorous” than the previous iteration of the program. In 2022, the system’s pilot year, 112 school districts and charters scored lower than 70% — the score required to be fully accredited by the education department.Accreditation decisions based on the MSIP6 scores are a year away, but the number of districts at risk for a lower classification has decreased dramatically in four years.Based on districts’ three-year composite scores, which the department will use to determine accreditation, 29 school districts are in range to be provisionally accredited. None scored below 50%, which would put them at risk for being unaccredited.Three charter schools scored below 50% and 29 scored below 70%, but these scores will not be part of next year’s classification decisions. Despite MSIP6 being used to score charters, they have separate methods of accreditation.“I am so proud of our educators and students,” Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger said in a press conference Thursday afternoon. “You must take some time to celebrate the good, but we also know there is room for improvement.”The scores include a variety of factors, like standardized test scores, student growth and career readiness. Student performance comprises 70% of the score. The other 30% is based on continuous improvement measures.Of the 553 districts and charter schools in the state, 152 raised their score by at least 5% this year. Some showed dramatic improvement.Neosho School District boosted its score from 61.5% in 2024 to 85.5% this year. Superintendent Jim Davis, who took the role in August 2024, told The Independent that the improvement is largely because of a district-wide focus on proficiency and literacy.“There was a lot of work that was put into it to get us to take that jump,” he said, “but we’re proud of that, and we’re expecting to continue moving up with the systems that we built here.”Classroom instruction in Neosho is expected to meet grade-level standards, he said, which pushes struggling students to catch up.“Students expedite their academic growth when they are given grade-level content,” Davis said. “So the more time that we spend in grade-level content, the faster they’re going to move.”The district is one of 32 districts and charter schools in&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/curriculum/comprehensive-literacy-state-development-program/participating" target="_blank">Missouri’s Comprehensive Literacy State Development program</a>, a grant program which provides literacy resources and professional development among other assets.The district received top scores for student growth in reading, math and science and received 50% of the points possible for social studies growth among the full student population. It got a quarter of the points possible for social studies growth in student groups&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/msip-6-comprehensive-guide" target="_blank">deemed “historically underperforming” by the education department</a>, such as low-income students and English-language learners.“We want to create success,” Davis said. “But also we have got to continue developing our team so that, moving forward, all students can be successful.”The Southern Boone School District in Ashland also showed dramatic improvement, going from 78.9% in 2024 to 95.9% this year. It is one of 22 school districts with a score of at least 90%.“You can contribute our growth to continued work with our teams of teachers and administrators on our curriculum development and making sure that we’ve got the right resources for kids and teachers to use, along with making sure that our teachers are well-prepared,” Superintendent Tim Roth told The Independent.The district has invested in new textbooks and software to bolster curriculum. At the middle school level, the district has instituted an assessment system that gives continuous checks on student achievement. Teachers review the results regularly and brainstorm ways to improve in small-group settings, Roth said.The district received 100% for student growth on standardized tests across subject areas. It also earned top scores in attendance.“Something that stands out for us is just the value that our parents and community put on education,” Roth said. “With our students being here on a regular basis, we’re very happy that we have that support and that learning is a priority.”Eslinger told reporters that attendance and literacy are a focus for the department.“We are on the right track,” she said. “Our data points are showing improvement, but we still have work to do.”

Missouri schools show improvement in annual performance reports

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 — Almost a week after Senate President Ty Masterson&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-senate-secures-gop-petition-signatures-to-call-special-legislative-session/">announced he secured the necessary signatures</a>&nbsp;to commit the majority Republican Senate to a special session to redraw Kansas maps to favor an additional Republican Congressional seat, his counterpart in the House gave up the effort.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican and candidate for state insurance commissioner, announced Tuesday night that he failed to gather enough signatures in his chamber to jumpstart a special session planned for Friday.

For Masterson, an Andover Republican and gubernatorial candidate, it wasn’t a surprise.

“All it does is change the timing,” he said following an unrelated Wednesday meeting at the Statehouse in Topeka.

Both he and Hawkins have acknowledged how difficult it is to call the Kansas Legislature into a special session. After&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/10/14/kansas-redistricting-hellscape-and-presumed-special-session-get-spotlight-in-johnson-county-forum/">allocating $460,000</a>&nbsp;to fund a four-day session, a visit to the White House and obtaining at least half of the signatures needed to call legislators to the capital, the focus has shifted to Jan. 12, the start of the 2026 session.

A special session requires two-thirds of both the state Senate and House members to sign a petition. Republicans planned to gerrymander U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids’ district in the Johnson County area to turn it red. Masterson announced on Oct. 27 that&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-senate-secures-gop-petition-signatures-to-call-special-legislative-session/">he obtained the necessary two-thirds</a>&nbsp;of member signatures.

Masterson said Wednesday he has a high level of confidence in achieving a Republican agenda to legislate public assistance programs and gender identity issues. When it comes to property taxes and redistricting, however, details are fuzzy.

Property tax relief legislation could evolve as the session progresses, and no concrete proposals have been made.

A redrawn congressional map could also prove challenging. No one has seen what a Kansas map could look like, Masterson said.

“There’s been a ton of maps floated around, but they’re all from third-party people,” he said.

When asked if he’d support a Kansas-driven map rather than one drawn by a national group or other third-party, he paused.

“I think there’s a little nuance there,” he said.

Whether a map is drawn in-state or “whether it’s drawn by a group that does it effectively for states all over the country for us,” Masterson said, is unclear.

Regardless, he said, “It’ll be Kansas-driven.”

Mid-decade redistricting efforts cropped up across the country, beginning first in Texas and spreading to North Carolina, Missouri and Ohio. Democrats added seats in California and Utah. Discussions are underway to add Republican seats in Kansas, Nebraska, Florida and Indiana, and discussions adding Democratic seats have arisen in Illinois, Maryland and Virginia.

House Democratic Leader Brandon Woodard, of Lenexa, said the end of the Republican rush to build support for a special session “makes Kansas the first state to reject President Trump’s proposed redistricting initiative aimed at influencing the 2026 midterm elections.”

Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes said in an interview after the Wednesday meeting that avoiding a special session was a win, but the battle isn’t over.

“On the fact that we are saving Kansas taxpayers $400,000, that is a win,” said Sykes, of Lenexa.

She said Kansas Democrats’ strategy in the wake of redistricting efforts involves engaging constituents to ensure they know “Republicans are trying to lessen their voice” and to make maps are publicly available.

Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, said in a statement that Republican leadership will “continue their attempt at a partisan power grab in January,” despite a lack of support from their caucuses.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s during special or regular session,” Kelly said. “Kansans will continue to speak out against gerrymandered maps drawn by dark money groups and funded by out-of-state special interests.”

Laurel Burchfield, spokesperson for the Kansas Fair Maps Coalition, acknowledged in a Wednesday statement that the redistricting attempt isn’t over.

