&nbsp;WASHINGTON —Officers arrested a person with a gun near the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building on Tuesday afternoon, according to an online statement from the U.S. Capitol Police.

Maryland Avenue was temporarily closed between First and Third Streets, SW, while officers investigated

At this time, there does not appear to be any other suspects or ongoing threat. Out of an abundance of caution, Capitol police asked the public to stay away from the area while they investigate and collect evidence.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771359947371.png" alt="Police on the scene near the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday -photo courtesy WJLA" />
                        <figcaption>Police on the scene near the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday -photo courtesy WJLA</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>&nbsp;WASHINGTON —Officers arrested a person with a gun near the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building on Tuesday afternoon, according to an online statement from the U.S. Capitol Police.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">U.S. <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CapitolPolice</a> on incident today: &quot;A gentleman parked...he exited the vehicle with a shotgun and began running up towards the Capitol...Capitol police officers observed this individual, challenged him and ordered him to drop the weapon and get on ground which he did comply… <a href="https://t.co/7EhRK1hTmL">pic.twitter.com/7EhRK1hTmL</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2023848973208113535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Maryland Avenue was temporarily closed between First and Third Streets, SW, while officers investigated</p><p>At this time, there does not appear to be any other suspects or ongoing threat. Out of an abundance of caution, Capitol police asked the public to stay away from the area while they investigate and collect evidence.&nbsp;</p>

🎥Man with loaded shotgun arrested after running toward the US Capitol

JOHNSON COUNTY —Last week, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop a driver on Interstate 70 around Turner Diagonal, according to a social media report from Troop A. The trooper was stopping the driver for displaying a tag that belonged on a Dodge Charger; however, it was being displayed on a GMC truck.

The driver fled east on I-70.  The trooper was joined by another trooper equipped with a Grappler.  The trooper successfully deployed the Grappler on Interstate 70 just east of 18th Street.  

The driver was taken into custody.  It was discovered the driver had multiple felony warrants through multiple jurisdictions and was in possession of methamphetamine.&nbsp; The patrol released no additional details including the name of the suspect.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771081397653.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
                        <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>JOHNSON COUNTY —Last week, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop a driver on Interstate 70 around Turner Diagonal, according to a social media report from Troop A. The trooper was stopping the driver for displaying a tag that belonged on a Dodge Charger; however, it was being displayed on a GMC truck.</p><p>The driver fled east on I-70.  The trooper was joined by another trooper equipped with a Grappler.  The trooper successfully deployed the Grappler on Interstate 70 just east of 18th Street.  </p><p>The driver was taken into custody.  It was discovered the driver had multiple felony warrants through multiple jurisdictions and was in possession of methamphetamine.&nbsp; The patrol released no additional details including the name of the suspect.</p>

KHP used Grappler to capture wanted suspect on I-70

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says the state-owned fiber optic network should be sold as soon as possible.

 In 1989, Governor Terry Branstad touted the Iowa Communications Network as a cyber highway for K-12 students to take classes they weren't able to get in their local district. Molly Severn, deputy chief of staff for Iowa's current governor, estimates the state could get 100 MILLION dollars from selling the fiber network now. In the 1990s, several Republican lawmakers called for selling the network, arguing the state was running a telephone company that unfairly competed with the private sector. 

Governor Reynolds' bill calling for the network's speedy sale has cleared a House subcommittee.

<p>(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says the state-owned fiber optic network should be sold as soon as possible.</p><p> In 1989, Governor Terry Branstad touted the Iowa Communications Network as a cyber highway for K-12 students to take classes they weren't able to get in their local district. Molly Severn, deputy chief of staff for Iowa's current governor, estimates the state could get 100 MILLION dollars from selling the fiber network now. In the 1990s, several Republican lawmakers called for selling the network, arguing the state was running a telephone company that unfairly competed with the private sector. </p><p>Governor Reynolds' bill calling for the network's speedy sale has cleared a House subcommittee.</p>

Iowa governor calls for sale of state's fiber optic network, predicts $100 million is sale price

Group makes case by drawing upon dystopian horror of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a>

TOPEKA — Five people walked through the Kansas Capitol on Monday shrouded in long, red cloaks and with faces concealed from view by wing-like white bonnets.

The intent was to catch the attention of legislators and lobbyists, who complied with puzzled looks as they tried to comprehend the scene.

Why the outfits? Were they part of a cult? Might they be nuns? What do they want? Could they be dangerous?

Christy Allen, among the women dressed as characters from the dystopian novel and film “The Handmaid’s Tale,” said the group chose the distinctive wardrobe to emphasize frustration with the direction of state government in Kansas and Missouri as well as the dismantling of political norms by President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.

Allen and her peers carried small cloth signs that summarized their message to politicians. It said, simply: “Shame.” They were told they would be asked to leave if they displayed the signs inside the Kansas Senate chamber.

“I’m tired of people putting party over people,” Allen said. “I feel with the erosion of all people’s rights, the United States becomes a theocracy. Our uniform, and it is a uniform, and we are an army, stands for the subjugation of all people’s rights, and that’s what’s happening with the hypocrisy right now. It’s carrying over into Kansas. We are free staters, right, and we should stick with that.”

The 1985 novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood and a more recent television series based on the book described a world where fertility rates plunged and fertile women were enslaved to bear children for the ruling class. Civil war in the United States produced a totalitarian, Christian form of government led by power-hungry leaders who relied on a divine law to control women. In the Handmaid world, female residents were forced to survive under laws forbidding them from owning property, handling money or reading and writing.

Angela Korbin, another member of the Handmaid group, said she was in Topeka to protest how democracy was under attack for the benefit of white, evangelical men.

“I want people to know that women’s rights are trans rights and trans rights are human rights,” she said.

She was referencing Senate Bill 244, an anti-transgender bill passed by the Republican-led House and Senate but vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Under the legislation, Kansans using public restrooms would be required to make use of facilities aligned with their sex declaration at birth rather than respect a person’s gender identity. It would establish a mechanism for people who claimed they were offended to seek $1,000 bounties from violators of the law. Government agencies not in compliance could be hit with a $25,000 fine on a first offense or $125,000 fines for subsequent incidents.

“It’s punitive,” Allen said. “Actions say a lot.”

The Handmaid contingent also voiced objections to public policy decisions in Kansas on immigration, health care, education and elections.

Outside the Capitol on Monday, a couple hundred people with colorful signs and flags conducted a protest on Presidents Day that was labeled “Not My President.” It was organized by Kansas 50501, which promotes nonviolent protests in Topeka that build relationships among people eager to defend the Constitution, respect coequal branches of government and deliver on the promise of equal rights for all.

Much of the anger on the south steps of the Statehouse centered Trump’s alleged campaign to violate rights of Americans by directing federal agents to, organizers said, “kill us.”

Teresa Gorby of Ottawa was on hand with a sign that declared “Stop ICE Now.”

“I’m here for my country,” she said. “We need funding for health care, things that help our people not rich guys.”

Topeka residents Duane and Kathy Dahm carried signs that urged people to respect the Constitution and to remind people that “silence kills democracy.”

“We’re just tired and fed up with everything that’s going on,” Duane Dahm said. “All the illegal stuff (Trump’s) doing.”