“Changing the maps mid-decade to rig the system in either political party’s favor is wrong,” Burchfield said. “We urge legislators to focus on what Kansans need the most this upcoming session: lowering costs, making healthcare affordable, and improving our economy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762427223624.png" alt="House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson, both Republicans, appear at a Legislative Coordinating Council meeting on Nov. 4, 2025, at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. It was their first public appearance since Hawkins announced the night prior he didn’t secure enough signatures from his caucus to force a rare special session (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson, both Republicans, appear at a Legislative Coordinating Council meeting on Nov. 4, 2025, at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. It was their first public appearance since Hawkins announced the night prior he didn’t secure enough signatures from his caucus to force a rare special session (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</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 — Almost a week after Senate President Ty Masterson&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-senate-secures-gop-petition-signatures-to-call-special-legislative-session/">announced he secured the necessary signatures</a>&nbsp;to commit the majority Republican Senate to a special session to redraw Kansas maps to favor an additional Republican Congressional seat, his counterpart in the House gave up the effort.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican and candidate for state insurance commissioner, announced Tuesday night that he failed to gather enough signatures in his chamber to jumpstart a special session planned for Friday.For Masterson, an Andover Republican and gubernatorial candidate, it wasn’t a surprise.“All it does is change the timing,” he said following an unrelated Wednesday meeting at the Statehouse in Topeka.“It is what it is,” he said.Both he and Hawkins have acknowledged how difficult it is to call the Kansas Legislature into a special session. After&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/10/14/kansas-redistricting-hellscape-and-presumed-special-session-get-spotlight-in-johnson-county-forum/">allocating $460,000</a>&nbsp;to fund a four-day session, a visit to the White House and obtaining at least half of the signatures needed to call legislators to the capital, the focus has shifted to Jan. 12, the start of the 2026 session.A special session requires two-thirds of both the state Senate and House members to sign a petition. Republicans planned to gerrymander U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids’ district in the Johnson County area to turn it red. Masterson announced on Oct. 27 that&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-senate-secures-gop-petition-signatures-to-call-special-legislative-session/">he obtained the necessary two-thirds</a>&nbsp;of member signatures.Masterson said Wednesday he has a high level of confidence in achieving a Republican agenda to legislate public assistance programs and gender identity issues. When it comes to property taxes and redistricting, however, details are fuzzy.Property tax relief legislation could evolve as the session progresses, and no concrete proposals have been made.A redrawn congressional map could also prove challenging. No one has seen what a Kansas map could look like, Masterson said.“There’s been a ton of maps floated around, but they’re all from third-party people,” he said.When asked if he’d support a Kansas-driven map rather than one drawn by a national group or other third-party, he paused.“I think there’s a little nuance there,” he said.Whether a map is drawn in-state or “whether it’s drawn by a group that does it effectively for states all over the country for us,” Masterson said, is unclear.Regardless, he said, “It’ll be Kansas-driven.”Mid-decade redistricting efforts cropped up across the country, beginning first in Texas and spreading to North Carolina, Missouri and Ohio. Democrats added seats in California and Utah. Discussions are underway to add Republican seats in Kansas, Nebraska, Florida and Indiana, and discussions adding Democratic seats have arisen in Illinois, Maryland and Virginia.House Democratic Leader Brandon Woodard, of Lenexa, said the end of the Republican rush to build support for a special session “makes Kansas the first state to reject President Trump’s proposed redistricting initiative aimed at influencing the 2026 midterm elections.”Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes said in an interview after the Wednesday meeting that avoiding a special session was a win, but the battle isn’t over.“On the fact that we are saving Kansas taxpayers $400,000, that is a win,” said Sykes, of Lenexa.She said Kansas Democrats’ strategy in the wake of redistricting efforts involves engaging constituents to ensure they know “Republicans are trying to lessen their voice” and to make maps are publicly available.Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, said in a statement that Republican leadership will “continue their attempt at a partisan power grab in January,” despite a lack of support from their caucuses.“It doesn’t matter whether it’s during special or regular session,” Kelly said. “Kansans will continue to speak out against gerrymandered maps drawn by dark money groups and funded by out-of-state special interests.”Laurel Burchfield, spokesperson for the Kansas Fair Maps Coalition, acknowledged in a Wednesday statement that the redistricting attempt isn’t over.“Changing the maps mid-decade to rig the system in either political party’s favor is wrong,” Burchfield said. “We urge legislators to focus on what Kansans need the most this upcoming session: lowering costs, making healthcare affordable, and improving our economy.”

Kansas Republicans’ effort to redraw state maps isn’t over, just delayed, leadership says

DALLAS —A man was&nbsp; found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit that led to a multi-agency search in Frisco, Texas, according to a media release from the Frisco Police Department.

Just after 10:30p.m. Wednesday, police in Frisco responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety with locating a vehicle that had evaded Troopers during a pursuit that ended in the city of Frisco. After losing sight of the vehicle, Troopers found it moments later, crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.

Initial reports indicated that the driver, later identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys who liven in Plano, Texas, fled the scene on foot. Officers established a perimeter and searched the area with assistance from Frisco Police K9 and drone units.

During the course of the search, officers received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations. Just after 1:30a.m. police found him deceased with what appears to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The cause of death is still under investigation by the county medical examiner.&nbsp;

DALLAS —A man was&nbsp; found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit that led to a multi-agency search in Frisco, Texas, according to a media release from the Frisco Police Department.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/CbP3WAm2IB">pic.twitter.com/CbP3WAm2IB</a>&mdash; Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys/status/1986455923024712162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Just after 10:30p.m. Wednesday, police in Frisco responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety with locating a vehicle that had evaded Troopers during a pursuit that ended in the city of Frisco. After losing sight of the vehicle, Troopers found it moments later, crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.Initial reports indicated that the driver, later identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys who liven in Plano, Texas, fled the scene on foot. Officers established a perimeter and searched the area with assistance from Frisco Police K9 and drone units.During the course of the search, officers received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations. Just after 1:30a.m. police found him deceased with what appears to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The cause of death is still under investigation by the county medical examiner.&nbsp;

Police release details on death of Dallas Cowboys' player

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>-

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who made history as the first woman to hold the speaker’s gavel, announced Thursday she will retire, ending a 40-year legislative career as one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress.&nbsp;

Her announcement came after Tuesday’s elections. Pelosi had a hand in crafting what was known as Proposition 50&nbsp; in California to redraw the state’s congressional districts, in response to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas to gain more GOP seats in the House.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The remap passed, and Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/energized-dems-trumpet-wins-state-elections-buckle-midterms" target="_blank">swept major state races</a>&nbsp;across the country, including the governorships in Virginia and New Jersey.

In a video posted to social media, Pelosi, 85, thanked her constituents in her San Francisco congressional district.&nbsp;

“I will not be seeking reelection to Congress,” Pelosi said. “With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year in service as your proud representative.”

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>-WASHINGTON — U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who made history as the first woman to hold the speaker’s gavel, announced Thursday she will retire, ending a 40-year legislative career as one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, San Francisco. <a href="https://t.co/OP8ubeFzR6">pic.twitter.com/OP8ubeFzR6</a>&mdash; Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamPelosi/status/1986433397921833435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Her announcement came after Tuesday’s elections. Pelosi had a hand in crafting what was known as Proposition 50&nbsp; in California to redraw the state’s congressional districts, in response to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas to gain more GOP seats in the House.&nbsp;&nbsp;The remap passed, and Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/energized-dems-trumpet-wins-state-elections-buckle-midterms" target="_blank">swept major state races</a>&nbsp;across the country, including the governorships in Virginia and New Jersey.In a video posted to social media, Pelosi, 85, thanked her constituents in her San Francisco congressional district.&nbsp;“I will not be seeking reelection to Congress,” Pelosi said. “With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year in service as your proud representative.”