Other signs registered other concerns: “We’re not being governed, we’re being lied and looted,” “No dictator, no crown. We the people won’t kneel down” and “The darkness has got to give.”

Doug McGaw, a Vietnam veteran who earned a Purple Heart and taught at Emporia State University, said the people had to compel the three branches of the federal government to bring order to chaos.

“We have a corrupt government that will not obey the law,” he said. “We need to stiffen the spine of people who are responsible for our laws and justice system.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771292907831.png" alt=" Protesters adorned with clothing reminiscent of “the Handmaid’s Tale” carried cloth signs labeled “Shame” as they challenged Kansas legislators Monday at the Kansas Capitol to enact policies for benefit of Kansans rather than follow a path toward theocratic government. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Protesters adorned with clothing reminiscent of “the Handmaid’s Tale” carried cloth signs labeled “Shame” as they challenged Kansas legislators Monday at the Kansas Capitol to enact policies for benefit of Kansans rather than follow a path toward theocratic government. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Group makes case by drawing upon dystopian horror of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’</h2><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><p>TOPEKA — Five people walked through the Kansas Capitol on Monday shrouded in long, red cloaks and with faces concealed from view by wing-like white bonnets.</p><p>The intent was to catch the attention of legislators and lobbyists, who complied with puzzled looks as they tried to comprehend the scene.</p><p>Why the outfits? Were they part of a cult? Might they be nuns? What do they want? Could they be dangerous?</p><p>Christy Allen, among the women dressed as characters from the dystopian novel and film “The Handmaid’s Tale,” said the group chose the distinctive wardrobe to emphasize frustration with the direction of state government in Kansas and Missouri as well as the dismantling of political norms by President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.</p><p>Allen and her peers carried small cloth signs that summarized their message to politicians. It said, simply: “Shame.” They were told they would be asked to leave if they displayed the signs inside the Kansas Senate chamber.</p><p>“I’m tired of people putting party over people,” Allen said. “I feel with the erosion of all people’s rights, the United States becomes a theocracy. Our uniform, and it is a uniform, and we are an army, stands for the subjugation of all people’s rights, and that’s what’s happening with the hypocrisy right now. It’s carrying over into Kansas. We are free staters, right, and we should stick with that.”</p><p>The 1985 novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood and a more recent television series based on the book described a world where fertility rates plunged and fertile women were enslaved to bear children for the ruling class. Civil war in the United States produced a totalitarian, Christian form of government led by power-hungry leaders who relied on a divine law to control women. In the Handmaid world, female residents were forced to survive under laws forbidding them from owning property, handling money or reading and writing.</p><p>Angela Korbin, another member of the Handmaid group, said she was in Topeka to protest how democracy was under attack for the benefit of white, evangelical men.</p><p>“I want people to know that women’s rights are trans rights and trans rights are human rights,” she said.</p><p>She was referencing Senate Bill 244, an anti-transgender bill passed by the Republican-led House and Senate but vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.</p><p>Under the legislation, Kansans using public restrooms would be required to make use of facilities aligned with their sex declaration at birth rather than respect a person’s gender identity. It would establish a mechanism for people who claimed they were offended to seek $1,000 bounties from violators of the law. Government agencies not in compliance could be hit with a $25,000 fine on a first offense or $125,000 fines for subsequent incidents.</p><p>“It’s punitive,” Allen said. “Actions say a lot.”</p><p>The Handmaid contingent also voiced objections to public policy decisions in Kansas on immigration, health care, education and elections.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771292857650.png" alt="Doug McGaw, of Emporia, sits during a Feb. 16, 2026, protest outside the Capitol. The Vietnam veteran says he won’t follow orders of a felon, insurrectionist or traitor regardless of the individual’s official position. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption>Doug McGaw, of Emporia, sits during a Feb. 16, 2026, protest outside the Capitol. The Vietnam veteran says he won’t follow orders of a felon, insurrectionist or traitor regardless of the individual’s official position. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>The outsiders</h2><p>Outside the Capitol on Monday, a couple hundred people with colorful signs and flags conducted a protest on Presidents Day that was labeled “Not My President.” It was organized by Kansas 50501, which promotes nonviolent protests in Topeka that build relationships among people eager to defend the Constitution, respect coequal branches of government and deliver on the promise of equal rights for all.</p><p>Much of the anger on the south steps of the Statehouse centered Trump’s alleged campaign to violate rights of Americans by directing federal agents to, organizers said, “kill us.”</p><p>Teresa Gorby of Ottawa was on hand with a sign that declared “Stop ICE Now.”</p><p>“I’m here for my country,” she said. “We need funding for health care, things that help our people not rich guys.”</p><p>Topeka residents Duane and Kathy Dahm carried signs that urged people to respect the Constitution and to remind people that “silence kills democracy.”</p><p>“We’re just tired and fed up with everything that’s going on,” Duane Dahm said. “All the illegal stuff (Trump’s) doing.”</p><p>Other signs registered other concerns: “We’re not being governed, we’re being lied and looted,” “No dictator, no crown. We the people won’t kneel down” and “The darkness has got to give.”</p><p>Doug McGaw, a Vietnam veteran who earned a Purple Heart and taught at Emporia State University, said the people had to compel the three branches of the federal government to bring order to chaos.</p><p>“We have a corrupt government that will not obey the law,” he said. “We need to stiffen the spine of people who are responsible for our laws and justice system.”</p>

Kansas protesters argue for fundamental reform of government in both style and substance

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating their seventh homicide case over the past week in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the VA hospital in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Upon officers arrival, they contacted several individuals who had stated the shooting occurred in the 2900 block of Brighton Avenue. The victim was transported by private conveyance to the VA hospital for medical treatment. VA hospital staff advised officers at that time that the victim was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary information provided by a witness stated that she was inside of her residence when she heard several sounds of shots outside of her home. She exited the residence and located an adult male victim, lying in the street suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. An adult male suspect was seen entering an unknown vehicle and left the area in an unknown direction.&nbsp;

Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel have responded to the scene to begin collecting evidence and witness statements.

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

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771296464032.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating their seventh homicide case over the past week in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the VA hospital in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.</p><p>Upon officers arrival, they contacted several individuals who had stated the shooting occurred in the 2900 block of Brighton Avenue. The victim was transported by private conveyance to the VA hospital for medical treatment. VA hospital staff advised officers at that time that the victim was pronounced deceased.</p><p>Preliminary information provided by a witness stated that she was inside of her residence when she heard several sounds of shots outside of her home. She exited the residence and located an adult male victim, lying in the street suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. An adult male suspect was seen entering an unknown vehicle and left the area in an unknown direction.&nbsp;</p><p>Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel have responded to the scene to begin collecting evidence and witness statements.</p><p>If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.</p>

Police: Man dies in shooting near VA hospital in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY —Police have identified the driver who died in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.

A white Nissan Murano driven by 34-year-old Sterling A. Roaf was southbound on Virginia in Kansas City at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The Nissan failed to stop for the posted stop sign at Rockhurst and Virginia. 

The Nissan continued southbound and struck a gold Jeep wrangler that was unoccupied and parked on Rockhurst. After striking the Jeep, the Nissan continued over the curb and up the grassy hill where it began to roll. The vehicle struck the Rockhurst College’s “Corcoran Building” before coming to rest. 

Roaf, sole occupant of the Nissan was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced deceased by hospital staff. This is fatality #7 compared to #5 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.

<p>KANSAS CITY —Police have identified the driver who died in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>A white Nissan Murano driven by 34-year-old Sterling A. Roaf was southbound on Virginia in Kansas City at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The Nissan failed to stop for the posted stop sign at Rockhurst and Virginia. </p><p>The Nissan continued southbound and struck a gold Jeep wrangler that was unoccupied and parked on Rockhurst. After striking the Jeep, the Nissan continued over the curb and up the grassy hill where it began to roll. The vehicle struck the Rockhurst College’s “Corcoran Building” before coming to rest. </p><p>Roaf, sole occupant of the Nissan was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced deceased by hospital staff. This is fatality #7 compared to #5 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.</p>

Police ID driver who died after crash on college campus in KC

CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement conducted an extensive investigation into the allegations of crimes against children, according to a social media report from Concordia Police.

Just before 11a.m. February 13, the Concordia Police Department executed a search warrant at 616 Valley St. in Concordia regarding the investigation. While conducting the search warrant, Officers located drug paraphernalia and methamphetamines.

The suspect, David Brown (alias: Axel Brown), age 21, was arrested for drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamines, along with his Cloud County Warrant on requested charges that include Rape, Two counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child, Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Endangerment of a Child, Aggravated Assault Criminal Threat, Criminal Restraint, Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct or Deprivation, Furnishing Alcoholic Liquor or Cereal Malt Beverage to a minor, Taxation- Cigarettes, Electronic Cigarettes, and Tobacco Unlawful Acts

The Concordia Police Department encourages parents and guardians to speak with their children to see if they have had any contact with David “Axel” Brown. If any children have had contact with David “Axel” Brown, please email Detective Emma Thyfault- ethyfault@concordiaks.org and Lt. Adam Sorell- asorell@concordiaks.org.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771198793635.png" alt="Brown photo Cloud County" />
                        <figcaption>Brown photo Cloud County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement conducted an extensive investigation into the allegations of crimes against children, according to a social media report from Concordia Police.</p><p>Just before 11a.m. February 13, the Concordia Police Department executed a search warrant at 616 Valley St. in Concordia regarding the investigation. While conducting the search warrant, Officers located drug paraphernalia and methamphetamines.</p><p>The suspect, David Brown (alias: Axel Brown), age 21, was arrested for drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamines, along with his Cloud County Warrant on requested charges that include Rape, Two counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child, Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Endangerment of a Child, Aggravated Assault Criminal Threat, Criminal Restraint, Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct or Deprivation, Furnishing Alcoholic Liquor or Cereal Malt Beverage to a minor, Taxation- Cigarettes, Electronic Cigarettes, and Tobacco Unlawful Acts</p><p>The Concordia Police Department encourages parents and guardians to speak with their children to see if they have had any contact with David “Axel” Brown. If any children have had contact with David “Axel” Brown, please email Detective Emma Thyfault- ethyfault@concordiaks.org and Lt. Adam Sorell- asorell@concordiaks.org.</p>

Police looking for other victims in Kansas child sex crime investigation

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Jus before 2a.m. Feb. 10,&nbsp; a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a GMC Terrain for a traffic infraction near 102nd Road on U.S. Highway 75 in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted which resulted in the discovery of illegal drugs. The driver, Raymond Earl Hughes, 61, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and no proof of insurance.  The passenger, Julyn Michelle Owens, 60, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770686647494.png" alt="Hughes -photo Jackson County" />
                        <figcaption>Hughes -photo Jackson County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.</p><p>Jus before 2a.m. Feb. 10,&nbsp; a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a GMC Terrain for a traffic infraction near 102nd Road on U.S. Highway 75 in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770686610762.png" alt="Owens photo Jackson Co." />
                        <figcaption>Owens photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p> A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted which resulted in the discovery of illegal drugs. The driver, Raymond Earl Hughes, 61, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and no proof of insurance.  The passenger, Julyn Michelle Owens, 60, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.</p>

Sheriff: Kansas couple caught transporting meth

Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation&nbsp;on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 11:48&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;due&nbsp;to&nbsp;an&nbsp;extended period of dangerous fire weather and the potential for extreme fire spread from Tuesday through Thursday, according to a media release from the Adjutant General’s&nbsp;Department. This declaration&nbsp;allows&nbsp;resources to be&nbsp;used to&nbsp;provide state&nbsp;assistance.&nbsp;

“With high winds and dry conditions, there is a high risk for wildland fires over the next few days,”&nbsp;<b>Governor Laura Kelly</b>&nbsp;<b>said</b>. “I urge&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;residents to avoid activities that could spark fires, remain alert to changing conditions, and follow local emergency guidance.”&nbsp;

Dangerous fire weather is expected Tuesday through Thursday, with Northwest and Southwest Kansas seeing Red Flag conditions driven by strong 30–40 mph winds with gusts to 65 mph, humidity as low as 10&nbsp;percent, rapidly drying grass fuels, blowing dust, and shifting winds that could cause rapid fire growth and extreme and erratic fire behavior.&nbsp; A Fire Watch is in effect for most of North Central, Northeast, and East Central Kansas on Tuesday.&nbsp;Officials emphasize that dry grass and other fuels can dry out in as little as one hour under these conditions, significantly increasing the risk of&nbsp;rapid&nbsp;fire&nbsp;ignition and spread.&nbsp;

“Across Kansas,&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;beginning to see the seasonal shift into more typical fire weather patterns,”&nbsp;<b>Bill Waln, Kansas Forest Service Fire Management Officer</b>&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“We strongly urge the public to avoid activities that could spark a fire and to report any smoke or fire&nbsp;immediately. Early reporting is critical to keeping fires small and protecting lives and property.”&nbsp;