🎥Farewell video: Nancy Pelosi won't seek reelection

Abortion is only available at some Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri, and not every kind of abortion is accessible

BY:&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>

One year ago, Missourians voted to enshrine abortion rights into the state Constitution.

But access remains fragmented as court battles and proposed abortion bans introduce more confusion into an already complicated situation.

Procedural abortions are sporadically available at three Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri as numerous legal fights unfold, including a question over whether restrictions on medication abortion will remain in place. Medication abortion, which accounts for about two-thirds of abortions nationwide, is completely unavailable in Missouri.

The exact number of abortions provided since the passage of Amendment 3 is not yet available. But Sam Lee, a longtime anti-abortion advocate with Campaign Life Missouri, said it seems to be “nowhere near what we had anticipated or what the supporters of Amendment 3 had anticipated.”&nbsp;

While the last 12 months have seen a pitched battle over abortion rights in Missouri, the next 12 months will likely see some conclusion.

The outcome of a multi-week trial slated for January will determine which of Missouri’s longstanding abortion regulations will be upheld and which are unconstitutional under the abortion-rights amendment. Any decision will likely end up before a higher state court.

Outside the courts, lawmakers placed a new constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot seeking to reinstate Missouri’s abortion ban.&nbsp;

“They rushed to put an abortion ban, that reads like a pro-choice amendment, back on the ballot––and they don’t think Missourians are smart enough to notice,” Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri, said in a statement. “We know better. This time next year, Missourians will again vote against banning abortion. Hey Jeff City, it’s time you learned, no means no.”

The abortion rights amendment broadly protects reproductive health care. It also&nbsp;prohibits the legislature from regulating abortion prior to the point of fetal viability, which is generally the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb without extraordinary measures.

When 52% of 3 million Missouri voters supported the amendment, it opened the doors not only for broad abortion access in Missouri, but also began to lay the groundwork for access for women in nearby states with bans, including Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.&nbsp;

But the road to widespread access is complicated, in large part thanks to&nbsp;the state’s long history electing anti-abortion lawmakers and their focus on crafting some of the more restrictive laws in the country, known as “targeted regulation of abortion providers,” or TRAP, laws.

These regulations are the reason for the dramatic dip in abortion in Missouri before it was outlawed. And these regulations remain among the reasons abortion isn’t yet widely accessible.

A decade ago, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in Missouri, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. By 2020, that number dropped to 167 as the legislature enacted more abortion regulations.

In 2019, the Missouri legislature passed a “trigger law” that would go into effect if Roe v. Wade ever fell. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion in June 2022, Missouri enacted its trigger law, becoming the first state to ban nearly all abortion.

In the first 25 months after Roe was overturned, 74 abortions were performed in Missouri under the state’s emergency exemption, according to health department data.&nbsp;But data shows the ban didn’t prevent thousands of other Missourians from getting elective abortions.&nbsp;

In 2023, approximately 2,860 Missourians traveled to Kansas last year for abortions, and 8,710 traveled to Illinois,&nbsp;<a href="https://guttmacherinstitute.github.io/provision-dashboard/" target="_blank">according to the Guttmacher Institute,</a>&nbsp;a reproductive rights research group that closely tracks abortion data.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762429624360.png" alt=" Connie Gerling, with 40 Days for Life, prays as she stands outside the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic on Monday, March 3, 2025. A sign beside her reads: “We Care. We can Help” (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Connie Gerling, with 40 Days for Life, prays as she stands outside the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic on Monday, March 3, 2025. A sign beside her reads: “We Care. We can Help” (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Abortion is only available at some Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri, and not every kind of abortion is accessible</h2>BY:&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>One year ago, Missourians voted to enshrine abortion rights into the state Constitution.But access remains fragmented as court battles and proposed abortion bans introduce more confusion into an already complicated situation.Procedural abortions are sporadically available at three Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri as numerous legal fights unfold, including a question over whether restrictions on medication abortion will remain in place. Medication abortion, which accounts for about two-thirds of abortions nationwide, is completely unavailable in Missouri.The exact number of abortions provided since the passage of Amendment 3 is not yet available. But Sam Lee, a longtime anti-abortion advocate with Campaign Life Missouri, said it seems to be “nowhere near what we had anticipated or what the supporters of Amendment 3 had anticipated.”&nbsp;While the last 12 months have seen a pitched battle over abortion rights in Missouri, the next 12 months will likely see some conclusion.The outcome of a multi-week trial slated for January will determine which of Missouri’s longstanding abortion regulations will be upheld and which are unconstitutional under the abortion-rights amendment. Any decision will likely end up before a higher state court.Outside the courts, lawmakers placed a new constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot seeking to reinstate Missouri’s abortion ban.&nbsp;“They rushed to put an abortion ban, that reads like a pro-choice amendment, back on the ballot––and they don’t think Missourians are smart enough to notice,” Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri, said in a statement. “We know better. This time next year, Missourians will again vote against banning abortion. Hey Jeff City, it’s time you learned, no means no.”The abortion rights amendment broadly protects reproductive health care. It also&nbsp;prohibits the legislature from regulating abortion prior to the point of fetal viability, which is generally the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb without extraordinary measures.When 52% of 3 million Missouri voters supported the amendment, it opened the doors not only for broad abortion access in Missouri, but also began to lay the groundwork for access for women in nearby states with bans, including Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.&nbsp;But the road to widespread access is complicated, in large part thanks to&nbsp;the state’s long history electing anti-abortion lawmakers and their focus on crafting some of the more restrictive laws in the country, known as “targeted regulation of abortion providers,” or TRAP, laws.These regulations are the reason for the dramatic dip in abortion in Missouri before it was outlawed. And these regulations remain among the reasons abortion isn’t yet widely accessible.A decade ago, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in Missouri, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. By 2020, that number dropped to 167 as the legislature enacted more abortion regulations.In 2019, the Missouri legislature passed a “trigger law” that would go into effect if Roe v. Wade ever fell. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion in June 2022, Missouri enacted its trigger law, becoming the first state to ban nearly all abortion.In the first 25 months after Roe was overturned, 74 abortions were performed in Missouri under the state’s emergency exemption, according to health department data.&nbsp;But data shows the ban didn’t prevent thousands of other Missourians from getting elective abortions.&nbsp;In 2023, approximately 2,860 Missourians traveled to Kansas last year for abortions, and 8,710 traveled to Illinois,&nbsp;<a href="https://guttmacherinstitute.github.io/provision-dashboard/" target="_blank">according to the Guttmacher Institute,</a>&nbsp;a reproductive rights research group that closely tracks abortion data.&nbsp;

Missouri legalized abortion 1 year ago. Here’s what’s happened since the landmark vote

CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been arrested for allegedly making a threat to kill President Donald J. Trump.

Trent Schneider, 57, of&nbsp;Winthrop Harbor, Ill., is charged with making a threat in interstate commerce to injure a person, according to the United State's Attorney. Schneider was arrested Tuesday morning and made an initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert in Chicago.&nbsp; Schneider was ordered to remain detained in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Nov. 6, 2025.