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will staff the State Emergency Operations Center&nbsp;starting&nbsp;tomorrow&nbsp;with Emergency Support Function partners&nbsp;from the Office of the State Fire Marshal,&nbsp;Kansas Forest Service,&nbsp;and other state agencies&nbsp;to coordinate&nbsp;state&nbsp;efforts&nbsp;and pre‑staging resources to support local&nbsp;counties and local responders if requested.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640026900635.jpeg" alt="Post photo" />
                        <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation&nbsp;on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 11:48&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;due&nbsp;to&nbsp;an&nbsp;extended period of dangerous fire weather and the potential for extreme fire spread from Tuesday through Thursday, according to a media release from the Adjutant General’s&nbsp;Department. This declaration&nbsp;allows&nbsp;resources to be&nbsp;used to&nbsp;provide state&nbsp;assistance.&nbsp;</p><p>“With high winds and dry conditions, there is a high risk for wildland fires over the next few days,”&nbsp;<b>Governor Laura Kelly</b>&nbsp;<b>said</b>. “I urge&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;residents to avoid activities that could spark fires, remain alert to changing conditions, and follow local emergency guidance.”&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tuesday will see high winds and dry humidities culminating in a critical and potentially dangerous fire weather risk. A Red Flag Warning is also in effect Tuesday. See below for details. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/rDAWJZYzjP">pic.twitter.com/rDAWJZYzjP</a></p>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/2023405314129674647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A fire weather watch has been issued for Tuesday from 12 noon through 7 PM for north central, northeast, and east central KS. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/TxEmZ3bK6n">pic.twitter.com/TxEmZ3bK6n</a></p>&mdash; NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSTopeka/status/2023341151026135193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here&#39;s an overview of what we&#39;re expecting today through Wednesday (February 16-18, 2026). Open flames and sparks could have devastating impacts this week, especially on Tuesday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cowx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cowx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/newx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#newx</a> <a href="https://t.co/oQ6ePU4IXU">pic.twitter.com/oQ6ePU4IXU</a></p>&mdash; NWS Goodland (@NWSGoodland) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSGoodland/status/2023352073471811759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Dangerous fire weather is expected Tuesday through Thursday, with Northwest and Southwest Kansas seeing Red Flag conditions driven by strong 30–40 mph winds with gusts to 65 mph, humidity as low as 10&nbsp;percent, rapidly drying grass fuels, blowing dust, and shifting winds that could cause rapid fire growth and extreme and erratic fire behavior.&nbsp; A Fire Watch is in effect for most of North Central, Northeast, and East Central Kansas on Tuesday.&nbsp;Officials emphasize that dry grass and other fuels can dry out in as little as one hour under these conditions, significantly increasing the risk of&nbsp;rapid&nbsp;fire&nbsp;ignition and spread.&nbsp;</p><p>“Across Kansas,&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;beginning to see the seasonal shift into more typical fire weather patterns,”&nbsp;<b>Bill Waln, Kansas Forest Service Fire Management Officer</b>&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“We strongly urge the public to avoid activities that could spark a fire and to report any smoke or fire&nbsp;immediately. Early reporting is critical to keeping fires small and protecting lives and property.”&nbsp;</p><p>The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will staff the State Emergency Operations Center&nbsp;starting&nbsp;tomorrow&nbsp;with Emergency Support Function partners&nbsp;from the Office of the State Fire Marshal,&nbsp;Kansas Forest Service,&nbsp;and other state agencies&nbsp;to coordinate&nbsp;state&nbsp;efforts&nbsp;and pre‑staging resources to support local&nbsp;counties and local responders if requested.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Kan. gov. issues state of disaster emergency for wildland fires 

LABETTE COUNTY – The Labette County Sheriff’s Office reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 80-year-old Richard Bulkley was located in Sedalia, Missouri, and is now safe.

LABETTE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Labette County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Parsons man, according to a media release.

The whereabouts of 80-year-old Richard Bulkley, of Parsons, are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Bulkley is likely driving a Black 2011 Ford F-150 bearing Kansas veteran tag 1526. He was last believed to be heading north around Highway 169 and K-47, near Thayer, on the evening of Feb. 15.

Bulkley is a white male who is around 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds. He has white hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing gray and white flannel pajama pants, and a blue fleece jacket. Bulkley has dementia.

If you see Richard Bulkley, or his vehicle, call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Labette County Sheriff's Office at 620-795-2565.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771239800485.png" alt="Bulkley photo KBI" />
                        <figcaption>Bulkley photo KBI</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LABETTE COUNTY – The Labette County Sheriff’s Office reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 80-year-old Richard Bulkley was located in Sedalia, Missouri, and is now safe.</p><p>-------------</p><p>LABETTE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Labette County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Parsons man, according to a media release.</p><p>The whereabouts of 80-year-old Richard Bulkley, of Parsons, are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.</p><p>Bulkley is likely driving a Black 2011 Ford F-150 bearing Kansas veteran tag 1526. He was last believed to be heading north around Highway 169 and K-47, near Thayer, on the evening of Feb. 15.</p><p>Bulkley is a white male who is around 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds. He has white hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing gray and white flannel pajama pants, and a blue fleece jacket. Bulkley has dementia.</p><p>If you see Richard Bulkley, or his vehicle, call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Labette County Sheriff's Office at 620-795-2565.</p>

KBI: Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas man found safe

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a>

A Cole County judge ruled Friday that Gov. Mike Kehoe had the constitutional authority to call the special session that resulted in the passage of a new gerrymandered congressional map for Missouri.

During the special session, legislators redrew the map to favor Republicans. The Missouri NAACP filed the lawsuit against state officials including Kehoe in September in an attempt to stop the special session from happening, but the court did not take up the case in time to stop legislators from meeting for the session.

The lawsuit alleged that while the Missouri Constitution allows the governor to call special sessions for extraordinary occasions, Kehoe’s reasoning to call the most recent session did not qualify as an extraordinary occasion.

Judge Christopher Limbaugh disagreed, stating in the ruling issued Friday that the governor has the constitutional discretion to decide what qualifies as an extraordinary occasion.

Article 4, Section 9 of the Missouri Constitution, which describes the powers of the governor, states that on extraordinary occasions, the governor may convene the General Assembly by proclamation and state matters for the legislature to take action on.

Kehoe called Missouri lawmakers to a special session on Aug. 29, 2025, directing them to focus the session on redistricting the state and changing the initiative petition process.

The new congressional map, which is at the center of multiple lawsuits, would likely give the Republican Party a 7-to-1 majority in Missouri’s U.S. House seats. Republicans already hold six of Missouri’s eight congressional seats.

This story originally appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/special-session-to-redraw-missouris-congressional-districts-was-constitutional-judge-rules/article_0782f59f-c883-497d-9260-dbae0a12fae2.html" target="_blank">KOMU.com</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757444658128.png" alt="Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors / Map by Anna Sago  " />
                        <figcaption>Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors / Map by Anna Sago  </figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a></p><p>A Cole County judge ruled Friday that Gov. Mike Kehoe had the constitutional authority to call the special session that resulted in the passage of a new gerrymandered congressional map for Missouri.</p><p>During the special session, legislators redrew the map to favor Republicans. The Missouri NAACP filed the lawsuit against state officials including Kehoe in September in an attempt to stop the special session from happening, but the court did not take up the case in time to stop legislators from meeting for the session.</p><p>The lawsuit alleged that while the Missouri Constitution allows the governor to call special sessions for extraordinary occasions, Kehoe’s reasoning to call the most recent session did not qualify as an extraordinary occasion.</p><p>Judge Christopher Limbaugh disagreed, stating in the ruling issued Friday that the governor has the constitutional discretion to decide what qualifies as an extraordinary occasion.</p><p>Article 4, Section 9 of the Missouri Constitution, which describes the powers of the governor, states that on extraordinary occasions, the governor may convene the General Assembly by proclamation and state matters for the legislature to take action on.</p><p>Kehoe called Missouri lawmakers to a special session on Aug. 29, 2025, directing them to focus the session on redistricting the state and changing the initiative petition process.</p><p>The new congressional map, which is at the center of multiple lawsuits, would likely give the Republican Party a 7-to-1 majority in Missouri’s U.S. House seats. Republicans already hold six of Missouri’s eight congressional seats.</p><p>This story originally appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/special-session-to-redraw-missouris-congressional-districts-was-constitutional-judge-rules/article_0782f59f-c883-497d-9260-dbae0a12fae2.html" target="_blank">KOMU.com</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;</p>

Special session to redraw Missouri congressional districts was constitutional, judge rules

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement continue searching for suspects in a deadly nightclub shooting in Kansas City, Missouri and have identified the women who died as 29-year-old Eboni Silas and 24-year-old Tishauna Ballard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business.&nbsp;On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims.

Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in.&nbsp;EMS declared one shooting victim deceased at the scene. EMS&nbsp; then transported the other two victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries, according to Becchina.

While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim is reported to be in critical condition.&nbsp;

Detectives talked with people who were at the scene when officers arrived and processed through the evidence gathered. As the investigation progresses it is still believed the shooting occurred inside the business, so anyone who may have been there that has not talked to police yet is urged to contact detectives or the TIPS Hotline anonymously. 

Police have not been advised of any change in the status of either of the surviving victims.

&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims.&nbsp; Police have not released any details on a possible suspect.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771169150673.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement continue searching for suspects in a deadly nightclub shooting in Kansas City, Missouri and have identified the women who died as 29-year-old Eboni Silas and 24-year-old Tishauna Ballard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.</p><p>Just after 2a.m. Sunday Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.</p><p>At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business.&nbsp;On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims.</p><p>Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in.&nbsp;EMS declared one shooting victim deceased at the scene. EMS&nbsp; then transported the other two victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries, according to Becchina.</p><p>While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim is reported to be in critical condition.&nbsp;</p><p>Detectives talked with people who were at the scene when officers arrived and processed through the evidence gathered. As the investigation progresses it is still believed the shooting occurred inside the business, so anyone who may have been there that has not talked to police yet is urged to contact detectives or the TIPS Hotline anonymously. </p><p>Police have not been advised of any change in the status of either of the surviving victims.</p><p>&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims.&nbsp; Police have not released any details on a possible suspect.</p>

Police ID 2 women who died in Kansas City nightclub shooting

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Police released the name of the juvenile killed Feb. 10, at an apartment complex in Kansas City, Kansas. Jai Barnes, Jr., 17, was resident of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release from KCK Police.

Just before 3p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 7400 Block of Armstrong in Kansas City, Kansas.

First responders located Barnes outside an apartment complex, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was getting off the school bus in front of his home at the time of the shooting, according to <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-heartfelt-farewell-for-jai-barnes-jr">an online fundraiser.</a>

He was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries.&nbsp;There are currently no suspects in custody.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771242738386.png" alt="Barnes photo GoFundMe" />
                        <figcaption>Barnes photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Police released the name of the juvenile killed Feb. 10, at an apartment complex in Kansas City, Kansas. Jai Barnes, Jr., 17, was resident of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release from KCK Police.</p><p>Just before 3p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 7400 Block of Armstrong in Kansas City, Kansas.</p><p>First responders located Barnes outside an apartment complex, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was getting off the school bus in front of his home at the time of the shooting, according to <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-heartfelt-farewell-for-jai-barnes-jr">an online fundraiser.</a></p><p>He was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries.&nbsp;There are currently no suspects in custody.</p>

Kansas teen was getting off school bus when he was shot, killed

<div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUzJ-_1AWWF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUzJ-_1AWWF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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'Today' show host posts new video 2 weeks after mother's abduction

The Department of War reported U.S. military forces boarded another sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean. According to the social media post, "We defend the Homeland forward. Distance does not protect you."

"Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Veronica III without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility."

"The vessel tried to defy President Trump’s quarantine —hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down. No other nation has the reach, endurance, or will to do this."

"International waters are not sanctuary. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice. The Department of War will deny illicit actors and their proxies freedom of movement in the maritime domain."

<p>The Department of War reported U.S. military forces boarded another sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean. According to the social media post, "We defend the Homeland forward. Distance does not protect you."</p><p>"Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Veronica III without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility."</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We defend the Homeland forward. Distance does not protect you.<br><br>Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Veronica III without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility.<br><br>The vessel tried to defy President Trump’s… <a href="https://t.co/Tran3cLR9g">pic.twitter.com/Tran3cLR9g</a></p>&mdash; Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar/status/2022997870061011067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>"The vessel tried to defy President Trump’s quarantine —hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down. No other nation has the reach, endurance, or will to do this."</p><p>"International waters are not sanctuary. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice. The Department of War will deny illicit actors and their proxies freedom of movement in the maritime domain."</p>

🎥US military boards another oil tanker in Indian Ocean

CASS COUNTY —A law enforcement officer is under investigation for alleged sex crimes.

On February 12, State Troopers arrested 28-year-old , Collin K. Goodsell of Peculiar, Missouri, in connection with a sexual assault investigation conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A Criminal Investigative Unit, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol&nbsp;Division of Drug and Crime Control.

In December, the Division of Drug and Crime Control was requested to investigate allegations of sexual assault involving a Belton Police Department employee. On February 12, 2026, following the investigation,&nbsp;Division of Drug and Crime Control  investigators obtained probable cause to arrest Goodsell for raping a woman.&nbsp;Division of Drug and Crime Control  investigators arrested Goodsell in Lees Summit, MO, where he was later transported to the Pettis County Jail and placed on an investigative hold.

On February 13, the Pettis County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Goodsell with Rape-First Degree. Goodsell is being held in the Pettis County Jail, without bond.

Goodsell has held several law enforcement positions in Cass and Livingston Counties. Anyone with information regarding this incident or similar accusations involving Goodsell are encouraged to contact Corporal Travis Goolsby, at Troop A Headquarters 816-622-0800.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771122624366.png" alt="Goodsell photo Pettis County" />
                        <figcaption>Goodsell photo Pettis County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>CASS COUNTY —A law enforcement officer is under investigation for alleged sex crimes.</p><p>On February 12, State Troopers arrested 28-year-old , Collin K. Goodsell of Peculiar, Missouri, in connection with a sexual assault investigation conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A Criminal Investigative Unit, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol&nbsp;Division of Drug and Crime Control.</p><p>In December, the Division of Drug and Crime Control was requested to investigate allegations of sexual assault involving a Belton Police Department employee. On February 12, 2026, following the investigation,&nbsp;Division of Drug and Crime Control  investigators obtained probable cause to arrest Goodsell for raping a woman.&nbsp;Division of Drug and Crime Control  investigators arrested Goodsell in Lees Summit, MO, where he was later transported to the Pettis County Jail and placed on an investigative hold.</p><p>On February 13, the Pettis County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Goodsell with Rape-First Degree. Goodsell is being held in the Pettis County Jail, without bond.</p><p>Goodsell has held several law enforcement positions in Cass and Livingston Counties. Anyone with information regarding this incident or similar accusations involving Goodsell are encouraged to contact Corporal Travis Goolsby, at Troop A Headquarters 816-622-0800.</p>

Kansas City area officer jailed for alleged sex assault

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are searching for suspects in a deadly nightclub shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchins.

At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business.&nbsp;On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims. 

Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in.&nbsp;EMS declared one shooting victim deceased at the scene. EMS&nbsp; then transported the other two&nbsp; victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries, according to Becchina.

While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim is reported to be in critical condition.&nbsp;Homicide detectives were at the scene now and are investigating. They are talking to people who were at the scene when officers arrived and canvassing for additional witnesses.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims.&nbsp;There is no information at this time regarding suspect description. Police did not release the names of the victims.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771169150673.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are searching for suspects in a deadly nightclub shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>Just after 2a.m. Sunday Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchins.</p><p>At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business.&nbsp;On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims. </p><p>Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in.&nbsp;EMS declared one shooting victim deceased at the scene. EMS&nbsp; then transported the other two&nbsp; victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries, according to Becchina.</p><p>While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim is reported to be in critical condition.&nbsp;Homicide detectives were at the scene now and are investigating. They are talking to people who were at the scene when officers arrived and canvassing for additional witnesses.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims.&nbsp;There is no information at this time regarding suspect description. Police did not release the names of the victims.</p>

2 women dead, 3 others injured in KC nightclub shooting

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Saturday in Kansas City.