According to a criminal complaint unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Schneider&nbsp;posted a video of himself&nbsp;on Oct. 16, 2025,&nbsp;on Instagram in which he stated, “I’m going to get some guns.&nbsp; I know where I can get a lot of [expletive] guns and I am going to take care of business myself.&nbsp; I’m tired of all you [expletive] frauds.&nbsp; People need to [expletive] die and people are going to die.&nbsp; [Expletive] all of you, especially you Trump.&nbsp; You should be executed.”&nbsp; The video also included a caption that stated, in part: “THIS IS&nbsp;NOT A THREAT!!!&nbsp;AFTER LOSING EVERYTHING and My House Auction date&nbsp;is 11.04.2025 @realDonaldTrump SHOULD BE EXECUTED!!!”

According to the complaint, a concerned citizen in Florida viewed the video and reported it to law enforcement.

The complaint and arrest were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and&nbsp;Dai Tran, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office.&nbsp; Valuable assistance was provided by the Lake County, Ill. Sheriff’s Office and the Winthrop Harbor, Ill. Police Department.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.&nbsp; The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.&nbsp; The charge in the complaint&nbsp;is punishable by a&nbsp;maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.&nbsp; If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762294284266.png" alt="Schneider is in federal custody -photo Lake County. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Schneider is in federal custody -photo Lake County. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been arrested for allegedly making a threat to kill President Donald J. Trump.Trent Schneider, 57, of&nbsp;Winthrop Harbor, Ill., is charged with making a threat in interstate commerce to injure a person, according to the United State's Attorney. Schneider was arrested Tuesday morning and made an initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert in Chicago.&nbsp; Schneider was ordered to remain detained in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Nov. 6, 2025.According to a criminal complaint unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Schneider&nbsp;posted a video of himself&nbsp;on Oct. 16, 2025,&nbsp;on Instagram in which he stated, “I’m going to get some guns.&nbsp; I know where I can get a lot of [expletive] guns and I am going to take care of business myself.&nbsp; I’m tired of all you [expletive] frauds.&nbsp; People need to [expletive] die and people are going to die.&nbsp; [Expletive] all of you, especially you Trump.&nbsp; You should be executed.”&nbsp; The video also included a caption that stated, in part: “THIS IS&nbsp;NOT A THREAT!!!&nbsp;AFTER LOSING EVERYTHING and My House Auction date&nbsp;is 11.04.2025 @realDonaldTrump SHOULD BE EXECUTED!!!”According to the complaint, a concerned citizen in Florida viewed the video and reported it to law enforcement.The complaint and arrest were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and&nbsp;Dai Tran, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office.&nbsp; Valuable assistance was provided by the Lake County, Ill. Sheriff’s Office and the Winthrop Harbor, Ill. Police Department.The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.&nbsp; The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.&nbsp; The charge in the complaint&nbsp;is punishable by a&nbsp;maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.&nbsp; If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.&nbsp;

Read the online threat against President Trump that landed man in jail

KANSAS CITY —A second person has died from injuries that occurred just before 1:30a.m. October 19, in Kansas City Missouri.

A gray Chevrolet Malibu was southbound on Paseo at a very high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. At 16th and Paseo, the car went into a broad slide, continued over the curb through the grass and struck a large tree.

EMS transported the unrestrained driver to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

The front seat passenger and left rear seat passenger were both transported to local hospitals with critical injuries. 

On Tuesday authorities were notified by the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office that the front seat passenger had been pronounced deceased by hospital staff on Oct. 19,&nbsp; at 3:31 a.m.&nbsp;

The right rear seat passenger was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. . The left rear seat passenger was reported in serious condition and the right rear seat passenger was in stable condition.&nbsp; Police did not release names of those involved.

This is fatality #56 compared to #80 at this time last year.

KANSAS CITY —A second person has died from injuries that occurred just before 1:30a.m. October 19, in Kansas City Missouri.A gray Chevrolet Malibu was southbound on Paseo at a very high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. At 16th and Paseo, the car went into a broad slide, continued over the curb through the grass and struck a large tree.EMS transported the unrestrained driver to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital staff.The front seat passenger and left rear seat passenger were both transported to local hospitals with critical injuries. On Tuesday authorities were notified by the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office that the front seat passenger had been pronounced deceased by hospital staff on Oct. 19,&nbsp; at 3:31 a.m.&nbsp;The right rear seat passenger was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. . The left rear seat passenger was reported in serious condition and the right rear seat passenger was in stable condition.&nbsp; Police did not release names of those involved.This is fatality #56 compared to #80 at this time last year.

KCPD: 2nd person dies after violent crash into a tree

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDuffy</a> announces a 10% reduction in scheduled flight capacity at the nation&#39;s top 40 high-traffic markets due to the Democrat Shutdown&#39;s strain on air traffic controllers. <a href="https://t.co/g6yJygA96W">pic.twitter.com/g6yJygA96W</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1986182615372849270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My number one priority is the safety of the American people. <a href="https://t.co/lOi3Q2rpZ7">https://t.co/lOi3Q2rpZ7</a>&mdash; Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1986189054568767782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">There may be flight delays or cancellations. Our top priority is that when Americans fly, they will make it to their destination safely because <a href="https://twitter.com/USDOT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USDOT</a> and the <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FAANews</a> have done their work. <a href="https://t.co/1uDsFr5HDL">pic.twitter.com/1uDsFr5HDL</a>&mdash; Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1986194251143590306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are level-setting with the American people. We’re doing whatever it takes to get passengers to their destination safely. <a href="https://t.co/byVYfr6FEw">pic.twitter.com/byVYfr6FEw</a>&mdash; Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1986215014189945064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Government shutdown: FAA reducing air traffic in ‘high-volume’ markets

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today announced his office filed election fraud charges against Jose Ceballos, the mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, according to a statement form Kobach's office. Ceballos last night was re-elected.

&nbsp;“In Kansas, it is against the law to vote if you are not a U.S. citizen. We allege that Mr. Ceballos did it multiple times,” Kobach said.

&nbsp;Officials from the attorney general’s office filed the charges in Comanche County. Ceballos faces three counts of voting without being qualified and three counts of election perjury. The charges are nonperson felonies, and Ceballos could face more than 5 years in prison.

<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/24666/638979462743160827" target="_blank">Click here to read the complaint&nbsp;</a>

The Coldwater City Council were called in for a Special Meeting by Mayor Joe Ceballos at 12:40p.m. Wednesday to discuss the charges filed by the Kansas Attorney Generals Office.

"At this time, our focus remains on ensuring that city operations continue to run smoothly and that the needs of our community are met. While the recent allegations involving the mayor are understandably concerning, we will allow the proper legal process to take its course before making any further comments. It’s important that we respect both due process and the integrity of our local government,"&nbsp; wrote Britt Lenertz, President Coldwater City Council on the city's social media page/

&nbsp;“I’ve worked with Attorney General Kobach for years on proof of citizenship as a useful tool to root out election crimes. During my time as House Elections Chair, then Secretary Kobach and I fought to pass a proof of citizenship requirement. Instead, we’re left relying on individuals’ word when it comes to verifying citizenship,” Schwab said. “I’m grateful that President Trump implemented the SAVE program to help states and to prevent situations like this.”

&nbsp;When he was Secretary of State, Kobach led the charge to stop noncitizens from voting illegally in Kansas elections. A federal court struck down the Kansas proof-of-citizenship law in 2018. Eight states, including Kansas, have passed laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in at least some cases, but the laws have only been implemented in four of those states, including Arizona, New Hampshire, Ohio and Wyoming.

&nbsp;“Voting by noncitizens, including both legal and illegal aliens, is a very real problem. It happens. Every time a noncitizen votes, it effectively cancels out a U.S. citizen’s vote.” Kobach said.

&nbsp;State law generally requires that candidates for elected city office must be a qualified elector, or eligible to vote, and be a resident of the city. However, cities have home rule power. It will be up to the city attorney to decide whether Ceballos is eligible to continue in his role as mayor.

&nbsp;Special Agent Nate Humble and Special Agent in Charge Matt Simpson are investigating the Ceballos case. First Assistant Attorney General Stacy Edwards is prosecuting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762377337825.png" alt="​Joe Ceballos-photo City of Colwater" />
 <figcaption>​Joe Ceballos-photo City of Colwater</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today announced his office filed election fraud charges against Jose Ceballos, the mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, according to a statement form Kobach's office. Ceballos last night was re-elected.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKrisKobach1787%2Fvideos%2F1721924125162262%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>&nbsp;“In Kansas, it is against the law to vote if you are not a U.S. citizen. We allege that Mr. Ceballos did it multiple times,” Kobach said.&nbsp;Officials from the attorney general’s office filed the charges in Comanche County. Ceballos faces three counts of voting without being qualified and three counts of election perjury. The charges are nonperson felonies, and Ceballos could face more than 5 years in prison.<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/24666/638979462743160827" target="_blank">Click here to read the complaint&nbsp;</a>The Coldwater City Council were called in for a Special Meeting by Mayor Joe Ceballos at 12:40p.m. Wednesday to discuss the charges filed by the Kansas Attorney Generals Office."At this time, our focus remains on ensuring that city operations continue to run smoothly and that the needs of our community are met. While the recent allegations involving the mayor are understandably concerning, we will allow the proper legal process to take its course before making any further comments. It’s important that we respect both due process and the integrity of our local government,"&nbsp; wrote Britt Lenertz, President Coldwater City Council on the city's social media page/&nbsp;“I’ve worked with Attorney General Kobach for years on proof of citizenship as a useful tool to root out election crimes. During my time as House Elections Chair, then Secretary Kobach and I fought to pass a proof of citizenship requirement. Instead, we’re left relying on individuals’ word when it comes to verifying citizenship,” Schwab said. “I’m grateful that President Trump implemented the SAVE program to help states and to prevent situations like this.”&nbsp;When he was Secretary of State, Kobach led the charge to stop noncitizens from voting illegally in Kansas elections. A federal court struck down the Kansas proof-of-citizenship law in 2018. Eight states, including Kansas, have passed laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in at least some cases, but the laws have only been implemented in four of those states, including Arizona, New Hampshire, Ohio and Wyoming.&nbsp;“Voting by noncitizens, including both legal and illegal aliens, is a very real problem. It happens. Every time a noncitizen votes, it effectively cancels out a U.S. citizen’s vote.” Kobach said.&nbsp;State law generally requires that candidates for elected city office must be a qualified elector, or eligible to vote, and be a resident of the city. However, cities have home rule power. It will be up to the city attorney to decide whether Ceballos is eligible to continue in his role as mayor.&nbsp;Special Agent Nate Humble and Special Agent in Charge Matt Simpson are investigating the Ceballos case. First Assistant Attorney General Stacy Edwards is prosecuting.

🎥Mayor in Kan. charged with election fraud after his re-election

On Monday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out another lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization, according to a social media report from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

"Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. The strike was conducted in international waters in the Eastern Pacific."

"No U.S. forces were harmed in the strike, and two male narco-terrorists — who were aboard the vessel — were killed."

"We will find and terminate EVERY vessel with the intention of trafficking drugs to America to poison our citizens. Protecting the homeland is our TOP priority. NO cartel terrorist stands a chance against the American military."

The attack brings the death toll&nbsp;from the Trump administration’s campaign in South American waters up to 66 in 16 strikes.

On Monday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out another lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization, according to a social media report from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Today, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO). Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known… <a href="https://t.co/OsQuHrYLMp">pic.twitter.com/OsQuHrYLMp</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1985863010376642677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. The strike was conducted in international waters in the Eastern Pacific.""No U.S. forces were harmed in the strike, and two male narco-terrorists — who were aboard the vessel — were killed.""We will find and terminate EVERY vessel with the intention of trafficking drugs to America to poison our citizens. Protecting the homeland is our TOP priority. NO cartel terrorist stands a chance against the American military."The attack brings the death toll&nbsp;from the Trump administration’s campaign in South American waters up to 66 in 16 strikes.

🎥US military kills 2 in new strike on drug-running boat

By TIM CARPENTER Kansas Reflector&nbsp;

TOPEKA — The former CEO and founder of the Beneficient investment firm that was granted a unique bank charter on orders of the Kansas Legislature was arrested and jailed Tuesday following indictment for an alleged scheme to loot more than $150 million from a company forced into bankruptcy.

Brad Heppner, who was taken into custody at his home by the Irving Police Department in Texas, was indicted in federal court in New York on counts of securities fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud, making false statements to auditors, and falsification of records. Prosecutors say he misled investors and auditors, and they said he obstructed an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

He has for years been at the center of a flurry of civil lawsuits alleging financial misconduct. The criminal case was worked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with the SEC.

“Heppner abused his role as a public company executive to loot the company and to funnel money into his own pockets,” said Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. “When executives like Heppner lie and cheat to enrich themselves at the expense of everyday investors, they corrupt the integrity of our public markets.”

Interest in Heppner’s business activities has been relevant to Kansans because Beneficient, the company he founded, has held a Kansas banking license since 2021.

Heppner was accused in the indictment, unsealed Tuesday, of misappropriating at least $150 million from the publicly traded, now-bankrupt GWG Holdings through a series of self-serving transactions tied to Beneficient and Highland Consolidated Limited Partnership. He was simultaneously chairman of GWG and Beneficient, and secretly controlled HCLP, according to the indictment.

“Though Heppner repeatedly described HCLP as an independent entity, it was, in fact, a shell company controlled by Heppner and operated for his benefit,” the indictment said. “Once Heppner exhausted his ability to siphon GWG’s assets for himself, he separated himself from GWG. GWG filed for bankruptcy shortly thereafter, causing losses exceeding $1 billion to thousands of investors and bondholders.”

Financial damage resulting from the catastrophe at GWG primarily fell on retail investors, “many of them retirees,” the indictment says.

The indictment says Heppner used the money for personal expenses, including $40 million for renovation of a Dallas mansion and a ranch in Montalba, Texas. He allegedly spent $10 million on upkeep, expansion and IT services on those properties as well as $10 million to cover credit card debt and private aviation expenditures. He purportedly used $20 million to pay tax expenses and bought jewelry valued at more than $500,000.

The indictment seeks to force Heppner to surrender ill-gotten cash as well as the properties in Dallas and Montalba.

Heppner, 59, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on the fraud, false statement and false record counts. The conspiracy count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

In June, Heppner resigned from Dallas-headquartered Beneficient rather than cooperate with an audit committee looking into financial irregularities. In 2021, Heppner left GWG and structurally separated Beneficient from GWG. GWG filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2022.