Narrative:&nbsp;AIS responded to the area of Martha Truman Road and Blue River Road to meet SPD Officers on a reported injury collision with life threatening injuries. Preliminary investigation revealed that 

According to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina, a white Dodge Ram Pickup&nbsp; southbound on Blue River Road at a high rate of speed. The Dodge failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway at Martha Truman Road. The pickup traveled off the roadway to the right, through the dirt shoulder of the roadway, up a dirt mound and was launched into the tree line. 

The Dodge rotated 180 degrees, striking a large tree before coming to rest. The driver and sole occupant of the Dodge was ejected from the vehicle during the collision events.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver to o a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, and he was subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital staff shortly after arrival, according to Becchina.

This is fatality #8 compared to #5 at this time last year.

<p>KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Saturday in Kansas City.</p><p>Narrative:&nbsp;AIS responded to the area of Martha Truman Road and Blue River Road to meet SPD Officers on a reported injury collision with life threatening injuries. Preliminary investigation revealed that </p><p>According to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina, a white Dodge Ram Pickup&nbsp; southbound on Blue River Road at a high rate of speed. The Dodge failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway at Martha Truman Road. The pickup traveled off the roadway to the right, through the dirt shoulder of the roadway, up a dirt mound and was launched into the tree line. </p><p>The Dodge rotated 180 degrees, striking a large tree before coming to rest. The driver and sole occupant of the Dodge was ejected from the vehicle during the collision events.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver to o a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, and he was subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital staff shortly after arrival, according to Becchina.</p><p>This is fatality #8 compared to #5 at this time last year.</p>

KCPD: Driver dies after violent pickup crash into trees

Topeka, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt on Friday announced a Reno County man has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for insurance fraud, making false information, and forgery.

Larry Wilson, aged 54, pleaded guilty on December 11, 2025, in Reno County District Court to one felony count of insurance fraud, two felony counts for making false information, and two felony counts for forgery. Wilson fraudulently filed an insurance claim to collect lost wages for workdays he stated were missed due to injuries sustained in a prior auto accident. Wilson forged his supervisor’s signature on falsified documents to validate his claim for missed work. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 21 months in prison with 12 months of probation following his release.

“Insurance fraud costs all Kansans in the form of increased premiums every year,” Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said. “The Department will continue pursuing penalties against anyone committing insurance fraud in Kansas.”

The Kansas Department of Insurance investigated this case which was prosecuted by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

<p>Topeka, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt on Friday announced a Reno County man has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for insurance fraud, making false information, and forgery.</p><p>Larry Wilson, aged 54, pleaded guilty on December 11, 2025, in Reno County District Court to one felony count of insurance fraud, two felony counts for making false information, and two felony counts for forgery. Wilson fraudulently filed an insurance claim to collect lost wages for workdays he stated were missed due to injuries sustained in a prior auto accident. Wilson forged his supervisor’s signature on falsified documents to validate his claim for missed work. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 21 months in prison with 12 months of probation following his release.</p><p>“Insurance fraud costs all Kansans in the form of increased premiums every year,” Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said. “The Department will continue pursuing penalties against anyone committing insurance fraud in Kansas.”</p><p>The Kansas Department of Insurance investigated this case which was prosecuted by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.</p>

Prison: Kan. man filed bogus insurance claim for lost wages

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">Anna Kaminski</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly plans to attend a business meeting at the White House this week, which comes after President Donald Trump flip-flopped on invitations and Democrats promised to boycott.

Kelly’s office said she will attend a bipartisan working meeting on Feb. 20, but she will not partake in the White House’s black-tie dinner that is expected to follow. She has not attended the White House dinner since 2019 and does not plan to this year, said spokesperson Grace Hoge.

“She recognizes the utility of meeting with the president, Cabinet secretaries and other federal officials, alongside her colleagues, to discuss ways states and the federal government can partner on behalf of all Americans,” Hoge said. “She decided to attend the meeting once the White House invitation included all governors, regardless of party.”

The plans leading up to next week’s events in Washington, D.C., have fluctuated. Trump at first refused to invite Democrats to the White House. Then he backtracked after Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the National Governors Association, of which he is the chair, would no longer facilitate the meeting.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/09/repub/trump-shuts-out-democratic-governors-from-traditional-white-house-gatherings/">White House confirmed Trump’s decision</a>&nbsp;to exclude some Democratic governors from the dinner.

“Many Democrats were invited to dinner at the White House, and others were not. These are White House events and the President reserves the right to invite whomever he wants,” a White House official told States Newsroom, Kansas Reflector’s parent organization.

Members of the Democratic Governors Association, including Kelly, said Tuesday they wouldn’t attend the White House dinner, and accused Trump of creating chaos and division.

“If the reports are true that not all governors are invited to these events, which have historically been productive and bipartisan opportunities for collaboration, we will not be attending the White House dinner this year,” the Democratic governors’ statement said.

Trump wrote in a Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116054089500353661" target="_blank">post to Truth Social</a>&nbsp;that he only declined to invite two Democratic governors to the dinner — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the vice chair of the national association and the country’s only Black governor.

Kelly, who is in her last term, is a former chair of the Democratic Governors Association. Kansas is not a member of the National Governors Association, so she also does not plan to attend the three-day national conference, her office said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590011287498.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly met with Trump during his first term-image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly met with Trump during his first term-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">Anna Kaminski</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a></p><p>TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly plans to attend a business meeting at the White House this week, which comes after President Donald Trump flip-flopped on invitations and Democrats promised to boycott.</p><p>Kelly’s office said she will attend a bipartisan working meeting on Feb. 20, but she will not partake in the White House’s black-tie dinner that is expected to follow. She has not attended the White House dinner since 2019 and does not plan to this year, said spokesperson Grace Hoge.</p><p>“She recognizes the utility of meeting with the president, Cabinet secretaries and other federal officials, alongside her colleagues, to discuss ways states and the federal government can partner on behalf of all Americans,” Hoge said. “She decided to attend the meeting once the White House invitation included all governors, regardless of party.”</p><p>The plans leading up to next week’s events in Washington, D.C., have fluctuated. Trump at first refused to invite Democrats to the White House. Then he backtracked after Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the National Governors Association, of which he is the chair, would no longer facilitate the meeting.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/09/repub/trump-shuts-out-democratic-governors-from-traditional-white-house-gatherings/">White House confirmed Trump’s decision</a>&nbsp;to exclude some Democratic governors from the dinner.</p><p>“Many Democrats were invited to dinner at the White House, and others were not. These are White House events and the President reserves the right to invite whomever he wants,” a White House official told States Newsroom, Kansas Reflector’s parent organization.</p><p>Members of the Democratic Governors Association, including Kelly, said Tuesday they wouldn’t attend the White House dinner, and accused Trump of creating chaos and division.</p><p>“If the reports are true that not all governors are invited to these events, which have historically been productive and bipartisan opportunities for collaboration, we will not be attending the White House dinner this year,” the Democratic governors’ statement said.</p><p>Trump wrote in a Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116054089500353661" target="_blank">post to Truth Social</a>&nbsp;that he only declined to invite two Democratic governors to the dinner — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the vice chair of the national association and the country’s only Black governor.</p><p>Kelly, who is in her last term, is a former chair of the Democratic Governors Association. Kansas is not a member of the National Governors Association, so she also does not plan to attend the three-day national conference, her office said.</p>

Kansas governor plans to attend White House meeting

&nbsp;DAMASCUS —U.S. forces conducted 10 strikes against more than 30 ISIS targets in Syria, Feb. 3 – 12, to sustain relentless military pressure on remnants from the terrorist network, according to a statement from the U.S&gt; Central Command.