Dan Callahan, a spokesperson representing Beneficient, issued a company statement in wake of the indictment: “Beneficient parted ways with Mr. Heppner earlier this year, immediately after learning facts related to his alleged fraud on the company and others. Beneficient will continue to pursue its own claims against Mr. Heppner on behalf of its shareholders. Beneficient has and continues to cooperate with the government’s investigation of Mr. Heppner.”

Heppner was the face of Beneficient before and after it landed a Kansas banking charter for a Beneficient subsidiary. Legislation that guaranteed Beneficient received the charter was championed by Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican now in the midst of a campaign for governor. Masterson made the motion in support of the charter during a 2021 interim legislative committee hearing. The legislation was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

While lobbying Kansas legislators in pursuit of a bank charter, Heppner allegedly continued with the covert effort to hide the funneling of $150 million from GWG to Beneficient and to HCLP.

Beneficient made financial contributions to the campaigns of Republicans and Democrats in Kansas. It’s unclear whether those donations were made with cash Heppner allegedly transferred from GWG.

David Herndon, the Kansas state banking commissioner, opposed the charter for Beneficient and repeatedly urged the Legislature to repeal the law allowing Beneficient to anchor its asset-swap business to Kansas.

The business linked to the state charter was designed to allow Beneficient to work with investors to cash out or trade for stock their illiquid assets, including venture capital and private equity. To entice Kansas to deliver the charter, Beneficient agreed to funnel money into a Kansas foundation that was to help revitalize Hesston and support economic development in other rural communities. Heppner grew up in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762351195715.jpeg" alt="Brad Heppner, former CEO of Beneficient in Texas, is arrested and indicted in Texas on securities and wire fraud, making false statements and falsification of records. (Photo by Irving Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>Brad Heppner, former CEO of Beneficient in Texas, is arrested and indicted in Texas on securities and wire fraud, making false statements and falsification of records. (Photo by Irving Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER Kansas Reflector&nbsp;TOPEKA — The former CEO and founder of the Beneficient investment firm that was granted a unique bank charter on orders of the Kansas Legislature was arrested and jailed Tuesday following indictment for an alleged scheme to loot more than $150 million from a company forced into bankruptcy.Brad Heppner, who was taken into custody at his home by the Irving Police Department in Texas, was indicted in federal court in New York on counts of securities fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud, making false statements to auditors, and falsification of records. Prosecutors say he misled investors and auditors, and they said he obstructed an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.He has for years been at the center of a flurry of civil lawsuits alleging financial misconduct. The criminal case was worked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with the SEC.“Heppner abused his role as a public company executive to loot the company and to funnel money into his own pockets,” said Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. “When executives like Heppner lie and cheat to enrich themselves at the expense of everyday investors, they corrupt the integrity of our public markets.”Interest in Heppner’s business activities has been relevant to Kansans because Beneficient, the company he founded, has held a Kansas banking license since 2021.Heppner was accused in the indictment, unsealed Tuesday, of misappropriating at least $150 million from the publicly traded, now-bankrupt GWG Holdings through a series of self-serving transactions tied to Beneficient and Highland Consolidated Limited Partnership. He was simultaneously chairman of GWG and Beneficient, and secretly controlled HCLP, according to the indictment.“Though Heppner repeatedly described HCLP as an independent entity, it was, in fact, a shell company controlled by Heppner and operated for his benefit,” the indictment said. “Once Heppner exhausted his ability to siphon GWG’s assets for himself, he separated himself from GWG. GWG filed for bankruptcy shortly thereafter, causing losses exceeding $1 billion to thousands of investors and bondholders.”Financial damage resulting from the catastrophe at GWG primarily fell on retail investors, “many of them retirees,” the indictment says.The indictment says Heppner used the money for personal expenses, including $40 million for renovation of a Dallas mansion and a ranch in Montalba, Texas. He allegedly spent $10 million on upkeep, expansion and IT services on those properties as well as $10 million to cover credit card debt and private aviation expenditures. He purportedly used $20 million to pay tax expenses and bought jewelry valued at more than $500,000.The indictment seeks to force Heppner to surrender ill-gotten cash as well as the properties in Dallas and Montalba.Heppner, 59, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on the fraud, false statement and false record counts. The conspiracy count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.In June, Heppner resigned from Dallas-headquartered Beneficient rather than cooperate with an audit committee looking into financial irregularities. In 2021, Heppner left GWG and structurally separated Beneficient from GWG. GWG filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2022.Dan Callahan, a spokesperson representing Beneficient, issued a company statement in wake of the indictment: “Beneficient parted ways with Mr. Heppner earlier this year, immediately after learning facts related to his alleged fraud on the company and others. Beneficient will continue to pursue its own claims against Mr. Heppner on behalf of its shareholders. Beneficient has and continues to cooperate with the government’s investigation of Mr. Heppner.”Heppner was the face of Beneficient before and after it landed a Kansas banking charter for a Beneficient subsidiary. Legislation that guaranteed Beneficient received the charter was championed by Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican now in the midst of a campaign for governor. Masterson made the motion in support of the charter during a 2021 interim legislative committee hearing. The legislation was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.While lobbying Kansas legislators in pursuit of a bank charter, Heppner allegedly continued with the covert effort to hide the funneling of $150 million from GWG to Beneficient and to HCLP.Beneficient made financial contributions to the campaigns of Republicans and Democrats in Kansas. It’s unclear whether those donations were made with cash Heppner allegedly transferred from GWG.David Herndon, the Kansas state banking commissioner, opposed the charter for Beneficient and repeatedly urged the Legislature to repeal the law allowing Beneficient to anchor its asset-swap business to Kansas.The business linked to the state charter was designed to allow Beneficient to work with investors to cash out or trade for stock their illiquid assets, including venture capital and private equity. To entice Kansas to deliver the charter, Beneficient agreed to funnel money into a Kansas foundation that was to help revitalize Hesston and support economic development in other rural communities. Heppner grew up in Kansas.

Former CEO who acquired unique Kansas bank charter indicted on fraud charges

President&nbsp;Donald Trump’s&nbsp;authority to impose far-reaching&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;is&nbsp; before the Supreme Court on Wednesday morning in a pivotal test of executive power with trillion-dollar implications for the global economy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743626000304.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>President&nbsp;Donald Trump’s&nbsp;authority to impose far-reaching&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;is&nbsp; before the Supreme Court on Wednesday morning in a pivotal test of executive power with trillion-dollar implications for the global economy.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Justice Sotomayor asks about tariffs being a kind of tax on Americans and compares President Trump&#39;s emergency tariff Executive Orders to President Biden&#39;s student loan forgiveness policy and a hypothetical climate emergency. <a href="https://t.co/nD0MYgVjv3">pic.twitter.com/nD0MYgVjv3</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1986099084961227180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Justice Barrett asks if &quot;Regulate&quot; means power to tariff. While U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer responds, Justice Sotomayor: &quot;Could you just answer the justice&#39;s question?&quot; Barrett: &quot;Can you identify any statute that used that phrase...?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/SOMhHSGZBm">pic.twitter.com/SOMhHSGZBm</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1986101612272640338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Justice Gorsuch: &quot;What&#39;s the reason to accept the notion that Congress can hand off the power to declare war to the president?&quot; U.S. Solicitor General Sauer: &quot;Well, we don&#39;t contend that.&quot; Gorsuch: &quot;You do, you say it&#39;s unreviewable…you&#39;ve backed off that position?&quot; Sauer:… <a href="https://t.co/tuPdf7295s">pic.twitter.com/tuPdf7295s</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1986105831675371866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Justice Barrett asks about refunding tariff revenue should President Trump lose the case: &quot;If you win, tell me how the reimbursement process would work. Would it be a complete mess?&quot; Neal Katyal: &quot;We don&#39;t deny that it&#39;s difficult.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/WsiVGTyBO9">pic.twitter.com/WsiVGTyBO9</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1986124253369147787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Justice Kavanaugh asks why the president may not be able to issue tariffs but can set trade embargoes, which sets off a debate among the justices and a series of questions about presidential power. <a href="https://t.co/tLDMi2MPm6">pic.twitter.com/tLDMi2MPm6</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1986131942094319755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎧History: Supreme Court oral arguments on Trump's tariffs

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations including homicide after a standoff at a home in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 8:30a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to an armed disturbance at a home in the 1400 block of Oakland Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

The reporting party told officers an armed subject entered his home and was inside holding his adult son against his will at gunpoint. 

Police negotiators were able to have the victim released from the residence. Just before 2 p.m. the Kansas City, Kansas polic Special Operations Unit made entry in the residence and took the suspect into custody without incident. The suspect is being held on numerous requested felony charges and was wanted in connection with a homicide from Kansas City, Missouri.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations including homicide after a standoff at a home in Kansas City, Kansas.Just after 8:30a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to an armed disturbance at a home in the 1400 block of Oakland Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.The reporting party told officers an armed subject entered his home and was inside holding his adult son against his will at gunpoint. Police negotiators were able to have the victim released from the residence. Just before 2 p.m. the Kansas City, Kansas polic Special Operations Unit made entry in the residence and took the suspect into custody without incident. The suspect is being held on numerous requested felony charges and was wanted in connection with a homicide from Kansas City, Missouri.

Missouri murder suspect arrested after standoff at Kan. home

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Mamdani: So Donald Trump, since I know you&#39;re watching, I have four words for you: TURN THE VOLUME UP. We will hold landlords to account because the Donald Trumps of our city have grown far to comfortable taking advantage of their tenants. We will put an end to corruption that… <a href="https://t.co/eCXh6VCPQB">pic.twitter.com/eCXh6VCPQB</a>&mdash; Ron Smith (@Ronxyz00) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ronxyz00/status/1985931708416328138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani: &quot;We can respond to oligarchy and authoritarianism with the strength it fears not the appeasement it craves. After all, if anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him it is the city that gave rise to him...So,… <a href="https://t.co/Vt7pmuIGpd">pic.twitter.com/Vt7pmuIGpd</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1985931014498062675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani: &quot;We have toppled a political dynasty. I wish Andrew Cuomo only the best in private life but let tonight be the final time I utter his name as we turn the page on a politics that abandons the many and answers only to the few.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Pf0j4I1TDK">pic.twitter.com/Pf0j4I1TDK</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1985927747638632471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Zohran Mamdani's message to Trump after winning New York City mayor's race

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

TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins acknowledged Tuesday that he didn’t gather enough support from his Republican caucus to force a special session on Friday as planned.

Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson have worked for the past two months to get two-thirds of both chambers to sign a petition for a special session, where they could then redraw congressional maps to try to drive Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids out of office. Masterson previously announced he had the necessary signatures from Senate Republicans.

But a handful of House Republicans refused to join the effort, despite overtures from leadership about other topics that could come up during a special session.

On Tuesday, under the headline “countdown to Jan. 12th,” Hawkins issued a news release that said planning a special session is an “uphill battle” because of challenges with multiple agendas, scheduling conflicts and other factors.

“At the end of the day, a supermajority of Republicans still believe there should be oversight of over a billion dollars in assistance for rural health care, know the difference between a man and a woman, and wish to have a conversation about redistricting,” Hawkins said.

Masterson said in a statement Tuesday the Senate would “continue to deliver” for President Donald Trump, who initiated a multistate fight for a political advantage through gerrymandering.

“President Trump asked Republicans to fight for fair maps and for America’s future,” Masterson said. “We did our part — and we’ll keep leading the charge here in Kansas.”

Earlier in the day, Davids indicated she could be interested in a run for U.S. Senate if redistricting occurs. Redistricting efforts could continue when the Legislature convenes in January.

She was pleased to hear the special session&nbsp; would not occur.

“For months, extreme Republican legislators in Topeka have been scheming with D.C. politicians to silence Kansas voices,” Davids said in a statement Tuesday evening. “Today, we’ve won the first round in this fight against gerrymandering, but their plan to cheat the system isn’t over. They’ve made it clear they’ll do anything to hold onto power, but I’ve been just as clear: voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around.”

Politico on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/03/sharice-davids-senate-run-kansas-00633280?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Monday reported</a>&nbsp;that Davids met with Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California, last week to discuss the possibility of a Senate campaign and to “garner advice from a lawmaker who’s transitioned from the lower chamber to the upper one.”

On a press call discussing the ending of Affordable Care Act subsidies Tuesday afternoon, Davids would only reiterate former statements that her decision hinges at least in part on whether Kansas legislators push for redistricting.

“I’ll just say that if they move forward with this, I haven’t taken any options off the table about what I’ll do next,” she said. “I want to continue to do what I can to bring the voices and needs of Kansans to Congress.

“Right now, it is unclear what’s going to happen with the redistricting,” Davids said. “I am focusing on trying to make sure that the Kansas legislature doesn’t move forward on redistricting because it is actually just bad for the state.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643147273216.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins acknowledged Tuesday that he didn’t gather enough support from his Republican caucus to force a special session on Friday as planned.Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson have worked for the past two months to get two-thirds of both chambers to sign a petition for a special session, where they could then redraw congressional maps to try to drive Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids out of office. Masterson previously announced he had the necessary signatures from Senate Republicans.But a handful of House Republicans refused to join the effort, despite overtures from leadership about other topics that could come up during a special session.On Tuesday, under the headline “countdown to Jan. 12th,” Hawkins issued a news release that said planning a special session is an “uphill battle” because of challenges with multiple agendas, scheduling conflicts and other factors.“At the end of the day, a supermajority of Republicans still believe there should be oversight of over a billion dollars in assistance for rural health care, know the difference between a man and a woman, and wish to have a conversation about redistricting,” Hawkins said.Masterson said in a statement Tuesday the Senate would “continue to deliver” for President Donald Trump, who initiated a multistate fight for a political advantage through gerrymandering.“President Trump asked Republicans to fight for fair maps and for America’s future,” Masterson said. “We did our part — and we’ll keep leading the charge here in Kansas.”Earlier in the day, Davids indicated she could be interested in a run for U.S. Senate if redistricting occurs. Redistricting efforts could continue when the Legislature convenes in January.She was pleased to hear the special session&nbsp; would not occur.“For months, extreme Republican legislators in Topeka have been scheming with D.C. politicians to silence Kansas voices,” Davids said in a statement Tuesday evening. “Today, we’ve won the first round in this fight against gerrymandering, but their plan to cheat the system isn’t over. They’ve made it clear they’ll do anything to hold onto power, but I’ve been just as clear: voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around.”Politico on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/03/sharice-davids-senate-run-kansas-00633280?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Monday reported</a>&nbsp;that Davids met with Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California, last week to discuss the possibility of a Senate campaign and to “garner advice from a lawmaker who’s transitioned from the lower chamber to the upper one.”On a press call discussing the ending of Affordable Care Act subsidies Tuesday afternoon, Davids would only reiterate former statements that her decision hinges at least in part on whether Kansas legislators push for redistricting.“I’ll just say that if they move forward with this, I haven’t taken any options off the table about what I’ll do next,” she said. “I want to continue to do what I can to bring the voices and needs of Kansans to Congress.“Right now, it is unclear what’s going to happen with the redistricting,” Davids said. “I am focusing on trying to make sure that the Kansas legislature doesn’t move forward on redistricting because it is actually just bad for the state.”