U.S. forces struck ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage targets with precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft.

U.S. forces previously conducted five strikes against an ISIS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities, Jan. 27 – Feb. 2.

Operation Hawkeye Strike was launched in response to a Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra. The ISIS ambush resulted in the death of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter.

More than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured and over 100 ISIS infrastructure targets have been struck with hundreds of precision munitions during two months of targeted operations.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771123773381.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>&nbsp;DAMASCUS —U.S. forces conducted 10 strikes against more than 30 ISIS targets in Syria, Feb. 3 – 12, to sustain relentless military pressure on remnants from the terrorist network, according to a statement from the U.S&gt; Central Command.</p><p>U.S. forces struck ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage targets with precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft.</p><p>U.S. forces previously conducted five strikes against an ISIS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities, Jan. 27 – Feb. 2.</p><p>Operation Hawkeye Strike was launched in response to a Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra. The ISIS ambush resulted in the death of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter.</p><p>More than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured and over 100 ISIS infrastructure targets have been struck with hundreds of precision munitions during two months of targeted operations.</p>

U.S. forces continue strikes on ISIS targets in Syria

KANSAS CITY —A Missouri inmate has been charged &nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred at an apartment complex in 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2807/HillDemetrius-Warrant-Packet-1">Demetrius S. Hill</a>&nbsp;, 27, faces one count of 2nd Degree Murder, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a shooting at an apartment complex parking lot on August 9, 2019, and located the victim in the driver’s seat of a gray Dodge Durango suffering from apparent trauma. He was declared deceased at the scene.

Surveillance video captured a suspect wearing a red shirt over his head arriving at the parking lot in a gray Ford Escape. The victim then arrived in a Dodge Durango with the defendant in the front passenger seat. The suspect with the red shirt approached the victim’s vehicle and engaged in a brief conversation. As he walked away, he turned back and fired shots at the vehicle. The defendant then exited the Durango and fled with the suspect in the red shirt in the Ford Escape.

Detectives identified both suspects based on witness reports and anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline.

Investigators believe the defendant fired at the victim while inside the Durango. The defendant’s DNA matched a cigarillo collected from inside the victim’s vehicle.

The suspect with the red shirt was killed in a homicide in 2023.

Hill is currently in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections for convictions that include unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, tampering with a witness and tampering with a vehicle, according to online records.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771090031216.png" alt="Hill photo MODOC" />
                        <figcaption>Hill photo MODOC</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —A Missouri inmate has been charged &nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred at an apartment complex in 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2807/HillDemetrius-Warrant-Packet-1">Demetrius S. Hill</a>&nbsp;, 27, faces one count of 2nd Degree Murder, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.</p><p>According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a shooting at an apartment complex parking lot on August 9, 2019, and located the victim in the driver’s seat of a gray Dodge Durango suffering from apparent trauma. He was declared deceased at the scene.</p><p>Surveillance video captured a suspect wearing a red shirt over his head arriving at the parking lot in a gray Ford Escape. The victim then arrived in a Dodge Durango with the defendant in the front passenger seat. The suspect with the red shirt approached the victim’s vehicle and engaged in a brief conversation. As he walked away, he turned back and fired shots at the vehicle. The defendant then exited the Durango and fled with the suspect in the red shirt in the Ford Escape.</p><p>Detectives identified both suspects based on witness reports and anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline.</p><p>Investigators believe the defendant fired at the victim while inside the Durango. The defendant’s DNA matched a cigarillo collected from inside the victim’s vehicle.</p><p>The suspect with the red shirt was killed in a homicide in 2023.</p><p>Hill is currently in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections for convictions that include unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, tampering with a witness and tampering with a vehicle, according to online records.</p>

Inmate's DNA found on cigarillo at scene of Kansas City killing

HOUSTON – A 51-year-old resident of Sedgwick County, Kansas, has been ordered to federal prison for making false, fictitious and fraudulent statements and representations to law enforcement, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Heather Worden pleaded guilty Nov. 14, 2025.U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now sentenced Worden to three months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. The court also ordered Worden to pay $210,000 in restitution.&nbsp;

At the hearing, the court heard evidence that Worden falsely accused her former spouse of illegally accessing her bank account from the International Space Station while the couple was going through a divorce. Even after an internal investigation exonerated the former spouse, Worden continued promoting the false claim to news outlets and hired a media consultant to amplify the claim. The evidence further showed Worden publicly released her former spouse’s personal information.

In July 2019, Worden alleged her estranged spouse had guessed her password and illegally accessed her bank account while deployed to the International Space Station. &nbsp;However, the investigation revealed Worden opened her bank account in April 2018, and both parties accessed it until January 2019, when Worden changed the account credentials. Investigators also determined Worden had granted her spouse access to her bank records, including login credentials, as early as 2015.&nbsp;Worden was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.The National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Brandon Fyffe prosecuted the case.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763380295480.png" alt="Anne McClain is the astronaut who was wrongly accused of trying to access her estranged spouse's bank account while on the International Space Station. Photo courtesy NASA" />
                        <figcaption>Anne McClain is the astronaut who was wrongly accused of trying to access her estranged spouse's bank account while on the International Space Station. Photo courtesy NASA</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HOUSTON – A 51-year-old resident of Sedgwick County, Kansas, has been ordered to federal prison for making false, fictitious and fraudulent statements and representations to law enforcement, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.</p><p>Heather Worden pleaded guilty Nov. 14, 2025.U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now sentenced Worden to three months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. The court also ordered Worden to pay $210,000 in restitution.&nbsp;</p><p>At the hearing, the court heard evidence that Worden falsely accused her former spouse of illegally accessing her bank account from the International Space Station while the couple was going through a divorce. Even after an internal investigation exonerated the former spouse, Worden continued promoting the false claim to news outlets and hired a media consultant to amplify the claim. The evidence further showed Worden publicly released her former spouse’s personal information.</p><p>In July 2019, Worden alleged her estranged spouse had guessed her password and illegally accessed her bank account while deployed to the International Space Station. &nbsp;However, the investigation revealed Worden opened her bank account in April 2018, and both parties accessed it until January 2019, when Worden changed the account credentials. Investigators also determined Worden had granted her spouse access to her bank records, including login credentials, as early as 2015.&nbsp;Worden was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.The National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Brandon Fyffe prosecuted the case.</p>

Prison for Kan. woman over false crime in space claim against NASA astronaut

ALLEN COUNTY —The Allen County Attorney has filed a charge of Battery against a former Allen County Sheriff’s Office civilian employee Stephanie Vest, according to a media release from the Allen County Sheriff.

On December 17, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) for assistance regarding allegations of misconduct toward an inmate made against a Sheriff’s Office employee. 

 The KBI conducted an investigation and presented its findings to Allen County Attorney Brandon Cameron, who then filed the charge in Allen County District Court.

The alleged incident(s) occurred in 2024 and 2025 at the Allen County Jail, where Vest was a civilian employee.  She was placed on administrative leave while the investigation was conducted and was later terminated.

<p>ALLEN COUNTY —The Allen County Attorney has filed a charge of Battery against a former Allen County Sheriff’s Office civilian employee Stephanie Vest, according to a media release from the Allen County Sheriff.</p><p>On December 17, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) for assistance regarding allegations of misconduct toward an inmate made against a Sheriff’s Office employee. </p><p> The KBI conducted an investigation and presented its findings to Allen County Attorney Brandon Cameron, who then filed the charge in Allen County District Court.</p><p>The alleged incident(s) occurred in 2024 and 2025 at the Allen County Jail, where Vest was a civilian employee.  She was placed on administrative leave while the investigation was conducted and was later terminated.</p>

Kan. sheriff's office employee charged with misconduct toward inmate

Five individuals were federally indicted this week for their roles in an alleged $220 million nationwide fraud scheme involving purported cattle purchase contracts, according to United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.

Those indicted by a Fort Worth federal grand jury on February 11, 2026, were:

“Thousands of unwitting investors, ranchers, and others in the cattle industry nationwide were drawn in and victimized by the defendants’ multi-million dollar scheme alleged in this indictment,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould.&nbsp; “My office, in concert with our law enforcement partners, will hold these defendants accountable and pursue justice on behalf of the victims.”

“The defendants allegedly used false promises to lure prospective clients into their scheme and then misappropriated client funds to enrich themselves. One individual, Joshua Robert Link, remains a fugitive. We are asking the public to contact the FBI if they have any information regarding Link’s location,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.

As alleged in the indictment, each of the defendants were associated with Agridime LLC, a business headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas that offered cattle sales and meat processing and retail services to the public.&nbsp; Jed Wood served as the Operations Director.&nbsp; Joshua Link served as the Executive Director.&nbsp; Tia Link served as the Marketing Director.&nbsp; Taylor Bang served as a cattle broker, and Royana Thomas served as the financial controller.

The indictment alleges that, from January 2021 through December 2023, the five defendants, acting through Agridime, perpetrated a fraud scheme in which they falsely represented to individual cattle purchasers, cattle ranchers, and feedlots that Agridime would use their funds to purchase specific individual cattle for each victim, raise the cattle, and eventually sell the meat from the same specific individual cattle for a profit.&nbsp; In reality, as the indictment charges, the defendants did not use victim funds as promised and instead used newer cattle purchaser funds to pay Agridime operating expenses, pay funds owed by Agridime to earlier cattle purchasers, pay personal expenses, and purchase real property.&nbsp;

As alleged, the defendants fraudulently collected more than $220 million from over 2,200 individual victims located throughout the United States due to fraudulent misrepresentations the defendants made in public and private advertising statements.

If convicted, the defendants face up to twenty years in federal prison on each wire fraud count for which they were indicted as well as twenty years’ imprisonment for the charged wire fraud conspiracy.&nbsp; Additionally, the defendants face up to ten years’ imprisonment for each money laundering count in which they are charged.

Tia Link and Taylor Bang appeared for arraignment before a United States Magistrate Judge in Fort Worth today.&nbsp; Both were released under pretrial supervision.&nbsp; Jed Wood and Royana Thomas are set to appear for arraignment in Fort Worth before a United States Magistrate Judge on February 25, 2026.

Joshua Robert Link remains a fugitive. The FBI requests that the public contact the FBI with any information regarding Link’s location.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771030201690.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Five individuals were federally indicted this week for their roles in an alleged $220 million nationwide fraud scheme involving purported cattle purchase contracts, according to United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.</p><p>Those indicted by a Fort Worth federal grand jury on February 11, 2026, were:</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771030177390.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><ul>
                        <li>Joshua Link&nbsp;of Strafford, Missouri, charged with ten counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering, including wiring more than $527,000 to purchase real property</li>
                    </ul><ul>
                        <li>Jed Wood&nbsp;of Fort Worth, Texas, charged with three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering involving wiring more than $63,000 to a lender for “Home Payoff”</li><li>Tia Link&nbsp;of Smithton, Missouri, charged with three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering, including wiring more than $527,000 to purchase real property</li><li>Taylor Bang&nbsp;of Kildeer, North Dakota, charged with eight counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering</li><li>Royana Thomas&nbsp;of Arlington, Texas, charged with six counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering</li>
                    </ul><p>“Thousands of unwitting investors, ranchers, and others in the cattle industry nationwide were drawn in and victimized by the defendants’ multi-million dollar scheme alleged in this indictment,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould.&nbsp; “My office, in concert with our law enforcement partners, will hold these defendants accountable and pursue justice on behalf of the victims.”</p><p>“The defendants allegedly used false promises to lure prospective clients into their scheme and then misappropriated client funds to enrich themselves. One individual, Joshua Robert Link, remains a fugitive. We are asking the public to contact the FBI if they have any information regarding Link’s location,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.</p><p>As alleged in the indictment, each of the defendants were associated with Agridime LLC, a business headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas that offered cattle sales and meat processing and retail services to the public.&nbsp; Jed Wood served as the Operations Director.&nbsp; Joshua Link served as the Executive Director.&nbsp; Tia Link served as the Marketing Director.&nbsp; Taylor Bang served as a cattle broker, and Royana Thomas served as the financial controller.</p><p>The indictment alleges that, from January 2021 through December 2023, the five defendants, acting through Agridime, perpetrated a fraud scheme in which they falsely represented to individual cattle purchasers, cattle ranchers, and feedlots that Agridime would use their funds to purchase specific individual cattle for each victim, raise the cattle, and eventually sell the meat from the same specific individual cattle for a profit.&nbsp; In reality, as the indictment charges, the defendants did not use victim funds as promised and instead used newer cattle purchaser funds to pay Agridime operating expenses, pay funds owed by Agridime to earlier cattle purchasers, pay personal expenses, and purchase real property.&nbsp;</p><p>As alleged, the defendants fraudulently collected more than $220 million from over 2,200 individual victims located throughout the United States due to fraudulent misrepresentations the defendants made in public and private advertising statements.</p><p>If convicted, the defendants face up to twenty years in federal prison on each wire fraud count for which they were indicted as well as twenty years’ imprisonment for the charged wire fraud conspiracy.&nbsp; Additionally, the defendants face up to ten years’ imprisonment for each money laundering count in which they are charged.</p><p>Tia Link and Taylor Bang appeared for arraignment before a United States Magistrate Judge in Fort Worth today.&nbsp; Both were released under pretrial supervision.&nbsp; Jed Wood and Royana Thomas are set to appear for arraignment in Fort Worth before a United States Magistrate Judge on February 25, 2026.</p><p>Joshua Robert Link remains a fugitive. The FBI requests that the public contact the FBI with any information regarding Link’s location.</p>