Kansas House speaker waves white flag on special session as congresswoman considers Senate run

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A Nebraska-run immigration detention facility in McCook will begin accepting the first federal migrant detainees at the state prison facility “in the next day or two,” Gov. Jim Pillen said Monday.

Pillen, speaking at an unrelated news conference, said the repurposing of Nebraska’s former Work Ethic Camp would include moving in the first federal migrant detainees this week.&nbsp;

Pillen had previously said he estimated the first detainees would come by Oct. 31 but had backed that up last week to early November. He and other state and federal officials have dubbed the revamped facility the “Cornhusker Clink.”

Nebraska has agreed to transition the former all-male state prison, which had offered rehabilitative programming and allowed inmates to work in the neighboring community, under an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/17/nebraska-signed-contract-with-ice-on-sept-30-to-turn-state-prison-into-migrant-detention-center/">initial two-year contract</a>&nbsp;with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The contract was&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/Contract-NDCS-Department-of-Homeland-Security-ICE.pdf" target="_blank">signed Sept. 30</a>.

The facility will remain state-owned and operated.

Under the contract, the Nebraska-ICE facility will eventually house up to 300 detainees. That would be more than the current maximum of about 200. Pillen said he expects the project — which he described as in two “phases” — to fill up to 200 detainees within “two to three weeks.”

Nebraska plans to find more room to support immigration court hearings at the facility and bedding for up to 300 adult male and female detainees, such as by repurposing previous programming space.&nbsp;

Pillen said the state is in the “midst” of getting the cost of that second phase approved, “and that’ll get started in the next couple of weeks.”

“Don’t have an exact timeline to that,” Pillen said Monday of the expansion. “My guess … it would be by the end of the year.”

Pillen’s office has estimated the contract would annually net Nebraska about $14.25 million. The Work Ethic Camp had an annual operating cost of $10.2 million. ICE has also agreed to also pay Nebraska a one-time lump sum of $5.9 million for “facility renovations.”&nbsp;

Reporter Erin Bamer contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762288285286.png" alt="The Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. Oct. 24, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. Oct. 24, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A Nebraska-run immigration detention facility in McCook will begin accepting the first federal migrant detainees at the state prison facility “in the next day or two,” Gov. Jim Pillen said Monday.Pillen, speaking at an unrelated news conference, said the repurposing of Nebraska’s former Work Ethic Camp would include moving in the first federal migrant detainees this week.&nbsp;Pillen had previously said he estimated the first detainees would come by Oct. 31 but had backed that up last week to early November. He and other state and federal officials have dubbed the revamped facility the “Cornhusker Clink.”Nebraska has agreed to transition the former all-male state prison, which had offered rehabilitative programming and allowed inmates to work in the neighboring community, under an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/17/nebraska-signed-contract-with-ice-on-sept-30-to-turn-state-prison-into-migrant-detention-center/">initial two-year contract</a>&nbsp;with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The contract was&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/Contract-NDCS-Department-of-Homeland-Security-ICE.pdf" target="_blank">signed Sept. 30</a>.The facility will remain state-owned and operated.Under the contract, the Nebraska-ICE facility will eventually house up to 300 detainees. That would be more than the current maximum of about 200. Pillen said he expects the project — which he described as in two “phases” — to fill up to 200 detainees within “two to three weeks.”Nebraska plans to find more room to support immigration court hearings at the facility and bedding for up to 300 adult male and female detainees, such as by repurposing previous programming space.&nbsp;Pillen said the state is in the “midst” of getting the cost of that second phase approved, “and that’ll get started in the next couple of weeks.”“Don’t have an exact timeline to that,” Pillen said Monday of the expansion. “My guess … it would be by the end of the year.”Pillen’s office has estimated the contract would annually net Nebraska about $14.25 million. The Work Ethic Camp had an annual operating cost of $10.2 million. ICE has also agreed to also pay Nebraska a one-time lump sum of $5.9 million for “facility renovations.”&nbsp;Reporter Erin Bamer contributed to this report.

Nebraska set to house first ICE detainees at McCook state prison, governor says

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;SNAP BENEFITS, which increased by Billions and Billions of Dollars (MANY FOLD!) during Crooked Joe Biden’s disastrous term in office... will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!&quot; - President Donald J. Trump <a href="https://t.co/VvPP6DU2qH">pic.twitter.com/VvPP6DU2qH</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1985741263472042069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 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/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a>: &quot;We are digging into a contingency fund that is supposed to be for emergencies, catastrophes, for war... The best way to get the full amount of SNAP benefits to those beneficiaries is for Democrats to reopen the government.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/tcicftrOYI">pic.twitter.com/tcicftrOYI</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1985780097089994860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump threatens SNAP funding despite court orders

WYANDOTTE COUNTY–Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City, Kansas&nbsp; have identified the victim as 20-year-old&nbsp;Anna Juarez, according to a statement from police.

Just before 4:30 a.m. Saturday officers with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department were called the area of North 11th Street and Barnett Avenue to investigate a shooting.

When officers arrived on the scene they located Juarez, outside of her home. She had been shot.&nbsp;She was taken to the hospital, where she died from her injuries.&nbsp;A person of interest is currently in police custody.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY–Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City, Kansas&nbsp; have identified the victim as 20-year-old&nbsp;Anna Juarez, according to a statement from police.Just before 4:30 a.m. Saturday officers with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department were called the area of North 11th Street and Barnett Avenue to investigate a shooting.When officers arrived on the scene they located Juarez, outside of her home. She had been shot.&nbsp;She was taken to the hospital, where she died from her injuries.&nbsp;A person of interest is currently in police custody.Police released no additional details.

Police ID woman killed outside her Kansas home

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a business burglary in Manhattan.

Just after 8a.m. Monday, officers filed a report of burglary in the 100 block of S. Seth Child Road, accoding to the Riley County Police Department acitivity report.

 Mead Lumber reported an unknown suspect broke into the business and took money from the register and various tools from the store. The estimated total loss associated with this case is $2,100. 

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 business burglary in Manhattan.Just after 8a.m. Monday, officers filed a report of burglary in the 100 block of S. Seth Child Road, accoding to the Riley County Police Department acitivity report. Mead Lumber reported an unknown suspect broke into the business and took money from the register and various tools from the store. The estimated total loss associated with this case is $2,100. 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.